John Jossifakis CSEP, the General Manager of J.J. Productions, is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and influential event planners in the Middle Eastern region, as well as in Europe, Asia, and Canada. Having organized and produced more than 5,000 events in more than 100 countries, his connections and performances span five continents.
The Canadian-Cypriot national of Greek descent and Certified Special Events Professional, jump-started his career at an early age. He showed interest in event management in high school, where he was an active member of the Stage Crew and Set Crew. He earned his Master’s Degree in Events Management from Leeds Beckett University, followed by a Diploma from Harvard Business School for Business of Entertainment Media and Sports. He recently received a diploma in Digital Strategy from MIT Sloan School of Management. He recently set up a new scholarship in his name, at Northern Secondary High School, where a graduating student is assisted financially to study technical theater, events or media studies.
Apart from his rich educational background, Jossifakis also received internationally recognized certificates for fireworks and explosives from the Government of Canada. He has been invited as a guest speaker and lecturer during event planner gatherings for incorporating fireworks and special effects in events.
Jossifakis’ work in the event industry ranges from international tours to concerts to major sporting events. He has joined the event planning team for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens as venue project manager and the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing as victory ceremonies master planner and consultant. Jossifakis was also the ceremonies manager at the 2018 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2011 & 2019 AFC Asian Cups.
Jossifakis’ production company, J.J. productions, was responsible for managing and organizing tours for some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Shakira, Ricky Martin, and the Scorpions.
He is currently the executive producer for large-scale events, including the recently concluded DAKAR 2022 opening and closing ceremonies and start-finish podium. Jossifakis is also a large-scale events consultant for government entities like the State of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and the Kingdom Saudi Arabia.
In his spare time, he gives back to the community by teaching event management and technical operations to the younger generation of event planners at the Event Management Development Institute (EMDI) in Dubai. Apart from that, he also trains and competes as a shooter in the 10M Olympic Air Pistol discipline, under the flag of Canada.
Furthermore, Jossifakis is also an entrepreneur who has entered the food business. He works to establish his business Candy Dream–a food company focused on bringing and trading sweet offerings to residents, locals, and visitors of the UAE, via thematic fairytale decors.
Jennyfer Smith
Senior Journalist
https://www.afp.com
