We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Maclaggan Paul Bortoli and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle MacLaggan, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When we launched Let’s Glo Ball, we were driven by our passion for pickleball and a dream to create something that truly brings people together. We wanted to design an event that was not just fun, but fresh and totally out of the ordinary. Pickleball was already on the rise, but we thought, “How can we make this even more exciting?” So, we set out to blend fitness, socializing, and entertainment into one amazing experience.

Our goal wasn’t just to throw events; we wanted to spark joy and connection through sport. With glow-in-the-dark courts, UV lighting, and upbeat music, we knew we could take pickleball to a whole new level. It’s all about creating a vibe where everyone—no matter their age or skill level—can get out on the courts together in a partylike atmosphere and have fun!

Seeing people light up, make new friends, and really embrace that community spirit at our events has been the best part of this whole journey. It’s not just about playing a game; it’s about making memories and having a blast together. That’s what Let’s Glo Ball is all about!

With Paul’s 30+ years in film production and Michelle’s 20+ years in interior design, we’ve taken things to an even higher level. Paul’s expertise in logistics give the events a cinematic flow, while Michelle’s incredible eye for detail transforms the courts into neon-filled wonderlands. Together, we’ve created something that goes beyond just pickleball—it’s a full-on experience that brings people together, spreading joy and excitement from the court to the crowd.

Whether it’s private parties, corporate events, school events or open play for all, Let’s Glo Ball brings the party to the courts—everyone’s invited! We can transform any court into a neon party, from pickleball, tennis, and other sports included.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Our journey with Let’s Glo Ball is rooted in our creative backgrounds, which have played a huge role in shaping the vibrant, unique events we bring to the community. Coming from the worlds of film production and interior design, we’ve always been passionate about creating experiences that are not only visually captivating but also bring people together. That’s what makes Let’s Glo Ball so special—it’s about sparking new friendships, both on and off the courts, and creating memories that last beyond the event.

What sets us apart is our ability to fuse creativity with community. Paul’s experience in film production, with over 30 years working behind the scenes on large sets, has given him a keen understanding of how to orchestrate an event from start to finish, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Michelle’s 20+ years in interior design means she brings an impeccable eye for detail and atmosphere, turning ordinary pickleball courts into glowing neon playgrounds. Together, we don’t just organize games; we create experiences where people can connect, have fun, and feel like they’re part of something special.

Getting to where we are today professionally wasn’t easy, but it was incredibly rewarding. We faced challenges like any startup—balancing creativity with logistics, learning how to scale our vision, and finding the right team to help bring it all to life. What helped us overcome those challenges was our belief in the power of community and play and knowing that what we were creating was more than just an event—it was a space for people to connect in a new and exciting way.

One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is the importance of persistence and collaboration. We didn’t get here alone—working together as a team and drawing on our diverse backgrounds made us stronger. Another key lesson is adaptability. Events are fluid, and being able to pivot and adjust on the fly has been crucial to our success.

What we want the world to know about Let’s Glo Ball is that we’re all about bringing people together. Our brand is built on creating fun, exciting experiences that unite people through pickleball and play, no matter their background or experience level. We’ve turned something as simple as a game into a celebration, and that’s what keeps us going—knowing we’re making an impact by fostering new friendships and strengthening the community, one event at a time.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Being born and raised in San Diego, with a home in Borrego Springs, I’ve crafted a go-to lineup of my favorite spots, from the sea to the desert. First up, the newly remodeled Lafayette Hotel & Club—it’s absolutely stunning! The interior design is so perfectly curated, it feels like you’ve stepped into a Wes Anderson film. Perfect for photo ops! After that, take a stroll through Balboa Park and stop for lunch at The Prado, where you can enjoy the park’s beauty while dining.

Next, head down to the Embarcadero and grab a bite at The Brigantine on the bay. You’ll have great views of Coronado across the water, and if you time it right, stay for live music at The Rady Shell, which is always a memorable experience. Little Italy is another must! Start with brunch at Morning Glory, followed by oysters at Ironside. Don’t forget Born & Raised, a high-end steakhouse with glamorous décor and equally impressive cocktails.

For a fun night out, hit The Grass Skirt, a tiki bar in Pacific Beach that’s got a party-ready, island vibe. Heading up north? Definitely hike Torrey Pines and then treat yourself to lunch at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, overlooking the iconic golf course. Del Mar Plaza is also a favorite, with a stop at Monarch Restaurant or Enoteca for a relaxed day on the deck.

In North County, Fox Point Farms is a newly opened gem with yoga, a farm-fresh market, and bites, along with the beautiful Haven Farm & Table restaurant. For killer tacos, you can’t beat The Taco Stand, and sushi lovers should head to Tamaki Bar for hand rolls or Blue Fin Sushi in Encinitas. Don’t miss Herb & Sea’s amazing happy hour: $20 gets you three oysters, a burger, fries, and a glass of champagne! Before leaving Encinitas, make sure to unwind at the Self-Realization Center, a peaceful sanctuary with ocean views.

Finally, swing by Carlsbad for the best ramen at Gonzo, a spot with a rock-and-roll Japanese vibe. They even have a Japanese market full of games, toys, and candies you’ll love exploring.

After your San Diego adventures, head out to Borrego Springs, just an hour and 45 minutes away. It’s a dark-sky community, perfect for stargazing after exploring the desert hikes in the state park. Stay at La Casa Del Zorro or play a round of golf at Rams Hill. If you’re in the mood for a unique Airbnb experience, check out Happy Days, which offers a funky fusion of design, rooms for everyone, a private pool, tennis courts, and even a setup for Let’s Glo Ball!

And we can’t forget all the amazing places to play pickleball in San Diego & the Desert! From Barnes Tennis Center in Point Loma, which as 19 pickleball courts, tennis and padel, to the courts at La Casa Del Zoro in Borrego Springs.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We are so grateful for all the support of our family and friends and our pickleball community that has inspired us to start Let’s Glo Ball! Also, to Jeff Ferrero, with Nova Lighting, who brings his expertise as chief lighting technician to help us Glo! The encouragement and endless support and participation in our events has giving us the drive to take the risk and go all in on our business, Let’s Glo Ball!

Website: https://www.letsgloball.com

Instagram: @letsgloball

Image Credits
Michelle MacLaggan
Paul Bortoli

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.