About Us
Mission Statement
The Event Services office helps any client (internal or external to the University) to develop a clear vision and understanding of their event and helps execute a solution that will bring their ideas to reality. Our qualified team of event coordinators will provide practical and adaptable information, as well as budget solutions for a successful event.
About BookEMU
Eastern Michigan University offers a variety of meeting rooms, banquet facilities and conference spaces across campus. Whether you're hosting a small weekly meeting or a major conference, our experienced and knowledgeable staff will help you find the right place to hold your event. Our beautifully landscaped campus offers several locations to choose from when planning your event.
Why BookEMU?
- State of the Art Facilities: The Student Center is EMU's crown jewel for conferences, meetings, special events, and much more. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a contemporary design, the Center offers a spacious, bright, and welcoming environment for all guests.
- Versatile Spaces: Whether you require a large auditorium, a spacious banquet hall, or smaller breakout rooms, EMU has you covered. The versatility of the rooms we offer allows for customization and flexibility for your event.
- Full Service Catering: A full-service catering menu, containing many international and exotic cuisine choices, is available for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktail receptions.
- Location: Situated in Ypsilanti, Eastern Michigan University enjoys a prime location that is easily accessible for attendees coming from the local area or out of town.
- Professional Staff: From event planning to technical assistance, and catering, EMU's knowledgeable team will be by your side to offer guidance and support through the process.
Meet the Team
Meg Castro - Director of Events
Meg has served as the Director of Events for BookEMU since 2019. Currently, she manages high-end University events, external events and everything in between. Meg joined the EMU Event Services team in 2007.
Before joing EMU, she was an Event Coordinator at Ave Maria School of Law at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. She brings over 30 years of experience in the event planning industry. While Meg isn't planning events, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, golfing, attending concerts and sporting events.
Cathy Steiner - Assistant Director of Events
Cathy serves as the Assistant Director of Events for BookEMU. Currently, she manages a wide variety of events including internal / external events, athletics events, and summer camps & conferences. She joined the EMU Event Services team in 2008 as an Event Coordinator and became Assistant Director of Events in 2022. Cathy is an EMU alum with a Bachelor's degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management.
Before joining EMU, she was a Sales Manager for Weber's Inn in Ann Arbor and also for Washtenaw Country Club in Ypsilanti. She brings nearly 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. While Cathy isn't planning events, she enjoys spending time with her husband Greg and their dog Cooper, being in her garden and golfing.
Tony Garant - Event Coordinator
Tony serves as an Event Coordinator for BookEMU. Currently, he manages a variety of different EMU events including student org events and many other internal and external events. He joined the EMU Event Services team in 2022. Tony is a Saginaw Valley State University alum with a Bachelor's degree in Business Management.
Before joining EMU, he was the Director of Group Sales for the Los Angeles Dodgers minor league baseball affiliate, The Great Lakes Loons in Midland, Michigan. Tony also worked in digital media sales for Hearst Communications. While Tony isn't planning events, he enjoys attending sporting events cheering on all Detroit sports teams and spending time with his wife Alana and daughter Savannah.
Patrick Wright - Operations Manager
Patrick serves as an Operations Manager for the Student Center. Currently, he manages the daily operations of the Student Center as well as overseeing the student staff that work to make the events, meetings, and conferences within the Student Center, McKenny, and Lake House possible. Patrick is an EMU alum with a Master's degree in Human Resources and Organizational Development.
Before taking on the role of Operations Manager, Patrick worked within the Event Services department here at EMU as a student employee from the start of his undergrad to the completion of his graduate program. He has been part of the Student Center team since 2017.
For event reservations and general inquiries, please fill out and submit the form below.