Bios
Owner of LGH Design Group, now known as Detail + Design, Gene has been in the event business for 20 years. Prior to starting his own company in 1997, Gene worked with several of the top event designers in the world. Taking him all over the United States and Europe, Gene was able to help create fascinating theme parties and lavish social events that require extensive creativity. He was chosen as a vice presidential residence holiday designer in 1995 and 1996. Once deciding to return to his home state of Indiana, Gene developed an event planning business and floral company like no other in central Indiana. From creating the opening of the Emmis Communications building in 1999 to maintaining Rolls Royce and The Children’s Museum as loyal clients, Gene is regularly creating event environments that impress and electrify. He is often a contributor to local publications and the Fox 59 Morning Show.
Gene is also a Past President for the International Special Events Society – Indiana Chapter. Gene’s design work has earned him national and local awards for his work on events such as the Emmis Grand Opening, The Chihuly Opening at the Children’s museum, Rolls Royce Corporate events, Jeff and Heather Smulyan’s wedding as well as numerous others.
Kari’s expertise lies in the management and production of large civic events, award winning corporate events, sporting events, and regional festivals. Her production credits include high-profile events such as the Komen Indianapolis Race for the Cure, the largest walk/run in Indiana; Mickey’s Camp and Mickey’s Camp for Women, which has raised over one million dollars for local charities since 2001; the HealthNet Annual Gala, a annual black tie gala and auction; and the grand opening of Planet Hollywood Indianapolis, which brought thousands of people to downtown Indianapolis to see movie stars unveil the local restaurant. These events, coupled with many others, such as the Hands on Hundred Program for an international industry conference, the Indianapolis Children’s Museum’s Dinosphere Grand Opening and the 2006 MidWest US Japan Association Conference have earned her national recognition and industry awards.
In 2003, Kari became one of five Certified Special Event Professionals (CSEP) in the state of Indiana. This designation is given through the International Special Events Society, of which she has been a board member since 1996. Kari is also the co-author of Exceptional Events: Concepts to Completion, a special events textbook printed in 2001, she was named to IBJ’s list of “Who’s Who in Hospitality” in 2003, she was listed as a “Indy’s Best and Brightest” nominee in 2008 and named to IBJ’s “40 Under 40” in 2009.
Mike has worked in various capacities of design, holding a degree in Landscape Horticulture and Design from Purdue University. As General Manager, Mike brings a variety of skills to the Detail + Design team. His background includes working in the areas of space design and layout, graphic design for mailings, print ads and printed materials, website maintenance and design, floral design and production, general prop design and construction, wood working, event logistics, planning and set-up. In addition, Mike also manages the warehouse, updating and maintaining the inventory and helping manage the office to keep things operating smoothly. Mike oversees the installation and set-up of all events and ensures that every detail will be attended to. Having worked with a not-for-profit organization as a statewide program coordinator, he is skilled with the organization of minor and major events and the details that make them a success. Mike is also co-owner of Detail + Design Residential, specializing in landscape design, installation and consultation. Mike has been with Detail + Design for nearly 5 years and continues to grow with the company, always looking for a new challenge.
Monica’s passion along with her creativity bring a unique perspective to conferences, social occasions and weddings to the Detail + Design team. From the most intimate affair to the largest galas, Monica’s background in special events industry is varied and diverse.
Monica’s attention to detail and desire for every event to be thought of as a theatrical production first became apparent while working at the Walt Disney World Resort, where every day is treated as a special occasion. Monica’s passion for lavish occasions began while working for several years at a historical Indianapolis downtown hotel complete with grand Neo-classical architecture, followed by years working in an upscale, contemporary museum space. Focusing on logistics, details and her wealth of knowledge about the culinary experience that are all part of an event, Monica’s knowledge allows her clients to feel confident with every aspect of their event. This varied background allows Monica to see events through different lenses and allows her full creativity in the coordination of her clients’ needs. Monica’s strength is making her clients’ experience less stressful and more magical. Her goal is to make each of her clients feel as though they are her guests and attendees!
Monica served the International Special Events Society as their 2009-2010 Indiana Chapter President and has won over 10 prestigious PACE awards for event planning including Best Wedding Over $200,000 in 2011. She is active in the Association of Bridal Consultants having won their award at Art of the Table 4 times since inception in 2005, most recently in 2011. Monica is the currently serving as the Founding President for the Wish Upon a Wedding Indianapolis Chapter. Monica also has joined the exclusive ranks being one first fifty people in the world that has as earned the distinction Master Bridal Consultant™
Katina began her career in event planning in 2005 after 15 years in the Interior Design field, and is the owner of Eclectic Events & Design, LLC. She founded Factory 12 Event Loft in 2007, giving Columbus, IN a unique venue the town had never seen. Over the past five years, Katina has coordinated & designed many wonderful weddings along with corporate events for Columbus Regional Hospital, Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, Central Indiana Marketing, and Cummins Engine Company.
Katina is a Professional Bridal Consultant with the Association of Bridal Consultants, served as a Co-Volunteer Coordinator with Wish Upon a Wedding Indianapolis Chapter in 2010-2011, an active member of the ISES and served as the ISES Director at Large of Strategic Alliances from 2008-2010.
In 2010 she attended The Special Event (TSE) Education Conference & Trade Show in New Orleans, where she learned even more about the industry and upcoming trends. Katina also traveled to Phoenix in 2010, for the Business of Brides National Conference. She continues to further her education and is always on top of new trends and designs.
Katina is continuously creating new goals in her professional career. When a partnership was presented to join Detail + Design, she knew it was an opportunity of a lifetime. She is excited about her upcoming weddings and events in the Indianapolis, Southern Indiana, and Louisville, KY areas. Katina loves all aspects of planning events and it brings her great joy knowing her clients are truly happy with their once in a lifetime event. This venture is giving Katina many opportunities to strengthen and grow her professional career along with fulfilling her personal goals in meeting such fabulous people.
Since joining the Detail + Design team, Meghan has utilized her organizational skills in coordinating the Komen Indianapolis Race for the Cure volunteers, organizing a fundraising auction for HealthNet’s annual gala, executing a new identity employee kickoff celebration for Author Solutions, and managing the Indiana Health Care Association’s (IHCA) conference exposition.
Meghan’s diverse skill set has enabled her to help clients varying from Irwin Union Bank to Indiana University School of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology. She also works closely with the production staff on all aspects of event development including floral, décor, and general logistics. Meghan’s true passion lies in seeing her events from the initial development through completion and working with the client on all the details in between.
Her volunteer experience includes Gen Con Indy, Indy Jazz Fest, Susan G. Komen Indianapolis Affiliate, and The Special Event Conference and Tradeshow. Meghan is also an active member of the Indiana Chapter of Meeting Professionals International and an Indiana University Purdue University of Indianapolis graduate with an emphasis in event management.