Purpose, People, and Places: How Gaby Margas Builds Events That Connect and Deliver Impact

Discovering a Path to Event Planning

For Gaby Margas, founder of Margas Corporate Events, event planning has always been about balancing strategy with human connection.

“I studied hospitality at the University of Denver, and that’s where I discovered my love for the business of bringing people together,” Gaby recalls. “Hospitality combined the outcomes-driven side of business with authentic connection—something I’ve always valued.”

Her career began in hotel group sales, where she built a strong foundation in how business goals intersect with events. The pandemic brought a new chapter: moving in-house as an event manager for a tech company, leading high-impact corporate events. That experience revealed a bigger gap in the industry.

“Many companies were relying on default planning, missing opportunities to design events that build community and deliver measurable results,” she explains. “That’s why I launched Margas Corporate Events—to create experiences that are authentic and strategic.”

Event Sourcing with Strategy at the Core

When it comes to venue sourcing, Gaby looks well beyond aesthetics.

“A great venue should align with the event’s purpose, support the client’s brand, and encourage meaningful connections,” she says. Her priorities include:

• Open, welcoming layouts without obstructions that encourage natural flow.
• Accessibility through ADA compliance, transportation, and parking.
• Service-oriented partners who collaborate to deliver a seamless experience.

Venue selection begins with clarity. “We always start by defining the event’s purpose and success metrics. Once we know the why, we can shortlist venues based on flow, capacity, and flexibility.”

Tackling Financial Challenges with Foresight

Like many planners, Gaby sees scope creep as one of the biggest budget pitfalls. Her strategy? Set clear priorities early and evaluate every expense against the event’s purpose.

She also builds budgets that account for hidden costs, keeps a contingency line, and leans on vendor relationships to secure fair pricing. “It’s about being proactive and intentional,” she says.

Leveraging Technology for Efficiency

Gaby integrates technology into every phase of planning. Tools like Asana, Slack, and Zoom streamline communication and execution. Post-event, she uses both quantitative data from client CRMs and qualitative attendee feedback via Google Forms to measure impact.

“What matters most is tying results back to business goals while also capturing how the event felt for attendees,” she notes.

Designing Human-Centered Experiences

At the heart of her approach is designing events that feel warm and authentic.

“I always start by understanding who the attendees are and what matters to them,” Gaby explains. “Activations and touchpoints are not just flashy add-ons—they’re ways to spark real connection.”

From intimate networking spaces to thoughtful brand activations, every detail is crafted to foster community.

Communication and Collaboration as the Foundation

To keep stakeholders aligned, Gaby begins with a strategic workshop that clarifies objectives, defines the audience, and sets success metrics. Regular check-ins ensure progress remains intentional and collaborative.

“We see ourselves as an extension of our client’s team,” she says. “That alignment makes every decision smoother.”

Preparedness, Agility, and Calm in Challenges

From emergency contingency planning to handling last-minute corporate conferences, Gaby’s approach is about preparation and prioritization.

“Even with tight timelines, we focus on what will drive the most impact. That way, the event feels strategic, not reactive.”

Post-Event Reflection and KPIs

After every event, Gaby delivers a comprehensive readout combining attendance, engagement, lead generation, and attendee sentiment. These insights shape future strategies and ensure events consistently deliver value.

Advice for Aspiring Event Planners

“Keep the attendee experience at the center. People can tell when an event feels forced versus authentic,” Gaby advises. She also stresses the importance of mentorship and always focusing on the outcome, not just the checklist.

Bringing It All Together

With Margas Corporate Events, Gaby Margas is redefining what it means to be an event planner in today’s world—balancing strategic event sourcing, venue sourcing, and measurable outcomes with the kind of authentic experiences that bring people together.

Her philosophy mirrors the vision at Hopskip: making sourcing and planning intentional, seamless, and human.

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