Way back in 1987 and fresh out of college, Ed began CEI (known as Corporate Event Enterprises – CEE – at the time) with the goal of providing the highest quality corporate event services in Chicago. As he helped companies plan their holiday parties, annual picnics, and open houses, he kept thinking about the future of corporate events. How could he improve the landscape? What is the greatest benefit a company can provide their employees during a gathering? What could move the individuals, teams, and collectives forward in fun, new, interesting ways? Acting on his passion for active participation, he began designing dynamic interactive team building experiences.
Throughout the nineties, as the company grew and flourished, Ed continued to explore new ways to move the industry into the future. He incorporated trade show management, expanded his team building programs to accommodate ever larger groups, and even took his events international. In the new millennium, and always looking for ways to give back, he began partnering with charitable organizations and expanding the curriculum of socially responsible events. CEE’s team building services continued to grow alongside convention and tradeshow management, as well as the breadth and scope of our wonderful association partnerships.
In 2010, Ed became the managing director of Chicago Association Management (CAM, CEI’s sister company). He still works closely with the CEI team and is always ready to step in, step up, and help out. Both CEI and CAM clients and partners enjoy Ed’s down-to-earth honesty, can-do attitude, and willingness to try new ideas. His is the spirit that built CEI, grew a culture of partnership and trust, and reinforces our mission every day.