Feeling Othered at the Association Breakfast Table

Inclusive Event Planning with Tracy Stuckrath In this episode of Association Chat, we sit down with Tracy Stuckrath, host of the Eating at a Meeting podcast, to dive into the powerful role of food in event planning. Tracy shares insights on how thoughtful food choices can elevate member engagement, drive sustainability, and keep attendees safe. From crafting menus that meet dietary needs and preferences to smart ways of managing F&B budgets, Tracy offers practical advice for creating truly inclusive events.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• How food and beverage choices can go beyond a checklist to genuinely include every attendee.
• Financially savvy tips to meet F&B minimums, like offering non-alcoholic options that boost alertness.
• Critical legal and ethical responsibilities under the ADA for accommodating attendees with dietary restrictions.
• Practical serving strategies—like build-your-own stations—that ensure dietary flexibility and safety.

Controversial Accommodations

1. Associations should be willing to refund attendees who cannot eat the food provided, even if it's included in the registration fee, potentially leading to financial losses.

2. Providing "whole, clean foods" free from processed ingredients and excess sugar and salt may be seen as imposing dietary preferences on attendees.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

1. United Airlines is being sued for inaccessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act, highlighting the legal risks of not accommodating dietary needs.

2. There's often a disconnect between kitchen, sales, and front-of-house staff regarding food labeling responsibilities, potentially endangering guests with allergies.

Creating inclusive food and beverage options at events is essential for enhancing member engagement, ensuring safety, and fostering a sense of belonging by accommodating diverse dietary needs.

• 00:00 🍽️ Tracy Stuckr emphasizes that inclusive food and beverage options at events are crucial for member engagement and belonging, as failing to accommodate dietary needs can harm the overall experience.
  • Tracy Stuckr is an F&B inclusion advocate aiming to ensure all attendees at events can enjoy meals that accommodate their dietary needs.
  • Food and beverage choices in association events significantly influence member engagement and create a sense of belonging, going beyond mere logistical considerations.
  • A woman with an egg allergy received a dish with hollandaise sauce, which contains eggs, despite requesting an egg-free meal.
  • Excluding individuals from meals at events, especially when their dietary needs are known, negatively impacts not only them but also the experiences of others around them.
• 04:59 🍽️ Creating inclusive food and beverage experiences at events is essential for belonging, requiring awareness of dietary needs, safety, and accessibility throughout the planning process.
  • Creating inclusive food and beverage experiences at events is crucial for ensuring everyone feels they belong, especially in light of increasing awareness of dietary restrictions and safety concerns.
  • Working with associations involves enhancing safety and awareness beyond just labeling, focusing on comprehensive education for event staff and planners.
  • Understanding dietary needs involves recognizing food allergies, medical conditions, religious or cultural practices, and lifestyle preferences.
  • Creating inclusive food and beverage experiences at events requires considering accessibility for individuals with physical disabilities, ensuring