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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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.
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.
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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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.
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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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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.
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.
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.
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)
On this episode of What One Thing? Smart Meeting's Vice President JT Long chats with The Party Scientist Jacques Martiquet to explore the concept of bringing joy to events, turning attendees from spectators into connectors and the impact of movement and music on attendees.
On this episode of What One Thing Smart Meetings CEO and Founder Marin Bright is joined by Keynote Speaker and Author Ben Nemtin to discuss his storied accomplishments of creating a bucket list to attain his goals, finding purpose in life and his next big goal to go into space!
On this special episode of What One Thing? Smart Meeting's Vice President, JT Long, sits down with IMEX Group CEO Carina Bauer to get a sneak peak in what is in store for attendees in Las Vegas on October 17-19.
On this episode of What One Thing? Smart Meeting’s Vice President and Content Director JT Long sits down with Regional Vice President of Sales and Distribution for the Caribbean and Latin America at Marriott International Louise Bang to discuss her love of travel and its ability to be a force for good and how communicating in multiple languages allowed her to have empathy for others.
On this episode of What One Thing? Marin Bright, CEO and founder of Smart Meetings, is joined by Lisa Messina, chief sales officer of Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, to discuss her journey through the hospitality industry, leaning into change, and keeping a perspective on the role you play in other people’s happiness.
On this episode of What One Thing? Smart Meetings CEO and Founder Marin Bright is joined by Judi Holler, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and author of Fear is My Homeboy. Judi speaks on leaning into uncertainty, possibility, and fear. Judi also explores how improv helped her crack open her own magic.
On this episode of What One Thing? Smart Meeting's Content Director JT Long speaks with Robert Strong, magician, comedian and speaker in addition to being an author. Robert shares with Smart Meetings on how he got started in magic, creating magical experiences for customers, and how humor can be used to help people connect. Lastly, Robert shares a memory of the time he shared the stage with the late comedian Robin Williams.
On this episode of What One Thing? Marin Bright speaks with Michelle Roark, on her World Cup Champion experience, personal setbacks and founding Phia Lab, a ground-breaking wellness resource that helps enhance performance based on individual needs. Michelle shares her secrets for overcoming the unthinkable to be a force of nature in any endeavor.
On this episode of What One Thing? Marin Bright speaks to Jade Simmons on what led her to find her purpose in public speaking, playing piano, and a look into her new book Purpose The Remix: A Mind-Blowing Reunderstanding of Purpose and How It Works.
On this episode of What One Thing? Smart Meetings Editorial Director JT Long sits down with Debra Fine, author of the Fine Art of Small Talk with tips for networking and getting back to connecting with people in person.
On this first episode of What One Thing Smart Meetings Editorial Director JT Long Chats with Smart Meetings CEO founder Marin Bright for a quick 15-minutes on the personal events that became the catalyst to her founding Bright Business Media and Smart Meetings Extraordinary Experiences.