Hall of Fame

Join BizBash as we induct two industry visionaries into the BizBash Hall of Fame during the general session. BizBash's Hall of Fame was created to recognize and reward key event strategists who in their careers have made major contributions to furthering the event industry's goals, as well as to personal philanthropy.

Rodney Barreto
President and CEO, Barreto Group, Inc.

Rodney Barreto is President and CEO of The Barreto Group, Inc. a diversified company specializing in corporate and public affairs consulting, real estate investment and healthcare data management.

Mr. Barreto is also the founding partner of Floridian Partners, LLC with offices in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Tallahassee. Floridian Partners LLC is a consulting firm that develops and manages effective corporate and public affairs strategies designed to achieve specific business results develop winning strategies.

Rodney Barreto grew up in South Florida and is proud to give back to the community he loves. He holds his own Super Bowl record by chairing both the 2007 and the 2010 South Florida Super Bowl Host Committees. During his tenure, Mr. Barreto helped raise more than $30-million dollars and in kind contributions for the Super Bowls. During the Super Bowl, Mr. Barreto ensured that South Florida shined in front of the thousands of dignitaries and media who came here for the game. Mr. Barreto has been involved with the Super Bowls since 1989. Super Bowl XLVI is the 5th South Florida Super Bowl with which he has been involved.

Prior to his career in public affairs and real estate, Mr. Barreto was a City of Miami police officer. Mr. Barreto earned his Associate of Arts degree from Miami Dade Community College and his Bachelor of Arts degree in Professional Studies from Barry University. Mr. Barreto is married and lives with his wife Shelia, and two children, Brittney and Bradley in Miami.

 

Kelly Murphy
President/General Manager, Panache A Classic Party Rentals Company

From working off her dining room table in her home in South Florida to setting dining room tables for Presidents on the south lawn, Kelly Murphy, the president and general manager of Panache – A Classic Party Rentals Company, exemplifies the ability to rise from humble beginnings and still maintain humility.

In 1992, along with her husband and business partner Bob DeFriest, Murphy began what would now become an institution in the event rental business and a company synonymous with its name, Panache. With a flair for the original, a keen eye for the details, and never-ending commitment to quality, Murphy quickly gained credit from industry leaders and elevated industry standards. From a 2-person operation, Murphy now oversees a staff of over 150 out of three locations, totaling over nearly 140,000 square feet operating space that services the state of Florida. In 2007, Murphy sold the company to Classic Party Rentals the nation’s largest event rental company.

In addition, while Murphy never lost sight, those same business standards could translate to the service of others; For over the last decade, Murphy has worked diligently to support community efforts, and leant her name and company resources to dozens of local non-profits to assist them meet their fundraising goals

Professionally, Murphy is a member of many industry organizations and has been recognized for her support.