Blog - Thrive Meetings and Events

Person seated at a café table rejecting a plate of toasted bread, indicating a gluten-free diet; a cup of coffee sits in front of them on a rustic wooden table. This is in a post about Illinois celiac disease training bill SB 1288.

Celiac Safety Gets a Boost: Illinois Senate Bill 1288 Heads to Governor’s Desk

Celiac Safety Gets a Boost: Illinois Senate Bill 1288 Heads to Governor’s Desk Celiac Disease Training Bill is A Big Win for Gluten-Free Diners During Celiac Disease Awareness Month Dining out with celiac disease shouldn’t be a gamble—and in Illinois, it may soon become a whole lot safer with a new celiac disease training bill. This May, during Celiac Disease Awareness Month, the Illinois General Assembly passed Senate Bill 1288—a powerful piece of legislation that will require all food handlers in the state to be trained on celiac disease and the safe preparation and handling of gluten-free food. Sponsored by…

A black and white photos of a racoon looking at the camera has he hangs onto the bird feeder. The Birdfeeder Dilemma – Are Your Event Menus Full of Baffles?

Dietary Needs Inclusion

The Bird feeder Dilemma – Are Your Event Menus Full of Baffles?

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by Tracy Stuckrath

My bird feeder dilemma has me wondering how we put up baffles at our food and beverage events to discourage and hinder participation. Bafflers in Event F&B? Why Guests Struggle to Find Safe Meals

Group of people enjoying brunch buffet together indoors Event Safety at Events

Food Safety

Creating Safe Spaces: The Critical Role of Food Safety at Events

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by Tracy Stuckrath

Food safety at events is more than a necessity—it’s a cornerstone of trust and inclusivity. Explore critical developments, actionable strategies, and the role meeting professionals play in creating safe and inclusive dining experiences for every attendee.

Composition with common food allergens in bowls and glasses; food allergies. Food allergies are a critical safety priority. Use this checklist to ensure allergen-friendly, inclusive meals and safe dining experiences at your events.

Food Allergies Food Safety

Food Allergies: A Critical Safety Priority for Meeting Professionals

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by Tracy Stuckrath

Food Allergies: A Critical Safety Priority for Event Professionals The devastating news of Dominique Brown, who lost her life due to an apparent food allergic reaction at an event, is a sobering reminder that managing food allergies is a critical safety priority for event professionals. This tragedy highlights how easily a lack of preparation or communication can result in irreparable consequences, emphasizing the need for meticulous attention to food and beverage (F&B) planning. Food allergies are not a minor inconvenience; they are life-threatening conditions that demand consideration at every stage of the event planning process. Whether it’s a plated dinner,…

Blue books listed under compliance on blue background. Top food and beverage compliance policies event event planner needs for safe, sustainable events

Food Safety

Top F&B Compliance Policies Every Event Planner Needs for Safe, Sustainable Events

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by Tracy Stuckrath

Food and beverage compliance policies are essential for ensuring safety, satisfaction, and inclusivity at events. The first full week of November is Corporate Compliance & Ethics Week, sponsored by the Society of Corporate Compliance & Ethics. This week-long celebration highlights the importance of compliance and ethics across industries, emphasizing awareness, recognition, and reinforcement. This is the perfect moment to closely examine policies in event food and beverage management. Whether you’re an event planner or a caterer, having well-defined food and beverage compliance policies ensures that everyone’s needs are met safely and thoughtfully. What protocols do you have in place? Are…

Set of colorful measuring cups and measuring spoons use in cooking lay on marble tabletop in top view. How do you measure F&B success?

Event Planning Skills

How do you Measure the Overall Success of the F&B Aspect of your Events?

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by Tracy Stuckrath

Discover expert strategies to measure the success of food and beverage at your events. Learn how satisfaction surveys, financial analysis, and social media engagement can elevate your event catering to new heights.

Four images of smiling people on a Zoom call

Dietary Needs Podcast

Episode #269: Crafting Crowd-Pleasing Event Menus

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by Tracy Stuckrath

In this episode of “Eating at a Meeting,” experts share insights on crafting inclusive event menus. Learn how to enhance dining experiences, manage dietary restrictions, and engage guests with unique dishes and interactive elements.

Group of catering staff holding a banner with the Top 9 Food Allergens icons across it.

Food Safety Laws & Regulations

Sergio Lopez Food Allergy Awareness Act: A New Era for Food Safety in Texas

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by Tracy Stuckrath

September 1, 2024, marked the beginning of a new chapter in food safety in Texas with the implementation of the Sergio Lopez Food Allergy Awareness Act, which went into effect on September 1, 2023.

Inclusion Podcast

Episode #268: What does it Take? A Deep Dive into Inclusive Food & Beverage Experiences

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by Tracy Stuckrath

Tracy is joined by Zoe Moore on “Eating at a Meeting” to explore inclusive event planning. Discover the importance of non-alcoholic drink options, the role of clear communication, and best practices for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the hospitality industry.

Two women on screen talking about "We Reconnect to Talj=k about Event F&B" and inclusive event dining

Inclusion Podcast

Episode #267: We Reconnect to Talk about Inclusive Event Dining after PCMA EduCon

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by Tracy Stuckrath

Join Tracy Stuckrath and Tess Vismale as they explore inclusive catering at events. Learn about creative menus, accurate labeling, and tech tools for dietary needs.

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