The Illinois Events Coalition was founded by industry professionals Ali Phillips of Engaging Events, Collin Pierson of Collin Pierson Photography and Michelle Durpetti, a wedding planner, venue owner and restauranteur based in Chicago. We have been privileged to be a part of the Illinois events industry and community for a collective 35 years as wedding and event professionals, and for Michelle, over 78 years as the third generation of the Gene & Georgetti restaurant family, including its venue, The Estate Chicago in Rosemont, IL. 

The Illinois Events Coalition is supported by over 150 vendors who employ hundreds of dedicated, career event professionals. And the coalition represents the thousands of wedding and event businesses located throughout the city of Chicago and Illinois who have been severely affected by the necessary public health mandates impacting businesses during this pandemic. They are a diverse collection of creatives that include women, minorities, and LGBT business owners, dedicated to providing services to their fellow citizens.