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

Smart Meetings’ What One Thing podcast is your shortcut to the top of the events world. We interview savvy meeting planners, speakers and industry experts about the decisions that made all the difference in their lives and careers so you can take the fast track to your dreams.

What One Thing? A Meeting Planner's Guide to the Top of the Events World is a business podcast hosted by Smart Meetings, with 60 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Smart Meetings hosts What One Thing? A Meeting Planner's Guide to the Top of the Events World, a business show with 60 episodes published.

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  Episode #60

  Your IMEX America Game Plan

  Sep 23, 202619 minS4

  Send us Fan Mail With nearly 4,000 exhibitors, hundreds of education sessions and nonstop networking, making the most of IMEX America starts with a plan. IMEX CEO Carina Bauer joins JT Long, vice president and content director of Smart Meetings, to preview IMEX America 2026 and share how attendees can design a successful week in Las Vegas. Bauer also explores place leadership, sustainability, wellness and practical ideas planners can bring back to their own events.

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  Episode #59

  Don’t Show Up Cold: How to Design Your IMEX Experience

  Sep 10, 202620 minS4

  Send us Fan Mail In this episode of What One Thing? , Smart Meetings Vice President and Editorial Director JT Long talks with Tahira Endean, head of programming at IMEX, about what attendees can expect at IMEX America 2026, Oct. 13-15 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, with Smart Monday, powered by MPI, on Oct. 12. Under the new Design Matters talking point, the show's education program is moving to a more prominent home in the Inspiration Hub and expanding across 12 tracks. Endean previews sessions on event design, food and beverage, neurodiversity, sustainability, leadership, technology and joy, along with new ways for attendees to pause and reset. She also explains why play is not optional, why the industry's AI conversation must move beyond prompts and how intentional planning can help attendees retain more of what they experience. Her one thing for navigating a show this large is simple: Do not arrive cold. Choose the education and events that matter most, protect time for recovery and leave space for the unexpected connections that make IMEX memorable.

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  Episode #58

  Bet on Yourself

  Aug 20, 202631 minS4

  Send us Fan Mail What happens when you bet on yourself, embrace what makes you different and leave a little room for the unexpected? On this episode of What One Thing? , host Devon Montgomery Pasha sits down with keynote speaker, entrepreneur and fundraising powerhouse Layne the Auctionista to talk about finding a new career at 47, building a life around joy and human connection, and raising more than $70 million for charitable organizations. Layne shares lessons on belonging, authenticity and resilience; the difference between the “glory givers” and “grim reapers” in our lives; and why asking for help can be one of the first steps out of a difficult season. Their one thing? Know your why, be gentle with yourself and others, and don’t be afraid to live life a little spicy.

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  Episode #57

  Stop Abandoning Yourself for Approval

  Jul 23, 202630 minS4

  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 rituals, thoughtful pauses and everyday acts of self-advocacy helped her rebuild her relationship with herself. From speaking up in a meeting to waiting before answering a difficult email, Miller shows how seemingly minor decisions can strengthen self-trust and change how we lead, work and connect with others.

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  Episode #56

  The Power of Participation

  Jul 9, 202625 minS4

  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 Montgomery Pasha to explore how his early career in journalism shaped his approach to event production. He shares why research, personal stories and audience participation remain at the center of his work, whether he is producing an intimate gathering or an event attended by millions. Stein also reflects on the unexpected moments that can define an experience, the responsibility of representing diverse communities and the sense of accomplishment that has kept him inspired throughout his career.

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