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

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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 unpack how allies go beyond lip service—walking people through the door of opportunity, not just up to it.

From hiring bold college grads and advocating for accessibility, to amplifying mental health conversations and crediting others in the room (and beyond), this episode is packed with honest stories, leadership wisdom, and action steps for anyone who wants to be a better mentor, sponsor, or ally.

Featuring special guests:
• Leonard Hoops and his accessible vision for Indy
• David Stevens on using your power for good
• Mike May and Brie Richards on paying it forward—early and often

Produced by: Eming Piansay

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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 accessibility initiatives.

They also discuss efforts to nurture future leaders in the events industry, including the Future Leaders Forum, Rising Talent programs and the Young Stars initiative. Bauer introduces the event’s 2025 talking point, “Impact 2.0,” emphasizing connection, sustainability and supporting the next generation of event professionals.

Produced by: Eming Piansay

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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 platforms, and venue partnerships. 

The conversation also dives into green RFPs, regional differences between the U.S. and Europe, responsible sourcing, waste diversion, and meaningful community give-back initiatives. 

Tune in for actionable insights and inspiring first steps to create more sustainable events.

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Host: JT Long

Producer: Eming Piansay

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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 influence of his early experiences in the entertainment industry and the customer-first mentality he was ingrained with from amusement parks and hospitality.

www.smartmeetings.com

Hosted by: JT Long

Edited and Produced by: Eming Piansay

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 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 spontaneous adventures, like a 10-hour trip for a deep-dish pizza, illustrating how joy can be cultivated through connection, spontaneity, and daily mindfulness.

Produced by: Eming Piansay

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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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Hosted by: JT Long
Produced and Edited by: Eming Piansay

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In this discussion of What One Thing?, JT Long, vice president and content director of Smart Meetings, chatted with David Allison, a human values expert and founder of the Value Graphics Research Company, to explore how planners can leverage insights into human behavior to understand their attendees better and create engaging events.

Produced by: Eming Piansay

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Are you integrating cryotherapy and IV drips in your events? On this episode of What One Thing? Smart Meetings' JT Long, vice president and content director, sat down with Sean Hoess, the co-founder of Eudemonia and Wanderlust Festival and Kelly Cavers, chief sales officer for The Palm Beaches, to explore what makes wellness events not only impactful but essential for meeting professionals looking to elevate their own conferences.

Produced by: Eming Piansay

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On this episode of What One Thing?, JT Long vice president and content director of Smart Meetings sits down with Kate Patay, vice president of global engagement for Terramar, and Thuy Diep senior meeting planner of CWT Meetings & Events to discuss the art of building meaningful connections.

Listen in as they explore the differences between transactional and relational encounters.  

Patay and Diep share personal stories that highlight the power of empathy, storytelling, and making personal connections. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to cultivate more authentic and fulfilling relationships, both personally and professionally.

Hosted by: JT Long
Produced by: Sara Robertson
Edited by: Eming Piansay

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In this episode of What One Thing, a Smart Meetings podcast, host JT Long, vice president and content director of Smart Meetings, explores essential strategies for ensuring safety in an increasingly risky world. JT welcomes Kevin Coffey, a travel security and meeting risk advisor, who brings decades of expertise from his time as a detective with the Los Angeles Police Department's LAX Airport Crimes Investigation.

Coffey shares critical steps and advice to help meeting planners and travelers safeguard themselves and their guests, drawing on his extensive experience in the field.

For more information about Kevin Coffey's presentations, visit www.KevinCoffey.com. To view additional videos of Kevin sharing additional travel skills and meeting risk tips, tricks, and resources, visit his LinkedIn page https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin--coffey/ 

Produced by: Eming Piansay