Meet Jacqueline Kirby | Owner & Lead Planner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacqueline Kirby and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacqueline, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The biggest factor behind our success is that we’re a relationship-first company.

We don’t see ourselves as just “event planners”, we see ourselves as an extension of our clients’ team. That means taking the time to understand not only what they’re trying to accomplish with an event, but why it matters to their business. Whether the goal is strengthening company culture, rewarding top performers, building client relationships, or launching a new initiative, every recommendation we make is rooted in helping them achieve that objective.

When clients know you genuinely care about their success, not just the event itself, it creates a level of trust and partnership that leads to better collaboration, better decisions, and ultimately, better experiences.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I knew by the age of 17 that I wanted to work in the events industry—somehow, some way. I just never imagined that one day I’d be running my own company, doing work that I genuinely love. Looking back now, every step of my career prepared me for exactly where I am today.

While attending Utah State University, I immersed myself in every opportunity I could find. I started as a banquet server for a local catering company and worked my way up to banquet manager. That experience gave me an invaluable understanding of food and beverage operations and taught me what it truly takes to serve hundreds of guests seamlessly.

At the same time, I worked in Convention Services at Utah State University, where I was introduced to the world of corporate events. I worked in conference registration and traveled across the country supporting conferences and meetings, gaining firsthand experience in the logistics and coordination behind successful large-scale events.

From there, I became a venue coordinator and food & beverage manager for multiple event spaces, where I wore just about every hat imaginable…sales, marketing, event planning, operations, staffing, and execution. One holiday season alone, our team successfully produced 17 holiday parties in just six days. It was fast-paced, demanding, and one of the experiences that taught me how to stay calm under pressure while managing countless moving pieces.

Before launching my own business, I joined the Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office as the Meetings & Convention Sales Manager, promoting Southern Utah as a destination for meetings and conventions. It was there that I developed strong relationships with hotels, venues, and local partners while helping attract events to the region. One of the highlights of my time there was serving on the planning team for three consecutive IRONMAN events, including the IRONMAN 70.3, the World Championship, and a full-distance IRONMAN—experiences that reinforced the power of collaboration and meticulous planning.

Starting my own business allowed me to combine everything I had learned into something uniquely my own. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of producing corporate retreats, executive leadership programs, sporting event festivals, business milestone celebrations, and luxury weddings across the country. While I love creating beautiful, seamless events, what I enjoy most is getting to know the people behind them. Understanding their goals, their culture, and what success means to them is what makes this work so fulfilling.

Of course, entrepreneurship hasn’t been without challenges. There have been sleepless nights, difficult setbacks, costly learning experiences, and moments that tested my confidence, including having a team member taking personal information and leaving to start a competing business. Those experiences weren’t easy, but they taught me resilience.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that success isn’t about avoiding failure, it’s about how you respond to it. Every challenge has made me a stronger leader, a better planner, and a more thoughtful business owner. You get back up, you learn, you adapt, and you keep moving forward.

Today, I’m proud to lead a relationship-first company that values people as much as production. Beautiful events are important, but the trust we build with our clients and the impact we help them create are what matter most. Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing, because every role, every challenge, and every opportunity shaped the career I have today.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people I could thank for the role they’ve played in my journey. Former bosses who took a chance on me as I built my experience in the events industry. Family members who listened to countless ideas and encouraged me through the early stages of starting a business. Clients who trusted me with their events before I had years of experience or a long portfolio to point to.

But if I had to recognize two people in particular, it would be my mom and my husband.

My mom saw something in me long before I did. She knew I would thrive in the events industry and ultimately introduced me to the career that has become my passion. I truly wouldn’t be here without her encouragement.

My husband has been my biggest champion from day one. Whether it’s making introductions, jumping in to help with the countless behind-the-scenes tasks that no one ever sees, or simply believing in me on the days I need it most, he’s always there. He celebrates every win as if it were his own and never misses an opportunity to tell others about what we’re building.

To my mom, my husband, and the many mentors, friends, colleagues, and clients who have believed in me along the way…thank you. Every opportunity, every lesson, and every vote of confidence has helped shape both me and this business. I truly wouldn’t be here without your support.

Website: https://www.sunagoeventplanning.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-grena/