Managing Nutrition and Stress

Managing Nutrition by Wendy Dickerman

Pandemic Pounds? You are not alone!

Stress (especially from the pandemic) has impacted everyone in one way or another, and the hospitality industry is no exception. From shutdowns to partial openings to masks, sanitizing, day-to-day changes, virtual conferencing with learning curves and virtual platform rules and regulations to layoffs, furloughs or even complete job loss and businesses closing down.

So, what do we do with all of that stress? Let’s start by talking about nutrition and stress.

Many people have turned to food for comfort throughout the pandemic. It makes sense. When we were babies, we would cry when we were uncomfortable. Our caretakers would feed us and hold us, assuring us that everything would be all right. We had an innate appetite regulator. We would stop eating when we felt full and, if we ate too much, we may have spit up the excess. Once babies start eating solid foods, though, all bets are off.

Bread making and craft beer brewing in our garage are not the healthiest outlets for stress. Sure, it is learning a new skill, but when comfort turns to excess the result often can be those pandemic pounds piling up. Now we are putting ourselves at risk for heart disease, diabetes, at least 6 types of cancer (colon, breast, esophageal, stomach, pancreas, gall bladder and more) and inflammatory conditions.

Clients in my practice have gained anywhere from 5 to 60 pounds since March of 2020. So, what are some healthier outlets for stress management?

HERE ARE A FEW SUGGESTIONS.

Breathing: Yes, breathing. Try this really quick - breathe in deeply through your nose to the count of four, then exhale slowly through your mouth to the count of seven. Do this as many times in a row as you need to in order to feel the effect. (I use my fingers to count - we have them for a reason, after all). This produces an immediate drop in blood pressure and also provides a calming effect - with no added calories. Mind/Body Practice: Consider taking a Yoga, Qigong, Tai Chi or Melt class. There are many offerings free on YouTube, or your own gym may offer virtual classes or limited number of participants in-person. It is so worth it. YOU are so worth it. Even stretching your body before bed each night is helpful.

Develop or Resume a Fitness Routine: It can be as simple as walking for 30-minutes every morning or every evening. The key is to do this consistently. Walking (especially outdoors) has been shown to decrease dementia/Alzheimer’s risk, too, and helps us to work through issues on our mind.

Connect with Other People: Call your friends, family members or a therapist. Connect with your community or faith-based organization.

Fill Up on Healthy Foods: Learn some healthy cooking techniques, try new recipes that focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains. See a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for guidance (many medical insurers cover several visits - some even virtually).

Take a Break from the News: Try not watching the news for a few days, disconnect from social media, and limit screen time. The bombardment of news involving traumatic events can be overwhelming.

Get Enough Sleep: Aim to get 7- to 9-hours of sleep each night. Sleep is critical for metabolism, rest and repairing your body.

Avoid Drugs and Alcohol: These may seem to help at times, but even 1 or 2 drinks can factor into sleep disturbance, and the additional calories can lead to weight gain (not to mention potential for additional problems within your family and increased stress levels).

Wendy Dickerman, RD, LDN, co-owner of Advanced Nutrition Consultants, LLC, is a registered dietitian licensed in Pennsylvania with over 22 years of experience in the field of nutrition and dietetics. www.advancednutritionconsultants.com

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ARIZONA

Phoenix - Belinda Harvey has been named, Event Manager, Marketing Services for W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. in the Medical Product Division and is based in Chadds Ford, PA.

DELAWARE

Newark - Donielle Haughton has joined the Courtyard by Marriott Newark – University of Delaware Hotel as their new Director of Sales.

MARYLAND

Flintstone - Golden Entertainment, Inc. announced the addition of hospitality industry veteran, Brian Kurtz, as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Rocky Gap Casino Resort. In his new role, Brian oversees resort operations and further positions Rocky Gap as a leading casino and resort in Maryland.

Ocean City - Judy Wilbur has been named as Market Director of Sales for Real Hospitality Group's Delmarva beach properties.

NEW JERSEY

Haddonfield – The Partnership for Haddonfield’s has named Michael Marciante as their new Executive Director. The Partnership for Haddonfield is the management corporation for Haddonfield's Business Improvement District. Michael brings a background of event production, marketing and communication management and being proactive in fostering positive relationships with the Downtown Haddonfield businesses and community leaders.

PENNSYLVANIA

Blue Bell - Christine Jusino has been named Director of Corporate Sales for Normandy Farm Hotel & Conference Center.

King of Prussia - Emily Krall has been promoted to Executive Director of Special Events for The American College of Financial Services.

King of Prussia - After almost two years of overcoming obstacles, the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board announced a few staff promotions. “Through challenges, it’s always so encouraging to see great leaders step up, and that calls for acknowledging the amazing employees at the VFTCB,” said Mike Bowman, President & CEO. Rachel Riley has been promoted to Associate Vice President of Communications, Justine Garbarino moves up to Associate Vice President of Marketing and Emily Keel has been promoted to Content Coordinator.

Philadelphia - Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia recently named Beth Koenig as Events Sales Manager. Beth joins Live! from Schulson Collective, where she served as director of events and has extensive events experience in the Philadelphia area, holding positions at Starr Catering Group, Garces Events, Catering by Design, and Feast Your Eyes Catering.

Philadelphia - Emily Nichols has joined Marketplace PHL, the private partner with the City of Philadelphia of the PHL Food & Shops program within the Philadelphia International Airport as Assistant General Manager

Philadelphia - Danielle Fisher has been named, Catering Sales Manager for the Garces Group at the Kimmel Center.

Philadelphia - The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau announced that Nik Pereira will join the organization as Vice President of Sales. A 20-year veteran of the hospitality industry, Nik will lead the sales team in achieving the organization’s meeting and convention booking goals through strategic planning and client relationship building.

Also, at PHLCVB, Brian Lafferty has been named as the new Partnership Specialist and Michelle Davis has been appointed Digital Media Specialist.

Wayne - Gulph Creek Hotels has named Mahim Sharma as its Regional Vice President of Operations. In this new role, Mahim will provide guidance and support for the Operations teams in the New Jersey, New York, and Florida regions.

Mary-Ann Urbanovich, MS, CMP-HC, and Heather Seasholtz, CMP, DES, have won the prestigious Events Industry Council (EIC) 2021 Global Award for Adaptation and Innovation for the PCA course that is presented as a 3-hour webinar to prepare meeting industry personnel to function under pandemic protocols and restrictions. Mary-Ann is a Meeting Planner in the pharmaceutical and life sciences sector; Heather is the Director, Americas Operations, Drug Information Association (DIA)

VIRGINIA

Virginia Beach - Virginia Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau announced its selections for two premier leadership positions. Nancy Helman is the new Director and Lauren Townsend was named Vice-President of Marketing and Communications.

WASHINGTON, DC

Teneo Hospitality Group has named veteran hotel and group meetings sales executive Scott White as Director of Sales. As a part of Teneo’s Washington, DC office, Scott will support the company’s efforts to serve the vital association and corporate meetings market in the Mid-Atlantic region.

townsend White

Around Th

HISTORIC FAIRMOUNT WATER WORKS FLOATING WORKSHOP

Philadelphia, PA - The Fund for the Water Works was a $3-million recipient of a Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant to develop The Floating Water Workshop.

“The Floating Water Workshop will be an innovative, meaningful addition to Pennsylvania’s civic, recreational, educational, and environmental communities. Our region is incredibly fortunate to have abundant clean water and rich ecosystems thanks to the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, but there are few safe opportunities for people to enjoy being on our rivers,” according to Fairmount Water Works Executive Director Karen Young. “The Workshop will redefine the surface of Philadelphia’s rivers as a space for safe public access where participants can explore ecological complexity while developing a community environmental ethic through stewardship and personal action.”

The proposed design features a 5,400-square foot dynamic learning space that would rest on the Schuylkill River, connecting to the east bank and Schuylkill River Trail using two gangways just south of the historic Fairmount Water Works site. The Workshop will be a learning laboratory of hands-on STEAM-based (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) engagement for people of all ages using current environmental education strategies, technology, and creativity.

In addition, the Workshop space will be open for walk-on visitation and feature special performances and events.

WWW.FAIRMOUNTWATERWORKS.ORG

UNIQUE IMMERSIVE THEMED ART EXPERIENCES

Cityneon Holdings recently announced a partnership with Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment to produce two new, unique global touring themed art experiences slated to launch in 2023.

Audiences around the globe will be able to engage in an all-new way with their favorite Super Heroes and the beloved Wizarding World through immersive themed art environments. Both experiences will fuse cutting-edge media, sound, and technology together to create a truly sensorial visitor experience.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Cityneon on these two new cuttingedge immersive themed art experiences,” said Peter van Roden, SVP Warner Bros. Themed Entertainment. “Each of the new experiences will help us further continue to reach our DC and Wizarding World fans with fresh, innovative and immersive experiences where guests can interact with the franchises like never before.”

WWW.CITYNEONGROUP.COM / WWW.WARNERBROS.COM

he Region

ASAE’S TEC 21

WASHINGTON, DC - MORE THAN 560 ASSOCIATION AND INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS PARTICIPATED IN ASAE’S TECHNOLOGY EXPLORATION CONFERENCE (TEC 21) THIS PAST DECEMBER, WHICH UTILIZED A COMBINATION OF VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON PROGRAMMING.

TEC 21 INCLUDED A FULLY-VIRTUAL DEMO DAY FOR TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS, A VIRTUAL LEARNING DAY, AND FACETO-FACE LEARNING AT THE GRAND HYATT WASHINGTON HOTEL.

“ASAE’S GOAL WITH TEC 21 WAS TO GIVE ASSOCIATION PROFESSIONALS AND TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS OPTIONS TO CHOOSE THE TYPE OF ENGAGEMENT THAT BEST SUITED THEIR NEEDS,” SAID ASAE PRESIDENT AND CEO MICHELLE MASON. “TEC 21 PROVES THAT AN OMNI-CHANNEL APPROACH TO MEMBER ENGAGEMENT IS A CRITICAL WAY FOR ASAE TO DELIVER VALUE TO ITS STAKEHOLDERS.”

ASAECENTER.ORG

ISLAND WATERPARK GROUNDBREAKING AT SHOWBOAT ATLANTIC CITY

Atlantic City, NJ - Showboat Atlantic City broke ground for its anticipated family entertainment venue - ISLAND waterpark. This new family-friendly entertainment venue will complement Showboat’s 100,000-square foot Lucky Snake arcade and sports bar.

The 103,000-square foot indoor waterpark will feature water slides, swimming pools and a lazy river, along with food and beverage and retail outlets, lounge areas and party rooms. A retractable glass-pane roof will cover the entire project to make it a year-round destination. ISLAND waterpark will be the largest beachfront indoor waterpark in the world.

DESTINATIONS INTERNATIONAL'S 2022 EVENT SCHEDULE

Washington, DC - Destinations International, the world’s largest resource for official destination organizations and convention and visitors bureaus (CVBs), announced their 2022 event schedule, all of which are planned to be inperson with registration opening in 2022.

“Every year our association offers educational opportunities for destination organization professionals around the world with an Annual Convention and discipline-focused summits,” said Don Welsh, President and CEO of DI. “Never has the in-person experience been more important as we evolve with the pandemic. We know nothing can replace face-to-face meetings and we are looking forward to getting our industry back together with these in-person educational and networking opportunities.”

WWW.DESTINATIONSINTERNATIONAL.ORG

Around The Region

AC SERVES UP THE WORLD’S LARGEST INDOOR PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT

Atlantic City, NJ - The Atlantic City Sports Commission, in partnership with Pickleball Entertainment Consultants, LLC, announced that the Atlantic City Convention Center will serving as the host site for the Atlantic City Pickleball Open Indoor Championships on September 19-24, 2022. Atlantic City expects to welcome more than 10,800 athletes and spectators for this event.

The Atlantic City Pickleball Open Indoor Championship has signed a three-year deal to hold the event in Atlantic City through 2024. “Pickleball is a fast-growing sport across the country, and we are fortunate enough to host this premier sporting event here in Atlantic City for the first time,” said Meet AC and Atlantic City Sports Commission President and CEO Larry Sieg.

www.atlanticcitypickleballopen.com

WINTER IN FRANKLIN SQUARE

Philadelphia, PA - Historic Philadelphia, Inc. (HPI), the non-profit organization that manages and operates Franklin Square, presents new additions to the venue's sparkling lights and winter magic now through February. Visitors can celebrate the magic of the season both day and night in festive Franklin Square, with evening activities beginning at 5:00 p.m. each evening.

Winter in Franklin Square presented by Citizens features the Electrical Spectacle Light Show presented by PECO daily through February 27, 2022. In addition, enjoy Franklin’s Winter View, operated by Cescaphe, with outdoor fire pits and an indoor heated tent featuring adult and hot beverages and seasonal food.

“Historic Philadelphia, Inc. is excited to bring the sparkle this winter in Franklin Square, which wouldn’t be possible without our partners and sponsors who support us on many levels,” said President and CEO of Historic Philadelphia, Inc., Amy Needle. “With plenty of room for everyone, we look forward to celebrating the best the season has to offer.”

LA CUCINA AT THE MARKET

November 23, 2021 – Philadelphia, PA – Around 40 hospitality industry professionals descended upon La Cucina at the Market for a festive evening featuring an exclusive, interactive culinary experience. Chef Anna Maria Florio showcased a fabulous hands-on experience featuring holiday foods & drink.

Photo Credit: Mario Oliveto Photography

Neoshie Giles, University of PA

EXPO! EXPO! IAEE’S CELEBRATED RETURN TO FACE-TO-FACE

December 7 - 9, 2021 Philadelphia, PA – The International Association of Exhibitions and Events® brought together 1,284 industry professionals representing 12 countries at this year’s IAEE’s Annual Meeting & Exhibition.

“It was very satisfying to be able to hold an in-person Expo! Expo! this year in addition to our online experience,” said IAEE President and CEO David DuBois, CMP, CAE, FASAE, CTA. “It was important to us to meaningfully contribute to the industry’s renaissance, and the support from attendees was uplifting and inspiring.”

Preconference activities included the opening reception held at the Reading Terminal Market which featured an array of culinary offerings from vendors at one of America’s oldest and largest public markets.

The Expo! Expo! show floor, which featured 188 exhibitors was also home to three education theatres and live-streamed exhibitor mobile sessions.

Keynote speaker Torin Perez closed the first day's session by inspiring attendees to push for greater diversity, equity and inclusion, not only in the professional setting but in their personal spaces as well. He challenged audience members to be the change they want to see and provided guidance on how to go about that.

The final session concluded with an industry panel on what the exhibitions and events industry can expect in the coming year as it continues to recover. Facilitated by Rachel Wimberly, Executive Vice President of Business Development for Tarsus U.S., panelists included Michael Clarke, CMP, Director of B2B Programs and Events in the U.S. and Canada for Marriott International; Adam Sacks, President of Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics Company; and Megan Tanel, CEM, Incoming President of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM).

Larry Sieg and Sandi Harvey of Meet AC Rachel Dailey and Megan Tomlinson of Valley Forge Tourism Convention Board surround Sharon Myers of the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Russell Kice, Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority

MASAE

December 8-10, 2021 – Atlantic City, NJ – MASAE held their Annual Conference at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Two comprehensive days of learning, idea sharing, and networking. “This year’s theme, Onward. Upward, Sideways, focuses attention on what we’ve learned, sharing perspective with peers, and building a blueprint for the future” Gene S. Terry, MASAE President.

The Conference started off with a CEO Dinner Discussion for senior Association Executives: How Will Tomorrow’s Board Member Be Different? The following day started with the Welcome Reception then the MASAE Business Meeting & Presentation of Awards. Session topics included: Predictions: Association Meetings, What’s Next? And Maximizing Revenue For the Hybrid. The last day of the Conference began with breakfast and exhibits then the Opening Keynote: Learning with the Future: Continued Commitment to Foresight – (Anticipatory Learning). Session topics that day included: Don’t Overlook the Obvious: Safety & Site Selection and We Recognize the Value and Importance of DE&I in Our Association! Now What? Photo Credit: Wise Owl Multimedia

Mindy Grote with Wind Creek Bethlehem

Katie Haig and Kevin Dugan with Refined Hospitality Patty Conroy with Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa

Pam Chamberlain and Vicki Caprio - Menniti with Resorts Casino Atlantic City Lindsay Groff, Evergreen Association Management and Christa Adkins, YPO Philadelphia

Gene Terry of Association Headquarters and Leslie Teris, Talley Management Group

NACE

December 14, 2021 – Philadelphia, PA – Over 130 attendees descended upon the iconic Reading Terminal Market after hours to celebrate 2021 and bring in 2022 with members of NACE Greater Philadelphia / South Jersey / Delaware Chapter at their Annual Holiday and Awards Party!

Awards were given out for those who built the chapter, kept the momentum going and special Industry Hero Awards were given to those members of PEPP (Private Event Professionals of Pennsylvania) along with ILEA Philadelphia, Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association, Visit Delco, PA, PRLA (Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association) and Mid-Atlantic Events Magazine for their continuing involvement to keep the event industry visible and alive.

Sponsors included: All About Events, BVT Live!, Reading Terminal Market, Molly Malloy’s, PA General Store, Yards Brewing Company, Allure Films, Classic Events by Lauren, Philip Gabriel Photography, Choice Party Linens, Bobby Morganstein Events, Tito’s Vodka, Marilyn Sukonick-Zeff, Xtraordinary Events, ONEHOPE, Legacy Everlasting Booths, and Ambient Event Group.

Photo Credit: Philip Gabriel Photography

Domenick and Kim Savino from the Drexelbrook along with Amanda and John Serock of John Serock Catering Marley Alig, Compass One, Aemi Kenselaar of FROST 321, Richard Portney, The Farmhouse at People's Light and Tim Sudall, Allure Films

NACE Founding members Hy Goldberg of Safian & Rudolph Jewelers and family Sarah Zaun and the All About Events Team

Jon Ardito of Jon Ardito Entertainment, Kate Frey, Duportail House, Terri Fair, Catering by Design, and Cindy Bene with Harry's Hospitality Group

Phyllis Jablonowski and Julia Jablonowski from Eventricity with Vito Russo of Xtraordinary Events

Industry Hero Award winners, Steve Byrne, Visit Delco, PA, Ed Gross, GPHA, Jim Cohn, Mid Atlantic Events Magazine, Ben Fileccia, Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association, Phyllis Jablonowski, Eventricity, Domenick Savino, The Drexelbrook, Jeffrey Miller, Jeffrey A. Miller Catering, Tim Sudall, Allure Films, Suzanne Geyer, GPHA/Alta Management Services and Sarah Possenti, ILEA Greater Philadelphia