Jeff Curtis just wants you to have fun. As Portland Rose Festival CEO, he knows that “special events help define communities.”

Celebrating 20 years at Portland’s most beloved annual festival, Curtis has recently been named Chair of the World Board of the International Festivals & Events Association. In this prestigious role, Curtis will help to host special events all over the world.

The position enables him to share insights gleaned from the Rose City with global industry leaders, and to bring back innovative ideas to Portland. Curtis, who will serve a one-year term as Chair, will focus on IFEA membership and long-term development. “IFEA has dozens of resources available to its members, many of which could have a dramatic effect on the success of community events,” he says. “The Rose Festival’s affiliation with IFEA has helped in our efforts to be a local leader in the special events world.”