While picking up the championship is a decent reward in itself, Keat said the side's anticipation for the traditional trip to Washington, DC had mounted since the title game in November.
"I don't think you really realise at the time, but guys started saying, 'we get to go and meet the President'. It's pretty exciting and it was good that the day finally came."
After training every day with a certain David Beckham, Keat is used to brushing shoulders with larger than life personalities and he found the commander-in-chief to be grounded and welcoming.
"He was pretty generous with his time. He stopped by and chatted with us for a little bit before we went into the press conference, and came by and shook everyone's hand and said hello," Keat said.
"He had a few things to say about the team, which was very nice of him, and he cracked a few jokes as well, which was good. He's a pretty charismatic guy - you can see why so many people are enamoured with him."
Before the press conference - in which Obama ribbed Beckham for, among other things, his underwear modelling - Keat and his teammates had the chance to explore 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, adding to an already unforgettable experience.
"We were lucky enough to get a tour and we got to hang out in a couple of rooms while we were waiting. It was a pretty surreal and amazing day, and something that I'll definitely remember for a long time."
In the immediate future lies another chance to create some life-long memories. Keat made his debut for the All Whites as a substitute in February's loss to Jamaica, and he's looking forward to the possibility of making his first start for the national side.
It may not come in friendlies against El Salvador and Honduras in Texas later this month, as the former under-20 captain is tied up with club commitments, but he's fully focused on helping New Zealand in the all-important Nations Cup in the Solomon Islands.
"It's another step forward for me and hopefully another step forward for the team as well," he said. "Ever since the last World Cup, it's a process going forward. Another big part of that is going down to the Solomons and doing the business there. We have to perform."
Keat, in particular, has extra incentive to perform. After the retirement of Tim Brown, there lies a gaping hole in the centre of the All Whites' midfield.
"There's definitely an opportunity there - not just for me but for plenty of other guys to step in. Brownie's done a great job there for a number of years so there's definitely a void, and it's up to us to step in and do all we can to progress the team forward."
