What One Thing? A Meeting Planner's Guide to the Top of the Events World
Smart Meetings’ What One Thing podcast is your shortcut to the top of the events world. We interview savvy meeting planners, speakers and industry experts about the decisions that made all the difference in their lives and careers so you can take the fast track to your dreams.
Episodes
30 episodes
Impact 2.0: How IMEX Frankfurt Is Shaping the Future of Events
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 ...
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Season 3
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Episode 30
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12:00
No Beef, Big Impact: How IMEX is Redefining Sustainable Events
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 remo...
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Season 3
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Episode 29
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17:43
From Six Flags to CEO: The Power of Experience & Connection with Keith Alper
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....
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Season 3
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Episode 28
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29:28
Unlocking Joy: Secrets to Finding Happiness in Every Moment with Robin Shear
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 embra...
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Season 3
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Episode 27
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16:03
Building Bridges Through Meaningful Dialogue with Jess Pettitt
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...
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Season 3
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Episode 26
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36:25
Finding Common Ground and Shared Values with David Allison
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 leverag...
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Season 2
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Episode 25
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38:13
The Wellness Revolution: The Future of Wellness in Event with Sean Hoess and Kelly Cavers
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 Kell...
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Season 2
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Episode 24
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20:54
From Networking to Lasting Bonds: Practical Tips for Forging Authentic Connections with Kate Patay and Thuy Diep
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 ...
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Season 2
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Episode 23
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32:11
What One Thing? Safety First: Protecting Your Attendees and Your Event in a Risky World with Kevin Coffey
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 Coffe...
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Season 2
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Episode 22
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25:22
What One Thing? Crafting Culinary Experiences with Thomas Whelan: The Art of Feeding Thousands with Passion and Precision
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 direc...
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Season 2
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Episode 21
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38:16
What One Thing? Building a Better IMEX for 2024 with Carina Bauer
In this edition of What One Thing?, Smart Meetings chats with IMEX CEO Carina Bauer to discuss the lessons learned from IMEX Frankfurt that will inform IMEX America. Bauer highlights the success of their education program, frank discussions on ...
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Season 2
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Episode 20
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17:14
What One Thing? The Heart of Hospitality: Deborah Gardner on Building a Winning Mentality
In this episode of the What One Thing? Smart Meetings welcomes Deborah Gardner, a former swimming champion and performance expert known for her competitive mentality and dynamic presentations. Gardner shares her unique journey from cra...
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Season 2
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Episode 19
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27:42
What One Thing? Passion, Persistence, and Personal Branding: Insights from Event Strategist Edward Perotti
In this Episode of What One Thing? JT Long, vice president and content director, continues her conversation with interviews Edward Perotti, an experienced event strategist. Perotti discusses the importance of taking initiative, staying true to ...
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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17:22
What One Thing? The Importance of Demanding Tools for International Conferences with Geoff Freeman
In this episode of the "What One Thing" podcast, JT Long, Vice President and Content Director at Smart Meetings, sits down with Geoff Freeman from US Travel to discuss the crucial need for adequate tools to organize international conferences. T...
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Season 2
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Episode 17
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21:06
What One Thing? Exploring Impact and Innovations with IMEX CEO Carina Bauer on IMEX Frankfurt 2024
In this episode of "What One Thing," Smart Meetings interviews Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX, discussing the upcoming IMEX Frankfurt event. Bauer anticipates growth compared to previous years but notes that it may not reach the scale of IMEX Americ...
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Season 2
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Episode 16
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21:39
What One Thing? From Order-Taker to Strategist: Navigating the World of Event Planning with Edward Perotti
On this episode of What One Thing? JT Long, vice president and content director of Smart Meetings has an insightful conversation with Edward Perotti, an award-winning meeting designer and principle of EP Events and Experiences. With over 27 yea...
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Season 2
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Episode 15
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28:44
What One Thing? Empowering the Next Generation: Insights from Association Leadership with Michelle Mason
On this episode of What One Thing? Vice President and Content Director of Smart Meeting JT Long chats with President of ASAE, the Center for Association Leadership, Michelle Mason to discuss finding one's own path and purpose, th...
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Season 2
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Episode 14
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23:36
What One Thing? Elevating Event Experiences Through Luxury and Personalization with Neen James
In this episode of "What One Thing?" from Smart Meetings, JT Long, Vice President and Content Director at Smart Meetings, interviews keynote speaker, luxury expert and author, Neen James, about the intersection of luxury and event planning. The...
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Season 2
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Episode 13
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19:26
What One Thing? The Cure to the Busy Brain with Dr. Romie
On this episode of What One Thing? Smart Meeting's Vice President JT Long chats with Dr. Romila “Romie” Mushtaq on what constitutes a Busy Brain and best practices to cure a Busy Brain. Find out more about Dr. Romie here:
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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21:28
What One Thing? Finding Joy at Events with Jacques Martiquet The Party Scientist
On this episode of What One Thing? Smart Meeting's Vice President JT Long chats with The Party Scientist Jacques Martiquet to explore the concept of bringing joy to events, turning attendees from spectators into connectors and the impact of mov...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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22:24
What One Thing? Traveling Beyond the Stars with Ben Nemtin
On this episode of What One Thing Smart Meetings CEO and Founder Marin Bright is joined by Keynote Speaker and Author Ben Nemtin to discuss his storied accomplishments of creating a bucket list to attain his goals, finding purpose in life...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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17:48
What One Thing? IMEX 2023 Sneak Peek with Carina Bauer
On this special episode of What One Thing? Smart Meeting's Vice President, JT Long, sits down with IMEX Group CEO Carina Bauer to get a sneak peak in what is in store for attendees in Las Vegas on October 17-19.
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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13:58
What One Thing? Traveling for Good with Louise Bang
On this episode of What One Thing? Smart Meeting’s Vice President and Content Director JT Long sits down with Regional Vice President of Sales and Distribution for the Caribbean and Latin America at Marriott International Louise Bang to d...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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22:17
What One Thing? Considering Other People's Happiness with Lisa Messina
On this episode of What One Thing? Marin Bright, CEO and founder of Smart Meetings, is joined by Lisa Messina, chief sales officer of Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, to discuss her journey through the hospitality industry, leanin...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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20:37
What One Thing? Leaning into Uncertainty with Judi Holler
On this episode of What One Thing? Smart Meetings CEO and Founder Marin Bright is joined by Judi Holler, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and author of Fear is My Homeboy. Judi speaks on leaning into uncertainty, possibility, and fear. J...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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28:50
