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

Hosted by Smart Meetings

Business Entrepreneurship

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Episodes

Latest episode

Nov 2026

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EN-US

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

November 12, 2026Episode 6247 min

The Art of Making People Feel Welcome

Send us Fan Mail What makes someone feel welcome? In Toronto, the answer can begin with a meal, but the people behind it have just as much to share. In this episode of What One Thing, JT Long, vice president and editorial director of Smart Meetings, talks with three members of Toronto’s hospitality community about the experiences that shaped their careers and how they care for the people around them. Trevor Lui, founder and principal of Highbell Hospitality Group and co-founder of Quell, explores food as a way to tell community stories, the importance of representation and why helping an employee grow sometimes means encouraging them to move on. Kevin Durkee, owner and “Big Cheese” of Culinary Adventure Co., shares the family inspiration behind his career and why meeting planners should trust the local experts they choose. Rachel Chartrand, owner and executive chef of The Hamptons, reflects on her journey from dance to dining, supporting young chefs and staying humble enough to keep learning. From a St. Lawrence Market food tour to an intimate neighborhood restaurant, their stories offer meeting professionals ideas for creating a sense of belonging, building stronger partnerships and making room for others to succeed.

October 16, 2026Episode 6111 min

Building Global Connections at ICCA Congress

Send us Fan Mail What happens when meeting professionals from around the world come together to learn, collaborate and play? Ahead of ICCA Congress in Panama, host JT Long explores its “CrossWorlds” theme with three industry leaders. Virginie De Visscher, executive director of business events at Destination Canada, shares how international relationships have helped shape her sustainability work. Dennis Speet, managing director of Amsterdam Convention Bureau, discusses the value of networking and the friendly competition that builds lasting bonds. Grégoire Bradley, international account executive at LetzFair, explains how the event app will help attendees connect and personalize their experience. Together, they explore how exchanging ideas across borders can strengthen the entire meetings community. Fun fact: this episode was recorded entirely on a bus!

September 23, 2026Episode 6019 min

Your IMEX America Game Plan

Send us Fan Mail With nearly 4,000 exhibitors, hundreds of education sessions and nonstop networking, making the most of IMEX America starts with a plan. IMEX CEO Carina Bauer joins JT Long, vice president and content director of Smart Meetings, to preview IMEX America 2026 and share how attendees can design a successful week in Las Vegas. Bauer also explores place leadership, sustainability, wellness and practical ideas planners can bring back to their own events.

September 10, 2026Episode 5920 min

Don’t Show Up Cold: How to Design Your IMEX Experience

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of What One Thing? , Smart Meetings Vice President and Editorial Director JT Long talks with Tahira Endean, head of programming at IMEX, about what attendees can expect at IMEX America 2026, Oct. 13-15 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, with Smart Monday, powered by MPI, on Oct. 12. Under the new Design Matters talking point, the show's education program is moving to a more prominent home in the Inspiration Hub and expanding across 12 tracks. Endean previews sessions on event design, food and beverage, neurodiversity, sustainability, leadership, technology and joy, along with new ways for attendees to pause and reset. She also explains why play is not optional, why the industry's AI conversation must move beyond prompts and how intentional planning can help attendees retain more of what they experience. Her one thing for navigating a show this large is simple: Do not arrive cold. Choose the education and events that matter most, protect time for recovery and leave space for the unexpected connections that make IMEX memorable.

August 20, 2026Episode 5830 min

Bet on Yourself

Send us Fan Mail What happens when you bet on yourself, embrace what makes you different and leave a little room for the unexpected? On this episode of What One Thing? , host Devon Montgomery Pasha sits down with keynote speaker, entrepreneur and fundraising powerhouse Layne the Auctionista to talk about finding a new career at 47, building a life around joy and human connection, and raising more than $70 million for charitable organizations. Layne shares lessons on belonging, authenticity and resilience; the difference between the “glory givers” and “grim reapers” in our lives; and why asking for help can be one of the first steps out of a difficult season. Their one thing? Know your why, be gentle with yourself and others, and don’t be afraid to live life a little spicy.

July 23, 2026Episode 5729 min

Stop Abandoning Yourself for Approval

Send us Fan Mail What happens when achievement, people-pleasing and resilience become ways of proving that we are worthy? Megan Miller, founder and CEO of Unleashed Leadership, joins What One Thing host JT Long to explore the small, often unnoticed ways people abandon themselves in pursuit of approval. Miller explains how those patterns can appear through performing, pleasing or protecting, and why awareness is the first step toward changing them. She also shares how intentional morning rituals, thoughtful pauses and everyday acts of self-advocacy helped her rebuild her relationship with herself. From speaking up in a meeting to waiting before answering a difficult email, Miller shows how seemingly minor decisions can strengthen self-trust and change how we lead, work and connect with others.

July 9, 2026Episode 5624 min

The Power of Participation

Send us Fan Mail Fred Stein has produced nearly 3,000 major events, including Philadelphia’s 300th anniversary, the bicentennial of the U.S. Constitution, Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia and two Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl parades. Stein is managing a health condition that affects his speech, so listeners may notice pauses or vocal difficulties during the conversation. He appreciates your patience during the recording. In this episode of What One Thing, Stein joins host Devin Montgomery Pasha to explore how his early career in journalism shaped his approach to event production. He shares why research, personal stories and audience participation remain at the center of his work, whether he is producing an intimate gathering or an event attended by millions. Stein also reflects on the unexpected moments that can define an experience, the responsibility of representing diverse communities and the sense of accomplishment that has kept him inspired throughout his career.

June 25, 2026Episode 5525 min

Business Moves at the Speed of Human Connection

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of What One Thing? , JT Long speaks with Falon Veit, founder and CEO of EES Agency, about why extraordinary event strategy begins with human connection. Veit reflects on her 26-year career in live events, the skills emerging professionals need beyond logistics and the role psychological safety plays in creating stronger employee, client and attendee experiences. Her one thing: Business only moves at the speed of human connection.

June 11, 2026Episode 5419 min

Security Starts Before the Crisis

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of What One Thing , host JT Long sits down with Mark Herrera, president and chief security strategist at Global Awareness Professionals, to discuss what it really means to build safer, better-prepared teams. Drawing from a career that has included work as an EMT, police sergeant, SWAT officer, human resources representative, flight deck instructor and director of safety and security, Herrera shares why real security begins long before a crisis happens. His guiding lesson is simple but powerful: people do not rise to the occasion; they fall back on their level of training. For meeting professionals, that means preparation, awareness and team trust are not optional extras. They are the foundation for keeping people safe when seconds matter.

April 16, 2026Episode 5322 min

Originality Starts at the Origin

Send us Fan Mail What does it really mean to be original? In this episode of What One Thing? , Sophia Abramchuk, founder of the Originate Institute, shares why the most powerful ideas are not created from scratch; they are uncovered. Inspired by the work of Antoni Gaudí, she explores how returning to the problem's origins can unlock more meaningful, human-centered solutions. From rethinking event networking to designing deeper connections, this conversation offers a practical framework for planners who want to move beyond surface-level experiences and create something that truly resonates.