About Us

Meet the people & the mission behind ChangeitUP Events

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OUR VISION: to create a more unified world through human connection.

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ChangeitUP Events is an events production company that specializes in creating unforgettable and seamlessly executed experiences for our clients and their attendees.

With a dedicated team and roster of creative professionals and industry experts, we cherish bringing your vision to life, whether you are planning a corporate conference, grand gala, product launch, or private celebration.

We are your go-to partner for specialized, high-end, high-expectation, and highly personalized events of all sizes and themes. Our events are built to elevate and distinguish your initiative and brand while throwing an unforgettable extravaganza.

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Thank you! Everyone was delighted and had a lasting memory time, already looking forward to planning with you our next celebration.

Nancy Sherman
V.P., Marketing Operations, Owens-Illinois, Inc.

Our Mission

To create unforgettably dynamic and engaging events by leveraging cutting-edge, immersive, interactive audiovisual experiences as well as embracing all the latest technology and trends in the event industry.

Our Core Values

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Exceptional Service

We are deeply committed to providing world-class customer service to each and every one of our clients from first brainstorm to the day of your event.

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Cutting-Edge Tech

You can count on us to stay on top of all the latest available technology trends in the event industry. If it's out there, it's possible for your event.

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Giving Back

ChangeitUP Events is a proud member of the local SE Michigan community. We continually support local businesses and engage with charitable causes.

Meet Our Team

Meet the superstars whose passion is to help bring your event vision to live.

Click any photo to view a team member's bio.

Kathleen Simon-Higgins, Founder & Executive Producer

For Kathleen Simon-Higgins, life is all about people and connections.

Her motivation for founding ChangeitUP Events was to create opportunities to connect individuals in celebration while also being able to witness their delight with an event firsthand.

When asked why she named the business ChangeitUP Events, Kathleen says her objective was always to infuse events with new excitement and technologies to ensure attendees stay engaged and the event stays memorable and relevant. "This is especially critical for recurring events to prevent them from becoming predictable or routine," she explains. Kathleen achieves this by developing innovative, custom solutions for each event and each client.

Kathleen and her team strive to give clients and attendees unique experiences, assisting them in finding the ideal venue, theme, and interactivity that aligns with their vision and desires. The ChangeitUP Events team works closely with vendors to bring events to life from conception to launch. Because they are a small and agile team, they can offer clients a highly personalized approach and this sets them apart.

In her role as the Founder and Executive Producer at ChangeitUP Events, Kathleen draws upon her extensive experience in marketing and technology. With a background as an integral player in some of the industry's most influential and largest projects, including Medicines: the Inside Story produced for GlaxoSmithKline, collaborations with The Washington Post, and a partnership with Feld Entertainment to engineer Disney's World On Ice Blitz, Kathleen possesses a unique ability to identify emerging trends and envision future outcomes. Kathleen leads her teams toward achieving audacious goals, leveraging over 30 years of experience in experiential marketing to deliver impactful and memorable brand experiences for clients.

Connect With Kathleen on LinkedIn

Kathleen Simon-Higgins

Founder & CEO

Jennifer Sprague, Event Coordinator

An experienced event coordinator, Jennifer brings 12 years of expertise in creating unforgettable and seamless event experiences to ChangeitUP Events. With a passion for precision and an eye for detail, Jenn has successfully orchestrated a wide range of events from corporate conferences and entertainment to networking and fundraisers.

Her commitment to excellence and dedication to client satisfaction drive Jenn to go above and beyond. She savors the resounding success of each and every event. “I thrive in fast-paced environments, excel at multitasking, and pride myself on my strong communication and problem-solving skills," says Jenn.

Jenn holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a Master’s degree in the Art of Teaching from Wayne State University. She taught high school science for 15 years and also ran a successful health coaching business.

Says Jenn, “Whether it's meticulously planning every logistical detail, curating memorable themes, or collaborating with top-notch vendors, I'm here to transform your event vision into reality”.

Jennifer Sprague

Jennifer Sprague

Event Coordinator

John Patterson, Event Producer

With a passion for creativity and a talent for orchestrating remarkable experiences, John is a dynamic event producer dedicated to transforming your visions into unforgettable events. With a background in live shows and VR integration, he has successfully produced a diverse range of events, from high-profile corporate gatherings to cultural product launches.

John's approach to event production combines meticulous planning, innovative thinking, and a keen eye for detail. He thrives in high-pressure environments and excels at turning concepts into reality, ensuring that every event is executed flawlessly.

From concept development to execution, he boasts a proven track record of exceeding client expectations and delivering events that leave a lasting impact.

When John isn’t meticulously planning the details of your net event, he can be found soaring through the sky as he pursues his pilot’s license for enjoyment and relaxation.

John

John Patterson

Event Producer

Olivia Pregler, Director of Special Events

Meet Olivia, our seasoned Director of Special Events, who possesses a remarkable talent for turning ordinary occasions into extraordinary experiences. With 14 years of industry expertise, she is a true maestro in orchestrating memorable moments.

As a creative visionary, Liv has successfully led a myriad of events, ranging from elegant galas and community gatherings to corporate celebrations. She excels in weaving together the perfect blend of creativity, logistics, and innovation to craft events that captivate and inspire.

With a deep passion for curating bespoke experiences, Liv is dedicated to ensuring the flawless execution of every detail, leaving clients and guests with unforgettable memories.

When she's not event planning, Olivia doubles as a dog trainer for showtime events. Her beloved pooches have been a part of television entertainment for over 5 years! Olivia provides workshops to dog owners, teaching effective strategies to make your 'Lassie' more obedient and happier to perform tricks for treats.

Olivia Pregler

Olivia Pregler

Director of Special Events

Katy Turner, Email & Marketing Manager

Katy is our esteemed Email and Marketing Manager with a passion for delivering impactful campaigns and nurturing strong connections with audiences. With a wealth of experience in digital marketing, she serves as the driving force behind successful campaigns that effectively drive engagement and conversions for events.

Being a strategic thinker and data-driven marketer, Katy excels at crafting compelling email marketing campaigns that resonate with target audiences. She combines her creativity and analytical skills to optimize marketing efforts, increase brand visibility, and achieve measurable results. With a deep understanding of the evolving digital landscape, Katy is dedicated to staying at the forefront of marketing trends and technologies.

The summer always passes too quickly for Katy, who is an avid sailor, rower, and snorkeler. If you don’t find her on the waves of joy, then watch for her zipping down the slopes this winter!

Katy Turner

Katy Turner

Email & Marketing Manager

Ethan Jones, Sales Account Executive

Ethan Jones is an accomplished Sales Account Executive with a proven track record of building lasting client relationships and driving business growth. With 20 years of experience in sales and account management, he is dedicated to delivering exceptional value to clients and exceeding revenue targets.

Known for his expertise in understanding client needs, developing tailored solutions, and ensuring seamless execution, Ethan thrives in dynamic environments. He enjoys leveraging his strong communication skills and strategic mindset to create win-win partnerships.

When he's off the clock, Ethan loves joining other car racers to take part in Porsche events and road rallies. “It’s not about the speed - it’s more about being resourceful technically when going into tight apexes”.

He brings this same mindset to his accounts at ChangeitUP Events and we're delighted to have him on the team.

Ethan Jones

Ethan Jones

Sales Account Executive

Let's Chat

We can't wait to hear about your vision for your event and make it a reality.

Contact Us