Darrell Stefany, President EventFest, Inc.

While playing professional jai alai, Darrell started work at EventMakers in 1991. In addition to producing corporate and retail events, Darrell has primarily been responsible for the development, management and production of “Community” events – including one of the largest community events in the country – Tampa’s historic Gasparilla celebration. Gasparilla has grown to be a six-week series of events in Tampa, and now includes three signature events developed, marketed and produced by EventFest in Tampa: the Gasparilla Extravaganza, the Gasparilla Pirate Fest and Gasparilla’s Outbound Voyage. Darrell formed a new company – EventFest, Inc. in the Spring of 2008 to continue his career in special events with a focus on the marketing, development and production of Community festivals and events. Darrell is Past-Chair of the Florida Festival and Event Association (FFEA) and recipient of FFEA’s SUNsational Award in 2004 recognizing their Event Professional of the Year.