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

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If an event prof career life is a smorgasbord of hospitality job options, how do you decide what to put on your plate?

We asked an award-winning F&B expert.  In this episode of What One Thing? host JT Long, VP and content director of Smart Meetings, delves into the fascinating world of food and beverage with Thomas Whelan, director of operations for Levy Restaurants. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Whelan shares his journey from his early days in a restaurant to becoming a celebrated expert in large-scale event catering. He offers insights into the logistics of feeding thousands, the importance of creativity and passion in the culinary arts, and how every plate of food can inspire change. Tune in to learn Whelan's secrets for delivering remarkable dining experiences that leave a lasting impression on event attendees.

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Produced by: Eming Piansay

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In this edition of What One Thing?, Smart Meetings chats with IMEX CEO Carina Bauer to discuss the lessons learned from IMEX Frankfurt that will inform IMEX America. Bauer highlights the success of their education program, frank discussions on tough topics and the show’s overall theme of impact.

Produced by: Eming Piansay

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In this episode of the What One Thing? Smart Meetings welcomes Deborah Gardner, a former swimming champion and performance expert known for her competitive mentality and dynamic presentations. Gardner shares her unique journey from crashing weddings to becoming a key figure in the hospitality industry. She emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities, embracing challenges and building strong relationships. 

Produced by: Eming Piansay

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In this Episode of What One Thing? JT Long, vice president and content director, continues her conversation with interviews Edward Perotti, an experienced event strategist. Perotti discusses the importance of taking initiative, staying true to oneself and managing the inherent stress of being an event professional by using humor and continually striving for improvement.

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Produced by: Eming Piansay

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In this episode of the "What One Thing" podcast, JT Long, Vice President and Content Director at Smart Meetings, sits down with Geoff Freeman from US Travel to discuss the crucial need for adequate tools to organize international conferences. They delve into why these conferences are vital for advancing economies, science, medicine, and fostering global connections.

www.smartmeetings.com

Produced by: Eming Piansay

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In this episode of "What One Thing," Smart Meetings interviews Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX, discussing the upcoming IMEX Frankfurt event. Bauer anticipates growth compared to previous years but notes that it may not reach the scale of IMEX America. Reflecting on innovations from the Las Vegas event, such as video content and immersive experiences, she highlights plans to introduce AI plugins for sessions at the European event. 

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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 has an insightful conversation with Edward Perotti, an award-winning meeting designer and principle of EP Events and Experiences. With over 27 years of experience, Perotti shares valuable insights on transitioning from being an order-taker to a strategic leader in the events industry. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, adaptability, and assertiveness, offering practical advice for meeting professionals to move beyond logistical concerns and become indispensable assets in their organizations. From creative budget management to fostering transparent relationships with finance teams, Perotti 's candid anecdotes and actionable strategies provide inspiration for professionals seeking to make a lasting impact in event planning. 

Produced by: Eming Piansay

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On this episode of What One Thing?  Vice President and Content Director of Smart Meeting JT Long chats with President of ASAE, the Center for Association Leadership, Michelle Mason to discuss finding one's own path and purpose, the evolving landscape of meetings and conferences, the need for inclusivity, sustainability, and adaptation to technology. Mason also emphasizes the significance of networking and mentorship in professional development, particularly for young meeting professionals entering the industry. 

Produced by: Eming Piansay

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In this episode of "What One Thing?" from Smart Meetings, JT Long, Vice President and Content Director at Smart Meetings, interviews keynote speaker, luxury expert and author, Neen James, about the intersection of luxury and event planning. The discussion revolves around driving profitability, productivity, and accountability through paying extraordinary attention. James explores the definition of luxury, highlighting key characteristics such as high quality, authenticity, indulgence, and uniqueness.

Produced by: Eming Piansay

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On this episode of What One Thing? Smart Meeting's Vice President JT Long chats with Dr. Romila “Romie” Mushtaq on what constitutes a Busy Brain and best practices to cure a Busy Brain.

Find out more about Dr. Romie here:  Brain Health Keynote Speaker | Dr. Romie (drromie.com)

Curious if you have a Busy Brain? Take the Busy Brain quiz here: Busy Brain Test - Dr. Romie (drromie.com)

Produced by: Eming Piansay