The Team

Since 2006, Eventions of Florida has grown from an initial staff of one to currently five full time employees and 20+ professional, experienced and extremely informative field and event staff.

Scroll pic to see Ali now

Ali Brown

Director of Production and Events, Managing Partner

Ali Brown, founder of Eventions of Florida and Director of Production and Events, possesses a strong drive and an overwhelming passion for the hospitality industry. Born and raised in New Orleans, Ali first gained exposure to the hospitality industry while completing her Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism with a concentration in Convention and Meeting Management at the University of New Orleans. Following graduation, Ali began her industry career by accepting a position with Signature Events, a Premiere DMC in New Orleans focusing on the Association & Corporate Market. In 2003, an opportunity with Yacht Starship found Ali relocating to Tampa, Florida. It was there two years later that she founded Eventions of Florida. While her current role focuses on production of events and day to day operations, Ali has produced programs for national citywide conferences with up to 40,000 attendees, multiple Super Bowls, Final Fours and corporate incentive programs nationwide. Despite the demands of a growing company, Ali still finds the time to be dedicated and active in industry organizations. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of Destination Management Executives, previously served as the 2008 President of the Southeast Chapter of Professional Convention Managers Association and currently chairs the Volunteer Committee.

Ali is a diehard LSU and New Orleans Saints Fan who does not know what to do with herself when it is not football season, moved to Florida because of sunsets at Frenchy’s Clearwater Beach and hopes to retire in Mexico one day!! Back to Top

Scroll pic to see Irene now

Irene Caban

Director of Sales & Marketing, Managing Partner

Irene Caban, Managing Partner and Director of Sales and Marketing, joined Eventions of Florida in September of 2007 and became a Managing Partner in October of 2008. After graduating from the University of Central Florida with a degree in Public Relations and Advertising, Irene’s career began with non-profit event planning in Orlando. She continued with her passion for non-profit event planning when she moved to Tampa in 2000 taking a position with the American Cancer Society as the Special Event Manager. In 2003, Irene begin working on weddings and corporate events in the Tampa Bay Area with Breezin Entertainment, booking performers as small as a solo acts to full production events. Irene is an active member of the Tampa Bay Chapter of Meeting Professionals International and currently serves on the Board as President. Irene has produced programs for Sprint, Miller Brewing Company, American Cancer Society and Circle K to name a few. There’s no event too big for Irene to tackle – that’s why her skills were a great addition to the Eventions Team.

Irene and her husband have 2 rescued dogs (Taz & Blue) and she has been asked not to bring any more dogs home. She loves spending time with her sister, they are 19 months apart but act like twins. She finds time in her busy schedule to play tennis in 2 local leagues. Back to Top

Scroll pic to see Carol now

Carol Eaves

Senior Sales & Event Manager

Carol, Senior Sales and Event Manager, a 30 year veteran of the hospitality industry in the Tampa area has joined the Eventions of Florida team. At Western Illinois University, Carol earned a BA in Political Science with a minor in interior design & architecture, as well as a secondary teaching certificate, but became involved in the travel industry, which lead to a career in travel and hospitality. Her affiliation with the travel industry has allowed Carol to travel to many parts of the world with Switzerland, New Zealand, Ireland and the Canadian Rockies as some of her favorites. During nearly 25 years with Destination Tampa Bay, Carol has worked with city wide conventions, corporate groups and associations, Super Bowl and Outback Bowl clients, as well as inbound tour and cruise groups both domestically and internationally. Carol is an active member of the Tampa Bay Chapter of Meeting Professionals International and an Executive Board member of SKAL International Tampa Bay Chapter and a member of the Executive Women’s Golf Association.

Carol is an avid golfer and fanatic football – especially the Bucs and enjoys quiet time with her 2 roommates Squeak and Merlot – both rescue cats. Other favorite pastimes are cooking, entertaining and reading. Back to Top

Scroll pic to see Amanda now

Amanda Shanks

Sales and Event Manager

Amanda Shanks, Sales and Event Manager, graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation & Leisure Services Administration specializing in Special Event Management. During her four years at Florida State University she was an active volunteer for numerous charitable events. Amanda’s passion for non-profit lead her to a position working with the Assistant Director at the American Heart Association where she helped coordinate large fundraising events such as the 2009 Heart Walk. To further her knowledge in the event industry, Amanda took an intern position at the FSU Reservation where she assisted the Coordinator of Programs. She played a major role in planning festivals and events held at the FSU Reservation. Being from Tampa, Amanda was eager to continue gaining experience in the Greater Tampa Bay area. In May, 2010, Amanda began her Internship with Eventions of Florida. Upon graduation in August, 2010 Amanda was excited to accept a position with Eventions of Florida. Amanda is an active member of Meeting Professionals International and the National Association of Catering Executives. She thoroughly enjoys every creative and exciting aspect of this business and looks forward to furthering her career in the event industry as a member of the Eventions of Florida Team.

Amanda is a Die Hard FSU fan and alumni, enjoys biking on Bayshore and she is still afraid of the dark. Back to Top

Scroll pic to see Lora now

Lora Iosa

Sales and Event Manager

Lora Iosa, Sales and Event Manager, joined Eventions of Florida in October of 2010. Lora graduated from the University of Florida, earning her Bachelor of Arts in English, and a Minor in Secondary Education. During college, she began her experience with event production through her sorority’s recruitment events. Upon graduating, Lora took a position with the Greater Largo Chamber of Commerce as their Membership Director. In this position she was responsible for all new membership sales, producing their yearly membership directory, ad sales, and assisting with all member related events and activities. For the past seven and a half years, Lora garnered her destination & meetings management experience working for a local DMC in all aspects of the industry: sales, production and operations. She is very excited to join the successful Eventions of Florida Team and continuing to create and produce outstanding events.

Lora graduated from the University of Florida, married a fellow Gator alumni and has two adorable baby girl Gators (Addison & Harper). Back to Top