Today we’d like to introduce you to Margo.
Margo, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I always say I didn’t choose event planning; it chose me! It started when I was selected to work for a youth conference for 40,000 people in Atlanta. At sixteen, I thought I’d be grabbing coffee for the pros, but instead, I was given $150k and told to make the magic happen. In less than two years, I found a team of “professional”, rented out the Georgia World Congress Center and dreamed up a ‘Party of Your Life’ theme (yes, kazoo karaoke was involved!).
After rocking similar events across the country for the next six years, I realized I had a knack for the logistics and the joy of a perfect party. After years of planning everything from murder mysteries to weddings, I founded Events by Margo in 2022. My goal is simple: to create affordable, elegant, and deeply creative experiences. Whether it’s a destination vacation or an intimate retreat, I’m still fueled by that same excitement I felt at my very first event.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It certainly has not been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges is the misconception that event planning is ‘just a hobby.’ I often encounter the ‘I’m an event planner too’ sentiment from people who have organized a family birthday party—but there is a massive difference between a casual/familial gathering and a, professional production.
The struggle is often two-fold: battling the ‘your fees are too high’ objection while educating potential clients on the sheer level of organization and creative problem-solving required to make an event look effortless. My hardest obstacle has been finding the right audience—those who realize that while a professional planner is an investment, the peace of mind and the ‘priceless’ memories we create are worth every penny
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’ve been immersion-trained in the world of professional events since the age of 16. My career began with a ‘deep end’ introduction to event production, which allowed me to refine my skills alongside industry mentors and Fortune 500 companies. This background in high-stakes logistics—from board meetings and employee engagement to strategic LEAN Six-Sigma seminars—is the foundation upon which I built Events by Margo.
What sets me apart is my ‘High-End/High-Value’ philosophy. I believe elegance is not exclusive to massive budgets. I am known for going the extra mile to ensure every detail is spectacular while staying strictly within my clients’ financial comfort zones.
My Approach: The 5 Design Principles I don’t just ‘book vendors’; I build experiences based on a specific framework:
Elements: The curated pieces that make the event yours.
Essentials: Identifying the non-negotiable must-haves.
Environment: Selecting the perfect venue and styling.
Energy: Intentionally crafting the mood of the room.
Emotion: Ensuring your guests walk away feeling something profound.
What I Specialize In: While my roots are in large-scale conventions and corporate shows, I specialize in ‘Connection Events.’ This includes everything from destination vacations and coastal family reunions to elegant celebrations and high-energy milestone birthdays.
What I’m Most Proud of is my versatility. One day I am coordinating a complex training seminar or a trade show, and the next, I am designing a dream destination getaway for a family. My ability to switch between rigid corporate logistics and fluid, creative celebrations—all while keeping the process seamless for my clients—is what makes Events by Margo unique. Whether it’s venue sourcing, design mock-ups, or day-of management, I ask my clients to simply ‘trust the process’ so they can actually be present for the moments that matter.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Fun fact: I was once the official ‘standby’ to work the Oscars! 🏆 A mentor of mine was double-booked between the Academy Awards and a Volvo show. I was on deck to take her place if she couldn’t make it. In a total shocking (not so shocking) twist, she found a way to do both, and my red-carpet dreams were put on hold. It’s still my favorite story of how close I was to working the biggest stage in the world!
Pricing:
- free consultation (30 mins)
- Retainer (varies)
- ACH, Wire Transfer and Zelle accepted
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eventsbymargo.com
- Instagram: eventsby.margo
- Facebook: events by margo
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margocanadyjohnson
