Lorri
McQueary
SENIOR CREATIVE LEADER
EXPERIENTIAL STRATEGy, CONTENT & PRODUCTION
My work SITS at the intersection of storytelling, design & production
For over two decades, I've specialized in the space where creative vision meets operational execution - concept development, content direction, and experience design that holds up under the pressure of a live, global stage.
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What I bring as a creative strategist
22+ years leading creative and experiential strategy for brand activations, corporate events, and large-scale productions.
"Thread" obsessed. The one that runs from invite to swag bag. Messaging, design and entertainment all woven in. I have the cocktail napkin sketches to prove it.
Hands-on artistic direction for premier venues and multi-faceted meetings.
High-stakes proposal strategy - transforming the standard RFP response into a creative vision clients can see and feel.
Leadership
For almost two decades I've built and led award-winning internal creative teams as well as project teams for multi-faceted, complex special events and productions.
As an agency leader, I have a track record of bridging sales, creative, and marketing so they work as one team, for better business and company culture outcomes.
Having worked across nearly every role in the meeting and event space, I lead teams with a firsthand understanding of what the work actually requires. I believe in a collaborative, servant-leader philosophy, and the mindset that KPIs should really stand for "Keep People Inspired."
Professional Timeline
Vice President Atlanta
Cohera
Kicking off my Cohera Era
2026
VICE PRESIDENT
Destination South Meetings + Events
Led the evolution of the firm to include experiential events and complex productions, plus full meeting planning and execution. Supported the strategic business initiatives of the company while developing and leading teams across departments. Served as Marketing Director while also supporting the Meetings division with event marketing and production leadership on national and international programs. Supported the successful launch of DSME's second office in Charleston, SC.
2016-2026
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Destination South Meetings + Events
Built and managed an award-winning creative department to support the growing volume and types of services provided by DSME. Steered and created marketing collateral, client presentations and proposals as well as client event marketing and content needs. Creatively directed, project managed and produced events ranging from intimate gatherings to multi-day programs for 15,000 attendees - right down to wearing the headset backstage.
2004-2016
Honors & Certs
2025 Bob BlaEsing CSEP Lifetime Achievement Award - ILEA
Presented to those who have dedicated their careers to elevating Atlanta's event industry. This honor recognizes a career built on mentorship, ethics, and decades of leadership in the special events community.
Enhancing events with AI
A certification exploring the practical AI platforms transforming how events are planned, marketed, and executed - moving beyond theory into hands-on application.
EVENT DEI STRATEGIST
A certification focused on embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion into event planning and organizational practice - from diverse representation among speakers and suppliers to designing more equitable, inclusive attendee experiences.
DIGITAL EVENT STRATEGIST
A certification in building forward-looking digital and hybrid event strategy - designed to move practitioners past outdated models and into today's hybrid landscape.
