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
The Science of Connection in Hybrid Events
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If your virtual room feels fine, but nobody is leaning in, this episode is for you.
Hosted by Devon Pasha Montgomery, this What One Thing? episode spotlights virtual and hybrid engagement expert John Chen, CEO of Engaging Virtual Meetings. Chen has produced more than 4,000 virtual meetings and breaks down small, repeatable choices that make online rooms feel human, from belonging cues to energy resets. His one thing is practical for meeting pros: Take care of your brain and mental health, because sustainable energy is a production strategy, not a nice-to-have.
Podcast: What One Thing? A Meeting Planner’s Guide to the Top of the Events World (Smart Meetings)
Release date: Feb. 19, 2026
Length: 30:04
Episode page: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2087892/episodes/18671450
Hybrid is not just a format, it is a relationship. In this episode of What One Thing?, Smart Meetings explores the science of connection in hybrid events and what meeting pros can do to help audiences feel seen, included and engaged, whether they are in the room or on screen.
What you will learn
- Why connection is a measurable outcome, not a “nice-to-have”
- How to design hybrid moments that create belonging across locations
- Practical ways to reduce friction and increase participation for remote attendees
- What to prioritize when making production and programming decisions for hybrid