Monthly Archives: July 2015

Putting out "fires" at events is part of a meeting planner's job description. What procedures do you have in place to manage them successfully?
Duty of Care July 31, 2015

How to Avoid Food Allergy Catastrophes at Events

Duty of Care July 31, 2015

I hate to be a downer, but when was the last time you thought about the worst case scenario at your event? Catastrophes can come in many forms: hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, acts of terrorism, bombings, riots, medical pandemic, attendee accidents or death. Having procedures in place to handle situations is key to ensuring guest safety, whether you’re a meeting or event planner, a travel director or representative of a corporation. It’s your responsibility (it falls under your duty of care) to your attendees while at your event. Aside from these five standard safety measure all meeting planners and travel directors can…

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Education Classes July 21, 2015

Farm Fresh Kid’s Cooking Camp

Education Classes July 21, 2015

During three of the last four weeks I spent my days teaching a “Farm Fresh” Kid’s Cooking Camp hosted by The Cook’s Warehouse, Atlanta’s premier gourmet cookware store and cooking school. Three groups of 12 junior chefs aged 8-14 got to learn about farm fresh ingredients, how to make delicious, healthy meals with what’s in season, and how to enjoy them with friends and family. It was such a amazing experience—I cried each Friday as talked to parents about their kids—and watching the kids enthusiastically make the dishes themselves was terrific to see. A huge thanks to our sponsors who made the camp possible: OXO: creator of…

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Sheraton Hacienda Del Mar Golf & Spa Resort
Meetings & Events July 16, 2015

3 Nights in Cabo with the DMC Network

Meetings & Events July 16, 2015

Last month I had the pleasure of speaking at the inaugural DMC Network Exchange event held at the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Golf Resort in Los Cabos, Mexico. What an amazing experience! Who knew that the desert can go all the way to the ocean – crazy gorgeous. For two days and three nights, the staff at Terramar, one of the DMC Networks members, delivered unparalleled service with their creativity and skill in managing events for groups coming to the area, even with an impending hurricane threatening to dampen the trip. Let’s not focus on that. A few highlights from the event, especially the food.…

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Meetings & Events July 10, 2015

50 Year Marine Corps Basic School Graduation Celebration

Meetings & Events July 10, 2015

Last month, I had the honor and privilege to plan and execute the 50th reunion for my father’s US Marine Corps basic school class. We had 113 retired Marines and their spouses for three days of fun and camaraderie in Quantico, Virginia and Washington, DC. This was a very interesting group to plan for. Some of the initial planning obstacles included: • Generational differences, such as whether to email, call or snail mail? • Activity timelines • Special needs accommodations • Food allergies, celiac disease and dementia • Transportation management From the first call last year to the last goodbye after the reunion, I fell…

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Event Planning Skills Meetings & Events July 3, 2015

5 Simple Ways to Help You Save Money on F&B

Event Planning Skills Meetings & Events July 3, 2015

Tracy recently spoke with Meetings and Conventions magazine on how to negotiate a hotel contract in a seller’s market. Of the 12 tips “for getting what your group really needs” in the article, the three tips she provided were focused on food and beverage spend: [list icon=”icon: check-square-o” icon_color=”#d81c5c”] Custom-build your menus — work with your chefs directly Work the food angle to offset costs — “gang” menus with other groups Group events together — commingle groups to reduce duplication [/list] More from Tracy: There are few more ways I’d like to potentially help you save money on food and beverage at your next event while…

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M&C Cover Image - Top 25 Women
Meetings & Events Testimonials Thrive! in the News July 2, 2015

Tracy Stuckrath Named Among Top 25 Women in the Meetings Industry

Meetings & Events Testimonials Thrive! in the News July 2, 2015

Yesterday I was honored and humbled to be named one of the Top 25 Women in the Meetings Industry by Meetings & Conventions magazine. Wow! In its special report released on July 1, 2015, the magazine stated “the meetings industry is powered by a number of extraordinary people — many of them women.”  The inaugural list of “high achievers, advocates and innovators…have helped shape and strengthen our business.” Several woman on the list, I am happy to say are my friends — Shawna Suckow, founder of the Senior Planners Industry Network (SPIN) and The Hive Network, Nancy Zavada, CMP, founder of MeetGreen and the Green Meetings Industry Council, Liz King,…

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