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
In this energizing episode of What One Thing?, Devon Montgomery Pasha sits down with behavioral science expert and global keynote speaker Nancy Harhut to explore why people say yes and how understanding human decision-making can transform both marketing and event design. Nancy breaks down the emotional shortcuts that drive behavior, the four decision defaults that shape how audiences take in information, and the power...
In this special edition of What One Thing?, Smart Meetings flips the script and “interviews” the city of San Francisco by talking with two of the people who define its spirit. First, Anna Marie Presutti, CEO of SF Travel, shares her journey from Midwest roots to boutique hotels, culminating in her leadership of the city’s destination marketing efforts. She discusses how San Francisco shaped her as a leader, why inclus...
In this conversation of What One Thing, co-host Devon Montgomery Pasha chats with Shaena Harrison, professional wing person and CEO of Wing People, a boutique agency dedicated to bringing genuine human connection back to business events. After years of producing major conferences and watching attendees struggle to move beyond surface-level networking, Harrison launched a team of trained wing people to help guests skip...
In this episode of What One Thing, host JT Long steps inside the Marriott Bonvoy Convention and Resort Network Elite Experience Suite at the Marriott Marquis New York to explore how meetings can ignite all the senses. Joined by Amanda Cox, vice president of Sales, Convention & Resort Sales, JT Long uncovers how more than 125 Marriott properties are creating turnkey, locally inspired experiences that engage taste, ...
Founding partner of Imprint Events Group, Nicole Marsh, joins host JT Long for a candid conversation about what it really means to lead with heart. She shares lessons from nearly three decades in the hospitality industry, exploring how emotional intelligence, vulnerability and trust can transform teams from the inside out. Whether you’re navigating change, developing new leaders or rediscovering your own passion, this...
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 Soundin...
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 ...
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 co...
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 inten...
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 c...
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 ...
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...
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 moder...
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 ...
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 un...
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 acce...
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...
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 influe...
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 spontaneo...
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.
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