We are a team of individuals committed to excellence: comprised of a variety of industry professionals, interns, and volunteers from the community.

LESLIE ANN PILLING – CEO

Leslie Ann Pilling is the founder and CEO of Presence II Inc., parent company of Presence II Productions and Leslie Ann Pilling Design. Leslie is an experienced designer, visionary and business consultant whose forte is integrating design, event production, and experiential public relations. Her achievements have been featured in state, national, and international publications and her reputation for insight and energy has made her the driving force behind many founding committees and premier events in Michigan. Her exceptional networking capabilities and strong partnerships have been paramount in creating valuable connections between many businesses and individuals throughout the country. Leslie has a passion for growing business opportunities throughout Michigan and beyond. Her impact on her community serves as a testimony to the possibilities and successes that she provides to her clients.

Accomplishments:

-       Elmore Leonard Literary Arts & Film Festival Exploratory Founding member 2010 – present

-       Focus 7 Forum Founder and CEO 2010 - present

-       "Collision of Cool” Cranbrook Arts Alumni Event, Founding & Executive Board Member 2000

-       Mercury for Men Founder and CEO 1995-1997

-       Presence II Inc. Founder and CEO 1986 - present

-       Founder of "Girls Night Out" Edutainment Seminar Series

-       Interior Design Featured on the Community House Home Tour in Birmingham, MI

-       Interior Design Featured on the American Institute of Architects Home Tour

-       Featured member for the Fashion Group International “Spotlight”

-       Booth Park in Birmingham MI, Founding Member

-       Birmingham, MI Farmers Market Founding Member

-       Visual Trade Show Display Consultant for Lori Rae Jewelry Design at Javits Center in NYC

-       Visual Trade show Display Consultant for Janny Jewelry Design at Javits Center in NYC

Organizations:

-       Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce

-       Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce

-       International Special Events Society Member 

-       Michigan Festival and Events Association

-       P.R. Newswire Member

-       Direct Marketing Association

-       Fashion Group International Member

Professional Speaking:

-       Expert Panel member for Fashion Group International at the Michigan Design Center

-       American Institute of Architects Expert Panel Member

-       Henry Ford Museum: “Innovations” Guest Speaker

-       Professional speaker at Fashion Group International Seminar

-       Women in Business interviews on TV show “Spectacles”, October 2009 and August 2010

-       Personal interview on Channel 5 in regards to the Detroit Art and Fashion Community

-       Guest Speaker in collaboration with “Inspire Michigan”

-       Speaker at Russell Industrial Center’s “Business and Visual Concept Branding” Seminar

-       Guest speaker at the Birmingham Optimists Club

 Selected Judging: