Local Business Spotlight: BBG Events Hillary Rickel & Morgan Moyers

Story by Amelia Bowen

Many great businesses take root long before plans are written. For coowners Hillary Rickel and Morgan Moyers of BBG Events, their story begins in first grade, two friends growing up in the same community, school and church and sharing milestones from childhood through adulthood. Two decades later, that lifelong friendship became the foundation for a rapidly growing event company in South Central Kentucky. “We never dreamed of having a business together,” they share, “but separately have always had an entrepreneurial mindset.” Both Hillary and Morgan built impressive careers before joining forces. Hillary spent nearly a decade leading ecommerce brands and ultimately served as President of Inked Brands, where she developed a passion for creating immersive, on brand experiences. Morgan became a partner in a healthcare company, helping scale and successfully exit to a Fortune 500 firm. While their industries differed, their instincts to lead and innovate were strikingly aligned. As Hillary began exploring ideas for event rentals and creative experiences, Morgan and her husband were having separate conversations about approaching her to start a business together. “Everything aligned exactly when it needed to,” they shared. What followed was a leap of faith that has quickly turned into significant growth over the past three years. Today, BBG Events offers LED marquee letters, custom balloon installations and photo and video booth experiences for weddings, corporate events and private celebrations. From large scale installations to convenient grab and go options at their storefront, at the heart of their business is a shared love for event design, bringing together elements in a way that feels cohesive, elevated and often unexpected. “We love pulling everything together in a creative way to really wow guests,” they explain. Photobooth experiences have become a signature offering, with rapidly evolving technology and thoughtful customization. “The impact is so much bigger than people realize,” they say. “You’re creating content that people share instantly, save and actually come back to. It doesn’t just live in the moment.” Just as central to their work is their commitment to the community. Both are deeply involved in supporting local nonprofits, frequently donating services to help elevate events and increase engagement. Their involvement includes Barren River Area Safe Space, The Women’s Fund, the BG Area Chamber of Commerce, Lost River Cave, United Way and the BG/WC Humane Society. Hillary also serves on the Regional Tech Council Board and recently led marketing for the “What Could BG Be?” campaign, an initiative focused on envisioning the city’s future. “We love Bowling Green and feel really invested in its future,” they share. “There’s so much growth, and it’s exciting to be a small part of that.” At home, life is just as full. Hillary and her husband Wesley have two daughters, Olivia and Josephine, who are frequent participants in BBG festivities. Morgan and her husband Austin recently welcomed their daughter Molly. They also own and operate other local businesses, with a shared vision for growing and strengthening the community in meaningful ways. For Hillary and Morgan, BBG Events is more than a business, it’s an extension of a lifelong friendship and a shared creative vision. “We’ve grown up here, and now we get to build something here together,” they say. “We’re grateful.”