ISES Phila - What does your company do and what is your role?

• Kris - Event FX Productions specializes in event design, lighting, draping, tent liners, and illuminated decor for special events and corporate events.  I am the owner and creative director.

ISES Phila - What was the event that you won your Liberty Awards?

• Kris - Max's Bar Mitzvah was one of the most stimulating events I have ever worked on since I was given creative freedom to design whatever I wanted as long as it fit within their tight budget. I wanted to do something very elegant and very unique and not hokey.  I researched (20) scientists and learned them so intimately so that I could interpret their persona and work through the event design which tied in table top, linens, draping, and lighting.  My role was to create a unique, elegant, and visually stimulating environment that brought to life Max's love for the world of science. It was only fitting to call this event, E=Max c2. My twin Liberty Awards that stand proudly, side by side on my shelf reminds me that Best Table Design and Best Event Decor can easily be achieved when you have the confidence to run with a new idea and watch it evolve into an award winning event that remains a part of Max's life forever.

ISES Phila - How long have you been in the industry and a part of ISES Phila?

• Kris - It's amazing to think that I started in the special events industry right after my son Justin was born in 1993.  Immediately I became involved in ISES behind the scenes, fell in love with ISES and the concept of leadership development through serving the chapter and the special events community. I became a member a few years later, and served in every leadership capacity since then.

ISES Phila - What is your role in ISES Phila and/or International Leadership?

• Kris -  I served on the Philadelphia Chapter Board of Directors for ten years, led the CSEP classes, led many committees, served as President of the chapter 2002-2003 with the theme "Empowering Leadership", and attended leadership conferences from Sydney Australia to Washington DC.

ISES Phila - What do you think is your favorite aspect of ISES?

• Kris -  ISES Philadelphia created a platform for me to learn, grow, and then share my time, talent, and resources through the years in many leadership capacities and continues to do so. I enjoy interacting with students and new event professionals as they discover ISES in this way. My favorite aspect of ISES is the relationships that I have developed through the years which are a blessing in my personal and professional life. There is no place like ISES when it comes to the community of creative event professionals that I can always count on to complete me when I need an event partner I can trust.