ABOUT
JAMES EVENT PRODUCTIONS
OUR AMAZING TEAM
James Event Productions is a leading event production company in Southern California, providing a full range of event and party planning and production services for companies, non-profits, schools, and organizations.
The company was established in 1988 by brother/sister team Garry and Candace James who had worked together in the special events industry since their high school days. The staff of talented and creative party professionals includes 35 full-time employees and over 500 seasonal part-time employees making James Event Productions one of the largest event management companies in California.
Our experienced team of sales, management and production professionals brings the combined experience of more than 250 years of event planning to your special event.
GARRY JAMES
Founder and Co-Owner
714.563.9778 ext 106
With more than 20 years of experience in the event industry, Garry and his sister, Candace, co-founded James Event Productions in 1988. Fast forward 35 years later, his expertise, leadership, and passion for events have catapulted the company as a Southern California Event Production industry leader. His vision and commitment took a fledgling picnic company and expanded it into a multi-faceted event and entertainment organization. His professionalism, resiliency, and positive attitude have led an experienced sales and events team to produce over 20,000 events for corporations, nonprofits, schools, and organizations. Garry believes in family first, inspiring his employees to live, laugh, love, and have the time of their lives!
CANDACE JAMES BRACKETT
Founder
Candace James Brackett founded James Event Productions with her brother, Garry, in the late ‘80s. In 2020, Candy lost her battle with cancer, leaving our James Events family with a large void that can never be replaced. The company continues to sense her vibrant spirit and deep compassion for others, particularly for animals. Candy served as vice president for 30 years and developed some of our most important client relationships, many of which are still in effect today. Above all, she truly was a comforting and stabilizing voice amidst the chaos of event planning. If you arrived at her office just around closing time, you would often find yourself in a long conversation where you would laugh and trade stories about her USC heritage, children, favorite pets, and much more. We really miss Candy and will always cherish the memories we have of her.
CHRISTOPHER BRACKETT
President
714.563.9778 ext 105
As the son of Candy and Elmer Brackett (co-founder and co-owner of James Event Productions), Chris has immersed himself in event production since his earliest years. Officially an employee at 15, he was promoted to Operations Manager in 2011, overseeing our Amusement Rides Division. There, he changed the face of the amusement ride industry in California. Chris' innovations led to our reputation of having the most professional, well-trained, and friendly staff with dozens of impeccably cleaned, maintained, and state-certified rides and attractions. His transition into the role of President balanced decades of tradition and a relationship-based client approach with the latest innovations in event management. From the bidding process to project realization, he is implementing new technology to create the best events in the industry with maximum ease for the client. He has a player-coach approach that helps the team here execute the best Company Picnics, Galas, Nonprofit Events, Corporate Parties, and Festivals.
ELMER BRACKETT
Co-Owner
Elmer Brackett co-owns James Event Productions, which he established with his late wife, Candy James Brackett, and her brother, Garry James. Before launching James Productions, Elmer served as the Chief Executive Officer of a leading security and alarm systems provider. Earlier in his career, he worked as a mechanical engineer in the aerospace industry. Currently, Elmer leverages his specialized knowledge and expertise to support the operations team at James Productions, providing advice on amusement ride maintenance and safety. He enjoys spending quality time in the company machine shop, with his children, and with his grandson, Jace.
HEATHER SCHROEDER
Senior Event and Creative Director
714.563.9778 ext 103
Heather has created fun and compelling events for a wide array of companies, studios, nonprofits, select private entities, and the region's medical groups and hospitals for over 30 years at James Event Productions. She brings an eye for detail and a creative approach to design and problem-solving. The client's communication goals and direction always temper her style, which expanded the types of events we execute and earned her a loyal client base. She brings together teams of talented entertainers, artists, and professionals in a fun and collaborative environment to organize some of the best gatherings in California.
DONNA STEELE
Senior Event Director
For over 30 years, Donna has played an integral role at James Event Productions, producing and selling some of our most significant corporate event organisers and carnivals throughout Southern California. As a leader in the industry, her expertise in sales and event production has continued to produce the highest gross sales for James Event Productions each year. She responds quickly to changing circumstances with an upbeat, can-do attitude while nurturing positive, productive relationships with clients and associates. She uses her problem-solving, creativity, and flexibility to help clients produce events and meetings that run smoothly from concept to completion.
CHRISTINE MARTINEZ
Senior Event & Marketing Director
714.563.9778 ext 107
Christine, a proud New Yorker, began her career in professional baseball, executing events and player appearances for several Major League teams after receiving her Bachelor's in Management of Sports Industries and Communication. Her career took a new turn when she relocated to California, where she continued her 20-year passion for producing events while working in City Government, Higher Education, and the Nonprofit sector. Utilizing her eye for design and creativity, Christine has produced exclusive events for celebrities and Fortune 500 companies to create a dynamic and unique experience. Currently, she leads James Events' marketing and communications team and the company's social media. Christine believes in staying ahead of current trends to provide the best experience for her clients. She has served on several nonprofit boards and foundations, lending her skills and expertise to create a better community.
JASON THIBERT
Senior Event Director
Jason has worked in the event industry since he started with James Event Productions in 1995. He quickly progressed from picnic staff to rides operator, event technician, and event manager running our most significant events and locations. In 2004, Jason became operations director, handling hiring, training, and staffing events. Eventually, he found his best match with our Sales Team and began working with various corporate clients, large-scale festivals, and nonprofit events. Jason's "ground-up" knowledge of sales, planning, design, marketing, branding, and operations makes him an essential part of the team. He focuses not only on his events but also on companywide logistics and operations.
DANIEL BARRETT
Operations Manager/AR & AP Manager
When he started at James Event Productions, no one knew what to expect from this polite high school kid from Orange County. After more than 30 years, we can't imagine what we would do without him. From an entry-level staff member making popcorn and running game booths to his current title as Operations Manager, Daniel has grown with each step into one of the most well-liked and respected executives in the industry. During this time, he developed his skills in the event industry and earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from UC Riverside with an emphasis in accounting. Daniel oversees the entire distribution plan for James Events, managing the warehouse operations by projecting, dispatching, and inventory all products, as well as overseeing park operations and labor at Oak Canyon, Lakeview, Newport Dunes, and Kiwanisland. Wearing several hats, Daniel also utilizes his accounting background to manage the accounts payable and receivables for James Event Productions.
ROB HILBURN
Senior Event and Entertainment Director
714.563.9778 ext 121
As Rob prepares to celebrate his 35th year at James Productions, his event count has exceeded 4,000, with more than 2,000 events on the microphone as the voice of James Event Productions. As our Entertainment Director, he actively seeks new talent and creates engaging and contemporary entertainment offerings. And his skills as a master of ceremonies and entertainers make him an often-requested commodity for many of our biggest clients. Rob's many years of event management have given him integral roles in planning events for the likes of Walt Disney, New Balance, DreamWorks, the March of Dimes, and hundreds more.
BLANE KOONDIAL
Operations Manager/Rides Division
For over 25 years with James Events, Blane has played a critical role in the day-to-day operations of the Rides Division, ensuring that all rides and attractions operate safely and efficiently and that all guests have a positive experience. Overseeing a team of 20 ride operators, he leads, manages, schedules, trains, and develops team members with excellent communication skills and patience in compliance with the highest safety standards. With a fleet of over 30 portable amusement rides and attractions, he ensures that all rides are safe for operation, including conducting regular inspections, identifying and correcting hazards, and training staff on safety procedures. With Blane's degree in Mechanical Engineering, his skill set has proven to be an asset to James Events and the amusement ride industry.
ALBERTO SIERRA
Warehouse Manager
Alberto has been a dedicated part of our team for over 10 years. Known for a strong work ethic and attention to detail, he consistently looks for ways to improve efficiency and make processes run smoother. He takes pride in doing things right and making things better every step of the way. Colleagues value his reliability, drive, and commitment to continuous improvement. With a great sense of humor, natural charisma, and strong problem-solving skills, he brings energy and positivity to every team he’s a part of.
LISETTE COLLINS
Graphic Designer & Technical Director
For the last 19 years, Lisette Collins has evolved into a dynamic role in managing James Event Productions Information Technology, Graphic Design, and insurance requirements. Lisette ensures the company's computer systems and peripherals run efficiently, protects data, and keeps backups of all company information. As a Graphic Designer, she produces event layouts, flyers, and print production backdrops, banners, and media for over 400 annual events. Lisette is also the liaison between Kiwanisland and James Productions, overseeing the event calendar and coordinating rentals for special events and community organizations for the Kiwanis members. Lisette facilitates all insurance requests to ensure that all rentals at our properties submit proper insurance by James Event Productions contracts and guidelines.
CARLENE EATON
Employee Relations Manager
714-563-9778 ext1144
Carlene graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor's of Communications and a Minor in Psychology. She transplanted to California over 20 years ago and ran her business decorating events for 19 years. She spent the past ten years developing, training, and leading a staff of over 50 volunteers until she joined the James Events team 3 years ago. Carlene specializes in managing the relationship between the employees and the organization by developing and enhancing our organization's recruiting program, policies, and procedures. She is responsible for recruiting, training, and retaining all part-time seasonal event employees and training our on-site Event Coordinators at each park and portable events. She thrives in the fast-paced environment of executing events and training staff, and her positive attitude, leadership skills, and friendly demeanor make her the perfect addition to the team.
Trusted Event Company in Southern California
At James Events, we turn special moments into unforgettable memories. For over 30 years, we’ve proudly served as a full-service corporate event organisers, delivering professional, creative, and seamless events across Southern California.
Our Story
We started with one goal in mind—to take the stress out of event planning. Over the years, we’ve grown into a reliable team trusted by corporations, schools, non-profits, and families alike.
Today, we continue to offer the same care, quality, and personal touch that built our reputation.
Because we own and manage one of the largest inventories of event equipment in the region, we can provide everything you need. This includes inflatables, carnival rides, catering, tents, décor, staging, and more. In other words, we’re your one-stop shop for full-service event planning.
Who We Serve
We’ve worked with top-tier companies, local schools, and private clients hosting backyard parties. Whether your event is large or small, we bring the same attention to detail.
Moreover, we take the time to understand your needs. Our team listens carefully and tailors each event to match your goals and vision.
Why Choose Us?
As an experienced event company, we know that great events come from great planning. That’s why we stay flexible, responsive, and focused on results. For more details and helpful resources, visit our helpful links page.
Our clients return to us year after year—not just for our services, but for our commitment to making their events truly special.
Our Mission
We’re more than event planners—we’re partners in celebration. From the first call to the final guest goodbye, James Events is by your side, ensuring everything runs smoothly.