The event industry reacted with shock and sorrow at the sudden death of Bob Blaesing, president of Atlanta-based Experience by Design and ISES treasurer, on April 25.

“It leaves a void,” said Kendall Collier, CSEP, partner in Atlanta-based Legendary Events and member of the ISES Board of Governors. “He loved our industry and had such a passion for it. Everywhere he went he was leading, and we were all willing to follow.”

Services in both Atlanta and Chicago will be held to celebrate Blaesing’s life. The Chicago service is May 5 from noon to 4 p.m. in the Francis Room of the Congress Plaza Hotel. The Atlanta service is June 3 at 6:30 p.m.; the location is yet to be announced.

For more information on the Chicago service, contact Robert Sivek, CSEP, at 630/941-0600 or robert@meetinghouse.com. For details on the Atlanta service, contact Collier at 404/869-8858 or kendall.collier@legendaryevents.com.

Blaesing’s sister, Mary Lou Hecklinger, has established a fund with the International Special Events Foundation for anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution. Checks made payable to “ISEF for Bob Blaesing, CSEP” may be sent to ISES headquarters at 401 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2400, Chicago, IL 60611.