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Regional Ambassadors

The Ambassador Committee consists of regional leaders who serve as your local point of contact for FFEA. Each Ambassador acts a resource to the members in their region, hosts regional networking events and workshops and acts as an additional point of contact between FFEA and its current and future members.

If you are interested in serving as a Regional Ambassador for your area, contact our office at 407.203.1334.

“Volunteering as an Ambassador creates opportunities for relationships with the leaders in the Florida festival and event community. I get to know fellow event professionals as they get to know me on another level. One of the best pieces of advice that I have received was 'Don't just join an organization to be a member; join an organization to be visible, to further share your expertise and embody your brand.' Volunteering has helped achieve that goal.”

- Lanie Shapiro, Touch Poll South Florida

North Region

Emily Dockery, Town of Orange Park

Emily has been working in the event industry for the past nine years. She studied psychology at University of Central Florida and later earned a graduate certificate in Event Management from Florida State University. Most of her experience is in planning and producing events for local municipalities. Emily is currently employed by the Town of Orange Park and is responsible for its extensive repertoire of events, including the award-winning Fall Festival and Farmers’ & Arts Market. She spends her free time enjoying the local restaurant scene, gardening and hanging out with her dog, Xander.

Central Region

Maritza Rivera, City of Clermont

Maritza is an Event professional with over 15 years of experience making all kinds of events successful. Her passion is to serve others by using her creativity and sense of humor along with attention to detail by providing quality, award winning, events. She is currently employed by the City of Clermont and is also contracted with Orange County Government. She can be found most days in Clermont, Florida or undercover at Disney World.

Southwest Region

Janeen Paulauskis

Janeen is a founding member of the Fort Myers Beach International Film Festival and has been Executive Director since 2001. Honored in Gulfshore Business’ 40 UNDER 40 for her work on the Fort Myers Beach Film Festival she has been a proud supporter of the Fort Myers Beach arts community and its many events. She currently serves on the FFEA Board, The Southwest Florida Attractions Association Board, the Bonita Springs Film Festival Board and formerly served on the Boards for the Fort Myers Beach Friends of the Arts and The Fort Myers Beach Chamber of Commerce. Janeen is also the founder and owner of Barefoot Events Group, overseeing event production on everything from festivals to concerts, corporate events to fishing tournaments, weddings to family fun – her team is large enough to serve you and small enough to know you!

Southeast Region

Lanie Shapiro, Touch Poll South Florida

Since 2005, Lanie Shapiro has been the founder and owner of TouchPoll of South Florida. Lanie has worked with hundreds of festivals, events, conferences, museums and attractions. TouchPoll's services include designing surveys and implementing on-site and online data collection so that her clients can strategically plan their marketing, promotions and sales materials; as well as optimize sponsorships and grant applications; receive valuable visitor feedback, and conduct economic impact studies. Lanie's prior experience includes over twenty years in sales, marketing and advertising, including sponsorship sales for WGBH in Boston as well as Clear Chanel (I Heart Media) and BizBash in Miami. Lanie is a former board member and current Ambassador and committee-member with the Florida Festivals and Events Association. Ms.Shapiro also serves on the board of the Greater Miami Festival & Event Association where she was awarded "Most Valuable Vendor"

SOUTHEAST REGION

Lorie Stinson, South Florida Fair

Lorie has been working with the South Florida Fair for 30 years. She holds a Certified Fair Executive designation with the IAFE. Throughout her years in the industry, she has held different roles in Sales and Sponsorship, Special Events, Advance Tickets, Administration and more. Currently serving as Exhibits & Special Events Manager. Lorie enjoys the challenge of bringing new and fresh ideas to the Fair and Special Events each year. In her spare time, Lorie is President of the PBC Quilters’ Guild and President of PBC Attractions Association. Her favorite role by far, is Mom and Mammie to 8 beautiful grandkids.

SOUTHEAST REGION

Joseph Dziedzic, City of Hialeah

Joseph is an experienced Parks and Recreation Director with over 28 years of experience in the field of Recreation. He was born and raised in the City of Hialeah and enjoys giving back to the City and its hard working residents. He has a passion for his industry and is skilled in Management, Community Engagement, Leadership, Recreation and Community Development. Joseph is an active member of the Florida Recreation and Parks Association and currently sits on the Esports Council for this organization. He is also a gold member of the National Recreation and Parks Association in addition to being a member of the South Florida Parks Coalition. In his spare time, Joseph enjoys playing golf and more importantly spending time with his family and friends.

SOUTHEAST REGION

Bianca Colon, Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce

Bianca Colon is a graduate of University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management with a (B.S.) in Event Management. Bianca started with the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce in September of 2018 as the Events and Marketing Coordinator. 6 months later she became the chambers Events Manager and in October of 2019 was promoted to Director of Events. Her roles include overseeing the chambers events and community events: ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival, ArtFest by the Sea, Loggerhead Triathlon, and the Young Professional’s chamber liaison.
Outside of work you can find Bianca around Palm Beach North enjoying the local restaurants, spending time with family, or planning her wedding.

CENTRAL WEST REGION

Lelia Peterson, City of Clearwater

Lelia is the Special Events Supervisor for the City of Clearwater, where she works with her team to produce a variety of programs and special events for the community and also serves as Special Events Committee Chair to 68 members. She has over 10 years of experience successfully managing and producing events and supervising staff and company operations. She has a degree in Hospitality and Event Management from the University of Central Florida and prior to her role at the City of Clearwater, she worked with Omni Hotels for over four years.