What One Thing? A Meeting Planner's Guide to the Top of the Events World

EXPLORE

Society & Culture

Religion & Spirituality

© 2024 PodJoint

https://is1-ssl.mzstatic.com/image/thumb/Podcasts211/v4/fc/e3/9b/fce39b2c-8eb8-20fe-6b2f-ccb443b7f7db/mza_1487578694929924812.jpg/600x600bb.jpg

What One Thing? A Meeting Planner's Guide to the Top of the Events World

Smart Meetings

40 episodes

1 week ago

Send us a text Live from IMEX America, Smart Meetings’ What One Thing? podcast features candid conversations with three powerhouse leaders shaping the future of events. Mike Dominguez, president and CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels International, offers clear-eyed optimism about the meetings industry and urges planners to stay nimble, disciplined with their time and realistic about global change. Tracy Judge, founder and CEO of Soundings, shares how she transformed disruption into opportunity,...

Show more...

Entrepreneurship

All content for What One Thing? A Meeting Planner's Guide to the Top of the Events World is the property of Smart Meetings and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Send us a text Live from IMEX America, Smart Meetings’ What One Thing? podcast features candid conversations with three powerhouse leaders shaping the future of events. Mike Dominguez, president and CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels International, offers clear-eyed optimism about the meetings industry and urges planners to stay nimble, disciplined with their time and realistic about global change. Tracy Judge, founder and CEO of Soundings, shares how she transformed disruption into opportunity,...

Show more...

Entrepreneurship

Episodes (20/40)

What One Thing? A Meeting Planner's Guide to the Top of the Events World

Balancing Uncertainty, Innovation and Humanity: Lessons from IMEX America’s Visionaries

Send us a text Live from IMEX America, Smart Meetings’ What One Thing? podcast features candid conversations with three powerhouse leaders shaping the future of events. Mike Dominguez, president and CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels International, offers clear-eyed optimism about the meetings industry and urges planners to stay nimble, disciplined with their time and realistic about global change. Tracy Judge, founder and CEO of Soundings, shares how she transformed disruption into opportunity,...

1 month ago

49 minutes

What One Thing? A Meeting Planner's Guide to the Top of the Events World

Tough as a Mother: Redefining Ambition in Events

Send us a text In this episode of What One Thing?, Smart Meeting's VP, JT Long sits down with Justine Sterling Converse and April Zorsky, co-founders of Brigade Events, a woman-led agency redefining what it means to thrive in the events industry. From producing gatherings for presidents, first ladies and world leaders to orchestrating ultra-exclusive experiences for Fortune 500 executives, celebrities and athletes, Brigade has built its reputation on creativity, precision, and white-glove ser...

1 month ago

35 minutes

What One Thing? A Meeting Planner's Guide to the Top of the Events World

Your Guide to IMEX America 2025: Innovation, Impact and Connection in Las Vegas

Send us a text In this special episode of What One Thing? we take you behind the scenes of IMEX America 2025 in Las Vegas. First, Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group, shares insights on what is new this year, from AI-powered matchmaking tools and event design upgrades to ambitious sustainability goals such as achieving a 93% waste diversion rate. She also reflects on her leadership legacy and IMEX’s lasting impact on local and global communities. Next, Tahira Endean, head of program for IMEX, div...

3 months ago

34 minutes

What One Thing? A Meeting Planner's Guide to the Top of the Events World

Stop Shrinking: The Power of Owning Your Spark

Send us a text Smart Meetings vice president and content director JT Long sits down with powerhouse emcee and event strategist Devon Montgomery Pasha for an unforgettable conversation about authenticity, impact and the bold moment she stopped shrinking and chose to take up space. JT shares some exciting news: Devon will join What One Thing? as a future co-host. From managing stage nerves to navigating motherhood and career with intention, Devon opens up about the mentors who fueled her rise, ...

3 months ago

25 minutes

What One Thing? A Meeting Planner's Guide to the Top of the Events World

From Artist to Event Boss: Scaling Impact, Creativity and Confidence

Send us a text From classical violin gigs in Des Moines to scaling a multimillion-dollar event production empire, Natasha Miller's career journey is anything but ordinary. In this episode, the founder and CEO of Entire Productions joins Smart Meetings Vice President and Content Director JT Long to talk about her path from musician to entrepreneur, the power of self-education, how to claim a seat at the table, and how planners can use AI to amplify their value, not replace it. Get ready to ret...

4 months ago

24 minutes

What One Thing? A Meeting Planner's Guide to the Top of the Events World

Do It Scared: Betting Big and Building Community

Send us a text In this inspiring episode of What One Thing, Smart Women in Meetings award winner Shameka Jennings, chief events officer at Events Noire, shares how betting on herself—and doing it scared—became the foundation for a thriving career in impact-driven event strategy. Host JT Long sits down with Jennings to explore her journey from college campus events to building a successful business rooted in community, diversity, and purpose. She breaks down the IMPACT Approach she uses to des...

4 months ago

15 minutes

What One Thing? A Meeting Planner's Guide to the Top of the Events World

Career Lessons for Event Professionals: Leadership, Resilience and Growth

Send us a text In this episode of What One Thing, Smart Meetings' VP and editorial director, JT Long, sits down with Shawn Pierce, President of Strategic Events, Meetings & Incentives at MCI USA, to trace his extraordinary journey from humble beginnings on a Texas pig farm to leading a 130-person global team. Shawn shares the pivotal moment when a mentor saw potential in him that changed his life and how that spark of belief continues to fuel his passion for mentoring future leaders. The ...

5 months ago

21 minutes

What One Thing? A Meeting Planner's Guide to the Top of the Events World

Mentorship, Modernization and Member Value with Michelle Mason

Send us a text In this powerful episode of What One Thing?, Michelle Mason, president and CEO of ASAE and recipient of the Smart Women in Meetings Marin Bright Legacy Award, opens up about the leadership philosophy that shaped her journey: servant leadership. From humble beginnings and early mentorship from her mother to leading one of the most influential association organizations in the country, Mason shares what it takes to modernize a 100-year-old institution and reimagine its value for a...

5 months ago

18 minutes

What One Thing? A Meeting Planner's Guide to the Top of the Events World

Sustainability Meets Innovation in Toronto

Send us a text In this special live edition of What One Thing?, recorded at Smart Meetings’ Innovation Experience, we head north to explore what makes Toronto a world-class destination for meetings and events. Smart Meetings' editorial director and VP, JT Long, sits down with Romina Kwong, founder of Eco-Friendly Events, and Hailey Dawood, owner of The Idea Hunter, to talk sustainability, diversity and why curiosity may be the most underrated superpower in event planning. From using expired m...

5 months ago

22 minutes

What One Thing? A Meeting Planner's Guide to the Top of the Events World

Walking Through the Door: Real Talk on Allyship, Mentorship and Sponsorship

Send us a text What does it truly mean to be an ally—not just in title, but in everyday action? In this special episode of What One Thing?, we celebrate the inaugural Smart Allies cohort with candid conversations about leadership, mentorship, and advocacy. Leonard Hoops (President & CEO, Visit Indy), David Stevens (Co-founder, Olympian Meeting), and Mike May (President, Brightspot Incentives & Events) join host JT Long to unpack how allies go beyond lip service—walking people through ...

6 months ago

54 minutes

What One Thing? A Meeting Planner's Guide to the Top of the Events World

Impact 2.0: How IMEX Frankfurt Is Shaping the Future of Events

Send us a text In this episode of What One Thing?, Smart Meetings’ vice president and editorial director JT Long reconnects with Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group, for a second conversation about the upcoming IMEX Frankfurt 2025. Bauer shares insights into the surge in global demand despite geopolitical uncertainty and how IMEX Frankfurt prioritizes health, well-being and inclusivity through wellness rooms, mindful scheduling and accessibility initiatives. They also discuss efforts to nurture f...

6 months ago

12 minutes

What One Thing? A Meeting Planner's Guide to the Top of the Events World

No Beef, Big Impact: How IMEX is Redefining Sustainable Events

Send us a text In this episode of What One Thing, Smart Meetings VP and Content Director JT Long speaks with IMEX Group CEO Carina Bauer about bold sustainability lessons from IMEX Frankfurt 2024. Bauer shares how simple changes—like removing beef from menus and reordering vegetarian options—can dramatically influence attendee behavior. She explains how IMEX measures sustainability efforts using external consultants, carbon tracking platforms, and venue partnerships. The conversat...

7 months ago

17 minutes

What One Thing? A Meeting Planner's Guide to the Top of the Events World

From Six Flags to CEO: The Power of Experience & Connection with Keith Alper

Send us a text In this episode of What One Thing, Smart Meetings’ VP and Content Director JT Long interviews Keith Alper, CEO and chairman of Creative Producers Group. Alper is a veteran of marketing, branding, business strategy and event production. Alper shares his entrepreneurial journey, starting from childhood performances in his basement to launching his first business at 17 while working at Six Flags. He reflects on the influence of his early experiences in the entertainment indu...

8 months ago

29 minutes

What One Thing? A Meeting Planner's Guide to the Top of the Events World

Unlocking Joy: Secrets to Finding Happiness in Every Moment with Robin Shear

Send us a text In this episode of What One Thing, host JT Long, VP and editorial director of Smart Meetings, welcomes Robin Shear, founder of Joy to the World Coaching, to discuss the transformative power of joy. Shear shares how embracing joy can enhance personal and professional well-being when embraced even during life's toughest moments. She offers practical tips like the "feel-good score." She recounts spontaneous adventures, like a 10-hour trip for a deep-dish pizza, illustrating ...

9 months ago

16 minutes

What One Thing? A Meeting Planner's Guide to the Top of the Events World

Building Bridges Through Meaningful Dialogue with Jess Pettitt

Send us a text How can leaders lean into having meaningful conversations? In the latest discussion of What One Thing?, Smart Meetings' JT Long, vice president and content director, chats with Jess Pettitt, a keynote speaker, author and expert on navigating challenging conversations to improve workflow. Pettitt offers some helpful tips to give planners some starting steps in moving their team toward success. www.smartmeetings.com Hosted by: JT Long Produced and Edited by: Eming Piansay

10 months ago

36 minutes

What One Thing? A Meeting Planner's Guide to the Top of the Events World

Finding Common Ground and Shared Values with David Allison

Send us a text In this discussion of What One Thing?, JT Long, vice president and content director of Smart Meetings, chatted with David Allison, a human values expert and founder of the Value Graphics Research Company, to explore how planners can leverage insights into human behavior to understand their attendees better and create engaging events.

11 months ago

38 minutes

What One Thing? A Meeting Planner's Guide to the Top of the Events World

The Wellness Revolution: The Future of Wellness in Event with Sean Hoess and Kelly Cavers

Send us a text Are you integrating cryotherapy and IV drips in your events? On this episode of What One Thing? Smart Meetings' JT Long, vice president and content director, sat down with Sean Hoess, the co-founder of Eudemonia and Wanderlust Festival and Kelly Cavers, chief sales officer for The Palm Beaches, to explore what makes wellness events not only impactful but essential for meeting professionals looking to elevate their own conferences.

12 months ago

20 minutes

What One Thing? A Meeting Planner's Guide to the Top of the Events World

From Networking to Lasting Bonds: Practical Tips for Forging Authentic Connections with Kate Patay and Thuy Diep

Send us a text On this episode of What One Thing?, JT Long vice president and content director of Smart Meetings sits down with Kate Patay, vice president of global engagement for Terramar, and Thuy Diep senior meeting planner of CWT Meetings & Events to discuss the art of building meaningful connections. Listen in as they explore the differences between transactional and relational encounters. Patay and Diep share personal stories that highlight the power of empathy, storytellin...

1 year ago

32 minutes

What One Thing? A Meeting Planner's Guide to the Top of the Events World

What One Thing? Safety First: Protecting Your Attendees and Your Event in a Risky World with Kevin Coffey

Send us a text In this episode of What One Thing, a Smart Meetings podcast, host JT Long, vice president and content director of Smart Meetings, explores essential strategies for ensuring safety in an increasingly risky world. JT welcomes Kevin Coffey, a travel security and meeting risk advisor, who brings decades of expertise from his time as a detective with the Los Angeles Police Department's LAX Airport Crimes Investigation. Coffey shares critical steps and advice to help meeting planne...

1 year ago

25 minutes

What One Thing? A Meeting Planner's Guide to the Top of the Events World

What One Thing? Crafting Culinary Experiences with Thomas Whelan: The Art of Feeding Thousands with Passion and Precision

Send us a text If an event prof career life is a smorgasbord of hospitality job options, how do you decide what to put on your plate? We asked an award-winning F&B expert. In this episode of What One Thing? host JT Long, VP and content director of Smart Meetings, delves into the fascinating world of food and beverage with Thomas Whelan, director of operations for Levy Restaurants. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Whelan shares his journey from his early days in a ...

1 year ago

38 minutes