Canadian-Cypriot national and Certified Special Events Professional John Jossifakis has built a name for himself in the events industry. Having delivered more than 5,000 events in more than 100 countries, Jossifakis’ connections and influence make him one of the most sought-after events professionals in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Canada.
Jossifakis’ career and involvement in the events industry began during his high school years. He started as an active member of Stage Crew and Set Crew of the Northern Secondary School in Toronto, Ontario. He furthered his studies and gained postgraduate degrees from Leeds Beckett University for his Masters of Science in Events Management, the Harvard Business School Diploma in the Business of Entertainment Media and Sports, and recently MIT Sloan Business School for Diploma in Digital Strategy. His education and vast experience provided him with a theoretical and operational background in the events industry.
Jossifakis’ experience and knowledge as a seasoned events professional has helped him earn his way to becoming the executive producer for large-scale events. Among his projects include the recently concluded DAKAR 2022 Opening and Closing Ceremonies in collaboration with STAMiNA Productions as the executive producer, the FIFA Club World Cup in 2018 and the AFC Asian Cup in 2011 and 2019 as local organizing committee ceremonies manager, and the 2004 Athens Olympic Games in for the Opening & Closing Ceremonies and Beijing 2008 as the closing ceremonies handover segment project manager.
He is also one of the most in-demand large-scale events consultants for government agencies worldwide. Some national government entities he has worked with, include ministries in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the State of Qatar. He has also been invited on several occasions as a guest lecturer and speaker in event organizations and universities like Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland and Leeds Beckett University in the UK.
With more than 20 years of experience in planning and organizing major events like the Olympics, World Tours & Concerts, Formula E ePrix in Saudi Arabia, and the FIFA Club World Cup, Jossifakis is truly versatile and can function in any production or project management role.
He maintains a hands-on approach from conceptual design supervision to event delivery when working with any organization or company. He also oversees each project's creative aspects, ensuring deliverables and plans are executed flawlessly and according to client specifications and vision.
Jossifakis' specialties include production management, event management and design of special effects, fireworks design, show concepts, and technical design.
When he’s not preoccupied with events planning, Jossifakis busies himself training and competing as a shooter in the 10M Olympic Air Pistol discipline under the flag of Canada.
Jennyfer Smith
Senior Journalist
https://www.afp.com
