The Team
Irene Tataris, DMCP, CMP
President & Founder
A graduate from the University of Central Florida, Irene found her true passion of event planning after an internship with Sprint. Her adventure started in 1997 with United Cerebral Palsy, a non-profit organization, while in Orlando. A move to Tampa in 2000 created a new challenge in non-profit, as she worked for the American Cancer Society as a Special Event Manager producing multiple Relay For Life events and other fundraising activity events annually. In 2003, Irene became intrigued with corporate and social events and left the non-profit world for a career in entertainment. Working for a licensed talent agency she began booking performers as small as a solo acts to full production events. In 2007 Irene joined a local destination management company as Director of Sales & Marketing and in 2008 she became a Managing Partner from all her hard work and dedication.
In 2012, Irene was seeking a new challenge and after 15 years of event management experience she had a desire to take the event industry to the next level, becoming the Founder and President of Savvy Events & Entertainment, a full service Destination Management Company.
Irene has been an active member of MPI, the Tampa Bay Chapter of Meeting Professionals International since 2006. She served on the Board for 6 years and held the positions of Immediate Past-President, President, President Elect, VP of Memberships and Director of Strategic Alliance. In addition, Irene is an active member of the Association of Destination Management Executives International (ADEMI) and served on the 2023 Annual Conference Committee.
Irene has produced programs for Dr Pepper, Sprint, Miller Brewing Company, Sweetbay, Saab, Smith & Nephew, Raymond James Financial, Circle K and others to name a few.
Nicole Briggs
Event Specialist
Nicole is a graduate of Central Michigan University with a degree in Recreation and Leisure Services. Nicole has over 17 years of experience in the Hospitality and Special Event Industry. Her career began at Saddlebrook Resort with an internship in the Guest Activities and Recreation department, booking recreation activities, tours, and facilitating teambuilding events. Over the years, Nicole worked in many different positions in the industry from Conference Service Management, Catering, Weddings, & Special Events. Nicole has a passion for events, and her creativity and attention to detail help make her events come to life.
Nicole is an active member of the Krewe of Brigadoon, a social club that encourages camaraderie and fellowship by providing opportunities for volunteerism and to support local charity organizations. And she participates with her Krewe in Tampa’s long running tradition of Gasparilla.
Leah Jacobs
Event Specialist
Leah is a graduate of St. Petersburg College with a degree in Health Services Administration. Leah has over 12 years experience in the hospitality industry working at some of the areas best Gulf Beach hotels & restaurants in food & beverage. Leah brings creativity, work ethic and a passion to make her clients visions possible.
Leah is an active volunteer for numerous charitable events and served three years as a participant and team leader for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for life, where she organized events for fundraising and team building.