In this special live edition of What One Thing?, recorded at Smart Meetings’ Innovation Experience, we head north to explore what makes Toronto a world-class destination for meetings and events. Smart Meetings’ editorial director and VP, JT Long, sits down with Romina Kwong, founder of Eco-Friendly Events, and Hailey Dawood, owner of The Idea Hunter, to talk sustainability, diversity and why curiosity may be the most underrated superpower in event planning.
From using expired makeup to create auction-worthy art, curating culturally rich vendor rosters and reducing food waste at scale, these Toronto-based trailblazers are redefining what it means to create meaningful impact through meetings. You’ll also hear fresh insights on how AI is shifting the planner’s toolkit—and why knowing your city (and your story) can change everything.
Whether you’re an accidental planner, a DEI advocate, or just looking to create more purposeful experiences, this episode offers inspiration, practical takeaways, and a heartfelt reminder: real change starts with asking the right questions.
🎙 Sponsored by Destination Toronto
Additional Resources
Toronto: Sustainability in The 6ix
Montreal/Toronto: From Cobblestones to Skylines
Editor’s note: This episode of What One Thing? was transcribed by Otter.ai and edited lightly.
JT Long Welcome to the What One Thing? podcast, where we ask successful people what made the difference in their lives and careers. We have a first on the pod today—we’re recording live in person at the Smart Meetings Innovation Experience. Our guests flew in from Toronto to join us. Let’s introduce them.
Romina Kwong Thank you so much. My name is Romina. I use she/her pronouns, and I am an event sustainability expert based in Toronto.
JL Also joining us is Hailey Dawood. She’s the owner of The Idea Hunter. We’re also sponsored by Destination Toronto. Hailey, tell us about yourself.
Hailey Dawood Thanks, JL. I’m the owner of The Idea Hunter. We specialize in corporate events, especially entertainment and interactive add-ons.
JL Let’s talk about Toronto. Whether it’s professional sports, groundbreaking ideas, or grassroots movements, Toronto celebrates big dreams. It’s a multicultural city with renowned campuses, thriving industries, and diverse perspectives that co-exist to shape a truly global yet homegrown identity.
Hailey, how did you get into events?
HD I fell into it. I studied business, worked in marketing for brands like Pepsi and General Mills. In between jobs, I helped out at my mom’s company, The Idea Hunter. I told her not to buy me a desk or a laptop—I was just there temporarily. But after a month, I fell in love with events. It was fast-paced and problem-solving driven, and people were genuinely grateful. Looking back, I was doing event-style things at Pepsi without realizing it—snack drops, welcome days, late-night snack rooms. It was always in me.
JL Sounds like you were an accidental planner—a familiar story in this industry. Romina, how about you?
RK A little of both. I studied Environmental Studies and knew I cared deeply about sustainability. I didn’t want to go into research. After helping with a friend’s wedding, I realized I loved events—just not weddings. I went back to school for event management, worked in festivals, and then merged my passion for sustainability with event planning. That’s how my business started.
JL What surprises planners about Toronto?
RK Toronto is diverse and expansive. Two major environmental impacts in events are travel and food. Toronto is lucky to have two airports and an accessible train system. Most vendors are local. In terms of food, we offer a wide variety of ethnic cuisines. It’s easy to build menus that are both sustainable and reflective of our diversity.
JL Hailey, what else makes Toronto stand out?
HD There’s always something happening. We have seven major league teams and we’re one of the fastest growing tech hubs in North America. Innovation is second nature. Whether it’s sports, escape rooms, or bike rides along the waterfront, there’s something for everyone.
JL Romina, how do we keep Toronto beautiful while planning events?
RK Toronto is walkable and safe, which cuts down on shuttle use. Venue selection is key. Choose venues with built-in AV and local catering. Ask where your food is coming from and whether it’s in season. Our wine from the Niagara region is a local bonus. Also, don’t forget food recovery. Organizations like Second Harvest or local food banks can help reduce waste.
JL Sustainability goes beyond the planet—it’s also about people. Hailey, how do you incorporate that?
HD A good example: Shoppers Drug Mart had expired makeup, and we worked with an artist who used it to create mixed-media art, later auctioned off. Also, we tend to hire people we know or who feel familiar. That can limit diversity. A quick test: if your proposal includes four DJs and they all look the same, you have a diversity problem. We challenged ourselves, expanded our database, and now work with incredible talent from all backgrounds.
JL Talk to me about AI and innovation.
RK AI tools are increasingly useful for planners, especially in sustainability reporting. But we must consider the environmental footprint of digital tools, like water used in data centers for cooling. It’s about balance.
HD James Bellis’s AI session was great. We need to meet planners where they are—some are beginners, others advanced. We should tailor content and support accordingly. I use AI daily and I’m excited to learn more.
JL Now, a little real talk. Do Canadians still like us?
HD One thousand percent yes. Toronto is multicultural and welcoming. The exchange rate also offers strong value for U.S.-based planners. We want you here. We didn’t build two airports for nothing!
RK When arriving in a new city, work with local planners or Destination Toronto. We can help vet vendors and recommend reliable partners. That local contact can make or break your event.
JL Let’s wrap with the big question. Hailey, what’s your one thing?
HD Curiosity. I work with so many creators, and I always want to understand their stories. It makes me emotional to think about it. Their heart is in their work, and knowing their story helps us tell it better to guests.
JL That’s powerful. And Romina?
RK Education and collaboration. People have good intentions but don’t always know where to start. I love when someone says they implemented one of my tips. That’s impact. And I can’t do it all—collaboration is essential.
JL Thank you both for joining us. Big thanks to Destination Toronto for sponsoring this essential conversation. Until next time, keep asking that one thing.
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