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

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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 leading with purpose.

Produced by: Eming Piansay

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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 opportunity, helping freelancers and companies reskill through the rise of AI.

Jessie States, vice president of MPI Consulting, explores how education evolves, emphasizing curiosity, context and empowerment as key drivers of growth.

Together, they reveal what it takes to lead with adaptability, reimagine learning and create meaningful connections in a rapidly shifting world.

Produced by: Eming Piansay

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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 service.

But beyond the glamour, Justine and April share how they’ve built a culture that puts people first—introducing flexible schedules, maternity leave policies, and a supportive environment where women don’t have to choose between ambition and family. Their story covers resilience during the pandemic, the power of teamwork, and the lessons they’ve carried from their White House and Bush Center years into building their own firm.

Their one thing: Motherhood is a strength, not a limitation. They prove you can run extraordinary events on the world stage and be fully present as parents.

Produced by: Eming Piansay

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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, dives into the attendee experience: from Smart Monday education and the buzzing Inspiration Hub to tech showcases, resilience rooms and wellness activations. With more than 150 sessions, 3,000 exhibitors and countless opportunities for connection, IMEX is “Disneyland for event planners.” Whether you are a first-timer or seasoned attendee, this episode offers insider tips to help you maximize learning, networking and those all-important hallway conversations.

Tune in for a roadmap to making the most of your time in Las Vegas and a preview of how IMEX is shaping the future of meetings and events.

Produced by: Eming Piansay

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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 intention, Devon opens up about the mentors who fueled her rise, the rituals that keep her grounded and the spark that powers her work. This episode celebrates bold choices, belonging and the power of showing up fully as yourself.

✨ If you’ve ever made yourself smaller to fit in, this is your invitation to expand.

Produced by: Eming Piansay

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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 can use AI to amplify their value, not replace it.

Get ready to rethink what it means to be a master.

Produced by: Eming Piansay

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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 purpose. She breaks down the IMPACT Approach she uses to design intentional experiences, explains how AI has become a powerful tool in her workflow, and reveals how manifestation (and a silent day in Bali) helped shape her goals.

Listeners will walk away with actionable insights on aligning events with long-term business outcomes, inviting attendees into the process, and trusting their own voice—even when the next step feels uncertain.

Produced by: Eming Piansay

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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 continues to fuel his passion for mentoring future leaders. The conversation dives into:

💡 Why resilience is the defining skill for modern event professionals
💡 The power of mentorship in shaping careers and industries
💡 How to lead through uncertainty and develop teams who thrive under pressure
💡 Real talk on “doer to leader” transitions and why teachers make the best executives
💡 Building a sustainable pipeline of talent in the meetings industry

Whether you're a seasoned planner or just stepping into the field, this episode offers timeless insights on navigating career pivots, cultivating talent and finding purpose in leadership.

🔗 Listen now and discover the one thing that made all the difference in Shawn’s journey and could transform yours.

Produced by: Eming Piansay

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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 modernize a 100-year-old institution and reimagine its value for a post-pandemic world.

The conversation explores:

• The bold strategic framework behind “Destination 2026”
• The role associations play in workforce development, policy, and human connection
• The personal power of mentorship, emotional intelligence, and lifelong learning

Whether you're an association executive, event professional, or rising leader, this episode offers actionable insight into how values-driven leadership can create lasting impact.

Produced by: Eming Piansay

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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 most underrated superpower in event planning.

From using expired makeup to create auction-worthy art, curating culturally rich vendor rosters and reducing food waste at scale, these Toronto-based trailblazers are redefining what it means to create meaningful impact through meetings. You'll also hear fresh insights on how AI is shifting the planner’s toolkit—and why knowing your city (and your story) can change everything.

Whether you're an accidental planner, a DEI advocate, or just looking to create more purposeful experiences, this episode offers inspiration, practical takeaways, and a heartfelt reminder: real change starts with asking the right questions.

🎙 Sponsored by Destination Toronto

Produced by: Eming Piansay