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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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.
Growth With Intention: Preparing Our Business For The Next Level
At M3, we’re using a slower season to reflect, strengthen systems, and prepare for growth—so we’re ready to support our clients at the level they expect.
The Gift That Matters Most: Why M3 Chose Donations Over Corporate Gifts This Year
This year, McAteer Meeting Management chose charitable donations in place of traditional corporate gifts. Learn why “experiences over things” and mission-aligned giving create deeper impact for clients, communities, and global programs—especially on Giving Tuesday.
Don’t Wait: The Precious Gift Of Time With The People We Love
A heartfelt reminder to cherish time with parents and loved ones. Don’t wait for the “right time”—make memories now while you can.
Why Experiences Make the Best Gifts
Discover why gifting experiences — from weekend getaways to local adventures — creates lasting memories, strengthens relationships, and brings more joy than traditional presents.
From Holiday Party to Brand Experience: Turning Annual Gatherings Into Strategy Moments
Transform your company holiday party into a meaningful brand experience. Discover how intentional internal events can boost morale, reflect culture, and kick off your new year with purpose.
More Than Marketing: Why Successful Companies Need A Dedicated Meetings and Events Team
Marketing tells the story. Meetings and Events (M&E) makes it real. Discover why strong collaboration between marketing and M&E teams drives brand connection and ROI.
The Hidden Power of Great Venue Sourcing
Unlock the hidden power of great venue sourcing. Learn how McAteer Meeting Management (M3) combines corporate strategy and boutique creativity to find the perfect destination and venue for your next meeting or event.
Who’s the Boss? The Power of Two at McAteer Meeting Management
At McAteer Meeting Management, leadership is a partnership. Discover how our ‘front of house’ and ‘back of house’ approach—Bethany’s spark and Kelly’s strategy—creates truly effortless events.
Confessions of a Heel Lover: Finding Confidence Without the Pain
A heartfelt reflection on confidence, heels, and finding your true power — from a lifelong heel lover learning to stand tall in her own way.