Great stories often begin in unexpected places. For Fiesta Group, the story began in 1994 with a young architect, a small workspace in Beirut and a single balloon printing machine. Nothing about it suggested the beginnings of a major enterprise. But sometimes, a simple idea grows into something far beyond its original purpose.
This is the story of Wissam J. El Akkawi, the founder and CEO of Fiesta Group. Over more than thirty years, he turned a one machine experiment into a group of companies that today works in events, entertainment, fireworks, architecture, contracting, real estate, tourism and media.
Wissam’s journey is not just about business growth. It is a story about curiosity, creativity, courage and a deep belief that people deserve experiences that touch their hearts. It is also a story about leadership built on trust, not authority, and about a legacy shaped through values rather than numbers.
From Balloons to a Multi-Division Enterprise
When Wissam began working with balloons, he had no intention of building a major company. He was simply exploring an idea that fascinated him. He enjoyed printing messages and designs, and he loved creating something that brought joy to people.
Soon, he realized that balloons were only the starting point. Customers began asking for more. They wanted decorations, creative setups and complete experiences for their celebrations. Following these requests with curiosity, Wissam expanded one step at a time.
“What started with a balloon printing machine slowly grew into designing experiences,” he shares.
As new opportunities appeared, he created new divisions. Some were shaped by client needs, while others grew from his own imagination. Over the years, Fiesta Group expanded into fireworks, architecture, contracting, real estate, tourism and media.
It was never about building an empire. It came from his belief that, “Success is not about doing one thing well. It is about constantly finding new ways to add value.” This mindset has kept Fiesta innovative and adaptable for more than thirty years.
Leadership Built on Trust and Humanity
Wissam’s leadership style is one of the most defining parts of Fiesta Group’s identity. He does not see leadership as giving orders or being on top. For him, leadership is about influence and trust.
Wissam particularly talks about leadership and says, “I do not believe in being a boss. I believe in being a guide.”
He focuses on creating an environment where people feel comfortable taking responsibility and contributing their ideas. He believes people do their best work when they feel respected and trusted. This is why many of his team members have been with him for years and have grown into leaders themselves.
Wissam leads by example. He pays attention to details, respects deadlines, and works with consistency. His humility is also a key part of the culture he has built.
He quotes, “What makes my approach unique is that it is deeply human. Every team member is a partner in our growth.”
This mindset has helped Fiesta maintain a united, collaborative spirit even while operating in many different industries.
How Fiesta Manages Innovation Across Many Sectors
Fiesta Group works across fields that may seem disconnected at first glance. Fireworks, architecture, event design, real estate, and media production all demand different expertise, yet within Fiesta they run on the same guiding belief. As Wissam often reminds his teams, “Innovation is not a department. It is a mindset.”
He encourages everyone to keep learning, experimenting, and exchanging ideas. A spark from the media division might influence an architectural concept, while a clever solution in contracting could improve an event setup. This flow of ideas across teams is a major reason Fiesta continues to grow creatively.
For Wissam, innovation is not about following trends but about addressing real challenges with imagination. “We stay agile because our teams collaborate and are not afraid to test new ideas.” This philosophy allows Fiesta to produce meaningful experiences and consistently high-quality work across all its divisions.
Challenges That Shaped the Journey
Wissam’s journey has never been straightforward. He has dealt with market shifts, project delays, unexpected risks, and, above all, constant uncertainty. Reflecting on his experience, he shares, “The biggest challenge has always been uncertainty and learning to stay calm in the middle of it.”
Over the years, he began viewing obstacles as guidance rather than failures. Each difficulty taught him something valuable about leadership, strategy, and perseverance. As he puts it, “What shaped me as a leader was the ability to listen, adapt, and move forward with patience.”
He believes tough moments have a purpose, often helping refine vision and strengthen character. “The stronger the wind, the higher you can rise if you learn how to use it.” This approach has allowed him to guide Fiesta steadily through shifting markets and unpredictable global conditions.
Technology as a Partner for Creativity
Today, technology is deeply woven into every part of Fiesta Group’s work. From event coordination to architectural planning, from media production to construction, digital tools help the company deliver results that are quicker, more accurate and tailored to each client. As Wissam explains, “In contracting and architecture, AI and automation help us work with more precision. In entertainment and media, digital tools help us tell stories that connect with audiences.”
To him, technology is not meant to replace human creativity. It is meant to enhance it. “I want technology to make people think smarter, not faster,” he notes.
His dedication to continuous growth even inspired him to earn a Ph.D. in Project and Quality Management at 51, where he studied how AI is transforming the contracting sector. Completing this degree served as a reminder to his team and the younger generation that learning is a lifelong journey.
Values That Shape Fiesta Group
Fiesta Group’s growth is rooted in three essential values: creativity, integrity and resilience. For the team, creativity is not just about artistic expression. It is a way of approaching challenges and finding fresh solutions. Integrity has helped the company earn strong and lasting relationships because every project is handled with honesty, responsibility and respect. Resilience has carried Fiesta through tough markets, allowing it to keep moving forward even when conditions were difficult.
As Wissam notes, “These values guide everything we do. They are not written on walls only. They live in our daily actions.”
By holding onto these principles, Fiesta continues to build trust with clients, strengthen long-term partnerships and remain steady in a competitive and unpredictable business landscape.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Social Responsibility
Wissam believes that a business should serve its community, not depend on it. This principle shapes Fiesta Group’s involvement in local initiatives, cultural programs, educational efforts and artistic collaborations. As he mentions, “Our collaborations with ONE Lebanon, our work with artists and our partnerships with educational institutions are all part of our mission to create long lasting value.”
Sustainability is another priority woven into Fiesta’s construction and design work. The company focuses on materials and techniques that minimize waste and improve overall efficiency.
For Wissam, true achievement is measured differently. “The real measure of success is not how much we gain. It is how much good we leave behind.”
Future Trends That Will Transform the Industry
Wissam believes the future of his industries will be shaped by a few key trends.
- Artificial Intelligence: AI will improve how events are planned, how buildings are designed and how stories are produced.
- Personalization: Clients will want experiences that feel deeply personal and emotionally meaningful.
- Experience Convergence: Entertainment, hospitality, retail and tourism will blend into unified experiences.
- Human Creativity: As technology becomes more common, original human creativity will become more valuable than ever.
“People will want brands that feel real and human. Authenticity will be the new luxury.”
A Legacy of Inspiration
Wissam hopes his legacy will be defined not by buildings or events, but by the inspiration he leaves behind. “I want young entrepreneurs to see that success does not require privilege. It requires persistence,” he says.
He wants his journey to motivate others to imagine boldly, keep learning, and continue growing. Through Fiesta, his goal is to build a culture rooted in teamwork, curiosity, and kindness.
As he reflects on the future, he reminds his team, “Buildings and events may fade. Values and ideas last forever.”
Professional Bio
Wissam J. El Akkawi is an architect and entrepreneur who founded Fiesta Group in 1994 in Beirut. What began as a small balloon printing idea gradually expanded into a group of companies working across architecture, contracting, real estate, tourism, fireworks, entertainment, and media.
His brands include Igual Gulf Fireworks, Arcus Contracting, Atrium Architecture, Baity Real Estate, Greystone Homes, Traventure Tours, and Alif Media Solutions. Each represents a part of his passion for building meaningful experiences.
At the age of 51, Wissam completed his Ph.D. in Project and Quality Management with a focus on AI in the contracting sector. He continues to lead Fiesta with creativity, humility, and purpose.
Closing Thought
Wissam’s path reminds us that a single idea, paired with courage, can become a legacy. It’s a philosophy he lives by: “Success is not what you earn. It is what you inspire.”
