Welcome to the Kellogg Conference Hotel Capitol Hill Blog Page. This is where you’ll find our latest announcements, life advice, seasonal musings, and just about anything else that happens to be on our mind.
Embarking on a culinary journey with Chef Jesus Vazquez Sarracino unveils a world of flavors, memories, and inspiration. In this interview, Chef Jesus shares the profound influences that ignited his love for cooking, his admiration for a fellow chef, and the cultural richness that defines his culinary identity.
Read MoreWho inspired you to start cooking?
Chef's Answer: "My mom and my grandpa."
Chef Jesus attributes his culinary passion to the two pillars of his life - his mom and grandpa. His mom's dedication to providing warm, elaborate meals shaped his appreciation for the art of cooking. Grandpa, on the other hand, contributed a cherished family sauce recipe that Chef Jesus proudly replicates, preserving a tradition passed down through generations.
Original: Quien te inspiro a empezar a cocinar?
Mi mama y mi abuelo, mi mama por todo el cuidado y tiempo que gastaba asegurandose que tuvieramos comida caliente todos los dias, algunas veces platillos muy elaborados para una mama promedio, y mi abuelo porque los fines de semana siempre hacia una salsa receta familiar, y yo soy uno de las pocas personas que la puede preparar como el.
Who do you look up to in the food industry?
Chef's Answer: "Chef Drew Deckman."
Chef Jesus expresses his admiration for Chef Drew Deckman, an American chef with a deep love for Mexican cuisine. Having worked with Chef Deckman, Chef Jesus is inspired by his creativity and mastery of culinary techniques, making him a significant influence in Chef Jesus's culinary journey.
Original: A quien admiras en la industria culinarian?
Uno de los Chefs que yo admire es chef Drew Deckman, trabaje con el en el pasado, es un chef americano que ama Mexico, me gusta que tan creative es y todas las tecnicas que el conoce.
What's a dish that tastes like home?
Chef's Answer: "Enchiladas."
For Chef Jesus, the dish that encapsulates the essence of home is the humble yet richly flavored enchiladas, a nostalgic connection to the comfort and warmth of family gatherings.
Original: Que platillo sabe como casa?
Enchiladas
Favorite thing to cook?
Chef's Answer: "Sushi & all Asian food."
Chef Jesus's culinary expertise extends to the vibrant and diverse realm of Asian cuisine, with a particular fondness for crafting sushi. His passion for these flavors reflects a dedication to mastering the intricate techniques and artistry behind each dish.
Original: Que es tu cosa favorita para cocinar?
Sushi y toda la comida asiatica
What language do you speak in the kitchen, at work, or home? Spanish/Spanglish/English or all?
Chef's Answer: "I speak both languages in both places."
In navigating the multicultural settings of both the kitchen and home, Chef Jesus seamlessly communicates in English and Spanish. At work, his consideration for a diverse team leads him to prioritize clarity, while at home, the linguistic exchange between him, his wife, and their son involves a beautiful blend of both languages.
Original: Que idioma hablas en la cocina, en el trabajo, o en casa?
Hablo los 2 idiomas en los 2 lugares, en el trabajo porque tengo gente hispana, trato de hacerlo mas entendible para todos, en casa, mi esposa y yo hablamos espanol pero le estamos ensenando los 2 idiomas a nuestro hijo.
Conclusion:
Chef Jesus Vazquez Sarracino's culinary journey is a fusion of familial influences, international inspiration, and a dedication to preserving culinary traditions. Through his favorite dishes and linguistic versatility, he brings a unique and enriching perspective to the world of gastronomy, inviting others to savor the flavors of his passion and experiences.
Are you aware of the hidden gem nestled on the Gallaudet University campus? Take a journey into the vibrant world of the National Deaf Life Museum, an enriching experience that awaits just steps away from the Kellogg Conference Hotel Capitol Hill.
Read MoreNestled just a few footsteps away from the National Deaf Life Museum, the Kellogg Conference Hotel Capitol Hill offers not only a luxurious and comfortable stay but also unparalleled convenience for those looking to delve into the rich tapestry of Gallaudet's cultural offerings. Immerse yourself in an educational and inspiring experience without straying far from your accommodations.
Established in 2007 as the Gallaudet University Museum and later rebranded as the National Deaf Life Museum, this cultural haven is a testament to the history and resilience of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in the United States. Immerse yourself in the captivating narrative of the deaf community, thoughtfully curated and presented by Gallaudet University.
The museum's core mission is eloquently encapsulated in its mission statement: "The National Deaf Life Museum at Gallaudet University promotes and interprets the rich and complex deaf experience through engaging exhibits and programming, both on campus and online”. Serving as a dynamic platform, the museum seamlessly weaves together exhibits, showcases artifacts and artwork, and narrates compelling stories about the lives of deaf individuals in the United States.
With a special focus on the pivotal role played by Gallaudet students and alumni, the museum pays homage to the institution's profound impact on shaping the narrative of the deaf experience in the country. As you explore the exhibits, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the cultural significance and historical milestones that have defined the deaf community throughout the years.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, an advocate for inclusivity, or simply curious about diverse cultures, the National Deaf Life Museum offers an educational and enlightening experience for visitors of all backgrounds. Step into a world where stories come to life, and the rich tapestry of deaf culture unfolds before your eyes.
In conclusion, a stay at the Kellogg Conference Hotel Capitol Hill not only guarantees a comfortable and enjoyable experience but also opens the door to an enriching exploration of deaf culture through the National Deaf Life Museum. Make the most of your visit to Gallaudet University by choosing accommodations that enhance your journey, creating lasting memories and fostering a deeper understanding of the deaf community's history and heritage.
Conventions are in full swing in the heart of the nation's capital, and we've got you covered!
Read MoreAt Kellogg Conference Hotel Capitol Hill, we understand that proximity to the convention center is paramount, and that's why we're thrilled to be your ideal base. Conveniently located just a stone's throw away from the convention center, our accommodations offer a seamless blend of comfort and accessibility. Whether you're a dedicated fan, a seasoned exhibitor, or simply eager to explore the excitement, KCH is your gateway to DC's most dynamic conventions. Get ready to immerse yourself in the action, and let KCH be your perfect launchpad for the convention experience you've been waiting for!
11/11/23 - 11/15/23
Society for Neuroscience
Attendees - 25,000
3/18/24 - 3/21/24
Access Intelligence
Attendees - 15,000
4/24/24 -4/28/24
Oncology Nursing Society
Attendees - 9,000
5/04/24 - 5/08/24
National Assn. Realtors
Attendees - 8,000
6/05/24 - 6/02/24
American Institute of Architects
Attendees-14,000
6/17/24 - 6/21/24
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
Attendees - 7,500
6/25/24 - 6/27/24
Amazon Web Services
Attendees - 15,000
8/29/24 - 9/01/24
Narcotics Anonymous World Service
Attendees - 20,000
9/19/24 - 9/21/24
National Black MBA Assoc
Attendees -10,000
9/27/24 - 10/02/24
American Society for Radiation Oncology
Attendees - 12,500
10/27/24 - 10/31/24
Cardiovascular Research Foundation
Attendees - 12,000
11/15/24 - 11/20/24
American College of Rheumatology
Attendees - 15,000
12/09/24 - 12/13/24
American Geophysical Union
Attendees - 24,000
Your conference was a huge success. Or was it? If you aren’t looking carefully and scientifically at your conference, trade show, or other events, you don’t know how it went. You don’t know what elements were popular and what elements will keep people from attending next year.
Read MoreYour conference was a huge success. Or was it? If you aren’t looking carefully and scientifically at your conference, trade show, or other events, you don’t know how it went. You don’t know what elements were popular and what elements will keep people from attending next year. A complete evaluation of your event will help you determine the following:
Anything worth doing is worth evaluating. Here are five steps to assess your event to help you create better events in the future.
1. Ask for feedback during the event.
If you have several different speakers, sessions, or presenters, you’ll want to make sure that you evaluate each one separately. Asking attendees immediately after seeing a speaker or session is the best way to get specific information about that session or event. Make it easy to complete surveys or questionnaires by handing them out after each session. You might consider offering a prize or entry in a raffle for those who complete questionnaires.
Demographic questions such as race, gender, and age help you analyze your survey results. However, many researchers recommend asking for that information at the END of a survey instead of the beginning to prevent them from influencing answers.
If your guests or attendees come from various industries or work at multiple levels (executives and new employees), collect that demographic information. Knowing if a session or event worked for everyone or just a tiny subset of people is essential.
2. Ask for feedback after the event.
It’s essential to gather feedback at the time, but it’s also good to allow your attendees time to think about the event as a whole. Consider emailing your attendees more general questions after the event.
If you aren’t sure what questions to ask in-person or post-conference surveys, consider hiring a professional evaluator to help you. Knowing what questions you want to ask before you ask them will help you make the best use of your survey answers.
3. Check your budget
After your event, you’ll want to revisit your budget and discover what costs more and less than you expected. Knowing how you did on this year’s budget will help create a more realistic budget for your next event.
Checking your timeline leading up to the event can also be helpful. Did staff have to work overtime to make the event successful? Did things feel rushed, or was it hard to make plans because things were planned too far into the future?
4. Talk to your co-planners and staff.
In addition to surveying attendees, talk to other people involved in planning and working your event. No one can be everywhere at once; your staff and other people who worked at the event will have a different perspective than you.
5. Share your findings
Good or bad, it’s essential to share the results of your surveys with the appropriate people. A post-mortem or debrief session can help you and your co-organizers make the best use of the information you’ve gathered.
Make sure you save all the information you gather about your event in a way that’s easy for future event planners to recreate your successes and avoid your stumbling blocks.
Whether we’re aware of it or not, we form countless habits as we navigate the world around us. Habits form through learning and repetition. These repetitive behaviors become deeply ingrained in the brain and eventually initiate an automatic pattern when triggered by certain cues, like instinctively reaching for a cigarette after waking up or buckling your seatbelt when you get in the car.
Read MoreWhether we’re aware of it or not, we form countless habits as we navigate the world around us. Habits form through learning and repetition. These repetitive behaviors become deeply ingrained in the brain and eventually initiate an automatic pattern when triggered by certain cues, like instinctively reaching for a cigarette after waking up or buckling your seatbelt when you get in the car.
If you’re looking to reevaluate your own personal habits around food and wellness in 2022, we’ve done all the research to get you started.
Build Better Habits
Good habits help us become more efficient in our everyday lives, but bad habits are unsupportive and hold us back from achieving our goals. Research indicates that building tiny habits is the key to building sustainable long-term habits. When you start small, behaviors build up over long periods of time and your ability and likelihood to continue the behavior are very high, regardless of the motivation.
Particularly when it comes to our daily relationship with food, numerous habits – both good and bad – have been formed over the years. Reflect on your personal eating habits and the triggers you see for unhealthy eating. Replace your unhealthy habits with healthier alternatives and reinforce those habits over time. When it comes to building new habits like better food and nutrition behaviors, follow this five-step strategy:
Now, let’s put it into practice.
Practice makes perfect. Forming new habits can be hard, but using this mantra might be helpful is resetting your goals.
After I…(put my plate out for dinner), I will…(add a handful of greens to the plate first).
After I…(crave a sugary treat), I will…(wash a piece of fruit).
Before I…(go to bed), I will…(prepare a well-balanced lunch for the next day).
Once you understand that habits can change, you have the freedom and the responsibility to remake them. Once you understand that habits can be rebuilt, the power of habit becomes easier to grasp and the only option left is to get to work.
- CHARLES DUHIGG, AUTHOR OF THE POWER OF HABIT: WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO IN LIFE AND BUSINESS
How Long Does It Take?
While we’d like to think there’s a magic number (14 days, 50 days, 66 days) to forming habits, the amount of time it takes to build a new healthy habit quite honestly just depends. How quickly (or slowly) you form a habit may depend on the complexity of the habit and your readiness to change.
Stop An Unsupportive Habit
As challenging as it can be to form a new healthy habit, it can be extra challenging to put a stop to unhealthy behaviors that have developed over the course of years. Psychology suggests using mindfulness as a tool to consider why you engage in an unhealthy or unhelpful habit. Think about what triggers prompt the unhealthy habit and reevaluate what you get (or don’t get) out of that particular behavior.
Consider and reflect on why you want to make a change; does the habit reflect your values? If an unhealthy habit is part of an addiction or other mental health condition, you should seek professional treatment as it may be the best way to achieve change.
Some good habits to incorporate into your routine this year:
Rumor has it that singers like Adele charge $1,000,000 to perform at private events such as trade shows or conferences. If that’s not in your budget, you probably want to be a little more thoughtful and careful about hiring entertainment for your trade show or conference. So how do you decide? There are several steps to follow.
Read MoreDefine the Purpose of the Entertainment
Before considering your budget, you need to understand why you’re hiring entertainment. Will the entertainment be the drawing card for the event or simply a diversion for attendees? Do you need the entertainer to help make points or help sell your product? Is the entertainment a gift for attending or part of the discussion? Do you want the entertainment to bring people together or provide a talking point? Knowing the answers to these questions will help you define your budget.
Determine Your Budget
Obviously, an entertainer who serves as a draw for the attendees will cost more than an entertainer who provides background noise. There are quality entertainers at all budget points. Knowing your purpose and budget will help you narrow down your options.
Know Your Audience
As in all marketing, you have to know your audience. If you have a primarily younger audience, bringing in a “golden oldie” performer, no matter how famous, isn’t going to help draw a crowd. If you have an older, more sophisticated group, you might opt for a classical music trio instead of a DJ. Don’t just choose entertainment that’s “good.” Choose entertainment that’s good for your audience.
Get Referrals and Videos
It’s great if people talk about your entertainment unless they talk about how harmful or inappropriate it is! Before committing to a performer, ensure they understand your audience, their tolerance for off-color language or jokes, and what you’re looking for. It’s best to get recent referrals and, if possible, see a video of their performance.
Think Outside the Box
Usually, when people think about entertainment for conferences and trade shows, they think of musicians, singers, and comedians. But there’s no reason to limit yourself. Depending on the event and the space, there are many options, from Tarot card readers to strolling magicians to portrait artists. Depending on the conference, a motivational speaker might make a better choice than traditional entertainment. Local wedding planners and event planning websites often have great ideas for unique, local entertainment options. Local entertainment can also help give your event a better sense of place.
Pay Attention to the Contract
In these post-Covid days, carefully written contracts are more important than ever. Does your entertainment offer a backup plan in case of illness? Will you still owe the performer money if you have to cancel the event? Is the entertainer willing to customize their show for your audience?
No matter your budget or subject matter, entertainment can be an exciting and meaningful part of your conference or trade show.
Your weekly trip to the grocery store might seem a bit steeper lately due to the average price of groceries increasing. With continued supply chain issues, industry-wide labor shortages, and rising inflation rates the cost of eating at home as risen over 10% in the last year.
Read MoreYour weekly trip to the grocery store might seem a bit steeper lately due to the average price of groceries increasing. With continued supply chain issues, industry-wide labor shortages, and rising inflation rates the cost of eating at home as risen over 10% in the last year.
One way to help stretch the grocery budget is to prepare one core ingredient and stretch it across multiple means. Stocking your pantry with canned beans, like chickpeas, is an excellent way to ensure you have a good source of plant-based protein on hand. And don't worry about flavor fatigue - chickpeas are an incredibly versatile, protein and fiber-rich, staple that you need to take advantage of. By leveraging ingredients like beans and tofu as the foundation of your menu, you can also save on more expensive meats while reaping the benefits of various vegetables.
Let's dive in.
Savory Greek Yogurt Parfait, Cucumber Chickpea Salad: Start with chickpeas for breakfast. Roasted chickpeas and a savory granola on top of a Greek yogurt parfait is a creative twist to an overly sweet breakfast options.
Baked Falafel & Traditional Hummus: Technically two recipes, but we couldn't help ourselves with this 2 for 1 chickpea bomb. Our Baked Falafel is a good vegetarian protein, high in fiber, and free of saturated fat. Plus, it's easy to make – all you need is a food processor and an oven. Dip in our creamy hummus recipe for the perfect Mediterranean bite.
Moroccan Spiced Chickpea Vegetable Soup: Moroccan Spiced Chickpea Vegetable Soup is made with a robust combination of flavors including cinnamon, cumin, cayenne, and paprika. We promise you won’t notice the missing sodium.
Green Pea, Chickpea, Cauliflower "Meatballs": Lean, green, vegetarian and flavorful these "meatballs" are perfect for a crowd. Try them with our Chipotle Yogurt Dip for a massive *whomp* of flavor!
Now, you can use dried chickpeas in all these recipes or canned options if that's easier for your cooking style. If you use canned chickpeas, don’t pour the liquid down the drain! Use it in your cooking! Aquafaba - the liquid found in canned beans - is a wonderful egg substitute you can use in your baking and vegan-dishes.
For the past couple of years, planning events has been easier in one way, people had fewer scheduling conflicts. But, with the world opening up, finding the right date for an event is once again tricky. This list of dates to be aware of in 2023 should help you plan.
Read MoreFederal Holidays
Scheduling an event over a holiday weekend can be good or bad, depending on your audience. If your audience primarily views your event as work, then they may resent giving up a three-day-weekend for it. However, if your audience sees your event as personal, this timing may allow them to attend without taking off work.
| Monday, January 02 | New Year’s Day |
| Monday, January 16 | Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. |
| Monday, February 20 | Washington’s Birthday/President’s Day |
| Monday, May 29 | Memorial Day |
| Monday, June 19 | Juneteenth National Independence Day |
| Tuesday, July 04 | Independence Day |
| Monday, September 04 | Labor Day |
| Monday, October 09 | Columbus Day |
| Friday, November 10 | Veterans Day |
| Thursday, November 23 | Thanksgiving Day |
| Monday, December 25 | Christmas Day |
Make sure also to check state holidays if relevant.
Religious Holidays
Although this list is by no means exhaustive, these are holidays that it’s generally good to avoid scheduling over.
Christian Holidays
Wednesday, February 22, Ash Wednesday
Friday, April 7 Good Friday
Sunday, April 9, Easter
Monday, December 25, Christmas
Jewish Holidays
April 5- April 13 Passover*
September 15-September 17 Rosh Hashana
September 24-September 25 Yom Kippur
December 7 – First night of Hanukkah
* The first and last two days of Passover are the only days that are work restricted for observant Jews. However, many Jews of all levels of observance keep dietary restrictions during all of Passover that would make attendance at an all-day event difficult.
Muslim Holidays
March 22-April 21 Ramadan*
April 21-April 22 Eid al-Fitr
* During Ramadan, observant Muslims do not eat during daylight hours. This could make attending a conference very difficult.
Non-Official Holidays
Although these dates are not official federal holidays or official religious holidays, some people may object to being away from their family for them.
February 14, Valentine’s Day
March 17 St. Patrick’s Day
October 31 Halloween
Depending on the community you are trying to serve, you may also want to research cultural and ethnic holidays or sporting events. You will never find a perfect date that fits everyone’s needs. However, being aware of potential conflicts can help you choose a more sensitive and popular date.
Keep the grill fired up all summer long with our BBQ Spiced Chicken, Black Bean, Sweet Potato “Blended Burger.” This sweet and savory burger is not only packed with flavor, but is bursting with color, fiber, and a touch of heat in every bite. An added bonus? Our blended burger is topped with a cooling blueberry pineapple salsa that provides the perfect balance to the patty’s tangy BBQ spice blend.
Read MoreNot only will your taste buds thank you, so will your community as the seasonal ingredients for this fruit-forward salsa can all be found at your local farmer’s market.
Whether you're trying to stretch your protein further or simply fit in some extra vegetables, try more of our blended burger recipes:
This sweet and savory burger is not only packed with flavor, but is bursting with color, fiber, and a touch of heat in every bite. An added bonus? Our blended burger is topped with a cooling blueberry pineapple salsa that provides the perfect balance to the patty’s tangy BBQ spice blend.
Serving size: 1 burger | Makes 6 servings
For Blueberry Pineapple Salsa
For the Burgers
Nutrition information per serving: 330 calories, 11g fat, 3g saturated fat, 590mg sodium, 53g carbohydrates, 7g fiber, 11g sugar, 21g protein
Some people put the value of the Wellness Industry at over 4 trillion dollars a year. At this point, wellness is no longer a trend but a part of the business world, just like any other industry. Post-Covid conferences and events are seeing more calls than ever for incorporating wellness into in-person events. Here are five ways to do so.
Read MoreTake a moment for mindfulness
Mindfulness is a popular word these days. At heart, being mindful is about being present in the moment. Making sure your event attendees are mindful makes sense for an event planner. You want to ensure that people can get the most out of their sessions and fully appreciate the unique details you’ve provided.
Making room for mindfulness can look like a special session early or late in the day focused on the practice, or it can be woven into individual sessions. Encourage presenters to start or end their sessions with stretching or other mindfulness techniques.
Making sure that the “must do” events and sessions aren’t scheduled too closely together can also help people make time to be mindful. Some conferences provide “mindfulness lounges,” where participants can unplug, sit, and think without networking or talking.
Choose hotels and centers with fitness options
For those who are used to it, missing a workout can make you feel sluggish and uninspired. Choosing conference hotels or centers with swimming pools, well-appointed gyms, and running trails can help participants get the most out of their experience. You can also hire a yoga teacher or other fitness specialist to do an optional session for attendees.
Encourage walking and sleep
Encourage people to take their networking on the go. Bulletin boards or online apps can match people with walking buddies for short bursts of networking and advertising. You might also consider building a contest around how many steps people get in during the conference. Make sure to let people know ahead of time if you’re encouraging walking so that they bring the appropriate shoes.
While there’s a tendency to want to fit as much as possible into an event, conference schedules that go from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm aren’t good for anyone. Make sure your conference allows people to take care of little things, like sleep.
Provide healthy food options
While some people view work trips as a great chance to “cheat” on their diet, others find that frequent work travel can expand their waistline. Offering various healthy food options and choices for conference goers can encourage people to feel good about attending.
Allow for wellness-centered services in your expo hall
Post-Covid, with lower attendance numbers, many conferences are having trouble filling their expo halls. One way to make your hall a “must-see” location is to supplement your usual vendors with those offering services like massage or fitness checks. Consider offering free booths for vendors who will provide free wellness services to your attendees.
In our post-Covid world, wellness has taken on new importance. Making sure your conference or event recognizes the importance of wellness can help encourage attendance and make sure those who attend feel good about doing so.
Choosing the farmer's market as an inspiration for your summer meals is a great idea for many reasons. The produce tastes better and is great for local communities and the environment. Farmer's markets are often cheaper than supermarkets, partially because you don't have to pay for shipping costs. Unlike supermarkets, where you need to pay to sample food, many vendors at farmer's markets offer free samples too! With produce prices on the rise, it is imperative to maximize your weekly purchases and cut down on your waste.
Read MoreHave you ever wondered how to make your farmer’s market haul last longer and give you plenty of meals for weeks? This is a quick guide to help you better utilize your farmer's market haul to provide you with ongoing nutrition for the whole family.
Try pickling or making jam
Pickling and jamming your food can help increase the shelf life and make a delicious addition to any meal. Grab a clean jar with a lid washed in hot, soapy water, pick the fresh vegetables of your choice, remove the stems and cut the veggies into pieces/slices/spears. You can blanch crispier vegetables as necessary. Make a simple pickling brine of add vinegar, salt, and spices to a jar, place lid back on the jar and shake to combine ingredients. Add vegetables and top with water. Securely place the lid back on the container. Turn the container over a few times to blend the mixture. Refrigerate for 24-48 hours and shake the container once or twice if you think of it. That’s it!
Try a combination of spices, sugar, and vinegars like white vinegar and apple cider vinegar to change up the flavor.
Need some inspiration? Try these recipes:
Proper Storage is essential
Take advantage of the freezer
Menu Planning, Menu Planning, Menu Planning
You can sketch out a menu for the week before or after you go to the farmer's market. The best way to turn a farmer's market trip into a meal is by starting with a dinner template instead of a set recipe. Get the building blocks down, then make it your own with whatever vegetables and herbs you have handy.
From exploring the vibrant booths to selecting produce and tasting the unique flavors, the farmer’s market brings families together while building healthy habits and supporting sustainable eating. What recipe do you plan on making next? And how will you make it last longer and not end up in the landfill prematurely?
In-person conferences, trade shows, and events are back. Unfortunately, the attendees aren’t always showing up. Conference organizers and event planners report lower than pre-pandemic ticket sales and lower numbers attending, even if they buy a ticket. There are ways to try and combat these problems.
Read MoreFocus on Safety
Even though the pandemic is technically “over,” it isn’t out of people’s minds. Many people are avoiding events because they’re concerned about getting sick. Having safety measures in place, and advertising those measures, can help reassure potential guests. Some steps to consider are: having more presentations with fewer people in each event, placing expo booths 6 feet apart from each other, holding receptions outside, and offering refunds for people who have to cancel because they have Covid. Offering refunds is risky financially, but it will reassure those coming to the event that others are not attending when they know they are sick. You may wish to offer both early bird pricing and a staggered refund schedule to encourage people to commit early.
Activate FOMO
FOMO, or Fear of Missing Out, is a real motivator. You may need to plan extra-special draws to get people to overcome their fear of Covid and the comfort of their sweatpants. Some ideas might include targeted, curated networking events, job fairs, exciting concerts, or VIP dinners with special guests. Smaller events may help people feel safer, so stressing the exclusivity of your event can reassure people and activate their desire to be “in the know.”
Choose a Great Location
People don’t just come to a tradeshow or conference to work. They also come to travel. Choosing an attractive but affordable location with excellent hotels and restaurants can encourage reluctant travelers. Planning your event at the beginning or end of the week so people can turn it into a mini vacation may also help.
Provide Affordable Options
The economy is a little iffy right now, and many companies are reluctant to go back to spending money on travel and tradeshows. Offering affordable options for day passes, hotel rooms, and food options can swing comptrollers who are reluctant to release funds.
Ditch (or Change) the Hybrid Option
Offering both in-person events and a virtual experience can increase overall attendance. However, hybrid offerings can make people feel like they don’t have to wear grown-up shoes and attend in person. One option is to simply not offer a virtual experience. If you feel that’s too risky and want to provide a virtual experience, think of ways to make the in-person event better than the virtual option. Are there more networking or sales opportunities? The chance to win prizes or giveaways? A can’t-miss concert or speaker whose presentation won’t be streamed? A follow-up virtual event only open to those who attended in person? Whatever you’re offering, make sure your materials stress how the in-person event is better.
Sadly, it will probably be a few years before in-person events return to pre-pandemic levels. Some people believe that might not ever happen. But, if you work to minimize risks, reassure attendees, and encourage attendance, you can still have a successful event.
Our team at the Kellogg Conference Hotel Capitol Hill considers it an honor and privilege to be located on the beautiful Gallaudet University campus. We know firsthand how rich, vibrant, and diverse the deaf community is, so in honor of Deaf Awareness Month and International Week of the Deaf (September 19 - 25) we are shining the spotlight on deaf culture.
Read MoreThe first International Day of the Deaf was celebrated by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) in 1958, and was later extended to a full week, becoming the International Week of the Deaf (IWD).
The WFD is an international organization composed of 130 national associations of the deaf. Together with the United Nations, they serve the global community to improve human rights of deaf persons, national sign languages, access to education, and access to information technology and services.
The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) represents the United States as an affiliate member of the WFD. Thanks to Gallaudet, there is an active deaf community here in DC. DeafDC publishes a calendar of events, many of which are related to learning and practicing American Sign Language (ASL).
The deaf community in the US is larger than many know
It is estimated that nearly 10 million people in the US are hard of hearing and close to 1 million are functionally deaf. More than half of those with hearing loss or deafness are 65 years or older.
The largest deaf and hard-of-hearing communities are concentrated in Rochester, NY; Washington, DC; Austin, TX; Chicago, IL; and Los Angeles, CA.
Are you Deaf or deaf?
Deaf with a capital D refers to people who have been deaf from birth or became deaf before they learned to talk. People who lost hearing after those milestones are referred to as deaf. It may seem like a small nuance, but when it comes to communication, it is not. For most Deaf people, sign language is their first language and English is their second language. As a result, it is difficult for them to understand complicated messages in English.
Sign language is not universal
Just like our spoken languages, sign languages are different in every country, and feature regional dialects and slang. ASL has its own unique rules. In English, grammar is spoken and written. In ASL, grammar is found in body language and facial expressions. Syntax is very different as well. In English, you ask, “Where is the bathroom?” In ASL, you ask, “Bathroom where?”
Signing and speaking English at the same time is called simultaneous communication (or SimCom). It is not a language, nor is it recommended when communicating with a deaf person. ASL trains the brain to process linguistic information through hand gestures, not by reading lips (which many Deaf people cannot do).
Like all languages, ASL is a living language that grows and changes over time. As this article in the NY Times demonstrates, your grandparent’s ASL is very different from today’s.
Did you know these celebrities are deaf?
Composer Ludwig van Beethoven, disability rights advocate and political activist Helen Keller, and actress Marlee Matlin are probably the best-known members of the deaf community, but did you know that some of today’s best-known actors and musicians are deaf or nearly deaf in one ear?
Comedian and actor Stephen Colbert; actresses Jane Lynch, Holly Hunter, and Halle Barry; actor Rob Lowe; and KISS frontman Paul Stanley are all deaf in one ear.
Singer and actress Kristin Chenoweth suffers from Meniere’s disease, which can cause varying degrees of hearing loss.
How to communicate with deaf people
If you know someone in your neighborhood or community who is deaf, a simple wave is a perfect greeting. You may also want to learn some simple signs so you can exchange pleasantries when you see them.
For those who are hard of hearing or can read lips, speak clearly and enunciate. Avoid exaggerated mouth movements, as it is considered rude. For deaf people who can speak, use gestures as best as possible. Attempts to communicate in ASL will be warmly welcomed.
If you want to learn more about deaf culture, the National Deaf Life Museum at Gallaudet University is a wonderful place to start. Their exhibits will open your eyes to the depth and breadth of this community’s history, traditions, and much more.
Sources:
StartASL.com
Wikipedia
The Arc of Monroe, NY
National Association of the Deaf
The "Great Resignation" has been top-of-mind for employers in all industries. Even with record-high inflation and a possible recession in the near future, people are still leaving their jobs. This departure of employees is having a significant impact on both customer service and supply chains. It's no wonder that it's also affecting conferences and events.
Read MoreUnderstanding the Problem Approximately
20% of those who quit jobs in 2021 were in transportation and logistics. Before the pandemic, people were leaving manufacturing jobs at a similar rate. These employee shortages make everything from creating conference swag to getting it to a conference floor more difficult and expensive.
According to Fortune Magazine, leisure and hospitality are the industries hit hardest by resignations. Covid has played a big role. Many employees found new careers when restaurants and hotels temporarily shut down during Covid. Others who might have gone into hospitality and food service jobs in the past now want to avoid these fields due to Covid risks. As conferences move from online to in-person, hotels and event spaces, struggle to find enough staff. This staff shortage is another reason some conference organizers choose to stay online or offer hybrid options.
But are conferences not just part of the problem but also the solution?
Employee Engagement
HR professionals discuss employee engagement as one possible solution to The Great Resignation. Employee engagement is about an emotional, mental, and behavioral commitment to the work and the organization. Engaged employees find purpose and meaning in their jobs. They care about the organization's success, are invested in driving positive outcomes, and are less likely to leave the organization.
If your organization is suffering from understaffing, sending someone away to a conference may seem counter intuitive. But giving stressed employees a break from their day-to-day routines and a chance to engage with their work on a different level can be helpful.
Learning Opportunities
Many people leave conferences feeling engaged and energized by the connections they made and what they learned. Meeting others in the field or working with people in different fields on similar problems can help employees see the value and importance of their work.
Asking employees who attend a conference to present what they learned to coworkers can help extend the learning opportunities from a conference. Giving a presentation can also help employees solidify what they learned and build new skills.
Showing Your Investment
Sending employees to a conference is a way to show that you are investing in their growth as a professional and a person. When you spend money on registration, travel, and room and board, you let the employee know you value them. When you send an employee to work a booth at a conference or expo, you're letting them know that you trust them. Of course, not all employees are free to travel. Make sure to give employees advanced notice of travel expectations and talk to them about whether they see business travel as a perk or a chore.
The Great Resignation may make conferences more challenging to mount and attend. But continuing to send employees to conferences may help your organization avoid resignations.
Whether baked or fried, balled or flat, falafel – a traditionally Middle Eastern dish – can now be found all over the Western world. The chickpea base means that falafel is a good vegetarian protein and high in fiber. Our baked version is also free of saturated fat. Stuff your finished falafel inside a whole wheat pita or eat from a dinner plate, but either way, we suggest serving it with Fattoush Salad and Traditional Hummus.
Read MoreOur Baked Falafel is a good vegetarian protein, high in fiber, and free of saturated fat. Plus, it's easy to make – all you need is a food processor and an oven. Stuff your finished falafel inside whole wheat pita, dip in hummus, or simply dig in with a fork. Invite some friends because our recipes makes enough to feed a family and then some!
Serving size: 4 each, makes about 20 servings
Nutrition information per 4 falafels: 190 calories, 3 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 155 mg sodium, 30 g carbohydrate, 6 g sugar, 4 g fiber, 10 g protein
Blog content courtesy of FLIK Hospitality – https://www.flik-usa.com/index.php?p=blog/baked-falafel
Ooof! The poor conference and event industry. When things were returning to normal after Covid, along came high gas prices. What do gas prices have to do with conferences and events? A lot!
Read MoreAs you’ve probably noticed in your personal life, the rising cost of gas affects the price of everything. This is even more true of events. Everything from catering to equipment rental is more expensive these days. Any manufacturing or transportation that requires gas (almost everything) is affected. Companies have less disposable income to send people to conferences, and conference organizers have less money to spend on perks like food and drink.
Why Are Gas Prices Up
Don’t worry. This isn’t an economics or world history lesson, but understanding why gas prices are up can help you better monitor the situation and plan for potential changes.
During the pandemic, crude oil, the natural resource used to produce gasoline, saw dramatic changes due to the pandemic. When fewer people were on the roads, major oil-producing companies cut back on their oil production. Then, in April 2021, a cyberattack forced the nation’s biggest fuel pipeline offline for six days. The shutdown led to gas shortages nationwide. In October 2021, a breach and spill occurred in a vital pipeline that supplies fuel to the southeast. Heavy rain and flooding (aka climate change) slowed repairs.
Also, there’s the war in Ukraine. Russia produces about 10% of the world’s oil supply. But The United States has banned Russian oil imports. All of this combined means sky-high gas prices.
So, what can you do?
Explore Hybrid Models
During Covid, many conferences and events went online. You may want to consider a Hybrid conference model that allows those who can make it to attend live and those who can’t to attend online. If you do this, keep in mind that live presentations are different than online presentations. Not every presentation needs to be available to both live and online attendees.
If you’re in an industry that typically has one big national (or international) event, you might want to explore the idea of having several smaller regional events. While obviously, the costs for the hosts will be higher, it will lower attendees’ fees, which might mean more attendance.
Shorten the Event
Multi-day events frequently build in time for schmoozing and relaxing. If you or your audience are in a budget crunch, you may want to see if you can make the event shorter. A shorter event means less money spent on hotels, food, and entertainment.
Reduce the Unnecessary
Everybody loves Swag, but do your clients need that stress ball? If you’re looking for ways to reduce costs at an event without diminishing the experience, think about what you can cut from your budget. Can physical business cards be replaced with virtual ones? Does the material have to be printed out? Reducing the amount of stuff saves you money and is also good for the environment.
A final note, if you suddenly find yourself unable to attend or put on a conference, check any agreements you signed. While Force Majeure clauses may allow for cancellation under some circumstances, cost is unlikely to be one of them.
Yes, you read that right… and, this post is being written by one of the FLIK dietitians! Today we’re meditating in the form of mindful eating, which is all about bringing more focus and attention to whatever it is you’re eating – even if it’s a fry!
Read MoreMindful Eating
Harvard states that “meditation steadies the mind so we can see with greater clarity how things actually are.” Wow; sign me up! Mindfulness, a form of meditation, is the practice of bringing more focus and attention to a particular activity, behavior, thought or emotion. Since eating is an activity, enter: Mindful Eating. With multiple times a day set aside for eating, what better opportunity to gain more clarity?
So, at your next meal, snack, or even coffee break, take a moment to be mindful. Rather than eating or drinking while driving, in front of a TV, computer or phone, or while working – all promoting mindless eating – keep these tips in mind, literally and figuratively:
Engage all your senses.
What food options are most visually appealing? What colors are catching your eye? What sounds and smells are most enticing? Once you’ve made your choice, keep going. What textures do you feel? What are the most predominant flavors? Better yet, what are the subtle ones? Envelope yourself with every bite. Savor.
Enjoy the experience.
No matter what it is: warm jasmine tea on a cool morning, energizing overnight oats with tart flavor-bursting berries, a salad packed with crisp, colorful, farm-fresh produce topped with satisfying seeds, or freshly-fried, golden brown, crunchy on the outside, smooth potato on the inside French fries, enjoy the experience of eating – fueling your body with energy to sustain all you need to do in a day. Give gratitude.
Stay present.
Give every bite the same time, focus, and attention. If you find yourself getting distracted or your focus moving away from your meal, that’s okay (and completely normal). Just allow yourself to re-focus. Come back to the bite.
Listen to your body; stay satisfied.
What signal is your body giving you? Are you hungry? Are you thirsty? Are you already over-full? Pay attention to the cues and physiological signals your body provides… and honor them. Mindful eating helps you be more in tune with these cues and signals. The most important of which is learning to feel when you are satisfied, or satiated. This is one of the biggest benefits of mindful eating. Once you learn your stomach’s satiety signals (no longer starving, but not yet stuffed, just right – satisfied), you can learn your perfect portions. Mindless eating promotes eating whatever is in front of you, even if you’re satisfied. Mindful eating helps you find the balance at mealtimes; so, no matter what you’re eating, it’s just enough.
Start practicing today.
Use all five senses: sight, sound, smell, touch, and of course, taste. Focus on every aspect of the foods you choose, from plate to palate. Stay connected to every bite. If your mind drifts to other thoughts, re-focus back to the bite. When your stomach tells you it’s satisfied, enjoy the last bite.
Remember, mindful eating is about bringing more focus and attention to the foods and drinks you consume, no matter what they are. Remove all judgement and guilt from the thoughts in your mind and return your focus and attention to what you’re actually eating. Give yourself permission to enjoy each bite and connect with your food on a deeper level.
Feeding guests has gotten complicated. A growing interest in personal and environmental health, combined with more health information available, means that more and more people have dietary restrictions. It’s no longer just one vegetarian guest or one guest who keeps Kosher. Instead, any given event could have a variety of food issues.
Read MoreWhat’s a host or organizer to do? The more you understand people’s needs, the better you’ll be able to meet them. These are five of the most common food restrictions in 2022.
Fasting/Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent Fasting (going a certain number of hours between eating) is very popular as a weight loss and anti-inflammatory measure. There are a variety of plans, and not everyone eats on a similar schedule. So how can a conference organizer or caterer account for people who are fasting? One idea is to focus fewer events around food. For example, having “walk and talk” breaks instead of “coffee breaks.” Buffets are kinder to fasters than sit-down dinners as they encourage walking around instead of sitting and eating. You can also ask your caterer to have some “grab and go” items that those fasting can take and eat when they’re ready.
Religious Restrictions
Kosher (Judaism) and Halal (Islam) are the two most common religious diets. Jews and Muslims have different levels of adherence to these rules based on their personal beliefs. Generally, people who observe the rules of Kosher or Halal will be fine if eating vegetarian (see below). However, if you have concerns about serving these guests, make sure to ask questions. Some religious Jews will only eat food in restaurants if there was rabbinic supervision for the preparation. Many religions also forbid alcohol, which argues for more alcohol-free options [include link from last month’s post]. This handy chart of religious food restrictions may prevent misconceptions. Remember, if, in doubt, it’s always best to ask people directly.
Vegan/Vegetarian
Vegetarians do not eat meat (white or red) or fish, and vegans do not eat meat, fish, or animal products (cheese, eggs, etc.). Some vegans also do not eat honey. Many people are also dairy-free. Having a vegan option will meet the needs of many attendees. Many non-vegetarians worry about vegetarians getting enough protein in a given meal. Most vegetarians, however, are not as concerned about the protein at any individual meal. While tofu (and other soy products) and nuts are excellent vegetarian sources of protein, they are also common allergens (see below).
Gluten-Free
People are gluten-free for various reasons, including weight loss, gluten allergies, and celiac disease. Many people with gluten issues need the food to be prepared in a way that does not risk cross-contamination with gluten products. Almond flour is a common substitute in gluten-free foods but can be problematic since nuts are a common allergy (see below).
Allergies
There are so many possible food allergies that it would be hard to meet everyone’s needs. However, the eight most common food allergies are milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans.
As you can see, preparing a menu that works for every food issue would be hard. However, by asking your guests or attendees about their needs ahead of time, you can identify the most critical problems for your group. You should also know that most people with food restrictions due to health or religious issues are very adept at planning to ensure they don’t go hungry.
Let's talk science!
According to trendwatchers, consumers are increasingly interested in learning more about gut health; understanding the use of probiotics and prebiotics as a natural way to support a healthy digestive system. A microbiome is a community of microorganisms that can usually be found living together in a specific habitat. In the case of the gut microbiome, this means trillions of microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses living together in your intestines (also known as the gut).
Read MoreThough it may sound strange to hear we have bacteria and fungi living in our bodies, it is normal and even beneficial to our health when those microbes live in harmony. We each have our own unique network of microbes, which we begin to develop as infants and grow over our lifespans through environmental exposures and diet patterns. The key to a healthy microbiome is a symbiotic relationship between the microorganisms: a smaller number of pathogenic (disease-causing) ones peacefully coexist with a larger quantity of healthy ones. Disturbances in this delicate balance can be caused by prolonged use of antibiotics, illness, infection and poor food choices over time, and can negatively impact health.
The Microbiome and Your Health
The microbiome plays such a key role in our health and body function that some researchers refer to the microbiome as an organ itself! The microbiome can stimulate the immune system and affect how your body responds to infection. A healthy gut breaks down potentially harmful food compounds as well as harmful bacteria that are introduced to the body through contaminated food or water.
The microbiome also synthesizes certain vitamins, including B vitamins and vitamin K, and amino acids. New research indicates that the microbiome may play a role in mental health as it produces 90 percent of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which helps regulate emotions. It also produces the neurotransmitter GABA, which helps control feelings of fear and anxiety.
How to Build a Better Microbiome
Eat More Prebiotics: Prebiotics are plant fibers that are food for good gut bacteria. Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains like oats and farro to promote the growth of good gut bacteria. Try these recipes:
Eat More Probiotics: Probiotics are live, healthy microorganisms found in food. You can find probiotics in fermented foods like yogurt and kombucha. If you are reading food labels, fermented foods with live active cultures will state the strain of bacteria it contains (for example, Lactobacillus bulgaricus or B. animallis) and the number of microorganisms per serving. Some common fermented foods may not actually contain probiotics as baking or heat treating can kill the bacteria. Try these recipes:
Do I Need a Supplement?
We always recommend food first! However, if you choose to go the supplement route, look for the following on the label:
According to those who study the alcohol industry, consumption of “no and low” alcohol drinks will grow by 31% by 2024. Why is this important to conference organizers and attendees? Traditionally, many conferences and conventions have used alcohol as a social lubricant and an enticement for attendees. Happy hours, drink tickets, and post-meeting cocktails are all standard. How can organizers adapt to this new trend?
Read MoreBe respectful of choices
People have a variety of reasons for not drinking, including health concerns, pregnancy, diet, addiction issues, and personal preference. Many companies also advise employees not to drink when “on the job” to avoid potential legal problems. Obviously, no one should question anyone else about why they do or do not eat or drink a specific item. Organizers may also want to review conference information and announcements to ensure that it’s clear the conference is a welcoming space for those who do not drink.
More diverse happy hours
Happy hours aren’t disappearing. But if you want to make sure that non-drinking guests feel welcome and comfortable, you may have to up your game in terms of what you serve. No one wants to feel left out. Instead of only offering wine, beer, and soda, think about creating a signature “non-alcoholic” cocktail or providing a variety of non-alcoholic options.
Serve Food
Spending a little more energy (and money) on your appetizers will also help keep people who aren’t drinking happy. Remember, the point of a happy hour at a conference is to help people feel taken care of and keep them talking to each other. The more interactive the food, the more occupied guests will be. Some ideas to consider:
These choices all have the added benefit of allowing people to choose their ingredients based on dietary needs and preferences.
Coffee is the new drinks
One benefit of drinking less is that it’s easier to get up in the morning! For many conference-goers, “Let’s grab coffee” has replaced “Let’s get a drink.” Consider focusing more of your networking opportunities around the morning instead of the evening.
Get the dance started
Many conferences like to end with a big party featuring a musical guest and dancing. There’s no denying that getting people to dance is easier when alcohol is involved. If you’re worried about whether or not people will have a good time at your social event, consider bringing in help. Hire a dance instructor to teach line dancing or consider non-musical entertainment that still allows people to interact. Several companies provide game shows or murder mystery events to keep participants entertained.
Party favors and swag
Unless your event is for the food and drink industry, you should not give items like shot glasses, carafes, and beer cozies as swag or favors.
Alcohol isn’t disappearing, but with more and more people choosing a low or no alcohol lifestyle, conference organizers, attendees, and hosts will all have to find new ways to socialize.
May is Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the immense contributions from throughout the AAPI community and the tremendous impact and influence this community has had on American culture.
Read MoreWhen it comes to Asian food culture, our basic assumptions about slurping ramen and eating with chopsticks are misguided at best. This AAPI Heritage Month, let us help debunk a few common food myths from throughout the Asian diaspora.
Myth: Fortune cookies are a Chinese dessert
Fact: The history of American’s favorite “Chinese” dessert is greatly debated, but all history records show this crispy cookie was invented in none other than San Francisco. Inspired by Japanese pastries made of sesame and miso called tsujiura senbei, Japanese baker Benkyodo Co. was the main supplier of fortune cookies until World War II forced Japanese-Americans into internment camps, at which point the Chinese-Americans began making their own fortune cookies — and the rest is history.
Myth: General Tso's Chicken was named for a famous Chinese general
Fact: When United States Navy Admiral Arthur W. Radford visited Taiwan, Chef Peng Chang-kuei prepared for the state banquet with a new dish consisting of chicken and chilies, naming it for General Zuo Zongtang. This original iteration of General Tso's Chicken is a lot different than what we see today. Peng’s chicken dish inspired a chef living in New York City, who adapted the recipe for his own restaurant in 1972, adding a sweetness and crispier batter to the chicken dish we know today.
Myth: All Indian food is vegetarian
Fact: One of the biggest myths about Indian cuisine is that it’s all vegetarian. Recent government surveys debunk this entirely with only 23-27% of the population identifying as vegetarian or vegan. Depending on which culinary region of India you’re exploring, you might try Kerala Spicy Pork Vindaloo, Goan Fish Curry, or seafood Jhinga Nisha.
Myth: Ginger is a sushi garnish
Fact: Draping a slice of ginger over your sushi is a huge faux pas. The pickled ginger that comes with your sushi is really meant as a palate cleanser to be consumed between dishes! Enjoy a bite of ginger between different pieces of sushi allows you to distinguish the distinct flavors of each fish.
Myth: All chopsticks are made equal
Fact: Chopsticks are as unique as every other utensil in your silverware drawer, they vary in size, material, and uses. For example, in China chopsticks tend to be longer and thicker; in Japan, chopsticks are shorter and have tapered tips; and in Nepal, chopsticks are typically made of bamboo. Not all Asian countries use chopsticks as their primary utensil. In some countries like the Philippines and Thailand, the most common utensil to eat with is a fork.
This Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, check out some of these Asian-inspired recipes that take a FLIK twist on classic dishes:
With more and more people working remotely, the lines between business and leisure time have blurred. One result is the rise of “bleisure travel,” travel involving aspects of both work and play.
Read MoreBleisure travel can be as simple as adding a “fun” day to a business trip or adding a business meeting to a fun trip. It can also be working from a remote or exotic location over a long period. Some business travelers choose to bring their families to take advantage of a great location or hotel room. Combining your work and personal travel has pros and cons.
Money
The most obvious reason to combine business and personal travel is that it can save you money. If your company is already sending you to a fabulous location, why not extend the trip by a day or two and enjoy it. You can expand your savings by using loyalty programs and using the same airlines and hotels for work and leisure, increasing your points.
Time
If you have limited time off, using some of it to travel to a location can be annoying. Adding a vacation to your business trip may mean that you don’t have to take time off to get to a location. If you can work during the day and play in the evening, you may lose even less time.
Unusual locations
Business conferences and meetings are often held in great travel locations, but sometimes those locations are a little off the beaten path. Taking advantage of a business trip to explore a new area may widen your horizons.
More family time
If you can time a business trip for when the rest of your family is available, then having a company-provided hotel room may mean that you don’t have to be separated from your family when working.
Blurred lines
Many people who work from home cite never feeling truly “off work” as a problem. If you choose to combine your vacation with business, you’re compounding the problem. Everyone needs actual time off to recharge and refresh. If you’re a working parent you may find that business trips provide you the time you need to focus on work.
Time zone confusion
Frequent moving between time zones, even those only an hour apart, can disturb your internal clock and your external schedule. You may find it challenging to schedule meetings or appointments if you’re unsure what time zone you’ll be in on any given day.
Inconvenient timing
Many conference-goers need a day or two post-conference to follow up on connections made or information learned. You may let things slide if you go immediately from conference to vacation.
Family pressure
Although bringing your family on a work trip can save you money, it can also put a lot of pressure on your partner. This is especially true if you have kids that your partner is responsible for entertaining in an unfamiliar location while you work. You may also find that you resent not being able to do some of the fun things your family does while you’re in a meeting. Your family may also want to travel to different places than your company sends you. Taking actual family vacations means that everyone gets a chance to choose locations and activities.
As travel becomes “normal” again, more and more people are looking for ways to extend their trips. If you plan to combine your business and free-time travel, make sure to think through all the potential consequences.
Fuel your body with our plant-based versions of classic dishes that will keep you satisfied all day long. Try a new take on an old favorite while boosting your nutrient intake! To complete your meal for the whole family or if you're serving guests, pair our recipe for Black Bean, Chipotle Cauliflower, Avocado Tacos with a side of Mexican Quinoa Salad or add a scoop of Grilled Portobello "Barbacoa" Taco Filling and wrap it all up in a large tortilla. Prefer meat-based protein with a south-of-the-border flair? Check out these recipes: Turkey Taco Meat Stuffed Avocado, Pico de Gallo, Cheddar and Chicken Stuffed Poblano Pepper "Tacos."
Read MoreCuban Black Bean
Cauliflower
Taco
Serving Size: 2 tacos | Makes 8 tacos
Cuban Black Beans
Cauliflower
Tacos
Nutrition Info per one serving: Calories 390, Total Fat (g) 12, Sat Fat (g) 1, Sodium (mg) 420, Protein (g) 16, Carbs (g) 58, Fiber (g) 18, Sugar (g) 5
People love free swag. Science has proven that the idea of something “being free” makes people behave in irrational ways. No one knows this more than the weary business traveler packing to come home from a conference or trade show and finding their carry-on bag is now full of magnets and post-it notes. So, what kind of swag should you take from, or give on, a conference or trade show floor?
Read MoreSwag has three purposes for vendors:
Tote bags do all three of these things. People at conferences and shows need tote bags, if for no other reason than to hold the other swag they pick up. Tote bags are also large enough to fit full logos and contact information. People tend to keep tote bags and use them long after the conference. For attendees, a tote bag is always worth picking up.
A high-quality t-shirt can be a great freebie, but as a vendor, you have to think seriously about where people will wear the t-shirt. If your customer only wears the shirt to sleep or work out, will it really help advertise your business? Conference-goers should almost always pick up a free t-shirt (unless, of course, you have a drawer full of them at home already).
Chapstick, mirrors, hand sanitizer … these are great items to pick up at a conference as you may need them during the trip. But for vendors, they frequently aren’t the best option. These items are easily disposable and unlikely to be naturally tied to your brand.
No. Don’t pick them up. You have absolutely nothing useful you can do with that button after the conference is over. The only possible thing you can do with a button after the meeting is give it to a child you forgot to buy a present.
It sounds simple, but office supplies (pens, Post-it Notes, rulers, etc.) are an excellent choice for both the vendor and the conference-goer. You want your conference swag to remind people of your company; you also want it to remind people at the right time. As comfortable as your t-shirt is, it’s unlikely that your target audience will be wearing it at work. On the other hand, office supplies are used exactly when you want your customer thinking about you at work. These items are small and easy to pack for conference-goers, and you can never have too many Post-it Notes.
In the old days, savvy conference-goers would mail all the catalogs they picked up home and look at them later. Today though, it’s just too much paper. You can get away with putting your catalog on a branded flash drive, but that technology is also becoming obsolete. You’ll want to print a few catalogs for people who like to do things old-school, but a much better option is to email people a link once they’re home.
If you do wind up picking up unnecessary conference swag don’t be afraid to give it away. Remember, people love free stuff!
Kellogg Conference Hotel Capitol Hill was honored to host the cast of the Academy Award-winning film CODA on Tuesday, March 22nd.
Read MoreThree of the movie's actors, including Troy Kotsur, who won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, have ties to Gallaudet University, which serves students who are deaf and hard of hearing. There was a palpable sense of elation at its campus during their visit, said Robert B. Weinstock, the university's spokesman.
Troy Kotsur, E-’92 Marlee Matlin, H-’87 Daniel Durant, E-’15; and Emilia Jones, the main characters in the Apple TV+ film participated in a panel moderated by Nikolya Sereda, ’19, shared their experiences making the film, and dispensed advice for students and aspiring actors and filmmakers. From Gallaudet, the cast went to the White House, where they met with President Biden.
As we approach Year Three of the coronavirus pandemic, more and more of our readers are experiencing cooking fatigue. Gone are the days of sourdough starters, emotional support banana bread, and TikTok famous baked feta; drained of any culinary creativity, the novelty of shopping for and preparing homemade meals has, frankly, worn off. Now, cooking just feels like a repetitive chore.
Read MoreIn addition to battling dinner boredom, the pandemic has amplified our national food insecurity crisis. With sourcing and delivery issues in the supply chain, people are stressed about where their food is coming from and if/when it's coming at all.
If you need inspiration to change up your at home menu, or are looking to stretch an ingredient for a few extra meals each week, we've got you covered. Let's talk about a versatile and plant-based protein: tofu.
[Read this: What the FLIK is…the difference between tofu, tempeh, and seitan?]
Tofu has been an age old standard protein option for vegetarians and vegans, and is one of the most flexible plant-based proteins to cook with. Relatively tasteless, tofu is known for taking on flavors of spices and sauces really well. It can be eaten plain and raw, grilled, pan seared, baked and even freeze-dried.
Here are 4-ways to prepare this delicious protein:
Sheet Pan Tofu, Vegetable Fajitas - When Meatless Monday meets Taco Tuesday, you end up with tofu fajitas. This family-friendly meal, calls for a rainbow of colorful veggies, and allows you to kick-up the heat to your personal desire.
Tofu, Green Pea "Meatballs," Curry Sauce - These tofu meatballs work swimmingly with this sweet and savory masala curry sauce. Prepare them in the crockpot as an easy weeknight meal.
Tofu Poke, Wakame Seaweed, Corn - A vegan-style poke bowl that is prepared with tofu and a very-trendy seaweed, brings some seafood flavor without any fish. This build-your-own bowl adds the benefit of seaweed's health benefits of iodine and antioxidants, so eat up!
The Covid-19 pandemic introduced a lot of new words to our vocabulary. Once only known by lawyers, "Force Majeure" and "Force Majeure Clauses" have become common phrases for more people.
Read MoreWhat Is a Force Majeure Clause
Force Majeure is a French phrase that means "superior force." A Force Majeure Clause is a contract clause that frees both parties from obligations or liability when there's a major issue. The idea is that a superior force (an earthquake, for example) has made it so that it would be impractical, inadvisable, or even impossible to hold people to the contract.
What Do You Include in Force Majeure
Force Majeure clauses frequently cover natural disasters like tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes. Other covered events may include war, labor strikes or disruptions, and yes, pandemics. Force Majeure clauses are not only for canceled events. A lawyer can write the clause in a way that allows your event to underperform. Let's say that a week before the event, you realize that a new strain of Covid-19 will limit the number of people attending your event, but you don't want to cancel. However, you're worried that not having as many people at the conference will mean that you don't make your food and beverage minimum (which will cost you money). A lawyer can draft the force majeure clause to excuse liability associated with cancellation and underperformance.
Force Majeure Can Be Negotiated
There's no negotiating with a pandemic, but you can negotiate with your conference vendors the kinds of things to include in your clause. It's important to be specific in these clauses because courts tend to interpret them narrowly. For example, say "terrorism" or the broader "threats of terrorism" are listed in your contract. It does not necessarily follow that if there is a police riot that prevents people from attending the event, your contract will cover it. It's important to consider your location when negotiating the clause. What kinds of weather disturbances are likely? What kinds of political or transportation disturbances? You can't specify or anticipate all potential events, so a concluding catch-all phrase should be appended to the list, such as "and any other events, including emergencies or non-emergencies."
Who Needs to Know This?
If you're simply attending a conference or presenting at one, the Force Majeure clause might not be that important to you. You should make sure to review your contract to see what the refund policy is if you can no longer attend due to forces outside your control. If you are planning on asking for a refund for non-attendance, make sure to do so early. If a conference organizer is not well-protected by their contracts, they may find it challenging to refund registrations fees.
If you are planning the conference, a conference vendor, or even planning to have a booth or table at a conference, the Force Majeure clause could be important to you. Make sure to read all contracts carefully so that you understand your options and obligations.
The Covid-19 pandemic upended our lives and businesses in many ways. Now that we've all seen firsthand what an unexpected event can do to lives and plans, people are likely to be more careful in creating contracts going forward.
Everyone knows how difficult it is to travel with kids. But for new parents, or those who rarely travel, attending a conference or convention without your kids can be equally difficult. This is especially true in 2022 when many families have had little or no business travel for two years. If you have an upcoming conference, here are some tips for your upcoming solo trip.
Read MoreDon’t tell the kids too early
Every kid is different, but most younger kids have a hard time with the concept of time. Most parenting experts recommend telling toddlers two to three days ahead of time that you’ll be gone. If you think that even your older children will be upset at your leaving, stick to this timeline. It’s not fair to surprise the kids with your trip, but it also isn’t fair to let them spend too much time worrying. Make sure you tell your kids when to expect you home. Your coparent or caretaker can help the kids set up a calendar and mark off the days until you return.
Don’t phone home
Whether or not to call is a tricky question. Although it’s natural to want to touch base with your kids, it can also be very disruptive. Often, a call home can reignite kids’ anxieties and worries about your being gone. If you do call home, ask your co-parent or caretaker afterward if the call seemed to make the child feel better or worse. Try to avoid calling at bedtime or during other transitions. Don’t be surprised if your child is uninterested in talking to you on the phone.
Take some time for yourself
It’s ok to enjoy yourself on a work trip! If the hotel you’re staying in has a gym, take advantage of this rare time to yourself to exercise. Have dinner with colleagues and enjoy the adult conversation. Enjoy the chance to sleep uninterrupted in a bed that someone else makes! There’s no point in feeling guilty for being away from your children. You want to return home refreshed and rested and ready to spend time with your kids. Do not, however, brag to your co-parent about how much you enjoyed your time away.
Bring home a gift
Bringing home a gift for your child lets them know that you were thinking about them while you were gone. It doesn’t have to be a big present; in fact, most kids are thrilled with some of the free swag you can pick up in the exhibitor hall of your conference. If you think you will be traveling frequently for work, it might be worth setting up a collection that you can add to after each trip. Being able to look at the collection while you’re gone will remind your child that you always return.
Plan for the return
Kids can react in a variety of ways once you return. Some children may seem to be punishing you by refusing hugs or refusing to talk to you. Others may overwhelm you with neediness. Some children may act as though you never left. Ask your child questions about what they did while you were gone, but don’t assume they want to hear about your grown-up meeting. Keep in mind that your co-parent is likely exhausted from their time as a single parent and might need some time to themselves as well.
Traveling without kids has its challenges, but with some forethought and consideration it can be a good growth experience for you and your children.
Black joy is a proud expression of freedom, history and humanity. From sharing one's family heritage through food or enjoying the comfortable embrace of traditional African fashion, black joy is woven into everyday life. Listen in as our friends at FLIK Hospitality Group share what black joy means to them.
Learn MoreThe immune system is a network of organs, white blood cells, proteins, and chemicals that work together to keep you healthy. As foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens enter the body, a healthy immune system works to destroy or limit them, preventing infection or disease. When the immune system is compromised, or not working at an optimal level, it can’t fight a winning battle against these invaders, and thus, illness can result. The best way to improve the health of your immune system is not through supplements, shakes, or pills, but through healthy lifestyle choices such as getting enough sleep, regular exercise, and a healthy, balanced diet. The role of diet in promoting a strong immune system begins before you get sick, so follow a nutrient-dense eating pattern as outlined below to bolster your defenses and make the fight against illness faster and easier.
Read MoreStart With Good Hydration
Although we typically talk about food first, when it comes to the immune system, the mouth is a first-line immunological barrier and proper hydration is key to a healthy mouth. Many viruses and bacteria enter the body through the mouth, and our saliva acts as a barrier to help keep them out. Therefore, staying well hydrated decreases dry mouth, keeping salvia plentiful. Dehydration may also increase the stress hormone, cortisol, which has been linked to immunosuppression. To maintain proper hydration, drink enough fluids (water, unsweetened tea, seltzer, milk) throughout the day to ensure you never feel thirsty and your urine is pale in color.
No Guts About It
A huge proportion of your immune system (nearly 70%!) is in your gut thanks to your intestinal flora. A healthy digestive system relies on the balance of healthy bacteria to not only help you absorb nutrients from food, but also to support the immune system and enhance overall health. The millions of bacteria in the gut work symbiotically with the immune system to ensure the body is protected and can eliminate any harmful pathogens it encounters. If the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut is thrown off, it can result in decreased immunity, leaving the body vulnerable to harmful invaders. Luckily, we can improve the healthy bacteria in the gut through diet. Consuming foods with ‘good’ bacteria, i.e. probiotics found in kefir, yogurt and sauerkraut, may enrich intestinal flora to improve immune function. Since bacteria cannot flourish without food, a colorful, fiber-rich diet including fruits, vegetables and legumes feeds microbes to build a healthy gut.
Get Colorful
The micronutrients and plant chemicals found in fruits and vegetables are as good as gold to a healthy immune system. Many of these vitamins and minerals have antioxidant properties that help regulate the millions of biochemical processes that keep this system shining bright. Vitamins and minerals specifically exhibit important immune-modulating functions by entering cells and regulating gene expression. Vitamins A, C, D, and E, minerals zinc and selenium, and antioxidant compounds like beta-carotene and flavonoids play important roles in immune function. It is best to get these nutrients from whole foods rather than supplements as they tend to work in combination with other nutrients and plant chemicals also found in food. There is no specific fruit or vegetable that’s best; focus on a variety of colors such as green, orange, white, red, blue and purple, and incorporate nuts, seeds, whole grains, and lean protein from beef, poultry and seafood to ensure a well-rounded micronutrient intake.
Don't Fear (Healthy) Fat
A diet rich in healthy unsaturated fats has been shown to support a healthy immune system. Long-chain polyunsaturated fats can help modulate immune function, and omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to alter the fat composition of cell membranes, help regulate immune cell function, suppress over activity, and act as anti-inflammatory agents. These healthy fats can be found in fish (salmon, tuna, anchovy), nuts and seeds (chia, flax, walnuts) and vegetable oils (olive, soybean and canola).
The Power of Protein
Proteins (made of amino acids) don’t just build strong muscles, they are elemental in the structure of every cell, tissue, and organ working to keep you well. Protein molecules assist immune cells (i.e. white blood cells, B cells, phagocytes, and antibodies) to carry out their jobs, like distinguishing between normal body chemicals and foreign invaders, destroying harmful organisms, and mounting an immune response to infection. Ensure your diet is rich in quality proteins from both plant and animal sources including lean cuts of beef, poultry and pork, fish, eggs, beans, and whole grains.
A healthy immune system starts with a healthy diet, so this winter focus more on whole foods rich in vitamins and minerals, and less on supplements and processed foods to ensure your immune system is in tip-top shape.
Are you planning a trip in 2022? Naturally, we all hoped that by 2022 travel would be “back to normal.” It’s clear, though, that what we’re actually looking at is a “new, new normal.” Travel is possible in this “new, new normal,” but there are five essential keys for planning your trip.
Read MoreHere’s hoping for great adventures in 2022!
January is National Oatmeal Month - let's celebrate with a few delicious FLIK-approved recipes that star oatmeal!
Read MoreJanuary is National Oatmeal Month - let's celebrate with a few delicious FLIK-approved recipes that star oatmeal!
Oatmeal is a comforting, nutritious pantry staple that serves as the perfect base for so many meals. Traditionally thought of as a breakfast item, we've got lunch inspiration, snack recipes, and even oatmeal-based desserts.
Skip the sugar or maple syrup on your oatmeal and top it with fresh fruit. Berries and stone fruit are delicious natural sweeteners that enhance your daily oatmeal routine.
If your mornings are hectic, try Overnight Oats. This simple preparation for oatmeal takes the guesswork out of "what's for breakfast" and serves as a great option to grab and go or eat right at your home desk without any mess.
Check out Chef Michelle making Pan Seared Oatmeal Flax Squares, Orange Compote. Like a granola bar, but better, these delicious bites serve as the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. Both hearty and filling, these good-for-you treats will be a household staple after just one bite.
Savory whole-grain breakfasts are so in vogue and FLIK, of course, has got you covered. Our recipe packs a full serving of vegetables into each individual portion. Our recipe for Kale, Caramelized Onion, Goat Cheese Breakfast Barley packs a full serving of veggies into each individual portion. We love the flavor of almost sweet caramelized onion, tangy goat cheese, and hearty barley, simply swap out the barley in this recipe for oats and VOILA!
Step into Chef Nyiasia's kitchen while she creates delicious Raspberry Oatmeal Bars -- perfect for dessert, breakfast, snack, midnight snack, or really anytime. Not a fan of raspberry? Swap in your favorite flavors -- strawberry, blueberry, blackberry, apricot -- the options are endless!
We are committed to keeping our staff, guests and event attendees safe and healthy. As we face a possible fifth wave of COVID-19, we are following the guidelines laid out in Safe Space 2021 to help mitigate the spread of this highly transmissible virus.
Read MoreWe are committed to keeping our staff, guests and event attendees safe and healthy. As we face a possible fifth wave of COVID-19, we are following the guidelines laid out in Safe Space 2021 to help mitigate the spread of this highly transmisible virus.
As we face the possibility of another COVID-19 wave this winter, we are committed to keeping our event attendees, guests and staff safe and healthy. It all starts with Safe Space 2021, intentional and consistent safety processes we unveiled at the start of 2021.
At Flik, we firmly believes that we have to be the leaders in showcasing safe conferences and allowing all attendees to feel comfortable and have fun. We will continue to focus on safety into 2022 and beyond.
Safe Space follows numerous protocols that are proven to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
One of the symptoms of COVID-19 and other influenza viruses is a fever. We conduct temperature checks on staff before they enter events; anyone with an elevated temperature is sent home to rest.
Because COVID-19 happily travels through and often lingers in the air, we placed disinfectant misters in high-traffic areas, meeting rooms, guest rooms, elevators, and public restrooms. We also provide hand sanitizer stations throughout our building.
By now we’re all used to changes in traffic flow, including wider aisles, one-way aisles and controlled entry and exit doors. These measures have helped us manage the movement of people and cut down on crowded public areas.
Like many hospitability companies, we have always focused on keeping public areas clean. This year, we stepped up cleaning frequency to reduce the likelihood of germs and viruses lingering on surfaces. We also moved to a contactless clock for staff to use when punching in and out of work.
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, masks are proven to cut down on the transmission of virus particles. They are required for staff, meeting attendees and guests. Forgot yours? We provide a mask to anyone who needs one.
Space matters! For seminars, workshops and other education sessions at our facilities, seating is 6’ apart, and we encourage all meeting attendees and staff to maintain distance measures outside of meeting rooms. Plexiglass shields are installed at registration desks, and we offer touchless check-in at the front desk for guest rooms.
COVID-19 doesn’t love the great outdoors, but we do. We encourage event planners to use our properties’ outdoor spaces for better social distancing and to take advantage of the sun’s natural disinfecting ability.
Food and beverage service has been completely re-thought. Whenever possible, we use no-contact and pre-packaged meals, snacks and coffee service.
To learn more about our health and safety measures, please contact us!
As the holiday season fast approaches us, many of us will take the time to reflect upon things we are grateful for. For many, the pandemic has shed light on being thankful for what we have, big and small, from our health, family, and fortune, to simple things like sending our kids back to school or watching a movie someplace other than your couch.
Here are a few out of the box ways to give back to your community this holiday season:
Read MoreAs the holiday season fast approaches us, many of us will take the time to reflect upon things we are grateful for. For many, the pandemic has shed light on being thankful for what we have, big and small, from our health, family, and fortune, to simple things like sending our kids back to school or watching a movie someplace other than your couch.
Here are a few out of the box ways to give back to your community this holiday season:
Lace Up Tis the season for 5ks, turkey trots, and fun walks. Check out a local running website and search for races in your area. Pick a race fundraiser for a specific cause or group that resonates with you and show up on race day knowing you’re benefiting your health and a great cause! Our team in New York participated in a Veterans' Day 5K recently to show support for all those who served.
Signed, Sealed, and Delivered A handwritten note or card can go along way. Call a local nursing home and ask for a list of residents (phone calls work, too!) or visit Support Our Troops to send a letter or card to a deployed solider. A heart felt message, funny joke, or “happy holidays” goes a long way this time of year (or any!).
Serve it Up at the Food Pantry Volunteering at your local food pantry is another great way to give back. Whether serving meals, delivering groceries, or sorting and packaging donated goods, food pantries are a wonderful place to help keep community spirits high.
Furry Friends Our furry friends need loving, too! Visit your local animal shelter to offer a helping hand. Most shelters are short staffed and looking for help walking dogs, cleaning cages, or even playing with the animals. This is a great activity for the whole family, so get your kiddos involved!
Donation Boxes Look for donation boxes in grocery stores, malls, and parking lots. Each shopping trip drop a few non-perishable food items, pieces of clothing, or old toys you can part with. Over the course of the holiday season, you will be surprised what an impact you can have on the local community.
One of FLIK Hospitality Group's core values is around volunteerism and giving back. Read more about why this is so important to our associates here: What Makes FLIK Tick: On Volunteering & Giving Back
Step aside Grinch! Holiday events are back.
Of course, things look different this year than they did in 2019, but we like to think that different is better. Here are the 10 big holiday event trends for 2021 that we’re most excited about:
Read MoreThis biggest trend for holiday events in 2021 is “small” - but definitely not boring! In fact, small is being interpreted in many creative ways:
Some holiday parties are limited to 30-50 people for a more intimate, comfortable experience. Some are reducing venue capacity to 50% to allow plenty of space for mingling and conversations, but without the jostling. One of the most interesting trends is progressive parties with different events, food and drinks spread throughout the venue.
Large companies that typically fly in employees for a massive national gathering are scaling back to local events. Like “small,” “local” can mean different things: parties by team, office or metro area.
COVID numbers are constantly changing, so expect event safety guidelines to change as well. Areas with low positive test rates or daily new cases may not require proof of vaccination. However, for many events that are being held indoors, proof of vaccination will be required.
The Roaring Twenties was marked by dramatic social and political change and the collective relief that the Spanish flu pandemic was largely over. People were ready to party, which definitely helps explain why a Roaring Twenties theme is so popular right now.
Those who are relishing the chance to celebrate this year are going all out. Venue decorations will be bigger, bolder and more dramatic than ever. Think eye-popping tablescapes, maximalist decor and nontraditional color palettes.
People are excited to mark the occasion of once again celebrating with friends and colleagues in person. Forget the photo booth - fabulous holiday décor can provide a festive backdrop for selfies and group photos.
Fun is the name of the game, making your entertainment choice even more important than usual. A cover band, magician, mentalist and/or comedian will keep people engaged and laughing, turning your holiday event into a truly memorable one.
Sit-down holiday dinners are not returning to the holiday party scene - not yet, anyway. Passed hors d'oeuvres, food stations with fully composed small plates and custom bottled beverages that match the holiday theme are all on-trend this year. Cheese and charcuterie boxes are especially beautiful - and popular.
Though sustainability is not a new trend, more and more companies are doing everything they can to keep waste to a minimum. If “real” plates, glasses and utensils aren’t being used, expect to see their compostable counterparts. Also look for more seasonal, locally sourced products on the menu and recycling stations in the venue.
Integrating a donation element to your holiday party has gone beyond collecting canned goods for a local food bank. Ask your employees what local causes they’d like to support. Hold a company-wide vote and collect donations to the two or three organizations that your employees are most dedicated to. Your company can also offer to match donations up to a certain amount.
There are so many wonderful local businesses to support. When curating employee gifts or “goody bags” for your holiday event party-goers, skip the massive retailers and research options right in your own backyard. (If you want to place a large order, make sure your local retailer can fulfill it first!)
With 17,000 square feet of meeting space, Kellogg Conference Hotel Capitol Hillis equipped to host a smaller, more intimate event with plenty of space to spread out.
Contact us today to discuss your upcoming holiday event with our outstanding team of meeting planners.
The Bottom-Line
What you eat today, impacts your immunity tomorrow (well, many tomorrows from now). And don’t count on supplement powders, pills, drinks, or gummies to give your immunity a boost.
Read MoreWhat you eat today, impacts your immunity tomorrow (well, many tomorrows from now). And don’t count on supplement powders, pills, drinks, or gummies to give your immunity a boost.
Our immune system is our body’s active defense against pathogens. Its job is to recognize harmful intruders, work to remove them, and keep a memory so if the same intruder returns, it can be better at eliminating it. Immune cells come from precursors in bone marrow and develop into mature cells. They are found all over the body, including, skin, bone marrow, bloodstream, thymus, lymphatic system, lymph nodes, spleen, and mucosal tissues. Specialized immune hubs are found in mucosal tissue in the small intestine that work with the gut’s microbiota. It’s no wonder why it is so important to eat plenty of fiber-filled, prebiotic-rich plants to keep the gut healthy and maintain a ship-shape immune system.
The foods we eat provide our body with nutrients - the building blocks of immune cells. Nutrients also regulate our body’s cellular response to build more immune cells as they’re needed. Therefore, nutrient inadequacy hinders our immune function. Consuming adequate amounts of the necessary nutrients to support immune function is a long-term game: fill your plate with more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, beans, seeds, nuts, and spices year-round, not just during “cold season”. Eat an orange, red bell peppers, or strawberries every week to maintain vitamin C status, not just when you have the sniffles.
A weakened immune system and slowed immune response are part of the natural aging process. Obesity contributes to a similar reduced immune function as seen with aging (referred to as “accelerated aging”). While we can’t do anything about aging, we can do quite a lot to maintain a healthy weight or lose excess weight – in turn reducing our risk or the progression of obesity, respectively. The right food choices promote immune function and a healthy weight pattern.
Support your immune system with a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and daily exercise. Assess your overall meal patterns. Are there any areas for improvement? Are you getting your 5-7 servings of colorful fruits and vegetables each day? While that may sound like a lot, most servings are just ½ cup. Are you eating enough calories? An extremely low-calorie diet makes it difficult to meet nutrient needs, and nutrient deficiencies may suppress the immune system. Are you staying hydrated? Aim for 6-8 cups a day and observe your urine color to gauge hydration status throughout the day. Are you eating enough fiber? Aim for 25-30 grams per day, preferably from natural food sources like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, to keep your gut in good shape.
Did you miss in-person events? We sure did, and we know a lot of our clients did, too. Meetings on Zoom just aren’t the same as face-to-face interactions, especially when building long-term relationships.
Read MoreDid you miss in-person events? We sure did, and we know a lot of our clients did, too. Meetings on Zoom just aren’t the same as face-to-face interactions, especially when building long-term relationships.
If you agree, you are in good company. According to Localist, three-quarters of their clients are holding in-person events this fall. Similarly, Bizzabo recently found 85% of leaders and executives identify in-person events as critical to their company’s success.
Of course, it’s important to take into consideration local COVID conditions and mandates before holding an event in person. Conditions are constantly changing (thanks Delta), so be sure to have a Plan B in place in case local spread and case numbers rise.
Besides an engaging agenda, plenty of time for networking, and a positive atmosphere, plan on adding safety precautions to ensure your in-person event is successful. An experienced meeting planner and/or venue can help you set these up.
Let everyone - attendees, employees, sponsors, and vendors - know what you are doing to keep everyone safe during the event. When you share the agenda, share the safety precautions too. This will go a long way in providing peace of mind.
Unless your entire event is taking place outside, keeping attendees and employees safe and healthy is critical to a successful event. Requiring a proof of a negative COVID test or vaccination test is becoming common at event check-in and is a strategy worth adopting.
Wearing a mask can go a long way in ensuring everyone feels comfortable. You can even turn it into a branding opportunity. Offer masks at check-in that feature your company’s and/or a sponsor’s logo.
Set up hand sanitizer at check-in, information desks, and entrances to meeting rooms. You can also hand out individual containers of sanitizer or place one at each seat (yes, this is another branding opportunity!)
To arrange seat, whether it’s rounds, classroom, U shape, or theater, it’s helpful to create a gridded floor plan. If each grid equals six feet, you can more easily calculate how many people will comfortably (and safely) fit in each room.
Touchless technology is your friend. Consider incorporating touchless payment options (like Apple Pay) and mobile tickets that can be easily scanned.
There’s more than one way to grab and go. You can work with your venue to make pre-packaged grab-and-go meals available to all attendees. Or you can set aside an hour for lunch and provide attendees with nearby quick-service dining options.
The Kellogg Conference Hotel Capitol Hill is ready to host your next even. With 17,000 square feet of meeting space, Kellogg Conference Hotel Capitol Hill is equipped to host a safe, spread-out event for private corporations, government agencies, and educational institutions.
Our range of large, naturally lit, and spacious rooms have you covered. The Auditorium is equipped with broadcast-ready equipment and theater-style seating, while our beautiful Ballroom can accommodate numerous seating arrangements.
Contact us today to discuss your upcoming event with our outstanding team of meeting planners.
The cuisine across Hispanic cultures varies from country to country, but one dish is at the heart of numerous traditions and celebrations: tamales. Its rich and delicious history stretches back to 8000 BC. Read our blog post to learn more about this iconic dish.
Read MoreThe cuisine across Hispanic cultures varies from country to country, but one dish is at the heart of numerous traditions and celebrations: tamales. Its rich and delicious history stretches back to 8000 BC. Read our blog post to learn more about this iconic dish.
Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebrates the cultures and history of a kaleidoscope of people across more than 20 countries and 4 continents. Certainly, cuisine plays a tremendous role in this celebration. While the cuisine across Hispanic cultures varies from country to country, even region to region, there are many similarities too. One dish in particular seems to be at the heart of traditions and celebrations; it also happens to be a labor of love. That dish is tamales.
It is believed that tamales originated in Mesoamerica as early as 8000 BC with the indigenous Aztec and Mayan cultures and spread to the rest of Latin America. This calorie-dense, compact food source was easily portable while hunting, traveling or even feeding ancient armies.
No matter where you are, tamales have three main components: a dough, a filling, and a wrapping. The wonderful uniqueness of each culture shines through each of these elements.
In Mexico, believed to be one of the first places to make tamales, the dough is made of dried corn called masa. While corn-based dough is the most common, the thickness of the dough and they type of corn varies. For example, in the Andes, tamales are called humitas and they use fresh corn instead of dried to make their dough. In Guatemala, the masa surrounding the filling is thinner than in other countries.
The flavor profile and contents of the tamale fillings provide the greatest variety among different cultures and can even change within a culture based on holidays. In Venezuela, tamales are called Hallacas and have a sweet and savory filling of meat, raisins, capers and olives. They are a traditional part of Christmas and New Year’s meals. A similar filling is found in Guatemala. Costa Ricans fill their tamales with a fairly mild meat filling but serve them with a sweet and spicy sauce called salsa lizano.
The name tamale is derived from the Aztec word tamalli meaning “wrapped food” and the wrapper plays a fundamental role in the cooking process. Availability and resourcefulness likely determined what wrapper each tamale would be cooked in. In Mexico tamales are wrapped and steamed in corn husks. On many of the Caribbean islands like Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, tamales, called Pasteles, are wrapped in banana leaves and boiled instead of steamed. In Costa Rica and Guatemala tamales, are wrapped in plantain leaves.
Regardless of where they are made, making and eating tamales is a time-honored tradition that is passed down through generations. It is a perfect example of how one food can reflect the cultures of so many.
The decisions, actions, and attitudes of our associates earn the trust and loyalty of our clients every day. We know how to pick them and we know how to grow them. It starts with hiring people who share our passion for food and hospitality. Once we find the right talent, we encourage, value, and recognize their contributions.
Read MoreThe decisions, actions, and attitudes of our associates earn the trust and loyalty of our clients every day. We know how to pick them and we know how to grow them. It starts with hiring people who share our passion for food and hospitality. Once we find the right talent, we encourage, value, and recognize their contributions.
We keep our people renewed, excited, and engaged by providing hands-on training and educating them about the latest trends. We give them a stake in successfully raising the bar. Our people love what they do and they love sharing their passion.
We recently chatted with our salaried and hourly associates to hear about what values they feel make a difference at FLIK and one common theme we heard was volunteerism.
Check out what our associates had to say:
"The greatest moment of work is volunteering at many locations [throughout New England including] New England Center and Home for Veterans, Rosie's Place, and the Greater Boston Food Bank. This is a fraction of the time, but gratitude for my colleagues is duly needed.
"We started a [client] toy drive [with FLIK] and had a great turn out! We are very fortunate that we are all still working, so to PAY IT FORWARD we’ve collected toys from our team members throughout the NJ region to benefit the families affected by COVID. Toys were donated to a NJ charity. I am very proud to be working with such an amazing group of people!"
"My proudest moment was when we all took a Saturday to help build a house for the program Habitat for Humanity. Of course, it was the hottest day in August and we scored big points that day in team building!"
Built upon the principles of great food, great service, and great people, FLIK Hospitality Group truly prides itself on the unique opportunities for growth and development we provide each and every one of our associates. For the last 50 years, we've put our people first. Our team brings their best to work each and every day.
We're proud to serve you and it shows.
Looking for a family-friendly adventure to get out of the house this summer? Take a trip to the local farmer's market and meet the farmers!
Read MoreLooking for a family-friendly adventure to get out of the house this summer? Take a trip to the local farmer's market and meet the farmers!
Get to know what each of your farmers is growing and what makes their products different. Here are a few suggested questions to ask your local farmer.
Find out what's in season this month and what might be coming later in the summer.
Buy something that you've never seen in the local grocery store before and ask for recommendations on how to enjoy it at home.
Looking for more eco-friendly tips to implement at home? Don't forget to check out our post on starting your own home compost in Summer Camp Series: In the Garden.
Looking for more eco-friendly tips to implement at home?
Don't forget to check out our post on starting your home compost in Summer Camp Series: In the Garden.
And stop by Julie's Pantry to check out some of our eco-friendly gift boxes and sustainable items to help your next visit to the farmer's market like our signature reusable tote. Our favorite box is the Market Envy!
Joining us on this virtual summer camp adventure? Don't forget to show off your trip to the farmer's market on Instagram! Tag @flikhospitality in your creations and use the hashtag #FLIKatHome all summer in your creative and delicious creations
Summer has always been a popular time for weddings but 2020 there was a major lack of weddings thanks to Covid. Many brides and grooms were forced to reschedule or cancel their nuptials during the pandemic.
Read MoreSummer has always been a popular time for weddings but 2020 there was a major lack of weddings thanks to Covid. Many brides and grooms were forced to reschedule or cancel their nuptials during the pandemic.
Many rescheduled for the 2021 season and now that season is upon on. With venues reopening and more people getting vaccinated, some couples have decided to move forward with their wedding plans. Those who have been waiting are not looking for a small ceremony either. They want the lavish wedding that they have been putting off.
We are also seeing a decrease in engagement times for some couples. After the shock of the lock down, people are eager to celebrate their special day with friends and family and are worried about the threat of a second lockdown. In 2019 the average length of an engagement was 15 months, in 2021 that time has been shaved down to 13 months.
All these rearrangements have led to a very busy 2021 wedding season. Venues are being booked for every day of every weekend. Photographers and caterers are also feeling the pressure. Many are hiring additional help from freelancers to meet the demand.
If you are looking to book your DC wedding, contact Kellogg Conference Hotel Capitol Hill today!
