THE
EVENTFUL
LIFE
Whether personally or professionally, our lives all full of events. Some are memorable while some, not so much. For us, the journey between these moments is just as important as the actual event itself. This blog is our attempt to document these experiences. To fortify the memories and learn from them. Join us!
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In-House vs. Outsourced Event Planning: 3 Questions To Help You Decide
Deciding between in-house and outsourced event planning? Ask these 3 questions to find the right approach for your organization’s next event.
7 Meeting Venue Selection Mistakes That Cost Organizations Time and Money
Choosing a meeting venue is about more than room rates. Avoid these 7 common mistakes to protect your budget, timeline, and attendee experience.
250 Years Of Independence: A Reason To Pause And Be Grateful
As America marks its 250th anniversary, we reflect on the freedom and opportunity that make it possible to do the work we do, every day from a unique locale...the Badlands of North Dakota.
The Ground Beneath Our Feet
A Memorial Day reflection on hosting events in historic places where freedom was once fought for — and the importance of remembering the sacrifice beneath our feet.
Don’t Fall In Love With The Plan
Professional event planning requires more than building the perfect plan. In this blog, McAteer Meeting Management explores why flexibility, adaptability, and experience are often the key to creating truly memorable events.
The Case For The “Unexpected” Meeting Destination
Choosing a meeting destination goes beyond major hubs like Orlando or Las Vegas. Discover how lesser-known cities can reduce costs, improve negotiation leverage, and enhance attendee experience.
Powering Smiles: When Purpose and Profession Collide
Appalachian Power and AHCDC provide life-changing dental care to 199 patients in two days. See how community support is expanding access and restoring smiles in Southwest Virginia.
Event Systems For Success: The Tools Behind Seamless Experiences
Event success starts with strong systems. Discover how M3 uses custom portals and real-time communication tools to streamline logistics, improve attendee experience, and keep every detail aligned.
Great Events Don’t Happen By Memory. They Happen By Documentation.
Professional event planning isn’t just creativity—it’s preparation. Discover why detailed documentation ensures meetings and team-building events run smoothly, even when the unexpected happens.
Beyond The Ballroom: Creating Real Impact Through Corporate Events
Corporate meetings will always have their core objectives: strategy, education, celebration, and connection. But they can also become opportunities to give back, strengthen communities, and leave a destination better than it was before the event arrived. Sometimes all it takes is a planner willing to ask a different question. What if every meeting left something behind?
The Power of Showing Up: Why Chamber Involvement Matters
A 10-minute chamber presentation led to a one-year retainer contract. Learn why local networking and chamber involvement drive real growth.
Travel Insurance: The Most Important Part of Your Trip That You Hope You Never Use
Why travel insurance matters: medical coverage, trip cancellation protection, delay reimbursement, and peace of mind for business and leisure trips.
The Final 5%: Why Events Are Like Building A House
Final event preparation is where excellence happens. Discover why the last 5% of meeting planning—signage, agendas, BEO checks, and vendor confirmations—makes the difference between a good event and a seamless experience.
Supporting Small, Local Businesses—No Matter Where We Land
Supporting local businesses through thoughtful event gifting creates memorable experiences, reduces waste, and makes a positive impact in every destination.
When the Storm Is Out Of Your Control, Preparation Isn’t
Great events don’t happen by chance. Learn why preparing for contingencies—much like storm prep—is what separates reactive planning from confident, seamless execution.
Swimming With The Big Fish: Why Our Virginia SWaM Certification Matters
Learn what Virginia SWaM certification means, why it matters for small businesses, and how it helps companies like ours compete, grow, and stand out.
Lemonade Out of Lemons: Choosing Your Mindset When Plans Break Down
Lemonade Out of Lemons: How Mindset Shapes the Way We Handle Unexpected Setbacks. A truck breakdown on the road became an unexpected lesson in mindset. When plans fall apart, the only thing we truly control is how we respond.
Begin With The End In Mind: Designing Events With Purpose, Not Guesswork
Why successful events start with purpose. Learn how beginning with the end in mind creates intentional, impactful meetings and experiences.
A Year of Growth, Gratitude & Getting Better at What We Do
A look back at a year of growth, gratitude, and impactful meetings, events, and travel experiences at McAteer Meeting Management.
Personal Growth Fuels Business Growth: Why Learning Never Stops (and Shouldn’t)
Personal growth fuels business success. Discover why continued learning—especially after 50—builds stronger businesses, sharper minds, and renewed purpose.