The International Special Events Society (ISES), comprised of more than 4,000 professionals in over a dozen countries, represents students and professionals from all aspects of the special event industry. The ISES Metro Detroit chapter is dedicated to providing networking and educational opportunities for members and local Detroit event industry professionals. Meetings every 4th Wednesday of the month at various local venues provides attendees both networking with industry colleagues and educational opportunities. 

We not only learn about some of the spectacular venues and services available in our area, but educational disciplines related to the Certified Special Event Planner (CSEP) designation.

The ISES Metro Detroit chapter was founded in 2003 by Christine Olszewski, Eisbrenner Events Group and Kate Walski, Blumz…by JRDesigns. The formation committee also included Jim Adams, Quest Productions; Lynn Dumas, The University of Michigan; Guy Raynak, Chair Covers & Linens; and Emma Teamer, Simplicity with Style. The chapter’s first member event was held at Ford Field in May of 2004 and “chapter in formation” status was received in the Winter of 2005 after the required 35 members was obtained. In August 2006, ISES International granted the chapter with its charter and official chapter status.

ISES was founded in 1987 to foster enlightened performance through education while promoting ethical conduct.  The organization strives to join professionals to focus on the "event as a whole" rather than its individual parts.

ISES has grown to involve over 4,000 members active in 41 chapters throughout the world. Membership brings together professionals from a variety of special events disciplines including caterers, meeting planners, decorators, event planners, audio-visual technicians, party and convention coordinators, educators, journalists, hotel sales managers
and many more.

Contact Us
President
Narketta Sparkmam, M.A., Special Occasions and Events by Narketta Sparkman, 248-223-9923
Author of Dream Big Plan Smart, available at Amazon.com, Borders.com, and
Barnes and Noble.com

VP-Programming & Education
Opal Hamilton-Maye, GlobalHue, 248-223-8987

VP-Membership
John Lamb, The Display Group, 313-965-3344

Immediate Past President
Christine Olszewski, Eisbrenner Events Group, 248-641-1446

Directors at Large
Traci Bahlman, Holiday Catering
Carol Ewing, Magnum Events
Rolly Mansfield, Blossoms
Lorelei Ninomiya, Perry's Party Rentals
Jerome Raska, Blumz…by JRDesigns