Monthly Archives: February 2016

Lifestyle Choices Meetings & Events Religious Dietary Practices Things We Love Trends February 23, 2016

Going Alcohol-Free for Your Next Big Event

Lifestyle Choices Meetings & Events Religious Dietary Practices Things We Love Trends February 23, 2016

We think of alcohol as vital for evening events, and in most cases, it probably is. It lubricates conversation and helps many people relax. But I wanted to share this recent New York Times article that inspired me to shake things up and consider going alcohol-free at my next event. “Shine” is a networking and dating event founded in Venice Beach, CA, and that recently expanded to New York City, which is notable in that no alcohol is served. Participants drink tea, juice and mocktails and eat delicious, healthy, mostly vegan meals. It results in sparkling conversation that isn’t dulled…

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Eating Communally
Community Meetings & Events February 18, 2016

The Power of Eating Communally

Community Meetings & Events February 18, 2016

Can Eating Communally Positively Impact Events? When we think about food at conferences, most of the talk is about logistics: How do I serve 500 people while the keynote speaker is talking? How many drink tickets can we afford to give away for free before charging? What meat will most of our attendees eat? Don’t get me wrong, this type of problem-solving is vital. If you can’t feed your attendees, you’ll have riots in the ballroom. But here’s the thing: We see meals as part of the structure, not the content of the meeting, in other words, what happens when…

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Food Safety February 9, 2016

Chipotle: An Opportunity for Food Safety Reminders

Food Safety February 9, 2016

On February 8th, every Chipotle restaurant in the country closed briefly for an all-hands meeting to address food safety. In the wake of 52 foodborne illnesses, in nine states, five of which resulted in hospitalization, the chain needed to respond to the public outcry with a comprehensive food safety plan. Unfortunately, contaminated food and E.coli outbreaks affect every state at an average rate of one illness every two weeks. Fruits, vegetables, beef, dairy products, chicken, fish, eggs, turkey; it can seem like  nothing is safe. Only 18% of contaminated food is imported, so food handling and revised safety plans are…

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Check Lists Dietary Needs Food Allergies Laws & Regulations February 2, 2016

Valentine’s Day Reminders for Sweet Success

Check Lists Dietary Needs Food Allergies Laws & Regulations February 2, 2016

Valentine’s is right around the corner and while loved ones are fervently planning the perfect evening, you are assembling the team that will make it happen. But are food allergies and dietary restrictions being planned into your event? Here are just a few reminders to help make the evening a sweet success. Allergens Let’s face it, anaphylaxis isn’t sexy. Keeping an epinephrine auto-injector may or may not be an option in your state. It’s a life saving tool, so if it is available add it to your emergency kit along with at least one staff member trained in how to…

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