TEAM EVENTFEST

Dillon Stefany
Vice President - Events and Production

Dillon began his professional career in the multi-family housing industry in Tallahassee, Florida, where he developed a strong foundation in operations, organizational leadership, and team management.In the spring of 2016, Dillon returned to his hometown of Tampa, FL to join EventFest, Inc. as a Senior Project Manager.

He focused on delivering high-quality event production with an emphasis on site logistics, contractor coordination, and operational execution. His attention to detail, combined with his ability to manage complex moving parts, enabled him to consistently deliver seamless event experiences. He also developed a strong track record in skilled contingency planning, anticipating potential challenges and implementing proactive solutions to ensure events run smoothly.

Over time, Dillon’s contributions and leadership led to his promotion to Vice President and stakeholder of EventFest in the summer of 2023. In this role, he continues to advance the company’s mission of producing large-scale, memorable events across Florida. Based in Tampa, he oversees event operations in multiple cities throughout the state of Florida, including Clermont, Sarasota, West Palm Beach, and Tampa. Known for his commitment to excellence, Dillon blends operational expertise with a passion for delivering experiences that consistently exceed expectations.

Darrell Stefany
Founder and President

Darrell Stefany is an event marketing and management executive who produced his first event in 1981. While playing professional Jai alai, Darrell started working at EventMakers in 1991. While producing corporate and retail events throughout the southeast, Darrell has primarily been responsible for the development, management and production of “Community” events – from historic and memorable events like FreedomFest (July 4th) to Flags Along Bayshore –- Tampa’s Remembrance of 9/11 — to annually one of the largest Community events in the country – Tampa’s historic Gasparilla Pirate Fest celebration.

Gasparilla has grown to include a six-week series of events in Tampa, and includes three signature events developed, marketed and produced by EventFest in Tampa: Children’s Gasparilla, Gasparilla Pirate Fest and Gasparilla’s Outbound Voyage.

Darrell is Past-Chair of theFlorida Festival and Event Association (FFEA), and recipient of FFEA’s SUNsational Award in 2004 recognizing their Event Professional of the Year.

Darrell is a member of the Florida Festivals and Events Association, SMEI Tampa Bay, Visit Tampa Bay, the Tampa Downtown Partnership and Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce.

McKenzie Pruitt
Event Manager

McKenzie is a Chicago native and graduate of the University of Iowa whose career has been rooted in sports, hospitality, and event management. She began her professional journey with the Chicago Blackhawks and Lou Malnati’s, where she developed a passion for creating memorable experiences and earned her self-proclaimed title of “pizza snob.”

After relocating to Tampa, she joined The IRONMAN Group, managing and executing events across the country and building a portfolio of more than 100 events. Her experience spans event strategy, partner and vendor relations, production coordination, and customer experience.

McKenzie began working with EventFest in 2020 and officially joined the team full-time in 2021. Today, she combines her extensive event experience with a passion for showcasing the best of the Tampa Bay region. Known for her creativity, adaptability, and attention to detail, she is dedicated to creating meaningful experiences that connect people and communities.

Outside of work, McKenzie enjoys spending time with her family, cheering on her favorite sports teams, and exploring the outdoors.

Shawn Fordham
Event Manager

As a student at Florida State University, Shawn could typically be found in the athletic facilities working with the Athletic Facilities & Event Management department. He then moved into the role of Graduate Assistant where he managed a group of Athletic Assistants in the production of all major sporting events and other various events at FSU.

Shawn then spent last 5+ years in Atlanta, GA working as a Supply Chain/Financial Analyst. This change of pace was crucial in developing strong analytical/budgeting skills, but Event Management has always been his passion. Working freelance with EventFest throughout college and during his time in Atlanta, Shawn has long been a part of Team EventFest. Shawn began full-time work with EventFest in the summer of 2022.

If Shawn is not found running around the event site, he is likely to be found on the golf course or spending the day with his wife and two dogs.

Carla Perez
Event Manager

Carla is a Tampa native who has been planning events for half a decade. She majored in Hospitality Management, (and college football) at The University of Alabama and then made her way back to the Tampa Bay Area!

Carla orchestrated unforgettable moments as the Event Manager at Hotel Zamora, crafting corporate events, private parties, and fairytale weddings.

Carla has worked on dozens of iconic Tampa events over the years… Her favorite being Gasparilla! On the weekends you'll catch her cheering on the Bucs or enjoying quality time with her husband and their two adorable pups. Where there's excitement, creativity, and a touch of Tampa magic, Carla is there!