OUR TEAM

The Beyond Events management and culinary team boasts international experience in all aspects of the venue and event industry: professional sporting arenas, national concert tours, premiere golf tournaments, corporate picnics, lobby parties and appreciation days, weddings, cotillions, and many other social affairs.

ANTHONY J. SCHERI

A passion for food and a long-standing family tradition influenced Executive Chef Anthony Scheri to pursue a career as a professional Chef. With over 13 years of experience Chef Anthony worked for several renowned organizations within the Chicago area, from The Hotel Nikko/Westin River North to the South Gate Group; from Rosebud Restaurants to his current home as Beyond Events Executive Chef.

Interested in all aspects of the culinary art, Anthony has seen his cuisine develop throughout the years, traveling around the world learning about different cultures and their cuisine. 'It is essential, in this fast-paced environment, to be surrounded by a professional, dedicated team,' believes Chef Anthony. 'I am fortunate here to work with people who share a genuine love for food.

If people only wanted to know a recipe, they could buy a book. Our clients love Anthony because of his engaging personality, his recipes fit the American lifestyle – and most importantly, Anthony is someone they can relate to.

SHAWN O’KEEFE

Shawn’s background in operations, training, accounting, human resources, and safety is second to none: among other things, he’s been the F&B director at the Balmoral Racetrack and the Museum of Science and Industry. He’s an expert at implementing corporate programs, including those that must comply with corporate, state, and/or federal agencies. He’ll create department budgets, objectives, and standards from an internal perspective; troubleshoot while adhering to company procedures and philosophy; build a customer-driven team environment. Shawn manages our multimillion-dollar concert venues, including Charter One Pavilion, First Midwest Bank Amphitheater, Rosemont Theatre, and many others.

TONY PONTILLO

For over 15 years, Tony has personified initiative, drive, and passion in the field of catering and sales. Never one to take a step back, he sees challenges as opportunities to grow as an individual and a businessman. With experience in food service and sales, venue management, and major sporting events, Tony has maintained relationships in major markets around the country, bringing national recognition to his newest concept, Beyond Events. Taking a comprehensive, visionary approach to management and event design, Tony is the cornerstone of our premiere event management organization.

DENNIS PARELLO

The creative and inventive arm of Beyond Events, Dennis has more than a decade of experience in catering and event management. He’s well aware that catered affairs should center not only on the food and drink but on the atmosphere, the ambiance, and the memories created, that the time you spend with your guests isn’t a simple luncheon, buffet, or reception but a complete culinary, visual, and social experience. Every event has its own flavor, and not just in the menu—Dennis will seamlessly blend your ideas about everything from décor to lighting with the realities of event execution to create a truly memorable occasion.

ROB CUMMINGS

Known throughout the industry for his expertise in event management and operations, Rob makes sure your special occasion runs smoothly. From set-up to strike, he keeps a cool head and a steady hand whether the guest list is 50 or 5,000. With experience in tents, rentals, novelties, amusements, and staffing, Rob brings to Beyond Events what most catering companies lack—a true understanding of event operations, what it takes to flawlessly orchestrate deliveries, staff, product, and placement. Working closely with the Beyond Events sales team, Rob understands and executes the specific desires of each client to ensure that the event runs as proposed.