Sheila C. Weiner, President and Founder
Sheila, a lawyer by education, has been a special events producer since 1987. She is a valuable resource to the event community, appearing on talk shows and at live engagements to discuss various aspects of event planning. She has assisted clients locally, nationally, and internationally, with many of her events garnering editorial and photographic coverage in national publications. Sheila has produced events for many Fortune 500 companies, and has an in-depth knowledge of the strategies necessary to create extraordinary events.
Gina M. DeBlasis, Senior Event CoordinatorWhether she’s organizing an event for a few or a few thousand, Gina never loses sight of the details within the big picture. Her experience with a non-profit organization and a public relations firm included the creation of themes and decor for special events. She has written scripts and press releases and coordinated logistics, which has provided her with a unique perspective on event planning. Her success stories with The Event Group include the VIP Party for Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game, The Pennsylvania Restaurant & Foodservice Expo and numerous trade shows, conferences, and fundraisers.
Joy Maxberry Woodruff, Event and Political Campaign Coordinator
With over 25 years of experience, Joy brings her expertise in organizing political campaigns, charitable and civic events to The Event Group. While president of the Pittsburgh Steelers Wives, her skillful approach earned her a trip to Bob Hope's home in California where she was honored as an NFL Humanitarian Woman of the Year. Joy has also hosted "Inside/Outside Pittsburgh", a public affairs show on WCWB-TV, served as Managing Editor of a magazine, Career Digest, and most recently coordinated every aspect of the successful political campaigns of several candidates. Additionally, she has scheduled appearances for several of the wildly popular Steelers alumni. Joy gives to the community through board and committee participation, locally and nationally.
Jennifer L. Cook, Senior Event Coordinator
Prior to joining The Event Group, Jennifer managed VIP events for Hyatt Hotels & Resorts in Chicago and one-of-a-kind themed events with the Orlando Convention & Visitors Bureau. Along with her attention to detail, she has developed an extraordinary talent for creative design. Jennifer's enthusiasm for event planning is evident as she creates a unique atmosphere for each and every function.
Kelly L. Surana, Event Coordinator
Kelly, an MBA graduate, brings experience in planning events, creating custom marketing solutions and negotiating cost structures for a Fortune 500 company. Her corporate background enables Kelly to recognize the needs of a client while planning conferences and trade shows. Her passion for creating events that bring the client’s dreams to reality makes her an asset to The Event Group.
Amy R. Weiner, Director of Concierge Services
Amy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to The Event Group’s Concierge Service. She has worked for elite companies such as Cartier, Jimmy Choo and the Delano Hotel in South Beach. Her work experience in New York, Miami, Atlanta and Washington, D.C., combined with her creativity and attention to detail, make Amy an outstanding leader for The Event Group’s Concierge Service.
Margie R. Williams, Event Manager
Margie has assisted local, national, and international corporate and private clients as Director of Food and Beverage and Special Events at the Duquesne Club in Pittsburgh, which was consistently voted the number one private club in America under her leadership. An expert in on-site supervision, Margie ensures detailed follow-through, from the most visible aspects of an event to its finest nuances.
Sandy McKee, Event Manager
Sandy’s 25 years of experience in the foodservice industry and sommelier talents were put to use while managing gourmet restaurants in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, and West Palm Beach, Florida. He adds to his impressive résumé experience as Catering Manager with Hilton Hotels and the Duquesne Club in Pittsburgh. Sandy is proficient in all aspects of catering and special event management.
Amy B. Ripley, Event Manager
Amy's talents in event planning grew from her experience with a public relations and advertising agency where she helped open the largest hotel in the state of Indiana. Her experience in corporate event coordination includes conceptualizing and writing unique invitations, organizing facility tours and receptions, developing theme parties, and finding the hook that makes each event memorable.
Linda A. Carr, Volunteer Coordinator
Linda spent a decade volunteering with various not-for-profits before officially joining The Event Group team to head the volunteer corps. Her personality, large circle of friends and contacts, and cultural knowledge are tremendous assets when recruiting volunteers. Proper training and well-deserved thanks make volunteering for The Event Group's non-profit events a rewarding experience for all involved.
In the Community
The Event Group consultants serve on numerous boards and volunteer their time with national and international organizations and within the local community, including the Junior League of Pittsburgh, VisitPittsburgh, Women Presidents’ Organization, International Special Events Society, Women and Girls Foundation, Pittsburgh Council of International Visitors, and the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh.