Mahoganey Jones is an event expert and strategist who produces exceptionally planned & revenue generating events. With over 20 years in the event planning industry, she has gained extensive experience within the corporate, entrepreneurial, government, non-profit and social industries. Mahoganey has planned conferences, concerts, trade shows, retreats, fundraisers, meetings and celebrations for organizations such as the University of Ottawa and the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command. Over the years, she has assisted in raising over $2.5M in fundraising initiatives.
As an entrepreneur herself with hundreds of events under her belt, Mahoganey is passionate about bringing event ideas to life. By taking care of the details and breathing personality and life into each event, Mahoganey is able to produce an experience that is a direct reflection of her clients.
Throughout her career, she quickly learned that all events begin with a purpose and need more than a pretty logo to be successful. Events are opportunities to generate positive buzz about your brand and should be produced with that goal in mind.
Mahoganey’s motto is do what you love and to love what you do. This motto can be seen in the attention to detail and drive she has to ensure every event is a success.
- How long have you worked in the events industry and what keeps you interested in it?
I’ve been in the industry for over 20 years! The ever changing world of content delivery and meeting design keeps me interested! - Best (and worst?) moments working in the events industry?
My best moments are tied around the new connections and relationships that have been made. I have made lifelong friends and partners. Worst moments are around non-collaborative nature of many in our industry. We should support each other rather than criticise how others choose to produce events. - What was the last event on which you worked?
Last week I had the privilege of planning and producing a 2-day educational virtual conference and trade show AND a virtual pitch competition for Black Girl Ventures. - From your experience, what’s the best way to utilise tech at an event?
Tech is best utilized to enhance the experience you are looking to create. When we marry our vision to the tech, this allows us to make the tech work for us rather then make the event fit into the technology. Tech isn’t the driver but a tool to increase engagement, content delivery and host the event. - We all learn from our mistakes! What was the biggest lesson you learned from a mistake since being in the industry?
We’ve set ourselves up as the “help” for many years. Our biggest mistake as a whole is not solidifying our place in the hospitality industry as the strategists and experts. We don’t have a global standard that we can call our own for the industry. What an event producer means differs by state, province and country. - What are you most looking forward to at Event Tech Live?
Connecting with old and new colleagues! And learning what’s coming next for our industry! Of course, learning ALL THE THINGS. - What do events, such as ETL, mean to you?
Shows the progress in our industry and brings likeminded individuals together! - What can our delegates expect to take away from your session at ETL?
Re-focus on ROI of events. It’s time to plan better events and not continue to host them for the sake of doing so! - Which one piece of tech couldn’t you live without?
I’m tied to my cell phone (hardware)
10. Most pointless tech you have purchased?
I buy tech because I love tech! Most pointless – the rocketbook knock off just to give the tech company a chance!!
Join Mahoganey for her session: 5 Steps to (Re) Validate Your Event to Maximize Your ROI
at ETL US & Canada on June 10th on the Smart Stage – Book your ticket here
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