Eating at a Meeting

At IMEX America 2024, Tracy hit the show floor and stopped random event pros—some she knew, some she didn’t—to ask: What’s your best tip for managing food and beverage at events? Their answers? Pure gold! From the importance of low-sodium options to creative uses of lighting and signage, the insights from these 15+ event professionals are packed with inspiration to take your events to the next level. In under 20 minutes, learn how understanding cultural differences, incorporating local flavors, minimizing food waste, and even printing personalized cookies can transform your F&B strategy. You'll also hear about: 🌟 Ensuring everyone—from guests to crew—is well-fed and appreciated. 🌟 The power of detailed communication with chefs and venues. 🌟 Elevating guest experiences with allergen labeling, nutritional transparency, and creative touches. This episode is a must-listen for event professionals who want to wow their attendees and make F&B an unforgettable part of their events. Whether you’re looking for practical advice or fresh ideas, you’ll find plenty to fuel your creativity (and your menu planning). Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, follow us on social media for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes fun, and if you love the show, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts! 🌟

🚀 Join me as I take an elevator ride with Devon Pasha, an expert in event planning and inclusivity! 🎙️  Devon and I delve deep into the pivotal role of offering diverse food options at events rather than simply replacing items. We discuss how to craft inclusive menus that cater to everyone’s needs, from ensuring dietary restrictions are respectably met to enhancing customer experience and loyalty. 🥗🍰 Devon shares intriguing real-life stories, like a hotel that brilliantly accommodated guests with allergies, resulting in boosted satisfaction and occupancy rates. We also touch on the logistical and financial aspects of event planning, highlighting the necessity of early conversations with attendees and advocating for contracts that secure value for money. Get ready to explore profitable inclusivity, the art of negotiating in the food and beverage industry, and Devon's passion for creating welcoming environments at events. 🍽️💼 💡 Tune in to discover how inclusivity isn’t just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage in event planning. ❤️ #StaySafe #EatWell Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, follow us on social media for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes fun, and if you love the show, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts! 🌟

In this episode, I sit down with David Allison, founder of the Value Graphics Project and author, to delve into a revolutionary approach to food and beverage at events. David's extensive research, using a global dataset from one million surveys, debunks traditional demographics, highlighting shared human values instead. ✨ We discuss how understanding attendees' values like health, well-being, and social standing can transform event planning. For instance, at high-status events, prioritizing luxuries like aged champagne aligns perfectly with social standing values. 🍾 Furthermore, David’s innovative "valuegraphics" method replaces outdated demographics, using AI and social media to uncover attendees' core motivations. From his personal stories, like baking bread for others, to my childhood dream of being a crossing guard, we explore how our values shape our lives and decisions. 🚸 We also emphasize the challenge of diverse dietary needs at events and propose solutions, like personalized minibar stockings, that enhance attendee experiences. Discover David’s insights on creating meaningful, value-driven events, his collaboration with Google Xi on a "belonging playbook," and the humorous anecdotes like organizing an introvert’s parade. 🎉 Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on aligning event strategies with core human values to foster genuine connections and inclusive environments.

Tracy chats with renowned traveler and cultural connoisseur, Susheda Raval. 🌍 With a staggering 120 countries under her belt, Susheda brings a world of experience in sustainable and inclusive travel practices to the table. We delve into the heart of authentic travel, where Susheda shares her secrets for uncovering genuine local experiences—from savoring street food in Bangkok to exploring 200-year-old vineyards hosted by local families. 🍷🌮 Discover her passion for involving local communities in event planning to create richer, more meaningful experiences. Whether it’s incorporating authentic cuisines or fostering cross-cultural communication through food, Susheda’s insights are invaluable for anyone planning impactful events. Susheda also introduces us to her children’s book series, "Beato Goes to Japan," where her cat, Beato, explores different cultures, imparting crucial lessons on community and respect. 📚🐾 These books aim to expose young readers to global cultures, inspired by Susheda’s own travel experiences. Not to be missed are stories from her recent travels to Uganda, where she highlights the entrepreneurial spirit of local women and the innovative sustainability practices of eco-lodges.  ✨ Explore the beauty of connecting through food with Susheda Raval on "Eating at a Meeting." 🎤🍽️ Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, follow us on social media for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes fun, and if you love the show, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts! 🌟

🍳 Join Tracy for a nourishing conversation with Chef Pete from Canyon Ranch, where they dive deep into the art of fueling wellness through culinary innovation. 🌿✨ Overseeing multiple locations, Chef Pete collaborates with dietitians to craft balanced, flavorful menus that defy common misconceptions about healthy eating. We explore diverse dietary needs for events, offering vegan options like Just Egg, tofu scrambles, and smoothie bars, while maintaining robust choices for all attendees. 🥑🍲 Chef Pete discusses the "farm to fuel" concept, emphasizing how what we eat powers our bodies, and shares insights on managing dietary restrictions like gluten-free and celiac needs. Discover tips for making meals visually appealing and tasty, the importance of clear allergen labeling, and strategies for sustainable, inclusive dining that supports overall wellness. 🌱💪 🍽️ Learn about the emotional connection between food and memories, strategies for organizing balanced buffets, and the surprising impact of chef versatility on guest satisfaction. Don't miss out! 🎧 Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, follow us on social media for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes fun, and if you love the show, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts! 🌟