I'm glad you're here!

It's been a while, but I’m thrilled to be back in your inbox with a fresh, invigorating take on how we can create safer, more inclusive, and sustainable food and beverage experiences at our events! ???

Let me reintroduce myself.?I’m Tracy Stuckrath , founder of thrive! meetings & events and founder and host of the Eating at a Meeting podcast. For the past 14 years, I've been dedicated to transforming how we approach food and beverage at events to ensure every guest feels valued and every meal matters.?

What’s New??

I’m excited to share that I continue to help organizations and event organizers worldwide establish best practices, improve guest experiences, and increase revenue through mindful F&B planning. Whether through consulting, training, serving as a culinary concierge or speaking, my focus remains on delivering actionable strategies that feed engagement, nourish inclusion, and drive revenue.?

Moving forward, I’ll be bringing you bi-weekly insights packed with practical tips, expert interviews, and stories to inspire your F&B planning — all aimed at elevating your events!?

This month, we’re kicking things off with a focus on Food Safety for Fall Events.? As we transition into cooler weather, it’s the perfect time to explore new ways to keep guests safe and make fall events memorable. From allergen management to mastering food safety, I’ve got you covered!

Food Safety Awareness Month

Are You Asking (the Right) Questions About Food Safety?

In 2020, at the onset of COVID, I asked event professionals how often they ask about their catering partners' health inspection scores and food safety practices.?Over 70% said they NEVER asked.?

Recent incidents — from the Boar’s Head meat recall tied to a deadly listeria outbreak to a food allergy wrongful death lawsuit in Florida — highlight why this question is more crucial than ever.?Other illnesses caused by bacteria like listeria still pose significant risks, affecting 1 in 6 Americans annually.?

With September being?Food Safety Awareness Month, it's the perfect time to revisit best practices. Start by asking (the right) questions and ensure your events are both safe and memorable. Click "Read More" below to get eight essential tips to guide you.

Disney Food Allergy Case: Legal Viewpointsre: Events Before It Reaches Court

I kicked off September, Food Safety Awareness Month, talking to Disability Rights Attorney Mary Vargas , Food & Beverage Industry Attorney Ryan Gembala , and Meetings and Events Attorney Joshua Grimes about the wrongful death lawsuit involving food allergies filed against the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts US Inc. and Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant. ?? ??

Before it heads to court, our conversation unpacks the case from all angles—guest safety, meeting planner responsibility, hotel and restaurant liability, and even the landlord's accountability.

WATCH and LISTEN here.

Crafting Crowd-Pleasing Event Menus?— A Northstar Meetings Group Webinar

Back in July, I participated in a panel discussion for Northstar Meetings Group webinar on "Crafting Crowd-Pleasing Event Menus." Sarah Braley moderated the webinar that featured me, Chef Ryan Witten, and Chef Dustin Ward of Bold Catering & Design, discussing the art of crafting inclusive, memorable event menus. The Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City sponsored the webinar.

“The goal is to create memorable dining experiences, whether through interactive table games or nostalgic elements like pop rocks”

~Dustin Ward

Key Topics Discussed:

• Local and Seasonal Ingredients
• Communication and Collaboration
• Dietary Accommodations
• What Makes a Memorable Dining Experiences
• Event Planning Considerations

WATCH the webinar or listen to it as part of the Eating at a Meeting Podcast here.

New Texas Law That Could Save Lives?

September 1, 2024, marked the beginning of a new chapter in food safety with the implementation of the Sergio Lopez Food Allergy Awareness Act, which went into effect on September 1, 2023. Named in honor of a young man who tragically lost his life to a preventable allergic reaction, this law aims to ensure that all Texans can dine safely, regardless of their dietary needs.

Discover how the Sergio Lopez Food Allergy Awareness Act is transforming food safety in Texas and what every food service establishment must do to keep diners safe.

READ MORE

NOW AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD on All Podcast Platforms

What does it Take? A Deep Dive into Inclusive Food & Beverage Experiences

In this episode of “Eating at a Meeting,” I’m joined by Zoe Moore, an equity, diversity, and inclusion consultant specializing in the hospitality and events industry. to discuss the importance of designing truly inclusive food and beverage experiences at events.

"When you told me that, she pointed to the chef and said, hey, you just saved my life..."?DEI consultant Zoe Moore joins me to discuss?her experiences and insights on creating inclusive event environments.

READ OR LISTEN MORE

Global Food & Beverage News

• AI and Automation: Reshaping the Future of Full-Service Dining

• IHG Hotels & Resorts Partners with Action Against Hunger to Combat Food Insecurity

• Law Championed by Grieving Mother Takes Effect, Requiring Food Allergy Training for Restaurants

• Pilot Sues United Airlines For Not Providing Him Gluten-Free Food

• The Best Nonalcoholic Spirits, According to Bartenders

• Going Green in Catering; Because Saving the Planet Tastes Better!

Thank you for reading and for your continued commitment to creating safer, more inclusive, and memorable events. As we embrace Food Safety Awareness Month, let's make it a priority to ask the right questions, follow best practices, and keep our guests safe while delivering exceptional experiences.

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Share how you approach food safety in your events, or drop your favorite tips in the comments below. And don’t forget to follow me for more insights on creating engaging, inclusive, and sustainable food and beverage experiences.

Stay safe, stay inspired, and let's thrive together!

— Tracy Stuckrath