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Enhancing Events Through Thoughtful Food and Beverage Planning with Tracy Stuckrath

The Event Pro Show

Release Date: 07/28/2025

The AV Advantage, Part 2- Boost Value and Efficiency for Every Event show art The AV Advantage, Part 2- Boost Value and Efficiency for Every Event

The Event Pro Show

Welcome back to The Event Pro Show, your podcast for everything corporate events! Host Seth Macchi, CEO of LEMG, continues part two of the five-part “AV Advantage” series. If you’ve ever wondered how to secure better pricing, top-tier technicians, and seamless execution from your AV production partners, this conversation is for you. Seth shares practical strategies to help planners maximize their AV budgets without compromising creativity or quality. You’ll discover why early collaboration with your AV partner ensures access to the best gear and talent, and how smart planning can help...

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Finding Your Voice with Mitch Savoie Hill show art Finding Your Voice with Mitch Savoie Hill

The Event Pro Show

Back on The Event Pro Show, host Seth Macchi sits down with Mitch Savoie Hill. Mitch is a dynamic first-generation Cuban American, CEO, TEDx speaker, published author, and corporate trainer with three decades of leadership experience. She takes us through her journey from an awe-struck child at her first big concert to a sought-after speaker and leadership coach, sharing actionable strategies for planners and aspiring presenters. From energizing a crowd and thinking on your feet, to selecting the right speaker and tackling imposter syndrome, her stories and advice offer tremendous value for...

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The AV Advantage, Part 1- Design It Right show art The AV Advantage, Part 1- Design It Right

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Join us on The Event Pro Show as host, Seth Macchi, launches a five-part series called “The AV Advantage.” Today’s focus is on why involving your AV partner early in the creative process sparks better brainstorming, reduces rework, and streamlines the RFP stage. Seth compares event planning to an assembly line, where identifying challenges upfront saves time and money. He shares practical strategies for collaborating with AV providers from day one, including questions to expect during discovery calls and how to clearly convey your event’s needs. Seth encourages our listeners to gain...

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The Event Pro Show

The Event Pro Show is a production of   LEMG is a leading event production company known for delivering exceptional experiences. From site planning and event design to technical production, staging, lighting, sound, and more—we do it all. As a second-generation company, we’re proud of our rich history and commitment to innovation. Whether it’s a corporate meeting, conference, convention, or live event, we’re the team our clients trust to execute their vision flawlessly. https://lemg.live/    

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The AV Advantage Series Kickoff: Collaborate Early, Stress Less show art The AV Advantage Series Kickoff: Collaborate Early, Stress Less

The Event Pro Show

Welcome to The Event Pro Show, your trusted resource for corporate planning done right. In this episode, host Seth Macchi, CEO of Charlotte-based event production company LEMG and president-elect of MPI Carolinas, tackles one of the most common mistakes in the planning process: waiting too long to bring AV experts to the table. Drawing from years of collaboration with planners across the country, Seth explains how early coordination with your AV partner can lead to smarter solutions, tighter budgets, and fewer surprises on show day. This episode also kicks off a special five-part series called...

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Enhancing Events Through Thoughtful Food and Beverage Planning with Tracy Stuckrath show art Enhancing Events Through Thoughtful Food and Beverage Planning with Tracy Stuckrath

The Event Pro Show

This 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 safety, inclusion, and sustainability. Tracy shares how growing up as a “Marine brat” shaped her ability to connect with others, how her own food allergies ignited a passion for accessible hospitality, and why every menu decision matters. From...

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The Event Pro Show

Thanks 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 inside an AV company. Think vendor coordination, tech planning, and making sure the right gear and crew are exactly where they need to be. If you're an event planner hoping to boost efficiency or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes...

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The Event Pro Show

Welcome 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 creativity and process engineering go hand in hand, what it’s like to teach future event professionals, and how new tech, including AI, is reshaping event execution. Christa also talks through strategies for managing risk, building standout experiences,...

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The Event Pro Show

Welcome 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 for those working behind the scenes. Seth also highlights the fresh energy brought by emerging talent, the value of mentorship, and why there's still plenty of reason to feel optimistic about where the industry is headed. Expect useful guidance, fresh...

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The Event Pro Show

Welcome 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 advocate for creativity and small business growth. From her formative years at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts to performing at the Kennedy Center and the US Black Caucus, Rah-mah’s story is both powerful and uplifting. She shares how her...

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More Episodes

This 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 safety, inclusion, and sustainability.

Tracy shares how growing up as a “Marine brat” shaped her ability to connect with others, how her own food allergies ignited a passion for accessible hospitality, and why every menu decision matters. From behind-the-scenes challenges to real-world stories of impact, Seth and Tracy unpack how thoughtful food choices strengthen community and elevate the attendee experience.

If you're a planner, producer, or simply care about creating meaningful, people-first gatherings, this conversation offers real-world guidance and inspiration you can use right away.

Resources:

Thrive Meetings & Events

Linkedin

 

The Event Pro Show is a production of LEMG. 

LEMG is a leading event production company known for delivering exceptional experiences. From site planning and event design to technical production, staging, lighting, sound, and more—we do it all. As a second-generation company, we’re proud of our rich history and commitment to innovation. Whether it’s a corporate meeting, conference, convention, or live event, we’re the team our clients trust to execute their vision flawlessly.

https://lemg.live/