Rolling with Flat Tires (and Frozen Treats): The Reality of Transportation Logistics

Some programs are about pretty centerpieces and perfect PowerPoints. Others? They’re about surviving 16-hour shuttle shifts, rerouting in real time, and knowing exactly when to deploy 50 ice cream bars as a peace offering. Last week, we welcomed 6,700 students and advisors to a national leadership conference spanning three hotels and a fleet of 15 […]
“Always Wear Clean Underwear” — and Other Mom Advice That Made Me a Better Planner

Every planner has a toolkit — spreadsheets, timelines, backup plans A through Z. But some of the most important tools I carry didn’t come from a conference or certification program. They came from my mom. Like most moms, mine had a collection of phrases she repeated on loop — especially when I was trying to […]
Pivoting With Purpose: Planning Outdoor Events With Weather In Mind

At McAteer Meeting Management (M3), we believe every event deserves a Plan A that dazzles—and a Plan B that delivers. Outdoor events bring magic: the breeze, the scenery, the golden hour lighting. But they also bring a level of unpredictability that demands flexibility and a well-crafted backup plan. When you’re hosting a large-scale gathering—whether it’s […]
Stepping Into The Unknown: Kelly’s Leap From Corporate To Business Ownership

As Kelly prepares to leave the corporate world after 29 years, I find myself filled with a mixture of excitement, pride, and a touch of trepidation. For nearly three decades, Kelly has dedicated himself to one company—starting right out of college and growing alongside it. The decision to leave behind the steady paycheck, benefits, and […]