We may not be able to predict the future, but we sure can try! Eventualists: Real Stories, Eventual Experiences is a brand-new business events industry podcast for tomorrow’s talent and today’s leaders that sheds light on the (un)expected realities of life as a business events industry professional. 

Co-hosted by Meetings Today’s Taylor Smith and Event Leaders Exchange’s (ELX) Hannah Elston, every episode of Eventualists aims to empower next-gen event professionals and senior leaders through transparent, authentic and raw conversations. Tune in as Taylor and Hannah dive into real questions and experiences shared by listeners, offering advice and perspective on everything from career curveballs to difficult conversations at work. 

Whether it’s a bold question, an anonymous confession or a candid conversation with a courageous podcast guest, the Eventualists are here to unpack it—openly, honestly and without judgment—to help teach emerging leaders lessons they will find useful in their careers…eventually. 

Tune in to the latest episodes now! New episodes will air on the third Thursday of every month.

eventualist 
e·ven·tu·al·ist 
(noun)

A next-gen business events industry professional who’s looking to best prepare for the common career experiences people have in meetings and events ... eventually 

Taylor Smith 
Content Manager, Destinations 
Meetings Today 

The voice of the Meetings Today column The Z: Planning for the Industry's Next Generation and a passionate destinations content manager for the publication, Taylor Smith is a meetings industry professional who’s not afraid to get personal. Since starting with the magazine in May 2022, she’s established herself as a Gen Z industry leader who uses authenticity and her words, both as a writer and an industry speaker, to help bridge the gap between generations. 

Smith often finds herself on the road to attend and speak at industry events such as IMEX America, SITE Global and MPI's World Education Congress. She’s been a featured guest on podcasts such as Dare to Interrupt, Adventures in Business Live!, Cvent’s Great Events Podcast and Gen Z @ Work. Smith has been recognized by Eventex as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the Events Industry for 2024 and 2025 and was one of Courtney Stanley’s Women to Watch in 2024. 

Hannah Elston 
Senior Manager, Partnerships, Marketing & Communications 
Event Leaders Exchange (ELX) 

A dedicated senior manager of partnerships, marketing and communications with Event Leaders Exchange (ELX)—an exclusive community for senior corporate event leaders from the world’s most influential brands—Hannah Elston has immersed herself in the dynamic landscape of event marketing since 2021. A passionate advocate for the next generation of event professionals, she uses her voice to champion mentorship and career development within the business events industry. As a 2025 graduate of the Fast Forward 15 Mentorship Program, Elston is committed to empowering future leaders and bridging the gap between emerging talent and senior industry professionals. 

Since joining ELX, Elston has traveled the globe to deliver impactful events and foster community among industry leaders. A respected speaker and community advocate, Elston has shared her story and insights at events like IMEX America, International Confex and the Future Leaders Forum. Her contributions have earned recognitions including Tomorrow’s Talent 2025 and Courtney Stanley’s Women to Watch 2025.