The Event Group's talented professionals assist with all aspects of pre-planning as well as provide on-site supervision.

The Event Group Staff

Sheila C. Weiner
President
Sheila, a lawyer by education, has been a special events producer since 1987. Sheila is a valuable resource to the event community, appearing on TV talk shows and at live engagements discussing various aspects of event planning. She has assisted clients locally, nationally and internationally; many of her clients' events have received editorial and photographic coverage in national publications. Sheila has produced many events for Fortune 500 Companies, and has the in-depth knowledge of the strategies necessary to create extraordinary events.

Gina M. DeBlasis
Senior Event Coordinator
Gina has managed events with thousands of attendees, but never loses sight of the small details within the big picture. The Pressley Ridge Ice Cream Sunday and Pittsburgh Wine Festival are among her success stories with The Event Group. Her previous experience with a non-profit organization and a public relations firm, where she created themes and decor for special events, wrote scripts and press releases and coordinated logistics, has provided her with a unique perspective on event planning.

Jennifer L. Cook
Senior Event Coordinator
Prior to joining the Event Group, Jennifer's experience ranged from managing details for Hyatt Hotels & Resorts VIP client events in Chicago to 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 managing events can be seen as she captures the atmosphere of each event.

Amy R. Weiner
Marketing Director
Amy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to The Event Group. Amy has worked for elite companies such as Cartier Jewelers, Jimmy Choo and the Morgans Hotel Group. Her creativity and attention to detail make Amy a superb asset to The Event Group.

Bonnie Balach
Event Manager
Bonnie has been in the special events industry for over 30 years. Starting in the food industry, Bonnie's experience encompassed all facets, from fine dining room to kitchen, sales to marketing. Bonnie has restaurant, catering, and rental event production experience. McDonald's 50th Anniversary of the “Big Mac” and the ground-breaking event for the Waterfront were successfully executed due to Bonnie's creativity and management skills. She also believes in giving back to the community by volunteering with Multiple Sclerosis, Make-A-Wish and several corporate associations.

Margie 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. (The Duquesne Club has been voted by club managers as the number one club in America). 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 had 25 years of experience in the foodservice industry. Sandy's sommelier talents were put to use while managing gourmet restaurants in Steamboat Springs, Colorado and West Palm Beach, Florida. He also adds to his impressive resumé, experience as Catering Manager at the Hilton Hotel and the prestigious Duquesne Club in Pittsburgh. Sandy is proficient in all aspects of catering and special event management.

Amy Ripley
Event Manager
Amy's talents in event planning grew from a public relations and advertising background where her agency team helped to 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 an event one guests will remember.

Jack Weiner
Director of Phoenix Operations
Jack Weiner has been entertaining crowds and producing events from coast-to-coast for 19 years. As a Producer and Creative Director, Jack has a keen sense of timing and an eye for detail that are unparalleled in the industry. Jack has assisted with the opening events of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, as well as events for Price Waterhouse Coopers and Heinz USA.

Linda Carr
Volunteer Recruiter
Linda spent a decade volunteering at one of our events before we convinced her to officially join The Event Group. Her personality, large circle of friends and contacts, and knowledge of the city are tremendous assets when recruiting volunteers. Proper training and due thanks make volunteering for The Event Group's non-profit events a rewarding experience for everyone.

Erin Frederick
Office Manager
Erin's past experiences with events for the Pittsburgh CLO and StudentsLive (New York, New York) provide the perfect background for joining the staff at The Event Group. Erin handles all of the day-to-day office duties and is on-site for many of The Event Group's events.