JT Long
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Professional meeting and event planning-strategy, design, hybrid, event technology, sustainability, trends.
Editorial Director at Smart Meetings, Question Asker at Large, Storyteller at Heart
Articles by JT Long
Epicurean Experience Served Celebrity-Level Hospitality
TL; DR The Farm-to-Fork Capital of Sacramento, California hosted a signature Smart Meetings Epicurean Experience this week with a focus on authentic ingredients and connections. It featured a Legendary Local Chef Panel, Chef Charlie Palmer and Courtland Palmer from Appellation Hotels, Lamar Engel from The Wine Militia and Roxanne Langer from Lady Somm. Food and beverage is often the second largest cost at an event, but the last detail planned and the first thing to get cut.
Notes From the Road: Anchorage, Alaska
Northern exposure: fall edition Pictures don’t do it justice. Waking up in the largest state in the union with mountain peaks, glaciers and moose as neighbors has to be experienced to be fully appreciated. I recently traveled from the lower 48 to attend Hosts Global Forum at Alyeska Resort, a 40-minute scenic drive from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), a trip often accompanied by orca whale and swan sightings.
CMP Standards: The Gold Standard
How updated CMP standards reflect a changing event professional job The Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation is the events industry badge of excellence. But what exactly does having those three letters after your name tell employers you are capable of delivering? The truth is that mastery of event design, logistics and strategies requires a level of understanding, competency and dedication comparable to other professional designations.
ASAE Great Ideas Conference Reboot Celebrated the Art of Failure
Failure is fuel. That was the message resonating in Mill City Ballroom at Sheraton Minneapolis Downtown Convention Center following the return of ASAE Great Ideas Conference after a six-year hiatus. Deanna Singh, chief change agent of Flying Elephant, challenged the crowd to share their “failsume,” showing all the hard times that brought them to this destination rather than a summary of just the high points on their resume journey.
ASAE Great Ideas Conference Reboot Celebrated the Art of Failure
21 October 2026 | By: JT Long | Publisher: Smart Meetings Failure is fuel. That was the message resonating in Mill City Ballroom at Sheraton Minneapolis Downtown Convention Center following the return of ASAE Great Ideas Conference after a six-year hiatus. Deanna Singh, chief change agent of Flying Elephant, challenged the crowd to share their "failsume," showing all the hard times that brought them to this destination rather than a summary of just the high points on their resume journey.
Notes From the Road: Cincinnati, Ohio
Frankly, I didn’t know what to expect from a Midwest city in an Eastern time zone at the intersection of three states: Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. What I discovered in Cincy (a nickname that confers the urban development on both the Ohio and Kentucky side of the river) was Midwest nice, Southern hospitality and urban sophistication in a walkable, art-filled grid. Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza In the 1800s, the region was a cultural crossroads known as the Athens of the West.
Tuscon: Desert Days, Starry Night in Tucson
Meetings with room to explore Set against Tucson’s sprawling desert landscape, rich culinary history and collection of resorts built for work and play, meetings in this destination offer plenty of opportunities to take attendees beyond the four walls of the conference room. Whether hiking through the Sonoran Desert, staring up at the stars or taking part in an intentional wellness experience, Tucson gives planners plenty of ways to bring groups together outside the meeting room.
PCMA's International Conference Envisioned a Connected, Integrity-Focused Future
17 September 2026 | By: JT Long | Publisher: Smart Meetings The right destination sets the stage for discovery. Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL) served as the jumping off point for PCMA Convening Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) in Lisbon, Portugal, this week.
Straight Talk: Sherrif Karamat on Consolidation and Climate Change
Collaboration will be required to solve global problems and elevate perceived value As president and CEO of Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), a global network of business event strategists that began in 1956 as an association for medical meeting planners, Sherrif Karamat has had a hand in bringing resources together to find synergies.
Notes From the Road: San Antonio, Texas
Extraordinary courage Even though I have long been a frequent visitor to San Antonio, I had not walked the few blocks from Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center to The Alamo until my most recent stay for MPI World Education Congress (WEC).
Notes From the Road: San Jose, California
Score for unity The energy at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara (rebranded San Francisco Bay Area Stadium for the duration of the six FIFA matches that would be played in the 75,000-seat capacity venue) was electric. A sea of yellow “Socceroos” rooting for Australia and red-and-white-striped Paraguay fans faced off in the venue that the rest of the year hosts the NFL 49ers and mega-acts such as Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran. At its peak, 68,827 people filled the stands.
Ask the Attorney: Don't Be Afraid to Negotiate
From AI contract review to reciprocal attrition clauses, it can’t hurt to ask Contract law may seem simple. Whether it is written on a napkin or by AI in an email, an agreement to do a specific thing by a specific date for a certain amount of money is a binding document. Jerald Jacobs, a partner at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman, LLP, offered some tips for negotiating better contracts at ASAE’s Annual in August.
Accidental Planner: An Easy Button?
New Cvent Essentials designed to power everyday events You shouldn’t have to be an event tech expert in order to invite, check in and engage attendees at your field meeting. You just need to get the team together for a sales training or a client event.
How Smart Woman Summit 2026 Inspired Action
When top event professionals gather to celebrate each other, the top item on the agenda is building a network. That is why Smart Woman Summit was designed to foster meaningful conversations. From the kick off at a sponsor-speaker salon to Provocateur Circles based on Soundings’ Career Archetypes surveys, participants left knowing themselves, their goals and what they need to do to get there.
How Smart Woman Summit 2026 Inspired Action
21 August 2026 | By: JT Long | Publisher: Smart Meetings When top event professionals gather to celebrate each other, the top item on the agenda is building a network. That is why Smart Woman Summit was designed to foster meaningful conversations. From the kick off at a sponsor-speaker salon to Provocateur Circles based on Soundings' Career Archetypes surveys, participants left knowing themselves, their goals and what they need to do to get there.
Notes From the Road: Boise, Idaho
Fresh air, fresh ideas Oh, Boise. I had no idea what to expect from this outdoor recreation and high-tech playground. On my first visit to the clean, walkable foodie town for Smart Meetings Innovation Experience, I found a foodie wonderland with fresh trout and abundant vegan options on every menu. This is a college town anchored by the Boise State University Broncos Smurf Turf. This city is growing rapidly on the heels of major investments by semi-conductor companies Micron and HP Inc.
Outdoor Team-Building Basics
Ask Ryan McKenzie, recreation manager, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Ah, the great outdoors. What can be more motivating than taking a group out in the fresh air for healthy activity to form bonds and make memories. Unless it isn’t managed well and nature (human and earthly) goes awry. We asked Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Recreation Manager Ryan McKenzie for tips on how to welcome everyone to al fresco team-building time.
ASAE Annual Launched Labs and Advocacy/Microcredential Initiatives in Indianapolis
Despite threats of rain and flooding in the state, American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Annual 2026 at Indiana Convention Center this week was the largest gathering by almost any measure, with 5,300 registered and 500 volunteers, all taking place on the largest trade show floors. It was also one of the most impactful. ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, gave some of the credit for the record numbers to the choice of destination.
ASAE Annual Launched Labs and Advocacy/Microcredential Initiatives in Indianapolis
18 August 2026 | By: JT Long | Publisher: Smart Meetings Despite threats of rain and flooding in the state, American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Annual 2026 at Indiana Convention Center this week was the largest gathering by almost any measure, with 5,300 registered and 500 volunteers, all taking place on the largest trade show floor s. It was also one of the most impactful.
Encore Focuses $100 Million on Planner-Friendly Tools
When the event production company Encore Global announced it was investing $100 million in innovations this year, a little context was in order. First, the ubiquity. Encore is in-house at 2,200 venues and employs 13,000 technicians who manage everything from spotlights to holograms and show running. Then, the timing. AI is changing demands and expectations and LED everything is now the norm.
Encore Focuses $100 Million on Planner-Friendly Tools
By 30 July 2026 | By: JT Long | Publisher: Smart Meetings When the event production company Encore Global announced it was investing $100 million in innovations this year, a little context was in order. First, the ubiquity. Encore is in-house at 2,200 venues and employs 13,000 technicians who manage everything from spotlights to holograms and show running. Read more of this post ⊳ Vote this post up | Rank:18 Recent posts from Smart Meetings
Authentic Portland Experiences Took Center Stage at Destinations International
While attending Destinations International (DI) Annual Convention 2026 at Oregon Convention Center this week, attendees saw firsthand that the reality of a visit to the City of Roses is more heartwarming and culturally diverse than some of the headlines that popped up around the country over the last six years might imply. Travel Portland Vice President of Communications Marcus Hibdon explained the city’s collective approach to sending out transparent messaging in the face of spiraling coverage.
Authentic Portland Experiences Took Center Stage at Destinations International
24 July 2026 | By: JT Long | Publisher: Smart Meetings While attending Destinations International (DI) Annual Convention 2026 at Oregon Convention Center this week, attendees saw firsthand that the reality of a visit to the City of Roses is more heartwarming and culturally diverse than some of the headlines that popped up around the country over the last six years might imply.
Notes from the Road: Chicago
For a live demonstration of what “the world’s most welcoming events” can feel like, I dropped in on a Hilton Live customer event at Hilton Chicago in May and found the ballroom activated with colorful examples of ways to put everyone at ease—regardless of generation, budget and reason for gathering. Waldorf Astoria Chicago BrassTack The EventReady Playbook is a resource portal with tools to facilitate decision-making and execution.
Cvent Connect Rebranded Martech Company with Consolidated AI Approach
In front of nearly 5,000 in Nashville at Cvent Connect 2026 and almost that many registered online, Cvent founder and CEO Reggie Aggarwal introduced a brand refresh and $1 billion investment in a unified platform for AI-powered event management technology—or as he described it, martech.
Cvent Connect Rebranded Martech Company with Consolidated AI Approach
17 July 2026 | By: JT Long | Publisher: Smart Meetings In front of nearly 5,000 in Nashville at Cvent Connect 2026 and almost that many registered online, Cvent founder and CEO Reggie Aggarwal introduced a brand refresh and $1 billion investment in a unified platform for AI-powered event management technology-or as he described it, martech.
Notes From the Road: Toronto
Where to eat with a group in Ontario Toronto is a bubbling multicultural foodie stir-fry. And I am not just talking about Tim Hortons. Three years ago, the epicurean raters at Michelin discovered the bounty being lovingly presented in the capital of Ontario and revealed one of the worst-kept secrets in the culinary world. I tasted my way through this mega-metropolis and came back with four observational courses.
Smart Meetings Leadership Experience in Washington, DC, Encouraged Reevaluating the Attitudes That Limit Our Teams
Top event professionals gathered at Salamander DC last week for an exercise in collective self-reflection that left everyone poised to contribute at a higher leverage at home and work. While the formula has always been to throw planners and suppliers in a luxury resort for three days, treat them with dignity and care and watch them become best friends, this time we challenged them to rethink a lot of things they may have previously taken for granted.
Cruising Into an AI-Plus Event Future
MGME Vice President of Business Strategy Cindy D’Aoust As former president and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and chief operating officer of Meeting Professionals International (MPI), Cindy D’Aoust has a global perspective on where events are going with help from AI efficiency tools. She was recently named vice president of business strategy at MGME, a meeting management and event production solution company for the MICE industry.
A Beginners Guide to Meetings Management
BCD Meetings & Events (BCD M&E) has released a guide for events teams who want better structure in their planning process. Anya Catherine has been with BCD M&E for more than four years, contributing across multiple teams and roles. Anya Catherine In her current position as an associate solution designer, she collaborates with colleagues to develop strategic meeting solutions that support client program growth, efficiency and compliance.
$1.3 Trillion: Business Events Economic Impact
TL; DR According to new research by Oxford Economics for Events Industry Council (EIC), in 2025, executive retreats, incentive trips, trade shows and the like generated $1.3 trillion in direct spending and supported $1.8 trillion in total gross domestic product.
A Beginners Guide to Meetings Management
09 July 2026 | By: JT Long | Publisher: Smart Meetings BCD Meetings & Events (BCD M&E) has released a guide for events teams who want better structure in their planning process. Anya Catherine has been with BCD M&E for more than four years, contributing across multiple teams and roles. Anya Catherine In her current position as an associate solution designer, she collaborates with colleagues to develop strategic meeting solutions that support client program growth, efficiency and compliance.
Notes From the Road: New Orleans
Enviro-maxxing in the Crescent City Far from Bourbon Street, past the Bywater bohemian art district on the banks of Violet Canal in St. Bernard Parish, I met James Karst, director of communications with the Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana.
Contracting Celebrity Talent for the Win
What planners need to know before booking high-profile talent A powerful message delivered engagingly from the stage can be the highlight or the learning opportunity for a conference. A clear, thorough contract can set everyone up for success and eliminate problems. We asked Michael DeMarco, founder and CEO of Celebrity Direct Inc, also known as the Event Planner’s Advocate, for tips to help everyone shine.
ASAE: On a Mission
Associations deliver targeted support for members One of the first associations ever formed predated the founding of the United States. The Continental Association was created on October 20, 1774, to enforce a trade boycott against Great Britain. Like many associations that followed, it represented and advocated for its members, giving each person a larger voice than they would have had on their own.
How a 0-0 FIFA World Cup Match Scored Points for Unity
The energy at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara (rebranded San Francisco Bay Area Stadium for the duration of the six matches that would be played in the 75,000-seat capacity venue) was electric on June 25th. A sea of yellow “Socceroos” rooting for Australia and red and white striped Paraguay fans faced off in the venue that regularly hosts the NFL San Francisco 49ers and mega-acts such as Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran. At its peak, 68,827 people filled the stands.
Notes From the Road: Seattle, Washington
Ready for a FIFA Close-Up The Pacific Northwest is always evolving, so when I was asked to speak at Northwest Event Show, I jumped at the chance to see how Seattle is preparing to host six matches in the FIFA World Cup and thousands of meeting professionals who follow in the wake of the international sports fans. The city’s unique position, a few hours from the Vancouver games, makes it a convenient home base for a month of sports tourism.
MPI WEC San Antonio Delivered Education and Connection
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) World Education Congress (WEC) welcomed nearly 1,800 meeting and event professionals to Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio for three days of education, immersion in Texas culture and a focus on the power of human connections. “WEC San Antonio reflected where our industry is headed, toward more human-centered experiences, immersive learning and meaningful connection,” said Paul Van Deventer, MPI president and CEO.
MPI WEC San Antonio Delivered Education and Connection
05 June 2026 | By: JT Long | Publisher: Smart Meetings Meeting Professionals International (MPI) World Education Congress (WEC) welcomed nearly 1,800 meeting and event professionals to Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio for three days of education, immersion in Texas culture and a focus on the power of human connections.
New Orleans Welcomed Tall Ships and Top Chefs
TL; DR New Orleans hosted two major events last week, Sail250—a global maritime celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States starting with the arrival of tall ships—and the announcement of the 50 Best Restaurants in the United States. New and renovated hospitality infrastructure sets the city up to host multiple large events at once.
What to Expect at MPI WEC in San Antonio
TL; DR MPI’s World Education Congress will feature experimental new formats and a focus on real-world technology applications to create an engaging learning experiences for everyone based on new neurodiversity research and wellness activations such as puppy yoga and sound baths. MPI’s World Education Congress has long been known as the annual event for working event planners looking for education, hosted-buyer opportunities and a robust trade show to find news about destinations.
What I Heard at Experiential Marketing Summit 2026
When brands need to make a splash, they engage the senses with immersive activations that trigger emotions. For the latest trends in attention grabbing, I dropped in on the Experiential Marketing Summit 2026 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas. From Google Director of Events Amy Loskutoff giving career advice to Instacart Head of Global B2B Events Chase Kehoe sharing tricks for making tech tangible, the tea being spilled was based on real life wins and losses.
What I Heard at Experiential Marketing Summit 2026
21 May 2026 | By: JT Long | Publisher: Smart Meetings When brands need to make a splash, they engage the senses with immersive activations that trigger emotions. For the latest trends in attention grabbing, I dropped in on the Experiential Marketing Summit 2026 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Smart Meetings Executive Experience in Palm Springs Accelerated an Action Mindset
TL; DR Meeting professionals gathered at Thompson Palm Springs in California for three days of networking and experiencing the city. Author Marvelless Mark and communication expert Sabine Kvenberg shared skills tips with the audience, and attendees drove cars at BMW Performance Center West in Thermal. Top event professionals gathered in Palm Springs, California, this week for the Executive Experience designed to turn up the volume on developing an action-oriented mindset.
Smart Meetings Executive Experience in Palm Springs Accelerated an Action Mindset
20 May 2026 | By: JT Long | Publisher: Smart Meetings Top event professionals gathered in Palm Springs, California, this week for the Executive Experience designed to turn up the volume on developing an action-oriented mindset. The Heart of Mid-Century Hip The new address for indoor-outdoor gathering is Thompson Palm Springs , a vibrant addition to the Downtown Palm Springs Design District that combines art, Middle Eastern culinary mastery, a Hall Winery tasting room and 8,000 sq. ft.
What to Expect at IMEX Frankfurt 2026
TL; DR IMEX Frankfurt 2026 runs May 19-21. This is what you need to know: Early reports indicate it will be just as large as previous years despite global uncertainty. A total of 4,000 buyers are expected from Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. The IMEXrun 5K will be May 20 on the banks of the river Main. SITE NITE Europe will be on May 18 at Depot 1899. The talking point is Design Matters.
What to Expect at IMEX Frankfurt 2026
03 May 2026 | By: JT Long | Publisher: Smart Meetings With IMEX Frankfurt 2026-the original and largest event professional trade show and hosted buyer event of the year in Europe-opening May 19, early reports indicate it will be just as large and purpose-driven as previous years despite global uncertainty. A total of 4,000 buyers are expected from Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
Northwest Event Show Celebrated Washington’s Finest
TL; DR Northwest Event Show staged at Seattle Convention Center Arch dedicated a full day to education and another one for a trade show of activations and inspiration.
Northwest Event Show Celebrated Washington's Finest
01 May 2026 | By: JT Long | Publisher: Smart Meetings For more than 30 years, event organizers from the Pacific Northwest have gathered in Seattle to glean new ideas, meet peers and do business. This week, the three-day program staged at Seattle Convention Center Arch dedicated a full day to education.
How to Deliver NATO-Level Impact at Your High-Profile Conference
In June of 2025, the world watched the formal proceedings in The Hague as North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Alliance leaders announced an agreement to raise defense spending and support Ukraine. What may not have been visible from the carefully posed photos and diplomatically worded statements in the majestically orchestrated space was the year-and-a-half required to plan the event.
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