Welcome to my blog—the official blog and online newsroom for MTR Event Design—where creativity, strategy, and connection come together to elevate your in-person, virtual, and hybrid events.
If there’s one thing the event industry has taught us, it’s how to adapt, innovate, and reimagine what’s possible. At my core, I’ve always been someone who thrives on connection. I’m a networker at heart—I love bringing people together, creating experiences, and watching those meaningful moments unfold.
So, the question became: how do I continue doing what I love while the way we gather continues to evolve?
The answer was simple—lean in, not back.
In 2020, I made a powerful shift in my business, expanding into virtual and hybrid event design. What started as a response to change quickly became an opportunity to grow, innovate, and serve clients in entirely new ways. Today, that same energy and passion continue to drive everything I do.
My name is Marie Rios, founder and owner of MTR Event Design in Marin County, California. From a young age, I dreamed of owning my own business. While my path started in accounting, everything changed when I discovered marketing and event planning. That spark—the connection, the creativity, the energy of bringing events to life—made it clear I had found my calling.
What Matters Most
At the heart of every successful event—virtual, hybrid, or in-person—are a few key elements that truly make the difference:
✨ Connection Over Perfection
It’s not about flawless execution—it’s about creating meaningful, engaging experiences that people remember.
✨ Clarity of Purpose (Your “Why”)
Before planning begins, define the goal. What do you want your audience to feel, learn, or do?
✨ Audience Experience First
Every decision should support the attendee journey—from registration to post-event follow-up.
✨ Strong Strategy (The “WOW” and the “OW”)
Balance the “wow” moments that excite your audience with the “how” that ensures everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.
✨ Adaptability
Events are ever-changing. The ability to pivot, problem-solve, and stay calm under pressure is what sets great planners apart.
✨ Energy & Engagement
Whether online or in-person, energy is everything. Keep your audience involved, inspired, and connected throughout the experience.
In my Lessons From a Thousand Events blog, I’ll share:
✨ Event planning tips and best practices
✨ Marketing strategies to elevate your events
✨ Tools and systems that make planning seamless
✨ Insights into in-person, virtual and hybrid experiences
✨ Creative ideas to make your events stand out
I’ll admit it—I’m a systems person. I love a well-organized spreadsheet just as much as I love being on the event floor connecting with attendees. Here, you’ll find a blend of both worlds: practical, strategic guidance paired with creative inspiration to help you design events that truly shine.
This space is also about conversation.
How can we learn from each other?
I’d love to hear your thoughts, ideas, and even different perspectives. Let’s keep the dialogue respectful, relevant, and valuable so we can continue to grow together as a community of event professionals and enthusiasts.
I also invite you to explore the MTR Event Design website to learn more about who we are, what we offer, and how we can support your next event. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss new insights, trends, and inspiration.
The way we gather may continue to evolve—but one thing remains the same: the power of connection.
Thank you for being here!
Editor’s note: This article was updated on April 29th, 2026, to reflect the latest event planning trends and tools.