From Community Connection to Marketplace Events: Megan Pfaff’s Story of Building Experiences That Bring Montana Together

For Megan Pfaff, business has never just been about producing events. It has always been

about creating spaces where people feel connected.

As owner of Marketplace Events, Megan has spent over two decades building community-

centered events across Montana that bring together local businesses, nonprofits,

entrepreneurs, families, and consumers in meaningful ways. From health and wellness

fairs and women’s fairs to pet festivals, networking events, and business conferences,

every event is built around one simple mission: helping people connect face-to-face in a

world that increasingly happens online.

Marketplace Events was founded in 2006 by Megan’s mother, Linda Baumann. Megan

joined the business a year later after graduating from the University of Montana with

degrees in Psychology and Human & Family Development. While her education may not

have pointed directly toward event production, Megan quickly realized that understanding

people, relationships, communication, and community dynamics would become one of

the greatest strengths she brought into the business.

Linda brought decades of experience in media and marketing, while Megan brought

creativity, relationship-building skills, and a natural ability to connect with people.

Together, they built a company rooted in relationships, community involvement, and

helping businesses grow.

What started as a small local event company slowly evolved into one of Montana’s most

recognized locally-owned event production businesses. Over the years, Marketplace

Events has grown to produce multiple events throughout Montana, including the Montana

Health & Wellness Fairs, Women’s Fairs, Pet Fest, Beast Your Biz, and Marketplace

Connects networking events.

Megan’s dedication to both business and community involvement has earned her

recognition throughout the region. She has received multiple business and community

awards over the years and previously served as President of the Missoula

Businesswomen’s Network, where she worked to help connect, support, and encourage

women in business throughout the Missoula area.

While the events themselves vary, the heart behind them remains the same: helping local

businesses and organizations connect with their communities in authentic ways.

Megan believes strongly that in-person interaction still matters.“We live in a digital world, but people still crave real connection,” she says. “There’s something powerful about meeting someone face-to-face, hearing their story, and building relationships naturally. That’s what our events are about.”

What makes Marketplace Events unique is the company’s focus on creating experiences

rather than simply vendor shows. Megan encourages businesses to make their booths

interactive, welcoming, and engaging because she knows attendees remember

experiences more than advertisements.

That mindset comes from years of watching how relationships are built in real time. Megan

has seen businesses launch, nonprofits gain support, and entrepreneurs make

connections that completely changed the direction of their companies after attending one

of her events.

Entrepreneurship, however, has not always been easy.

Like many small business owners, Megan has experienced the challenges that come with

balancing business ownership, family life, financial pressure, growth, and uncertainty. As a

wife and mother of two daughters, she understands firsthand the constant balancing act

that many women entrepreneurs face.

“There are definitely moments where you question yourself or feel overwhelmed,” Megan

shares. “But I’ve learned that consistency matters. Showing up matters. Building

relationships matters. You don’t have to have everything figured out to keep moving

forward.”

Her daughters have grown up around events, often helping behind the scenes and seeing

firsthand what it takes to build a business rooted in community. For Megan, that has

become one of the most meaningful parts of the journey — showing her children what

leadership, hard work, and perseverance look like in real life.

Giving back to the community has also remained a central part of Marketplace Events.

Many of their events partner with local nonprofits, raise money through raffles and

fundraising activities, and highlight organizations making a difference throughout Montana.

Megan believes events should leave a positive impact far beyond a single day.

In recent years, Megan has become especially passionate about supporting entrepreneurs

and women in business. Through events like Beast Your Biz and Marketplace Connects, she

has created spaces where business owners can network, collaborate, learn from one

another, and realize they are not alone in the challenges of entrepreneurship.

Her advice for other women considering starting a business?

“Surround yourself with people who are experts in what they do and don’t be afraid to ask

questions. You don’t have to know everything yourself. Start before you feel ready and keep

learning as you go.”

Today, Marketplace Events continues to grow while staying rooted in the values it was built

on twenty years ago: community, connection, and creating opportunities for others to

succeed.

For Megan, success isn’t measured only by attendance numbers or sold-out events. It’s

measured by the businesses that grow because of a connection they made, the nonprofits

that gain visibility and support, and the people who leave an event feeling inspired,

encouraged, and more connected to their community than before.

Story brought to you by the Rocky Mountain Women's Business Center.