Planner grapples with fatal food allergy reaction at event

The recent death of a social media influencer from an allergic reaction at a brand event has sparked discussions about the duty of care within the event professional community.

Disney influencer Dominique Brown, 34, died on December 5 at an event hosted by retailer and frequent Disney collaborator BoxLunch after noticing the lack of black women on Disney’s social media platforms , co-founded the Black Girl Disney social media platform. Los Angeles. According to reports in publications such as The GuardianBrown has a severe peanut allergy and is convinced the allergen is not a component of the food she eats. She reportedly felt ill after eating the food and died shortly after.

The news led a number of event organizers, including Shameka Jennings, MTA, CMP, DES, CAE, Chief Events Officer at EventsNoire, to speak out on LinkedIn about the role event planners play in taking attendee health concerns seriously .

“It is with deep sadness, anger and disappointment that I think of the recent avoidable death of an event attendee due to a food allergy,” she wrote. “This tragedy is a stark reminder that the event profession Personnel have a significant responsibility in safeguarding the health and well-being of event attendees.”

Jennings noted that dietary needs are not optional but essential, and he emphasized the importance of transparency in sharing detailed menus with event attendees. “I have uploaded detailed menus into the conference app, including food information in the slides, and worked closely with the caterer and venue to ensure every ingredient was considered,” Jennings wrote. “Clear labelling, informed staff and careful planning are the minimum requirements.” It’s worth noting that the FDA only requires ingredient labels on packaged foods, not on food served at restaurants or events, which is entirely up to Event organizers liaise closely with the event catering team and inform attendees of potential allergens.

Jennings said emergency plans are also a must if a medical incident occurs on site, including “trained first responders on site with epinephrine readily available” and taking attendees seriously when they express concerns, she wrote. “Taking immediate action can save lives.”

Casey Gale is the author of “ held.

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