About Us
WELCOME TO COTC EVENTS
COTC Events is the short version of our full name Cream of the Crop Events & Logistics. We were founded over 10 years ago by top industry professionals committed to “Changing the World one Event at a Time!”. It’s a proud name with a deep mission that we live up to every single day by being 100% client focused.
CHANGING THE WORLD ONE EVENT AT A TIME
Our tag line was an integral component of our DNA when we founded our company. We remain committed to our socially conscious and eco-friendly foundation. We offer a prime catalog of fun and challenging give-back programs that benefit the community and the local environment. In addition, we have contributed nearly $100,000 dollars to charitable causes over the last ten years with even bigger plans for the future. It’s simply the way we live our lives and conduct our business.
PROUD MEMBERS OF HOSTS GLOBAL
COTC Events is proud to represent the great destination of South Florida. We are among a global consortium of the top Destination Management Companies around the world that are committed to best in class performance.
TESTIMONIALS
OUR TEAM
Deidre Everdij
'La Jefa'
“We proudly celebrated our 10 year anniversary in January 2019, and I can’t wait to see what the next decade brings.”
As a founder of the company, Deidre exuberantly motivates this dream team of creative professionals with consistent expert guidance and inspiration.
Tina Boris Lafferty, DMCP
Managing Director
“I love when clients tell us how we made their jobs easier.”
A top team member since 2010, Tina, is a true Native Floridian. This Cuban-American was born and raised in Miami, and is bilingual in English and Spanish. She is a revered expert in all aspects of our destination with 20 years of DMC experience. Tina manages day-to-day operations and spotlights business development to ensure COTC shines in our ever-changing market. In her free time, Tina enjoys adventure traveling with her husband, circuit training with friends and cheering at her two daughters’ gymnastics & dance competitions.
Barbara Pierra, DMCP
Senior Account Manager
“Every day brings something new! I love seeing programs come to life after weeks and sometimes months of planning.”
Barbara joined the company in early 2010 and has developed a large and loyal roster of clients that rely on her years of event management experience. Barbara spearheads the creative direction for her groups by diligently seeking the best and most advantageous options. She does so with dedication, attention to detail and grace. Raised in Miami, Barbara is fluent in both English and Spanish. As a new mother, Barbara spends her free time creating memories with her son and loving husband.
Lauren Wilburn
Account Manager
“I was born for this! I never stop working for my clients. When they are happy – I am happy.”
Lauren joined the team from the planning side of the business so her perspective and instincts for our clients are tailored for impact, budget management and messaging. With a heart of gold and genuine enthusiasm, Lauren is a key asset on the team.
Jennifer Perez
Account Manager
“We have such a positive team here at COTC. Every single day is a different challenge that keeps me on the edge of my seat.”
Jennifer’s secret sauce is long term hotel experience that makes her a key client asset in planning events. She is passionate about matching customers with their needs and desires through their events. A Miami girl to the core, she speaks English and Spanish, has a degree in Hospitality Management and the drive to create long term relationships through memorable programs.
Perri Lustberg
Creative Director
“If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
An obsessive focus on trends, design, art and fashion are critical for manifesting unique and innovative events. There is always a line to be pushed to bring depth of meaning and messaging to programs and Perri is not afraid to cross it with options our clients fall in love with.
Tracy Tretola, DMCP
Director of Operations
“I take pride in the events we produce, the companies we represent, and most importantly being a part of the COTC Events team.”
Tracy is a South Florida native and with over 15 years of event experience, she has valuable and extensive knowledge of the tours, activities, restaurants and off property venues available from Miami to the Palm Beaches. Disciplined and detailed as expected, Tracy also brings a wicked sense of humor that brightens our office. In her free time, Tracy enjoys family time and Sunday brunches in all of the local hot spots!
Marissa Torres, CMP
Operations Manager
“Passion is the difference between having a job and having a career.”
A graduate of the Hospitality School at the University of Florida and a homegrown Floridian, Marissa brings a surplus of knowledge and experience about the Sunshine State. Her background in meetings makes her a logistical guru. Her jovial and creative ways of finding solutions while remaining calm is what makes her a true resource to our team. When she isn’t on-site at events you can find her having a glass of wine at Louie Bossi or at home watching Netflix with her golden retriever, Oliver.
Jennifer Lopez
Operations Manager
“Planning events is my passion. It’s what I love to do.”
Her commitment to the events industry is demonstrated everyday as she executes programs which showcase the beauty of our destination. Jennifer is extremely detail oriented and committed to our clients’ success which is evident in her everyday work ethic. Work is not the only game she’s dedicated to: as an ultimate sports lover, she can be found cheering on all of her favorite NFL and NBA teams.
Rachel Lazarus
Lead Program Manager
“Creating spectacular events is my mission!”
A Florida native with a degree in Hospitality and Event Management, Rachel started her events career with non-profits. COTC recruited this kindred spirit with amazing creative abilities to envision unique programs for our clients. Her creativity doesn’t stop when the work day ends, in her free time she enjoys crafting and baking and is renowned for the best annual house parties.
Christina Retana
Program Manager
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”
With an event planning obsession that started in college, Christina breathes fresh energy into her designs with an authentic, positive spirit. When she’s not at work you can find her jet-setting off to her next destination… or Disney.
Peta Mills
Program Manager
“My ideal space is one of constant evolution in creating new experiences for our clients.”
Peta brings a unique design flair to creative concepts and experiences. Her prior advertising agency experience provides a refined perspective on branding and messaging which our clients welcome.
Nicole Chiarello
Research and Development
“Every day I feel like a real life Fairy God Mother making our clients’ dreams and wishes come true.”
A South Florida native, a graduate of the Rosen College of Hospitality and a Disney princess at heart, Nicole has an uncanny ability to patiently drill down into the fine details that make our offerings best in class.
Jessica Benson
Marketing
“We live in paradise and I love sharing our beautiful destination with clients and their guests.”
Jessica has come a long way since being COTC Events’ very first hire. At this point, her singular focus is to find and mold fresh, exciting and authentic experiences and communicate this through our marketing platform. A native of South Florida, her local knowledge and years of experience are evident when showcasing our world-class destination.
When not designing, Jessica enjoys time spent with her family and friends.
Alicia Befeler
Procurement
“COTC is a family of professionals. There is never a boring day in the office!”
Alicia joined the COTC team in 2009 managing the day in and day out processes, risk management, procurement and human resources. She is expectedly meticulous with a rascal’s sense of humor.
Ron Everdij
Production Manager
“Different day – different challenge – it’s never boring!”
Ron was drafted into service when this business started in the family living room. Now, years later, he manages the in house floral production and warehouse staff. He has been a professional photographer his entire life and his distinctive shots are the secret to our colorful newsletters.
Beau Everdij
Stress Relief Officer
“Since I joined the team, productivity has increased ex-bone-entially!”
