Smart Start Radio: Fuel for the Purpose Generation of Meeting Planners

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In this episode, hosts Eming Piansay and Sara Robertson sit down with two powerhouse destination experts: Kristin Delahunt, VP of Destination Services at Discover Atlanta, and Brynn Johnson, Director of Convention and Group Sales at Yakima Valley Tourism. Representing two wildly different but equally compelling destinations—urban Atlanta and scenic Yakima Valley—they share how CVBs (Convention and Visitors Bureaus) act as behind-the-scenes superheroes for meeting planners.

Learn how CVBs help planners save time, access local gems, and create immersive attendee experiences—all for free. From organizing off-site winery concerts in Washington to navigating Atlanta’s booming culinary scene and new downtown developments, this episode showcases how CVBs boost the visitor economy and support local communities and small businesses.

You’ll walk away with insights into:

• Why CVBs should be your first call when planning an event
• Hidden destination perks that planners often overlook
• The real impact of tourism on local lives
• Why relationship-building is at the heart of destination success

Whether you’re a seasoned planner or new to the game, this episode is your reminder: CVBs aren’t just helpful—they’re essential.

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Ever wonder what really happens on those whirlwind FAM trips planners rave (and rant) about? Let’s just say...someone once brought a plus-one to a site tour. Another showed up in a bikini. To a press conference. 😳

In this Coffee Chat episode, Eming and Sara unpack the unspoken etiquette of FAMs—those fast-paced venue tours that blur the line between business and vacation.

They cover:

• Why showing up on time is the bare minimum—and how it earns you major points
• What “being present” actually means when cocktails, colleagues, and jet lag collide
• How to navigate the weird loneliness of traveling for work
• Thoughtful, low-drama tips for staying grounded and gracious on the go

Whether you’re a first-time attendee or just love a good industry story, you’ll leave with practical insight—and probably a secondhand cringe or two.

☕ Grab your coffee. This one's got receipts.

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In this episode of Smart Start Radio, hosts Eming Piansay and Sara Robertson speak with Zoe Moore, founder of Moore Consulting Agency and a leading expert in equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the meetings and hospitality industries. Moore shares her personal journey from the U.S. Army to event planning and EDI advocacy, explains why using the full terms "diversity, equity and inclusion" matters, and introduces her "Insight to Implementation" framework for creating meaningful change.

The conversation explores why supplier diversity drives innovation, how meeting professionals can impact communities through intentional planning, and why empathy and curiosity are critical leadership skills.

Further resources:

Read More: DEI at a Crossroads

Grow with Zomo

PCMA Event Leadership Institute's Event DEI Strategist course taught by Zoe Moore.

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In this first-ever Coffee Chat, your hosts Eming Piansay and Sara Robertson sit down, coffee in hand, to spill the behind-the-scenes story of Smart Start Radio's journey — from its early roots as "Meeting of the Minds" to becoming an award-winning podcast. Tune in for real talk about rebranding, lessons learned, why authenticity matters in the events industry, and what’s next as they kick off a new chapter of casual, insightful conversations. Expect industry insights, random fun facts, heartfelt moments, and plenty of laughs — because at Smart Start, you belong here.

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In this episode of Smart Start Radio, co-hosts Eming Piansay and Sara Robertson kick things off with exciting news—their podcast is a finalist for the ASBPE Best New Podcast Award. 

They’re joined by Yaron Lipshitz, CEO of Prismm, a spatial design platform that allows event planners to visualize venues in photorealistic 3D without leaving their desks. Lipshitz explains how Prismm saves time, money, and carbon emissions while streamlining collaboration between planners and vendors. 

Later, the hosts speak with Katie Moser, Director of Marketing and Business Development at GoGather. Moser shares practical ways AI is helping marketers and planners—like generating content, editing videos, and analyzing survey data faster than ever. 

Together, Lipshitz and Moser offer a clear view of how technology is transforming the events industry—making it smarter, more sustainable, and more efficient without losing the magic that comes from real human connection.

www.smartmeetings.com

Co-hosted and co-produced by: Sara Robertson and Eming Piansay

Edited by: Eming Piansay

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In this enlightening episode of Smart Start Radio,  sit down with visionary leader Megan Henshall to explore the power of neuroinclusivity in event design and the workplace. Formerly a strategic lead at Google, Henshall shares her journey of championing accessibility and creating inclusive experiences that honor neurodiversity. From sensory-friendly event spaces to the importance of rest and predictability, she provides actionable insights for event planners looking to foster true belonging. Plus, we dive into the NEU Project, a groundbreaking initiative ensuring inclusivity goes beyond buzzwords. 

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about rethinking the way we create spaces for all brains to thrive.

Resources for further learning:

The Neu Project: https://www.theneuproject.com/

IBCCES Autism Certificate: https://ibcces.org/autism-certificate/

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower: https://hdsunflower.com/

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In this deliciously insightful episode of Smart Start Radio, we dive into the evolving world of fine dining and its role in creating unforgettable event experiences. Join hosts Eming Piansay and Sara Robertson as they explore the Bay Area’s vibrant culinary scene, featuring conversations with top industry experts, including Colleen Booth of Lazy Bear, Mark Liberman of Mago Oakland, and Seth Bregman of Bardo. From Michelin-starred communal dining to the art of crafting immersive, intimate meals, these culinary leaders share how their restaurants elevate event planning through innovation, hospitality, and, of course, incredible food. Whether you're an event planner, a foodie, or just someone who loves a well-orchestrated dining experience, this episode will leave you inspired—and hungry.

Hosted by: Sara Robertson and Eming Piansay

Produced and Edited by: Eming Piansay

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Evolving technology, Super Agents and AI-produced podcasts- oh my! What does it all mean for meeting planners?

In this latest discussion of Smart Start Radio, Smart Meetings editors Sara Robertson and Eming Piansay chat with Dr. Richie Karaburun, clinical associate professor and director of HI Hub Incubator at NYU School of Professional Studies, to get an update on the latest skillsets emerging professional planners are learning and upcoming trends that will likely impact the meetings industry and beyond. 


Produced and Edited by: Eming Piansay
Hosted by: Sara Robertson and Eming Piansay

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In the latest episode of Smart Start Radio, Eming and Sara chat with sustainability experts in two segments.

First up is Leor Rotchild, a speaker, podcaster, sustainable business consultant and the author of the recently published all star-guide to How We Gather Matters: Sustainable Event Planning for Purpose and Impact. Leor tells us about his journey of becoming a sustainable business expert, his book and the enormous potential the events industry has to make a massive difference in creating a more sustainable world.

Next come two pioneers of regenerative tourism: Melissa Radu, executive director of destination stewardship at Explore Edmonton, and Alexis Kereluk, co-founder of ConnectSeven Group. Together, they created a regenerative tourism strategy that transformed the city of Edmonton for the better, and now, they're on a mission to inspire other destinations to do the same. Are you wondering what "regenerative tourism" even means? Don't worry. We were too. Luckily, Radu and Kereluk broke it down (spoiler alert: it's pretty awesome).

Want to learn about how you can be a more #sustainablemeetingprof? Or, for that matter, a more sustainable traveler? A more sustainable human?

This episode is your doorway.

Co-hosted by Eming Piansay and Sara Robertson.
Produced by Sara Robertson.

Further reading:

"You Can Go Net Zero" - Gary Diedrichs, Smart Meetings
"Your Complete Guide to Sustainability" - Sara Robertson, Smart Meetings

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In this episode of Smart Start Radio, Smart Meetings editors Eming Piansay and Sara Robertson sat down with Jacques Martiquet, the “Party Scientist,” who shares his unique approach to transforming events into high-energy, deeply connected experiences. Discover how event planners can design gatherings that are more joyful and impactful, creating memorable moments that go beyond the ordinary.

Sara Robertson also spoke with Allison Diange, senior sales manager at The Reach Key West, to learn more about the unique team-building programming the property has recently rolled out, and how it helps foster genuine, lasting connection among attendees.

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