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

Stop Abandoning Yourself for Approval 23.07.2026 29min

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 ritua...

The Power of Participation 09.07.2026 24min

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 Montgomer...

Business Moves at the Speed of Human Connection 25.06.2026 25min

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.

Security Starts Before the Crisis 11.06.2026 19min

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 guid...

Originality Starts at the Origin 16.04.2026 22min

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 pla...

Amputate to Elevate: The Power of Strategic Subtraction 09.04.2026 25min

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of What One Thing?, leadership coach and Paralympian John Register challenges the idea that success comes from doing more. Instead, he introduces “amputate to elevate”, the practice of letting go of what no longer serves you to perform at a higher level. From redefining authority as building others up to embracing strategic breaks over constant grind, this conversation is a powerful reminder that growth comes from subtraction, not addition.

Hard Work Beats Talent: Lessons from The Gardiner Brothers 26.03.2026 29min

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of What One Thing?, host Devon Montgomery Pasha, CMP, CED, talks with world champion Irish dancers Michael and Matthew Gardiner, known globally as The Gardiner Brothers, whose viral performances have reached millions online while bringing traditional Irish dance to modern audiences. The brothers share how discipline, creativity and innovation shaped their journey from competitive dancers to global performers, content creators and keynote speakers. When the pan...

The ROI of Joy 12.03.2026 37min

Send us Fan Mail The ROI of Joy In this episode of What One Thing, host Devon Montgomery Pasha speaks with Liz Lathan, CMP, co-founder of Club Ichi, about the power of community, curiosity and human connection in the meetings industry. With a career that spans global event marketing roles at companies like Dell and IBM, Lathan has long believed that the most meaningful business outcomes come from environments where people feel comfortable connecting authentically. Through Club Ichi, she has c...

Planning for America 250: Strategy, Storytelling and Scale 26.02.2026 13min

Send us Fan Mail America’s 250th anniversary isn’t just a historic milestone. It is a major opportunity for event professionals to create experiences that bring people together and tell stories that actually stick. In this episode, Smart Meetings’ VP JT Long sits down with Melinda Curley, vice president of customer experience at Hargrove, and Johanna Walsh, vice president of event production at Encore, to talk about what planners should be thinking about now. From tight timelines and rising d...

The Science of Connection in Hybrid Events 19.02.2026 30min

Send us Fan Mail If your virtual room feels fine, but nobody is leaning in, this episode is for you. Hosted by Devon Pasha Montgomery, this What One Thing? episode spotlights virtual and hybrid engagement expert John Chen, CEO of Engaging Virtual Meetings. Chen has produced more than 4,000 virtual meetings and breaks down small, repeatable choices that make online rooms feel human, from belonging cues to energy resets. His one thing is practical for meeting pros: Take care of your brain and m...

Advocacy Is Part of the Planner Job Now 23.01.2026 44min

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of What One Thing, host JT Long examines why advocacy has become essential for meeting professionals navigating today’s rapidly shifting landscape. The conversation opens with leadership from the Live Events Coalition, including Al Mercuro, strategic marketing and client engagement advisor at Genesis Exhibits; Dwayne Thomas, director of government affairs for the Live Events Coalition – National; and Wendy E. Porter, chief events strategist at Wendy Porter Eve...

You Are the Art: Why Self-Expression Is the New Leadership Skill 08.01.2026 41min

Send us Fan Mail What does it really mean to be yourself at work, not the curated version, not the corporate mask, but the fully expressed you? In this episode of What One Thing?, transformational speaker and author Judi Holler returns to chat with Smart Meetings content director JT Long to unpack the core idea behind her new book, Holler at Your Dreams. She introduces the concept of self-expressionism, a disciplined, courageous practice of expressing who you are with intention, creativity an...

Designing for Yes: Inside the Psychology of Influence 18.12.2025 27min

Send us Fan Mail 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 powerful impact of designing for attention, resonance and action...

The Heart of San Francisco Hospitality 11.12.2025 30min

Send us Fan Mail 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 inclusivity has always been the heart of the city and the surpris...

The Power of a Professional Wing Person 26.11.2025 26min

Send us Fan Mail 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 small talk and spark meaningful relationships. Drawi...

Senses Elevated: Marriott’s Immersive Meeting Experiences 20.11.2025 36min

Send us Fan Mail 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, sight, sound and scent. From Sheraton Grand Seattle’s pine-...

The Other Side of Leadership: How to Lead with Heart (and Still Get Results) 13.11.2025 15min

Send us Fan Mail 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 episode offers fresh insight on staying inspired while lea...

Balancing Uncertainty, Innovation and Humanity: Lessons from IMEX America’s Visionaries 17.10.2025 49min

Send us Fan Mail 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 opportunit...

Tough as a Mother: Redefining Ambition in Events 02.10.2025 35min

Send us Fan Mail 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 s...

Your Guide to IMEX America 2025: Innovation, Impact and Connection in Las Vegas 19.08.2025 34min

Send us Fan Mail 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, d...