Fergus Rooney, 42, was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, and like many of his peers was led to believe that a college education and degree would help pave the way for his business interests and success. However, after receiving an undergraduate degree in Business Science and a graduate degree in Hospitality Management from Trinity University in 1988, Fergus entered the Dublin job market at the height of Ireland 's Depression. With virtually no job opportunities available, especially for people with advanced degrees, Fergus left Ireland for England in search of work. Fergus landed a position at Searcy & Tansley in London, where he cut his event production and management chops on the UK's most prestigious and enormously challenging sporting events including Wimbledon, the Royal Ascot, the British Open and the Henley Regatta. Fergus luckily was picked in a lottery draw for a green card in the Donnelly Visa Program and he moved to New York initially. During a quick weekend trip to visit friends in Chicago and a quicker decision to make Chicago his home, he needed a job! A friend introduced him to one of Chicago’s up and coming catering businesses. It didn’t take long for him to adapt to Chicago’s idiosyncratic event, catering and business culture, and as an important member of their team, Fergus helped their business grow significantly in the 90s. Fergus always enjoyed the event business beyond catering; he continuously added lighting and other production elements into his catering proposals and executed large-scale events flawlessly. In 1999, Fergus made an aggressive yet natural decision to leave the catering business and build his own event production and management company -- Event Architects -- which last year grossed $30 million. What started as a two staff/two client shop in 1999 has turned into an event production powerhouse to which Chicago’s most venerable institutions including United Airlines, Boston Consulting Group, Children’s Memorial Hospital, University of Chicago, Spertus Institute, and Obama for America entrust Fergus and his team to imagine and execute their biggest and most important gatherings. Fergus believes Event Architects’ success is due to fulfilling a particular niche in the marketplace for ‘real’ one-stop-shopping for event production and management services. According to Rooney, clients want to work with one company and one point person, versus managing several vendors for their events. Rooney also credits his success to his talented team of 30 producers and creative designers, and a strong partnership with his co-founder and partner, his wife, Gabrielle Martinez, a Texas native.
Gabrielle Martinez founded Event Architects with Fergus Rooney in 1999 and has been a driving force behind the company’s growth from a small boutique event planning company to a $30 million premier event management and production company. In eight shorts years, Event Architects has developed an impressive list of business and association customers including United Airlines, the International Bar Association, Boston Consulting Group, Harpo Entertainment and Ameriprise Financial. Gabrielle directs Event Architects’ day-to-day operations and participates fully in the planning and execution of inspired and innovative meetings, seminars and events for their many corporate, association and not-for-profit clients. From 1994 – 1999, Gabrielle worked at a boutique-style catering company that provides services to corporate, nonprofit, social and cultural institutions. She began as a receptionist and quickly moved up the ranks to sales manager, bringing in $2.5 million in sales revenue and overseeing 300+ events.From 1992 – 1993, Gabrielle was a law student at DePaul University, and graduated with a dual major of Economics and Spanish from Lake Forest College in Northern Illinois in 1992. Gabrielle donates much of her time and expertise to the fundraising events and activities of her daughter’s school Near North Montessori.
David Wildman adds a dash of Hollywood to the event management process, combining a background in film and theatre with thirteen years of experience with corporate events. After working at the William Morris Agency and Paramount Pictures in Southern California, Wildman eventually migrated north to the San Francisco Bay Area working as an independent contractor designing meetings and events for clients including Merrill Lynch, Home Depot, Nike, Palm and SBC.Levi Strauss & Co. brought Wildman onto their Worldwide Communications team in 2000, where he managed a production team developing events and meetings and creating videos. In 2002, he became a Manager of Events and Meetings at Deloitte. Wildman was responsible for producing numerous events in major cities, including London, Rome, Berlin, Amsterdam, Hong Kong and Singapore. Wildman moved onto W5 Creative, based in New York and Florida, designing events, programs and campaigns for Johnson & Johnson, Ortho Biotech, ADP and SBC. As a Creative Producer, he organized multiple aspects of the production process from lighting design to the helicopter drop-off of a CEO at a major league ballpark. Before joining Event Architects in 2007, Wildman served as a Senior MARCOM Events Manager at Activant Solutions, Inc., where he managed 160 conferences, events and trade shows around the United States.
Before becoming the Director of Marketing in 2006, Katie Ellis was one of Event Architects leading Event Producers. With an extensive background in theatre and television production, Katie is able to lend her critical eye and attention to detail to the branding goals of Event Architects and their clients.Katie began her career working behind-the-scenes at prominent Chicago Theatre Companies, such as the Steppenwolf Theatre and the Royal George Theatre. She soon discovered television production and worked on the sets of popular television and commercial shoots in Chicago and Los Angeles for clients such as Target, Levi Strauss and Co., Disney and Budweiser. Katie has toured the world from Paris to Tokyo while creating special events and productions. “The special events field is so similar to theatre and television production. It really was a natural progression,” she says.
Mary Fuller is one of Event Architects’ principal sales managers. As a senior member of the Event Architects’ team, Mary has lead projects for Obama for America, GE Healthcare, various associations—including NACS and Wood Products Council, and several non-profit clients—including Mercy Housing, Jewish United Fund and Bear Necessities. Mary’s professional experience has helped her become a prominent member of Meeting Planners International, the Professional Convention Managers Association and the Chicago American Marketing Association, where Mary serves as a Steering Committee Member for BrandSmart (AMA’s Annual Conference).Mary graduated with a degree in Communications and minor in English from DePaul University. She was also an honored recipient of Mayor Daley’s Leadership 2000 Scholarship. Mary began her career in the Sports Entertainment Division at Ogden Entertainment, where she spent her summers overseeing operations at Chicago’s famous Wrigley Field. During the off-seasons, Fuller hit the road to manage various corporate events, including trade shows, auto shows and restaurant openings at locations all around the country. Fuller went on to excel as a salesperson at one of Chicago’s leading catering companies, where she became a key player in developing a Wedding Division. Before joining Event Architects in 2007, Mary was a director of off-premise catering operations and sales at the Aramark Corporation, where she commonly worked corporate clients, such as Deloitte, Boeing, CNA and SBC.Mary enjoys “showing off” her hometown, Chicago. She lives with her husband and children on Chicago’s North Side, and in her free time, she volunteers at PADS homeless shelter in Oak Park.
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Emily graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, which brought her to the Midwest. After school, she headed south to Chicago, where she spent several years managing marketing and event projects for one of Chicago’s Top 15 Advertising Agencies.After moving into events full-time, Emily established herself as a versatile producer, guiding clients through the complete production process, from minor details to full-scale event management, all the while providing her hands-on, one-on-one rapport with clients. These traits have become a trademark of both Event Architects and Emily's outstanding level of world-class service.As a Senior Account Manager, Emily has been repeatedly recognized for her excellent event management style, strong focus on detail, ability to craft fresh ideas and most importantly consistently meet and surpass deadlines. She has continually delighted clients, who have had Emily design, plan and execute their events.
After a brief stint in New York, Lucy returned to the Midwest (her hometown is Cleveland, Ohio) to live in the vibrant city of Chicago. Continually cultivating a creative vision, Lucy delved deeper into the study of art - an ideal outlet for inspired ideas - and marketing, a functional business outlook. Lucy developed these interests at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., where she graduated with a bachelor of science in business, supported by a minor in studio art.At Event Architects Lucy eagerly tackles every event with spirit. Her attention to detail, unique perspective and keen sense of design make her a key player in early proposal stages and event execution. Lucy's goal at Event Architects is to acquire new clients and aid them by developing innovative events. Constantly challenging the status quo, she fuses her strong creative vision with a passion for excellence to redefine each event she works on. Lucy focuses on assisting corporate clients with internal events, as well as product launches and openings. Lucy's ambition is to elevate Event Architects to the ultimate level of quality and originality.
Jordan is a Dayton, Ohio native with a background in fine arts as well as public relations. Her creative mind and logistical skills make her the ideal candidate to manage some of Event Architects most unique projects.While studying Fine Art and Art History at University of Wisconsin—Madison and Wayne State University, Jordan had the opportunity to study in Florence, Italy and travel throughout Europe to see the subjects she was studying up close and personal.After graduation, she made Chicago her home and worked for a well-known public relations firm managing luxury lifestyle, real estate and fashion clients. Her transition into the events industry and Event Architects was quite natural, and she made a seamless transition to the team in the spring of 2008.She enjoys spending quality time with her French bulldog, Flossie.
After graduating from the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, Leah moved to Chicago to experience life in a city filled with opportunities. Knowing that she wanted to pursue a career in the events industry, she began working in catering as an Event Producer specializing in weddings. She was given the opportunity to work with several different clients on a variety of themes, but she knew she wanted to focus on events outside of the realm of weddings. Leah joined the sales team at Event Architects during the 2008 holidays. Leah concentrates on the coordination and communication between the marketing, production and sales departments. Her main objective is to contribute specifically to the success of the sales and marketing team.
After graduating from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in Psychology, Hunter, who is originally from Cleveland, Ohio, decided to give one more Midwest City a chance and headed a bit north for a little fun in the “sun” and accepted a job in public relations. Leveraging his experience in new product rollout and event promotion, he landed a position planning conventions and tradeshows at the world’s largest association management company. After three years of navigating the event planning waters and building relationships with venues and vendors all over the globe, Hunter decided that his desire to step outside the box with his events needed a bit more room to breathe. Joining the Event Architects family in 2008, Hunter works on the front end of the planning phase alongside the sales team helping each client find options for a unique venue, concept and design for their special event. He then works with the production team to make sure a client’s exceptional vision comes to life.
Rick joins the Event Architects team with a degree in Architecture from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. After winning an award for his final studio project in the architecture program, Rick was hired by U of M to design and build a podium for the main auditorium in their Art & Architecture building. Upon the podium's completion, Rick spent several months working for two well-known architecture firms in Tokyo, Japan. Wanting to be closer to his now fiancé, Rick moved back to Chicago in early December 2009. With his knowledge in 2D drawing and 3D modeling software paired with his architectural experience in space planning and design, Rick creates layouts and visualization materials for Event Architects' clients.
Terry has over twenty years experience in the Audio Visual Staging industry and five years direct experience in the Trade Show industry. Terry has produced meetings, shows and special events for major corporations, associations and production companies throughout North America.As Event Architects' Event Technology Specialist, Terry’s responsibilities encompass all aspects of the client relationship and show production. His hands-on approach and can-do attitude is appreciated by clients and associates alike. “My goal is 100% customer satisfaction,” which has been the foundation of Terry’s career in the events industry.Terry is a current member of Meeting Professionals International and has previously been an active member of the International Association of Exposition and Events and the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau. In his free time, Terry is a volunteer at Centegra Hospital in McHenry, Illinois and teaches private guitar lessons to aspiring musicians.
Hinsdale native Jaime Krohn returned to make his home in Chicago after attending the University of Illinois in Champaign/Urbana. Jaime offers over 20 years of experience working in the Chicago food and beverage industry, both the retail and non-profit sectors. Jaime first joined Event Architects as a freelancer and later as a full-time event producer in 2006.A dedicated world traveler, Jaime brings his global perspective to each client relationship, helping to determine exactly what the best solution is for each project, and then, delivering on those expectations to consistently produce world class events. Jaime's attention to detail, along with his extensive background in all elements related to event management, only serve to enhance the client experience.Jaime currently resides in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago, with his partner Jeff and the best Springer Spaniel in the world, Clyde.
Born and raised in Michigan, Courtney is a graduate of the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor with a degree in Creative Writing and Literature. With her love for checklists and timelines, Courtney’s career path naturally migrated from one creative art to another when she moved to Chicago to pursue event planning.Courtney's varied experience ranges from food and beverage management to catering sales and event coordination in Chicago. As an Event Producer, Courtney brings her expertise in Chicago’s greatest venues and event execution as well as her creative perspective to each project she tackles.
After graduating from Drake University with a degree in Musical Theatre Performance and a focus in Directing, Cory moved to Chicago with dreams of hitting it big. After a couple of successful years of performing and directing, Cory realized that “hitting it big” did not necessarily mean the audience had to be looking at him. The opportunity to help create, produce and direct live events where the audience is the one to be challenged and empowered to experience a specific moment in time instead of passively witness an actor doing so proved to reward him in the same way as acting and directing once had. In a short amount of time, Cory has been actively involved in the event world; he has been an integral team player in a variety of major events, including occasions of Olympic proportion in world renowned stadiums to intimate dinners in private gardens; International Dignitaries and Presidential hopefuls to a group of well traveled leaders in business; the restaurant down the street or on the other side of the world. Cory continues creating unique moments for each client and guest he has the opportunity to meet.
In June of 2008, Erin moved from Boston to Chicago and accepted a position at Event Architects shortly after. One of her first large-scale projects at Event Architects took her back to the East Coast, this time Washington, DC, for the Inauguration of Barack Obama. She was intimately involved with a list of events surrounding one of the most important happenings in our industry. Raised in a small, rural town in Rhode Island, Erin has always sought adventure. That constant quest for thrilling activity led Erin through eight years as an Army Reservist. During this time she also received a Business Management degree from Rhode Island College. Prior to the move to the Midwest, Erin spent a period of time working for an event management firm in Dublin, Ireland on the Irish portion of the European Open.Erin currently resides in Wrigleyville with her fiancé, and in their spare time, they enjoy exploring their new city, entertaining friends and traveling to other locations around the world.
Gary, a Chicago native, has developed an extensive background and in-depth professional understanding of the hospitality industry both locally and nationally. His experience runs the gamut of banquet, convention and event design from nightclub management to overseeing large sporting events such as the Kentucky Derby and numerous golf tournaments such as the Masters, Buick Open and Honda Classic. These events have given him an extensive background in administration, public relations, marketing and multimedia applications as an Event Producer.Before joining the Event Architects team, Gary freelanced in the off-premise catering industry and enjoyed working with and learning from some of the best firms in the country. Blue Plate Catering and Events, Culinary Enterprises and Wolfgang Puck Events have all provided him with the opportunity to increase his knowledge of the event industry. As a devotee to “all things Disney”, Gary is a firm believer in the Disney approach to hospitality: attention to detail and customer service.On a personal note, Gary has provided his management and development skills to numerous and diverse community-based service organizations to raise much needed funds for the fight against HIV/AIDS. In 1989, Mayor Richard M. Daley appointed him to an advisory post with the Chicago Commission on Human Relations, which he continues to serve.Gary's favorite color is red.
Before joining Event Architects’ team in the summer of 2007, Margaret received a bachelor degree in accounting at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. While studying accounting, she also interned at a public accounting firm. After graduating, she returned to her hometown of Chicago where she worked as an accountant at Duke Realty, a commercial and industrial real estate firm. As the accounting manager at Event Architects, Margaret oversees the books and works with all the departments to ensure all fiscal needs are met. She is also responsible for general accounts payable and receivable. Margaret is very happy to be part of the Event Architects team, and she can occasionally been seen onsite offering a helping hand as well.
Hailing from the east coast, Rachel grew up in Boston and graduated from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY where she earned a bachelor of science in business management with a minor in dance. She combined her interest in business and her passion for the arts at marketing and development internships for the Boston Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and dance photographer Mark Andrew.After graduation, Rachel ventured west to Chicago and joined Event Architects as a marketing intern. She quickly proved her dedication and value, and accepted the position as Marketing and Sales Coordinator where she serves as the link between the marketing and sales teams. A social media fiend, Rachel is most proud of introducing Event Architects to the social media world and launching the Event Architects INSITE Blog.
Jamie comes to Event Architects with a background rich in public relations, marketing and event experience. She works as an integral part of the marketing team to develop and determine marketing and branding strategies for Event Architects and their clients. Jamie began her career at Condé Nast Publications in New York City. In the public relations department of an award-winning style and design magazine, she facilitated the production of sizeable interior design television segments for major morning shows including the TODAY Show, Good Morning America and Live with Regis and Kelly. Trading the hectic pace of New York City for family and friends in Chicago in 2007, Jamie went to work implementing public relations, events, promotions and strategic partnerships for a variety of lifestyle and luxury clients at a boutique public relations agency. Most recently, she oversaw advertising, event marketing and sponsorship initiatives as the Senior Marketing Specialist for Chicago magazine and Chicago Home + Garden. A Pennsylvania native, Jamie graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with dual degrees in Political Science and Journalism.
