Not a mac user- but is there a way to rename your files . . . . I name mine by date and then the file name. . . I know most programs have a way to rename files- either all of them or at least on import.  (I love that I don't have to look at the metadata to figure out the date of a photo and very often times you can have the filename printed when you order prints.

Hi owl, 

I just had Iphoto open when I read your question and if you double chick on the photo that you want to rename, so you are seeing it big.  Then click on the "Info" button (next to the edit button).  This brings up the medidata pane.  Now you can click on the file name or jpg number, it will give you the option to re-write the title name there and then just click off when your done re-naming.  Hope I am explaining this well.

You can rename it depending on your preference.  I prefer to have the date handy. . . . and as mentioned I rename my files on import. . . . so I don't generally name with the event as I often have more than one event that I'm importing. . .. that said, sometimes I will. . .. and sometimes I'll even create sub-folders for them.  I.e. my July from last year has subfolders for the ballon races pics I took and pics DH took.

Really you could rename it to just about anything- you could include people, place, date, event, etc.  Me personally, I find that the date comes in handy.