Originality Starts at the Origin

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

What One Thing? A Meeting Planner's Guide to the Top of the Events World
Originality Starts at the Origin
Apr 16, 2026 Season 4 Episode 53
Smart Meetings

Send us Fan Mail

What does it really mean to be original?

In this episode of What One Thing?, Sophia Abramchuk, founder of the Originate Institute, shares why the most powerful ideas are not created from scratch; they are uncovered. Inspired by the work of Antoni Gaudí, she explores how returning to the problem's origins can unlock more meaningful, human-centered solutions.

From rethinking event networking to designing deeper connections, this conversation offers a practical framework for planners who want to move beyond surface-level experiences and create something that truly resonates.

Episode Artwork Originality Starts at the Origin 22:07 Episode Artwork Amputate to Elevate: The Power of Strategic Subtraction 25:31 Episode Artwork Hard Work Beats Talent: Lessons from The Gardiner Brothers 29:15 Episode Artwork The ROI of Joy 37:40 Episode Artwork Planning for America 250: Strategy, Storytelling and Scale 13:46 Episode Artwork The Science of Connection in Hybrid Events 30:04 Episode Artwork Advocacy Is Part of the Planner Job Now 44:42 Episode Artwork You Are the Art: Why Self-Expression Is the New Leadership Skill 41:00 Episode Artwork Designing for Yes: Inside the Psychology of Influence 27:57 Episode Artwork The Heart of San Francisco Hospitality 30:11 Episode Artwork The Power of a Professional Wing Person 26:19 Episode Artwork Senses Elevated: Marriott’s Immersive Meeting Experiences 36:06 Episode Artwork The Other Side of Leadership: How to Lead with Heart (and Still Get Results) 15:10 Episode Artwork Balancing Uncertainty, Innovation and Humanity: Lessons from IMEX America’s Visionaries 49:37 Episode Artwork Tough as a Mother: Redefining Ambition in Events 35:56 Episode Artwork Your Guide to IMEX America 2025: Innovation, Impact and Connection in Las Vegas 34:13 Episode Artwork Stop Shrinking: The Power of Owning Your Spark 25:08 Episode Artwork From Artist to Event Boss: Scaling Impact, Creativity and Confidence 24:26 Episode Artwork Do It Scared: Betting Big and Building Community 15:39 Episode Artwork Career Lessons for Event Professionals: Leadership, Resilience and Growth 21:12 Episode Artwork Mentorship, Modernization and Member Value with Michelle Mason 18:37 Episode Artwork Sustainability Meets Innovation in Toronto 22:36 Episode Artwork Walking Through the Door: Real Talk on Allyship, Mentorship and Sponsorship 54:06 Episode Artwork Impact 2.0: How IMEX Frankfurt Is Shaping the Future of Events 12:00 Episode Artwork No Beef, Big Impact: How IMEX is Redefining Sustainable Events 17:43