YOU DREAM IT. WE CREATE IT.
We are a team of experienced and creative event professionals who specialize in producing high-quality events that leave a lasting impact on attendees. Our mission is to turn your event vision into a reality by bringing your ideas to life in the most innovative and effective way possible.
We understand that planning and executing an event can be a daunting task. That’s why we take a collaborative approach, working closely with our clients to ensure that every aspect of the event meets their needs and exceeds their expectations. From conception to execution, we are with you every step of the way to make sure that your event is flawless.
Our services include event design and planning, venue selection, logistics management, audio-visual production, lighting and staging, entertainment booking, catering, and more. Whether you are planning a corporate conference, a trade show, a wedding, a fundraising gala, or any other type of event, we have the expertise and resources to make it a success.
We are committed to staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and technologies to ensure that we are always providing our clients with the most innovative and effective solutions. Our team is comprised of experienced professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every project.
At the heart of Shumaker PDT is a passion for creating unforgettable experiences that bring people together. We believe that events have the power to inspire, educate, and entertain, and we are dedicated to making sure that every event we produce achieves these goals.
Thank you for considering us as your event production partner. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you to create a truly unforgettable event.
PLAN | DESIGN | TRANSFORM
Our state-of-the-art multimedia and audiovisual capabilities, custom lighting designs, lounge furniture, fabrics, and decor packages allow us to cater to virtually any event size, type, and theme. Combine our team’s proven expertise with a passionate commitment to customer service, and it’s guaranteed that any event Shumaker touches will be an unforgettable success.
Our Founder
Rodney Shumaker is the founder and owner of Shumaker PDT. For over 15 years Rod has led Shumaker PDT’s initiatives to Plan, Design, and Transform events across the Mid-Atlantic. Along with his talented team, he’s grown the company from a small startup to an award-winning, full-service event production company.
Rod’s interest in event planning and design extends back beyond his company’s founding. While attending high school, Rod became interested in theater and got involved in the technical side of his school’s productions. After graduation he traveled around the country with musician and entertainer John Bressler, assisting with the technical set up and stage design of Bressler’s shows. Rod gained even more experience in the entertainment industry when he was asked to travel with the late Canadian jazz musician Maynard Ferguson and serve as his personal valet.
Eager to establish some roots, Rod returned to Lancaster in 1998. He began working for the Fulton Opera House and Clair Brothers and continued to grow his technical expertise and creative vision over the next five years. In 2003, Rod drew on his industry experience and entrepreneurial spirit to found Shumaker PDT.
Even as a young entrepreneur, Rod’s vision for the company was clear. “When I started the company, I used the word “transform” in the name because while planning and design are critical, the ability to take an ordinary event space and make it magical—make it more than the client actually thinks it can be—is what I wanted Shumaker to do,” says Rod. “I wanted our clients to understand that when they choose Shumaker, they get a visionary company they can trust. My goal is to always exceed expectations.”
Rod and his team meet this goal time and time again. Whether at weddings, corporate or non-profit events, or private parties, Shumaker PDT dazzles clients with technical know-how, creative insights, a commitment to safety, and impeccable planning.
“We think the mark of a great event is when you forget we’re there,” says Rod. “When the audio is perfect, the lighting creates the mood, and your guests are in awe of the experience you created, then we’ve done our job perfectly!”
MEET OUR TEAM
Alex Spencer
Assistant Warehouse ManagerAlex Spencer
Assistant Warehouse ManagerAlex Spencer began working for Shumaker PDT in May of 2012. He has a degree from Millersville University in Applied Engineering and Technology Management and worked in facilities maintenance at Warren Wilson College prior to his employment with Shumaker. “The variable aspects of every job we design and implement guarantees that we do something different each and every day, with tangible and satisfying end-results. The nature of the industry, and my wonderful co-workers, make working here a very rewarding and unique experience.”
Brad Channing
Project ManagerBrad Channing
Project ManagerBrad joined the Shumaker PDT team in October of 2021. He began working in the live event industry while attending Millersville University where he was a scenic carpenter for University Theater and an A/V technician for the technical operations department. After several years of freelancing and working as a scenic carpenter, welder and assistant audio engineer at the American Music Theater in Lancaster, PA, he took a position at Production Express in York, PA as an audio technician and monitor engineer. Brad has over 20 years of experience in audio engineering, PA system design and installation, wireless mic system design and production management. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with the Shumaker team many times over the years and I look forward to adding my experience to the team here.”
Brian McKee
Operations ManagerBrian McKee
Operations ManagerBrian has worked for Shumaker for over 15 years. Prior to working at Shumaker PDT, he worked in technical theatre, specializing in lighting and scenic construction. It turns out that theatre and special events have a lot in common so it was an easy transition from plays to events. Away from work, he relishes his family time, enjoys cycling and is always renovating his century-old row home. “I love the variety of projects Shumaker takes on throughout the year. Each job is unique, requiring its own design and presenting its own set of challenges. Figuring out how to transform a space given the constraints of a room is a challenge I particularly enjoy. Inspiring that “wow” reaction in our clients and their guests is a great reward.”
Erin Darby
Administrative Assistant and BookkeeperErin Darby
Administrative Assistant and BookkeeperErin started with Shumaker PDT in 2022. Before joining the team, she worked in office administration at the Susquehanna Waldorf School.
“I love working collaboratively with creative people who are passionate about their work, and I am excited to be part of the dynamic team here at Shumaker.”
Heidi Fuerst
Finance DirectorHeidi Fuerst
Finance DirectorHeidi has worked for Shumaker since 2013. A former CPA, she has a variety of experience including public accounting, hospitality, pharmacy benefit management, and start-ups. “I love the energy of the company and working among creative people who are dedicated to doing their best.”
Jason Konopinski
Marketing ManagerJason Konopinski
Marketing ManagerJason joined Shumaker PDT in October 2022 and currently serves as Marketing Manager, bringing fifteen years of digital strategy and business development experience to the organization. Prior to Shumaker, he enjoyed a career as a copywriter and content strategist for hire, working with agencies and B2B and B2C brands both nationally and internationally. His former clients include The Martin Agency, Idea Associates, Cision/Vocus, Converse Digital, Sazerac, Emergent, Sexton Biotechnology – to name a few. An avid film photographer, he’s always chasing light.
“I’m excited about bring my skills and agency perspectives to a premier event design & production firm rooted here in Lancaster, a city I know and love.”
JoAnn Reisinger
Event Designer/ Account ManagerJoAnn Reisinger
Event Designer/ Account ManagerJoAnn has been with the company since 2015. Before joining Shumaker PDT, JoAnn owned and operated her own flower shop. As an award-winning floral designer for more than 30 years, JoAnn has designed flowers for celebrities, ambassadors, and a previous First Lady of the United States. “I love working with the talented professionals on the Shumaker team. Each team member is an expert in their field, and they are always willing to share their knowledge and educate other team members. What they create as a collaborative team is astounding. I also value how community-minded each person is. Being an active part of the Lancaster community is a priority for each staff member.”
Kaley Gilland
Production TechnicianKaley Gilland
Production TechnicianKaley Gilland joined the Shumaker PDT operations team in July 2024 on a full-time basis as a Production Technician after working as part of the overhire team.
Prior to joining Shumaker PDT, Kaley held positions at the American Music Theatre. Having experience as both a concert runner and day-of hospitality, she worked closely with visiting talent and tour crews. She constructed props and wardrobe for the AMT Original Christmas Show. Kaley has also worked at the Fulton Theatre constructing props and scenic painting.
“I’m excited to join a wonderful team of people that share the same passion about their careers. Working at Shumaker PDT will allow me to continue to grow my knowledge of live event production.”
Luke Cagno
Production TechnicianLuke Cagno
Production TechnicianLuke Cagno joined the Shumaker PDT team in January 2023 as a production technician, using his experience in sound design and live/studio recording and mixing to help transform events for clients. A Millersville University graduate holding a B.A in Entertainment Technology with a focus in audio, he has been involved in performing and supporting the local music scene since elementary school. This unique perspective allows him to anticipate the needs of artists and clients before they even know to ask! “I strive to create unique aural experiences. This mission comes from an innate desire to create and innovate!”
Matt Jurgensen
Lead Production TechnicianMatt Jurgensen
Lead Production TechnicianMatt started working full-time for Shumaker in 2022 after being a freelance technician for the previous four years. He is currently a part-time student at Millersville University, soon to graduate with a degree in Entertainment Technology. Matt has a background in photography and videography giving him acute attention to detail and design. “I enjoy creating something from nothing, building it from the ground up and turning an idea into an experience.”
Mikey Felder
Associate Project ManagerMikey Felder
Associate Project ManagerMikey had been with Shumaker since June 2021. Having recently graduated from Millersville University with a degree in Entertainment Technology, Mikey is excited to help create those magical moments that Shumaker provides. “With my background being in theatre, I have experience in transforming a bare stage into a production that’s worth going to. I am excited to translate those skills into creating new and jaw-dropping events with a team that I love to work with.”
Sierra Shaub
Event Designer/Account ManagerSierra Shaub
Event Designer/Account ManagerSierra joined Shumaker in October 2022 with a dual degree from the University of Pittsburgh in Communications and Writing.
Her professional career started in operational events at the Lancaster Marriott, before moving to Riverdale Manor to serve as Wedding Sales Coordinator. Just prior to joining the team at Shumaker, she served as food and beverage manager at Wyndham Hotel and Resort.
“I look forward to further expanding my knowledge in planning and designing events to make a positive impact in the community. The team at Shumaker is incredible and I am thrilled to be a part of it!
Sean Hammond
Warehouse ManagerSean Hammond
Warehouse ManagerSean has been with Shumaker for over five years. Before that Sean worked as a roadie for a band and toured the world with them. Sean is a problem solver who focuses his time on Shumaker’s design-and-build needs. His organizational skills are a great asset in keeping the Shumaker warehouse in top shape. “I enjoy the flexibility and camaraderie at Shumaker. You don’t see that in a lot of companies. Everyone works together and helps out where help is needed.”
Zach Jantzi
Project ManagerZach Jantzi
Project ManagerZach started with Shumaker PDT as a freelancer in the spring of 2018. He has a background in web development and marketing. “Coming from a vastly different field means that every day is an opportunity to learn. I enjoy the camaraderie and challenges each day brings.”