Rock Events: From Bold Ideas to Detroit’s Bright Future
Andrea Gengler’s passion for Rock Events and the transformative power of Detroit is impossible to miss. She embodies the spirit of the For More Than Profit philosophy that Dan Gilbert built into the very foundation of the Family of Companies. Her journey to leading Rock Events is a testament to the innovative, people-first approach, that has shaped everything at ROCK.
Andrea recalls being handed the ISMs book and making the realization that it aligned with her own values. She recalls that her first thought of Dan was, “This guy knows what he’s talking about.” That mindset drove her to pitch the idea of a dedicated event team to Dan Gilbert. She went into the meeting decked out in EMS gear with little sirens to hammer the point home.
Dan’s response? “Okay. Have an event team. You’re right. We need one. You’re the team.”
That kind of bold thinking and immediate action isn’t just about throwing great events. It is about how Rock Events has evolved into something much bigger – something tied to the revitalization of Detroit. When Rocket Companies made the move to the city, they didn’t just set up shop. They committed to putting their money where their mission is by driving business to the community.
It started with the Madison building, which started as a great space without an identity. Now, it is one of the most sought-after event venues in Detroit. The journey has been one of constant growth.
As Andrea shares, “What Dan has done with the city, by throwing his support behind it and bringing all these team members down here, has really helped build this world where everybody feels deeply connected to Detroit.”
What does it mean to be For More Than Profit?
And that commitment extends beyond the Family of Companies. Rock Events focuses on connecting the city’s businesses to outside groups visiting Detroit. Andrea highlights how crucial it is to not only hold events here but to partner with local vendors. From the delicious treats at Bon Bon Bon and Mootz to Smokey G’s barbecue, Rock Events prides itself on discovering the best of what Detroit has to offer.
“Social media is huge for us to find businesses that we want to work with,” Andrea says, a perfect reflection of how the team is always seeking new ways to support the community and bring fresh ideas to life.
The result? Companies and organizations from across the country are coming to Detroit for their conferences and events, spending days with the Rock Events team as they tour venues and meet with local businesses, bringing huge events to the city. Andrea sums it up best, saying, “When their guests come, then those guests want to come back and do something else here.”
It’s more than just events. It’s about building a legacy. And that is the beauty of working with Rock Events—where big ideas meet even bigger hearts, all in Detroit.
