Eleven Smart Meetings Experiences speakers share what they are thankful for and how they demonstrate that daily, Judi Holler, Ashley Brooke James and David Stevens and Shelley Brown.
The benefits of living a grateful life are proven. UCLA research has shown that focusing on the positive parts of your life for 15 minutes a day enhances mental wellness and can have real physical benefits, including heart health and better sleep.
But how can meeting professionals live gratitude while managing one of the most stressful jobs on the planet? We asked Smart Meetings Experiences speakers to share what they are thankful for and how they demonstrate that daily. Read all the way to the end for one that almost brought us to tears.
Speaker, Smart Woman Summit 2024, Caesars Palace Las Vegas
What are you thankful for?
The relationships, network and community I’ve built over the years—authentically and organically. They showed up for me big time when it came time to put my second book out into the world.
The reason I share that is because so many of us feel alone—like we’re on an island. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or working remotely in a corporate role, that feeling of isolation can creep in. I think there’s a real loneliness epidemic, but it doesn’t have to be that way. We don’t have to do life or business alone.
The power of my community, my connections and the network I’ve built reminded me that I am not alone—and that I have so many people who love and support me. That realization has put a spotlight on how important it is to nurture my network, care for the community I’ve already built and keep creating spaces of connection moving forward.
So, the essence of my answer is this: so many people feel lonely—myself included—but I was reminded this year that I’m not alone and I don’t have to do it alone. And I’m so deeply grateful for that reminder.
I’ve always loved snail mail and handwritten notes, and I don’t think I’ll ever lose that. But lately, I’ve been leaning more into my very active throat chakra—using my words, language and energy in new ways. I’ve started surprising people with voice memos and Instagram voice notes in their DMs—little verbal love notes or energetic messages to encourage, uplift or answer a question audibly.
It’s brought me so much joy—and it truly surprises and delights people in powerful ways. So now, I’ve added these audio notes to my gratitude practice right alongside my snail mail habit.
Smart Woman Summit, Grand Hyatt Nashville
I’m thankful for the people who’ve believed in me, my family who grounds me, and the incredible gift of sharing my grandmother’s message, be who you came to be, for a living.
I express gratitude by being present …for my family, my audience and every person I meet along the way. Gratitude, to me, is more than words…it’s how we show up, how we listen and how we love. My grandmother wrote, “Be Who You Came to Be. LOVE will guide you,” and that simple note has been my compass ever since. Every act of kindness, every thank-you, every moment of connection is a way of saying…I see you. You matter. You are enough. The world needs your light.
Speaker, Innovation Experience, Atlantic City
While I’m thankful for all the amazing people and good fortune I’ve had, gratitude for me comes down to two things. One, I’m thankful for my wife, Marj, and our over 40 years together. Without her, it wouldn’t really be a life. Two, I’m thankful for my health, without which none of this really matters.
My gratitude and how I express it doesn’t change month to month or year to year. Be grateful for the simple things that bring joy to your life and those you touch, and always try to do more for others than you do for yourself.
Ashley Brooke James
Speaker, Wellness Experience, La Fonda on the Plaza, Santa Fe, New Mexico
As I look toward 2026, I’m thankful for alignment—for the clarity that’s come from saying yes to purpose and no to anything that pulls me away from peace. I’m grateful for the community that continues to grow around wellness, joy and meaningful connection.
I express gratitude through stillness—pausing to breathe, reflect and acknowledge the blessings that are already present. And through action—showing appreciation by pouring back into others and creating spaces where people feel seen, valued and supported.
Speaker, Innovation Experience, Atlantic City
I am grateful for the reinforcing loop of energy that comes from being invited to speak, from the audience members who truly engage on the topic and insights. They radiate an energy back up to the stage.
I end my talks with a heartfelt “Thank You”—appreciation for *their* time and *their* attention. We all know how limited truly vested attention is in today’s world. I weigh it gravely and with deep appreciation.
Leadership Experience, El Conquistador Resort, Puerto Rico
What I’m most grateful for this year is the journey—every stage, every story shared and every person who showed up with curiosity and heart. Speaking at major conferences has been a privilege, but the real gratitude comes from the people I met along the way. I’m also incredibly grateful for the trust that has been put in me to deliver at some huge and impactful events.
I share my gratitude through my empathy and sincerity from the stage in thanking those in attendance and thank God I’m a hugger because when audience members come to give me one, I love that connection and mutual appreciation.
Speaker, Luxury Experience, Conrad Orlando at Evermore
I’m deeply grateful for 2025—a year that underscored the undeniable power of our event community. Connection, collaboration and collective support have been the driving forces behind every moment of growth and impact in my professional life this year.
I express my gratitude by giving back: volunteering my time, contributing to the spaces I care about and building bridges within my community. Service is one of the most meaningful ways I can honor the people and organizations that have shaped me, and it’s my way of creating more belonging, more support and more impact for others.
Speaker, Wellness Experience, La Fonda on the Plaza, Santa Fe, New Mexico
This year I am taking the time to be grateful for my Social Health. As Professor Bettina Borisch PhD, MD said: “Your social health is the single largest contributor to your physical health.” My work, my business, my life would be so empty without the incredible people I have been fortunate enough to meet and keep in my life to collaborate, support and trust. As I am an only child, I do appreciate my alone time, but thanks to the relationships this industry has gifted me, I never feel lonely.
I am showing my gratitude for those special people in my life through a number of different ways but the ways that speak to them the most. It might be a gift that made me think of them, a book, a handwritten note or just a phone call with the expressed intent of ensuring they know how important they are in my life.
Speaker, Epicurean Experience, Silverado, Napa, California
I’m grateful for the rare moments when wonder finds its way into a world oversaturated with information, when a guest shifts from spectator to collaborator and feels the experience belongs to them. Those are the quiet sparks that remind me why hospitality matters.
“For me personally…at the end of every event, when the final conversations fade, the glasses rest and the room releases its last breath and I find I am often the last one in the space, I’m filled with gratitude for what truly lasts: guests walking away with the sense of belonging.
Leadership Experience, Margaritaville Hotel, Kansas City, Kansas
I am grateful for my people! My family, friends and clients who I adore and truly get me! I’m SUPER grateful for my health as I get OLDER🤪.
My love languages are gift giving and words of affirmation. I like to make my people know how much I adore them and a little gift just for them never hurts…from my 2-year-old grandson to my 85-year-old yoga student❤️.
Speaker and MC, Smart Woman Summit 2025, JW Marriott Tampa Water Street
When I think about gratitude, it brings tears to my eyes. I have endless reasons to be grateful. As I sit here with my newly adopted pug, I find myself reflecting on this past year, a year marked by two profound losses: my mom and my dog and yet, I’m grateful for grief because grief, at its core, is proof of how deeply we love. It’s also a teacher, bringing clarity, humility and growth I never asked for but somehow needed.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to be trusted to speak at events and know that I’ve made people feel something and inspired them to do something different.
I journal every day, always with pages full of gratitude. And I’m a big believer in expressing appreciation with my words whenever I can. You never know when, or if, you’ll have the chance again.
