The Team

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

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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

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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

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Sabrina O’Neal

Senior Sales and Event Manager

Sabrina O’Neal, Senior Sales and Event Manager, joined Eventions of Florida in June 2010. A native of New Orleans, Sabrina graduated from the University of New Orleans with a degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism. While in college, Sabrina began her career with the Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans which brought her to her first sales job at the New Orleans Marriott. In 2007, Sabrina accepted a position as Senior Sales Manager at the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina. This position allowed her to work with multiple citywide meetings for associations in the Midwest and West Coast markets. Sabrina is a member of Professional Convention Managers Association and the Florida Society of Association Executives. After 10 years with Marriott, Sabrina is excited to be a part of the Eventions of Florida Sales Team.

Sabrina enjoys spending time with her new golden doodle Bentley and LOVES the New Orleans Saints….Who Dat!! She hopes to get married to her fiancé Alan soon. Back to Top

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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

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Lora Iosa

Production and Event Manager

Lora Iosa, Production 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

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Astrid Henriques

Executive Sales & Events Coordinator

Astrid Henriques, Executive Sales & Events Coordinator, was born and raised in Norway. Before she came to the United States with her husband, Al, she worked in the Off-Shore industry in Norway. She has lived in the U.S. including New Mexico and Maryland, for more than 20 years. While in Maryland, she worked at the Office of Press-and Cultural Affairs at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Washington, D.C. Upon moving to Tampa in 1995, she worked at the Bishop’s Office at Florida & Bahamas Synod, ELCA. She was recruited by a colleague for her next position at the Royal Norwegian Consulate General in Miami. After her tour, she and her husband returned to Tampa. Most recently Astrid worked for OSI Restaurant Partners, LLC (better known as Outback Steakhouse) at their corporate office before joining the team at Eventions of Florida.

Astrid is an avid tennis fan and never misses “Breakfast at Wimbledon” enjoying champagne and strawberries with her daughter, Elizabeth. Back to Top