We are truly honored to speak with Kate Patay today.
Kate is a true leader in our industry who excels professionally and consistently gives back in meaningful ways. She is a media engagement strategist, event design and production expert, international speaker, mentor, connector, and travel enthusiast who serves as the Vice President of Global Engagement at Terramar, a DCM company, and chairwoman of the SEARCH Foundation. She is also a proud Swiftie!
Stay tuned to hear about her remarkable journey and the insights she’s gained along the way.
Kate’s Path Into the Events Industry
Kate stumbled into the events world expecting to pursue a different career, but quickly realized that the work was in her blood. She began in food and beverage, moved through catering, hotels, and vendor roles, and ultimately launched her own firm, where she specialized in strategy and growth for small businesses and built a trusted global network. After collaborating with Terramar for years, the company invited her to join the team. The role aligned perfectly with her values, and three-and-a-half years later, she still feels deeply fulfilled, energized, and grateful to be part of a team that makes her smile every day.
Joining Terramar
Kate emphasizes the importance of values alignment, shared commitment to service, and honest conversations about expectations. For her, the biggest hurdle was navigating change management, but she believes that when change is rooted in doing the right thing, people ultimately get on board.
Embracing Change
Growth only happens when we step beyond comfort and into uncertainty. Kate describes fear as a signal that something bigger is coming. She explains that transformation lives just beyond the point of discomfort.
Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Journey
Kate pushed for additional testing after receiving a clear mammogram. Doctors found two cancerous masses, leading to a double mastectomy and multiple follow-up surgeries due to complications, and a third surgery, which required traveling to a specialist with only 96 hours’ notice. Thirteen days later, she stepped onto the IMEX stage to present. Her cancer is now clear, and she awaits final confirmation in January to officially begin her cancer-free countdown.
Mindset, Support, and Self-Care
Kate highlights the importance of putting yourself first. She encourages regular checkups, not dismissing symptoms, and making your health a priority. Support systems mattered a lot to her in her healing process, with colleagues who protected her privacy, stepped in to help, and ensured her work never suffered while she recovered.
The SEARCH Foundation
The SEARCH Foundation supports meeting and event professionals experiencing catastrophic illness, natural disasters, and other crises. The foundation began in 1997 during the AIDS epidemic and has expanded globally. Kate has served as board chair for six years and has recommitted for a third term because she sees so many lives transformed by this safety net. SEARCH is funded entirely by industry professionals, from monthly donors to students contributing just a few dollars.
Bio:
Kate Patay, CPCE – Vice President of Global Engagement, Terramar, a DMC Network Company
Kate Patay, CPCE, is the Vice President of Global Engagement at Terramar, a DMC Network Company, and a globally recognized industry leader known for creating extraordinary events, building strategic partnerships, and delivering experiences that leave a lasting impact.
An in-demand international speaker and thought leader, Kate is celebrated for her authentic, engaging approach to topics that matter most in today’s evolving events landscape. She currently serves as Chair of the SEARCH Foundation, supporting event professionals in times of crisis, and continues to champion innovation, mentorship, and community across the industry.
Her accolades include the prestigious Pacesetter Award from the Events Industry Council, the Richard Carbotti Humanitarian Award, recognition as one of BizBash’s 25 Most Influential #EventProfs, and inclusion in the Top 20 Global #EventProfs to Follow in 2025. She has also been honored as Smart Meetings Speaker of the Year and credited with leading the surprise-and-delight experience design at Dreamforce multiple times.
Kate recently completed multiple certificate programs through Harvard University Online, expanding her expertise in leadership and organizational development. When she’s not on stage or strategizing global programs, she’s a devoted advocate for self-care, believes shopping might be addicted to her, and is an unapologetic Taylor Swift enthusiast.
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Terramar on LinkedInEmail Kate: kate@katepatay.com or kate@terramardmc.com
