Tag: dietary needs

Food Allergies July 14, 2016

Reversing the Social Stigma of Dietary Restrictions

Food Allergies July 14, 2016

I recently read a thought-provoking article about how children with food allergies are excluded and bullied in school, as much by teachers as by other students.  The article was written by a mother of two children with life-threatening food allergies, and it reveals a number of ways in which others’ dismissal of their needs diminishes their self-worth. If a teacher brings in cupcakes for the class, not only is the child excluded, forced to watch while everyone else eats, but also, the child has to reject the offer of food, a stigmatizing act in itself. “Sometimes,” article contributor, Dr. Alvarez…

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Community Dietary Needs Duty of Care Food Allergies Food Service Lifestyle Choices Medical Conditions Meetings & Events Registration Religious Dietary Practices Traveling Trends April 6, 2016

Brazil Eventos & Transparency

Community Dietary Needs Duty of Care Food Allergies Food Service Lifestyle Choices Medical Conditions Meetings & Events Registration Religious Dietary Practices Traveling Trends April 6, 2016

As an international speaker and Food & Beverage expert, I’ve found at least one universal truth – allergies are present in all countries and, therefore, a place must be set at the table for attendee safety and trust. I speak on a number of topics when I travel, including legislation and legality of meetings, efficient food and beverage budgeting, custom eater menu planning, and more. Next week I’ll be in Brazil discussing important food trends from around the world and how to seamlessly incorporate these exciting trends into your meetings and events for an experience your attendees will devour. I’ve…

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Laws & Regulations March 8, 2016

Are you Alienating 38% of Your Guests?

Laws & Regulations March 8, 2016

As many as 38% of people worldwide, self-identify as having a food allergy or intolerance. Whether running a catered corporate meeting, a dining experience out on-the-town for visiting colleagues, or a large conference at a hotel, a lack of trust in the food reflects poorly on everyone and can end up alienating guests. From the event host, to the servers, to the dining venue, lack of trust bleeds into the entire event experience. Food safety is important because it saves lives, but consumer confidence is a critically important goal in it’s own right. From a public health perspective, consumers need…

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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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Waitress is carrying two plates
Dietary Needs Food Service September 5, 2015

In the Meetings Industry, Bad Service Is a Disservice

Dietary Needs Food Service September 5, 2015

At some point, we have all experienced bad service at a restaurant. The exact experiences may vary, but bad service always leaves patrons feeling unfulfilled and well, sort of peeved. When we choose to spend our money at an establishment, we expect certain, basic standards to be met. The standards bar is set differently from restaurant to restaurant, but there are fundamental expectations patrons look forward to. These include going over the specials, offering drink refills, and checking in once in a while to ask if everything suits their needs. This and other tidbits of service should be the standard…

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Watermelon Tomato Gazpacho Ingredients
Meetings & Events August 21, 2015

Do you Know What Ingredients You Need to Create a Safe Food Event?

Meetings & Events August 21, 2015
An Analysis of the Ingredients Used for an Event Earlier this year, I attended a meetings industry conference where I was hired to give two presentations on how to manage dietary requests at meetings and events. The challenges with managing dietary needs can be confusing, frustrating and never ending. We already have a lot on our to do list, so adding a few more ingredients might seem annoying. However, I see those ingredients as opportunities to make attendees feel safe, valued and confident in their experience. I commend the organization for taking steps to meet the needs of their more than 2,000 attendees…

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