279: From Marsh to Plate: Äna Shellem's Philosophy on Fresh, Local Harvests

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! 🌟

🌊 Step into a coastal adventure as I chat with Äna Shellem, the spirited force behind Shell'em Seafood Company in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. 🐚✨ From razor clams and oysters to her philosophy on sustainability and mental health, Äna’s approach to shellfish harvesting feels as refreshing as a sea breeze. On Eating at a Meeting, Äna dives into the vitality of rebuilding oyster shells for a sustainable future, shares her inspiring journey of healing through nature, and explains her dedication to bringing "safe food" to our tables. We wade through the unique challenges of wild harvesting, explore the importance of seasonality, and celebrate the special connections between chefs and diners. 🌱🔆 🍽️ Join us for a conversation that uncovers how Äna’s deep bond with the marshlands and her zero-waste practices are shaping a new wave of sustainable, locally-sourced seafood. Plus, discover her role in the upcoming Slow Fish conference and her top tips for event planners on sourcing local, sustainable seafood. 💖🌍 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 for an eye-opening conversation with attorney Laurel Francoeur, a fierce advocate for food allergy and disability rights, as we dive into the real-world challenges of creating safe, inclusive environments for those with dietary needs. 💼✨  In this Eating at a Meeting episode, Laurel and I explore the importance of accommodating food allergies across workplaces and public spaces. We discuss how the ADA Amendments Act expands protections for individuals with food allergies, despite challenges like stigma, economic barriers, and some states’ claims of sovereign immunity to avoid compliance. ⚖️🌾 This insightful episode offers invaluable advice and perspectives for both individuals managing allergies and those responsible for creating inclusive environments—ensuring that every meal matters in building a more inclusive and aware society.  🍽️ Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, follow us on social media for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes fun, and if you’re loving the show, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts!  🌟 Thank you for joining us on this delicious journey where every meal matters! 🥂🍴

🥧 In this episode, Tracy introduces you to Valentina Ruffoni, the founder of Beyond the Event and the PIE network. 🍴✨ With a passion for transforming typical gatherings into memorable experiences, Valentina dives deep into the culinary delights that can boost connection and collaboration at events.  From the importance of offering nonalcoholic beverage options like mocktails and nonalcoholic beer in Spain to the challenges event planners face with inflexible caterers, we leave no stone unturned. Our discussion explores strategic ways to enhance attendee experiences by incorporating sensory elements and cultural touches. 🌟 Learn about Valentina’s efforts to make events more sustainable and inclusive, her vision of perfect food labeling, and the power of clear communication with catering teams. Indulge in a lighthearted chat about our favorite pies, and catch my anecdote about a gluten-free pie for a fundraiser. 🍏🍒 Connect with Valentina's journey towards event excellence and discover her top tips for creating engaging, delightful, and thoughtful event experiences. Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform, follow us on social media for updates, tips, and behind-the-scenes fun, and if you’re loving the show, please rate and review on Apple Podcasts!  🌟 Thank you for joining us on this delicious journey where every meal matters! 🥂🍴

Amidst troubling reports of food recalls and safety violations, including salmonella in Quaker Oats products and a deadly listeria outbreak at a Boar's Head facility, this week’s episode of Eating at a Meeting dives into how consumers — and meeting professionals — can be empowered through safer food choices. Join me as I discuss transparency and rigorous safety practices in the food industry with Colleen Kavanagh, CEO of ZEGO, about the pivotal role of rigorous food safety practices. Learn about the critical link between food safety and consumer empowerment, and how transparency not only ensures safety but also builds trust. We'll explore how initiatives like ZEGO's Purity Verification System are setting benchmarks for industry-wide transparency, giving consumers the knowledge and power to make informed decisions. This conversation is crucial for anyone involved in food service, hospitality, or simply interested in the safety of the food they consume. Discover the steps that can be taken to ensure that food products are not just consumable but also conducive to long-term health and well-being. Get insights into how demanding higher standards in food safety can lead to a healthier, more informed consumer base and a more accountable food industry. Don’t miss out on this enlightening episode that could change how you think about the food you eat and the brands you support.  #FoodSafetyAwarenessMonth #FoodSafety #HospitalitySafety #PublicHealth Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at [email protected]

On this week's episode of Eating at a Meeting, I'm excited to welcome two incredible experts, Disability Rights Attorney Mary Vargas, and Hospitality Attorney Joshua Grimes, for an in-depth discussion on the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts US Inc. and Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant wrongful death lawsuit involving food allergies. Before it heads to court, we will unpack the case from all angles—guest safety, meeting planner responsibility, hotel and restaurant liability, and even the landlord's accountability. What lessons can we learn from this tragic case? How will it shape the future of food allergy management in the hospitality and events industry? These are crucial questions that we'll delve into deeply. Tune in as we explore what needs to change to ensure safer and more inclusive dining experiences for everyone—because the safety and well-being of every guest should always come first. Be sure to tune in, share your thoughts, and join the conversation!   Join the Eating at a Meeting Community Connect with Tracy at [email protected]