Eating at a Meeting explores a variety of topics on food and beverage (F&B) and how they impact individual experience and inclusion, sustainability, culture, community, health and wellness, laws and more. The mission of Eating at a Meeting is to share authentic stories that illustrate the financial, social, emotional, and mental impact food and beverage have on individuals, organizations, and the earth. I see it being threefold: ● Help individuals and organizations understand how F&B impacts ...
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Tracy Stuckrath Podcasts
"The Event Pro Show" is your ultimate guide to the world of corporate events, hosted by Seth Macchi, CEO of LEMG (Live Events Media Group). Whether you're a seasoned corporate event planner, certified meeting planner, experiential marketing pro, event services business owner, AV technician, or anyone involved in creating exceptional events, this podcast is your go-to resource for valuable insights, expert tips, and inspiring stories from the industry's leading professionals.
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Enhancing Events Through Thoughtful Food and Beverage Planning with Tracy Stuckrath
48:18
48:18
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48:18This episode of The Event Pro Show features host Seth Macchi in conversation with Tracy Stuckrath, founder and president of Thrive Meetings and host of the Eating at a Meeting podcast. With over three decades in the field and more than 300 podcast episodes to her name, Tracy leads the charge in creating food and beverage experiences that prioritize…
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315: Planning Safe Events with Food Allergies in Mind: A CMP’s Perspective
52:55
52:55
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52:55During Food Allergy Awareness Week this year, I was joined by veteran meeting planner P. Christine Poole, CMP—someone who knows firsthand how a single overlooked ingredient can turn a meal into a medical emergency. With more than 20 years of experience planning conferences for state, regional, and national associations, Christine has a sharp eye fo…
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314: Celebrating Celiac Awareness Month: Real Talk on Safe & Inclusive Gluten-Free Dining
1:00:45
1:00:45
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1:00:45What does it really take to feel safe, heard, and included when you’re dining with celiac disease? In honor of Celiac Awareness Month, this episode of Eating at a Meeting brings real talk—and real solutions—to the table with two powerhouse advocates: Kayla King (@celiacwithkayla) and Gabby Hemond (@noglutengabby). Kayla is a certified nutrition coa…
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Why the AV Project Manager Might Be Your Event’s Secret Weapon
21:21
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21:21Thanks for tuning in! I’m Seth Macchi, CEO of LEMG, a Charlotte-based event production company. Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to bring a corporate event to life from the AV side of things. Ever curious about how everything runs so smoothly on show day? I’m walking you through the critical role of a project manager in…
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313: Building Better Bars at Events: How to Elevate the Attendee Experience
1:00:11
1:00:11
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1:00:11When it comes to creating unforgettable experiences behind the bar, few have done it better — or longer — than Rob Husted. With nearly three decades of experience in bartending, mixology, flair, and education, Rob is a force who's helped shape beverage programs and trends across the globe. Tracy had the chance to meet Rob at Catersource earlier thi…
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Transforming Blank Spaces: Christa Hovis Talks Event Process, Creativity, and Client Wins
44:50
44:50
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44:50Welcome back! In this episode, host Seth Macchi chats with Christa Hovis, a force in event planning, design, and production. From a background in industrial engineering to becoming an independent consultant, Christa shares how her creative foundation shaped her approach to large-scale corporate and luxury galas. The conversation explores how creati…
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312: Voices That Matter: Addie & Robyn Lao on Food Allergy Advocacy and the ADDE Act
29:35
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29:35On this episode of Eating at a Meeting, I welcome Addie Lao, a courageous nine-year-old food allergy advocate, and her mom, Dr. Robin Lao, a pediatric nurse practitioner from Sacramento, California. Together, these two inspiring women are leading the charge for safer dining experiences in California with their coauthored California Senate Bill 68 —…
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The Future of Events and Technology: Reflections from WEC 2025
10:09
10:09
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10:09Welcome back! In this conversation, host Seth Macchi, CEO of LEMG, shares key takeaways from WEC 2025, the World Education Conference hosted by Meeting Professionals International in St. Louis. He reflects on the importance of staying curious in the events industry, building strong partnerships instead of going it alone, and prioritizing wellness f…
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311: Serving Tea with Intention: A Fresh Take on Event Beverage Planning
52:17
52:17
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52:17Tea is having a moment—and it's long overdue. In this week's episode of Eating at a Meeting, I’m joined by Amy March, executive chef and co-founder of The Steeping Room and Urban Tea House, to talk about why tea deserves a starring role on your event menu. With over two decades of experience in specialty tea, culinary arts, and holistic health, Amy…
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Small Business Empowerment and Creativity in Events with Rah-mah Pelzer-Elue
48:31
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48:31Welcome back to The Event Pro Show- your trusted podcast for all things corporate events, experiential marketing, and the creative craftsmanship that brings gatherings to life. This week, host Seth Macchi chats with the dynamic Rah-mah Pelzer-Elue: a Nigerian American entrepreneur, award-winning poet, playwright, spoken word performer, and fierce a…
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310: 5 Ways to Manage Event Food & Bev to Reduce Waste & Budget Effectively
21:10
21:10
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21:10I'm talking about managing food and beverage at events based on recent events I've attended and questions I've seen on social media or asked about at conferences. Join me to share your management tips. Want to create live streams like this?By Tracy Stuckrath
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Cutting Costs or Cutting Corners: The Truth About AV in Events
7:34
7:34
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7:34On this episode of The Event Pro Show, host Seth Macchi, tackles a common question in the world of corporate events: “It’s just AV… does it really matter who we use?” With budgets tighter than ever and teams stretched thin, Seth shares hard-won insights on why choosing the right AV partner is about so much more than just picking the cheapest option…
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309: Safe, Sober, & Inclusive: How Zero-Proof Bev Are Changing the F&B Industry
44:18
44:18
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44:18What a month it’s been! As Women’s HERStory Month comes to a close, I couldn’t think of a better way to wrap it up than with a conversation that’s redefining inclusivity in food and beverage. Laura Silverman, founder of Zero Proof Nation and Booze Free in DC, is leading the charge in the non-alcoholic beverage movement, proving that choice and incl…
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Leading With Heart: Ricardo Hicks on Mentorship, AV Production, and Building Thriving Event Teams
37:47
37:47
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37:47You're listening to The Event Pro Show! Host Seth Macchi sits down with Ricardo Hicks, a veteran audio visual executive with more than 20 years in the field, to explore the world of AV, event production, and mentorship. Ricardo’s career began in a major recording studio and grew through roles as a recording engineer, hotel manager, business develop…
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308: Stirring the Pot for Good: How One Social Enterprise is Uplifting Refugees
47:15
47:15
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47:15This Women’s HERStory Month, I’m celebrating trailblazing women who are reshaping the way we think about food, community, health, and inclusion on the Eating at a Meeting Podcast. This week, I’m introducing you to Jin-Ya Huang—a social entrepreneur, artist, and community leader using food to break down barriers and build bridges. A social practice …
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How to Prepare Your AV RFP to Get the Best Proposals
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15:31
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15:31The Event Pro Show is your trusted source for everything corporate events. In this edition, host Seth Macchi, CEO of LEMG, tackles one of the biggest challenges event professionals face: building a clear, effective AV Request For Proposal (RFP). Whether you're new to planning or have years of experience, Seth outlines the crucial details and questi…
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307: From Food Apartheid to Food Empowerment: A Story of Change
48:04
48:04
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48:04In celebration of Women’s HERStory Month, I’m honored to highlight Femeika Elliott, a powerhouse in food justice, maternal health, and community empowerment, on the Eating at a Meeting podcast. How do we reclaim access to fresh, nutritious food and create healthier futures for our communities? Femeika is on a mission to transform food justice, mate…
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The Art of Asking the Right Questions in Event Production with Julie Leithoff
32:39
32:39
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32:39On this episode of The Event Pro Show, host Seth Macchi sits down with one of his production favorites, Julie Leithoff. With nearly 30 years of experience in live events and an impressive track record managing audiovisual components for corporate gatherings nationwide, Julie has seen and solved it all. From her beginnings at Vista Productions in Ka…
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306: Bridging the Gap: Foster Care, Food Security, and Social Impact
47:38
47:38
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47:38Food has the power to nourish, heal, and connect—and this Women’s HERStory Month, I’m honored to celebrate Ally Smith, a woman making a profound impact at the intersection of food and foster care. As Development Director at Partnerships for Children, a private chef, and the creative force behind the “Gather With” cookbook project, Ally is redefinin…
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Thanks for joining us for another episode of The Event Pro Show! Host Seth Macchi, CEO of Charlotte-based AV production company LEMG, gets to the heart of how to stretch your event budget by using one of your most powerful tools: time. Seth breaks down practical steps corporate event planners can take to secure essential AV elements early, helping …
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305: Secret Food Stories: Chef Asantewaa's Vision for Sustainable Dining
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41:49This Women’s HERStory Month on the Eating at a Meeting Podcast, I’m shining a spotlight on incredible women who are reshaping how we think about food, sustainability, and culture. The third woman I want you to meet is Chef Asantewaa E. L., a culinary powerhouse and advocate for food sustainability in San Antonio. As the founder of Food Horizons and…
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The Power of Live Music in Events with Key Signature Entertainment’s Brandon Crumpton
36:09
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36:09Get ready for an episode packed with stories and advice from the world of corporate events! On this episode of The Event Pro Show, host Seth Macchi sits down with Brandon Crumpton, owner of Key Signature Entertainment—a company responsible for booking and producing live music for more than 750 events each year. Brandon shares his journey from an aw…
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304: Building a Food Business That Brings People Together—One Cheese Board at a Time
47:06
47:06
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47:06This Women’s HERStory Month, I’m celebrating women who are using food to build community, preserve culture, and spark meaningful change. One of those incredible women is Mahfam Moeeni-Alarcon , the founder and co-owner of Mingle + Graze, a cheese shop and eatery in downtown Chandler, Arizona, that is so much more than a place to eat—it’s a space fo…
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Virtual Event Refresher: From Simple Zooms to Complex Hybrid Experiences
9:56
9:56
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9:56On today's episode on The Event Pro Show, host Seth Macchi discusses turning live events into virtual experiences—a topic that’s top of mind in uncertain economic times and beyond. Whether you’re an experienced planner looking for a quick refresher, or you’ve never organized a virtual event before, this episode breaks down the different levels of v…
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303: Food Safety & Allergen Awareness in Restaurants with Denise Baron Herrera
46:26
46:26
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46:26Women’s HERStory Month on Eating at a Meeting This Women’s HERStory Month, I’m celebrating trailblazing women who are reshaping the way we think about food, community, health, and inclusion on the Eating at a Meeting Podcast. To kick it off, I'm talking with Denise Baron Herrera, Co-Founding Chef and Chief Culinary Officer for Burtons Grill & Bar a…
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Uniting an Industry: Wendy Porter on Event Codes, Lobbying, and Long-Term Success
38:38
38:38
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38:38Welcome to The Event Pro Show, your go-to resource for all things corporate events, experiential marketing, and live event production. In this episode, host Seth Macchi sits down with Wendy Porter, founder and chief event strategist of Wendy Porter Events, to discuss the evolving world of corporate events. Wendy brings over 23 years of industry exp…
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302: More Than Comfort Food: The Rich History and Future of Soul Cuisine
46:42
46:42
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46:42To close out 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 I’m sat down with Chef Deborah VanTrece, a culinary visionary 𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝. From her days as a flight attendant exploring global cuisines to becoming a 𝐉𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝-𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐟, restaurateur, and 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭-𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫, Deborah has built a legacy on honoring tradition while pushing boundaries. 🎙️We dish…
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Beyond RFPs: Creativity with Your Event Partners
8:28
8:28
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8:28Welcome to another episode of The Event Pro Show—the ultimate guide for corporate event professionals seeking to elevate their experiences! In this episode, host Seth Macchi dives into a timely topic: why so many events end up being, well, a little bit boring—and how you can break the mold. Drawing on years of experience in AV and event production,…
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301: Why Black Culinary History Matters in Events: Food as a Cultural Experience
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52:17This Black History Month, I sit down with my friend Tie Whittaker, owner of Buttermilk Boutique. A professional pastry chef with over 13 years of experience, Tie blends her Southern roots and culinary expertise to create stunning pastries and elevated Afternoon Tea experiences that are redefining hospitality in North Carolina. Afternoon Tea may not…
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The Power of Comedy in Events: Insights from Speaker and Emcee Lauren Ansley
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27:58In this episode of The Event Pro Show, we welcome Lauren Ansley, a professional speaker, corporate emcee, and presentation skills trainer who brings a unique twist to the world of corporate events with her background in stand-up comedy. Join us as Lauren shares insights into making events memorable through interactive enhancements, the role of humo…
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300: The Biggest Lessons from 300 Episodes on Food Safety, inclusion & Sustainability
54:06
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54:06This is episode 300 of Eating at a Meeting! After five year and 300 episodes, one thing is clear—food and beverage are never just about what’s on the plate. They’re about safety, inclusion, transparency, and creating experiences where everyone feels valued. For this milestone episode, I’m bringing back some of the most insightful and impactful gues…
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Deciding Between In-House and Outside AV: Is It Time to Level Up?
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8:36In this episode of The Event Pro Show, our host Seth Macchi dives into the world of in-house AV for corporate events and the circumstances in which an external AV provider might be a better fit. Seth shares insights into determining when you've outgrown in-house AV services, offering a framework of questions to guide your decision-making process. A…
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299: Taylor Swift’s Mocktail Success: Event Planners, Are You Taking Notes?
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36:51Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour wasn’t just a cultural phenomenon—it was also a showcase of unforgettable food and beverage experiences. For the last three U.S. stops and her grand finale in Vancouver, Sodexo Live! delivered the perfect menu to celebrate the end of an era, crafting mocktails and drinks as iconic as the music itself. This week, Tracy is th…
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