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

Send us a textIn 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.

Send us a textAre 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.

Send us a textOn 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, storytelling, and making personal connections. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to cultivate more authentic and fulfilling relationships, both personally and professionally.Hosted by: JT LongProduced by: Sara RobertsonEdited by: Eming Piansay

Send us a textIn 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 planners and travelers safeguard themselves and their guests, drawing on his extensive experience in the field. For more information about Kevin Coffey's presentations, visit www.KevinCoffey.com. To view additional videos of Kevin sharing additional travel skills and meeting risk tips, tricks, and resources, visit his LinkedIn page https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin--coffey/ 

Send us a textIf 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 restaurant to becoming a celebrated expert in large-scale event catering. He offers insights into the logistics of feeding thousands, the importance of creativity and passion in the culinary arts, and how every plate of food can inspire change. Tune in to learn Whelan's secrets for delivering remarkable dining experiences that leave a lasting impression on event attendees. www.smartmeetings.com

Send us a textIn 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 tough topics and the show’s overall theme of impact.

Send us a textIn 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 crashing weddings to becoming a key figure in the hospitality industry. She emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities, embracing challenges and building strong relationships. 

Send us a textIn 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 oneself and managing the inherent stress of being an event professional by using humor and continually striving for improvement. www.smartmeetings.com

Send us a textIn 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. They delve into why these conferences are vital for advancing economies, science, medicine, and fostering global connections.www.smartmeetings.com

Send us a textIn 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 America. Reflecting on innovations from the Las Vegas event, such as video content and immersive experiences, she highlights plans to introduce AI plugins for sessions at the European event. www.smartmeetings.com