ie: the business of international events - Winter 2015

the business of international events

Creating a Crisis Communication Plan Criminal Background Checks and Non-Profit Organizations Top Ten Tips for Festival and Event Volunteer Managers 2016 IFEA Award Brochures 2016 IFEA Webinar Schedule

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the business of international events

F E ATU R E S

Creating a Crisis Communication Plan Criminal Background Checks and Non-Profit Organizations Top Ten Tips for Festival and Event Volunteer Managers 2016 IFEA Award Brochures 2016 IFEA Webinar Schedule·

On the Cover: Two young men exploring the Sea of People at Kirribilli sculptures which are one of the highlights of Vivid Sydney, Sydney, Australia.

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Criminal Background Checks and Non-Profit Organizations

by Pamela Mack

42

Saving for a Rainy Day Adding New Revenue Generating Events

by Michelle Elliott

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Being Liked Is Serious Business Ten Steps for Repairing and Protecting Your Online Reputation

by Kate Zabriskie

46

Secrets of Successful Festival Entertainment

by Shelby Bond

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Time Changes Everything?

by Wayne Mahar

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Top Ten Tips for Festival and Event Volunteer Managers

by Jessica Schlimme

DEPARTMENTS 10 President’s Letter 12 The Board 14 Foundation 16 The Digital Life 18 English 101 20 “They Said What???”

22 The Un-comfort Zone 24 Leadership at All Levels 26 Turnstiles: Marketing for

Event Managers 28 Safely Does It 30 Exhibitor Spotlights 32 2015 Pinnacle Winners 36 2015 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award Winners 38 2015 Volunteer of the Year Award Semi-Finalists 55 2016 IFEA Webinar Series 61 2016 IFEA Awards Applications 100 IFEA Holiday Marketplace Winter 2015, Volume 26, Issue 4 “ie” is published quarterly by the International Festivals & Events Association, 2603 W. Eastover Terrace, Boise, ID 83706, USA. Permission to quote from material herein is granted provided proper credit is given to IFEA.

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Steven Wood Schmader, CFEE

THE GLOBAL ROLE WE MUST PLAY We opened our IFEA 60th Anniversary Convention & Expo in Tucson, Arizona - just a few short weeks ago - with a centuries old, traditional Native American ceremony called Mitakuye Oyasin (Mee-tah-koo-yay Oh-yah-seen), a Lakota Sioux term literally translated as “All My Relations.” Mitakuye Oyasin is meant to remind us that we are all connected in the intricate web of existence and that each of us is affected by the actions of all the others. Everything and everyone is interrelated and interconnected and nothing exists in isolation. We chose to highlight that message and the IFEA’s global outreach, by inviting representatives from each of our global regions to participate in the ceremony on stage. It was a simple, but powerful image. Celebration, bringing the world together, in so many positive ways.

Today, as I write this letter, that image stands in stark contrast to the devastating images that have been broadcasting around the world following the horrific attacks on Paris, France; the ‘City of Light.’

While our gathering at the IFEA Convention underlined and celebrated our global diversity and the many positive events that are being and have been produced to bring our world closer together, the tragedy in Paris reminded us of the polar opposite and just how few it takes to 10

divide us; to strike fear into our hearts; to disrupt our communities and homes and cities; to take away those that we love and to dim the light of our celebrations.

Fortunately, we live in a world that does not accept that counterbalance as equal, nor embrace the fear and division that those who carried out the attacks in Paris and multiple other locations around the world in recent months and years, would have us do. To be certain, we must now take judicious precautions that we would rather have no need for, just as we must step beyond our comfort zones to avoid building new walls and barriers out of broad-stroked fear. Our world is resilient, but needs to be reminded that they are not alone; that they and others like them (of every nationality, religious and cultural background) stand in solidarity as the majority. A role that our industry is uniquely equipped to play.

Mitakuye Oyasin reminds us that we are affected by the actions of all and not only those that we choose. If that affect ultimately serves to motivate us, to strengthen our resolve, and to bring us closer together, then it has had a positive impact. Especially now, I hope that all of those in our industry will use this moment-in-time to reimagine how our events – individually and collectively –

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

Winter 2015

might work in concert to help reinforce and reassure our communities, our cities and our world. How we might use our events to help educate and enhance understanding; to lower barriers and reduce fears; to celebrate our diversity and bond those diverse backgrounds together; to stand as legacies to those whose lives have been lost so needlessly and to keep the light of celebration burning bright in every corner of the world.

As we prepare to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday here in the United States, I am thankful to be a part of an industry that can have such a global impact. To have friends in many countries and on every continent who have shown me who and what the world can be like when we are at our best…embracing, respecting and celebrating our differences. And to understand how we can all affect our common Mitakuye Oyasin, extending outward, through the events that we create and produce.

As we look to the New Year ahead, on behalf of IFEA World and our friends and affiliates around the globe, I wish for each of you…your families, your teams, your communities and your countries…much to be thankful for, much to look forward to, much to celebrate and the power of events to bring our world closer together.

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THE BOARD

In the “Thick” of Things I am writing my final letter from the seat of an airplane. Normally when I fly I have a book to read or I plan on taking a quick nap. Today, I was thinking about what was I doing a year ago.

A year ago, I was getting ready for a trip to Thailand. I have traveled internationally, but haven't attended a festival while traveling with my traveling companions (not festival people~).

I was so excited to go on this trip as we were going to participate in the Lantern Festival. The Loi Krathong Festival has been celebrated throughout Thailand for centuries, usually to mark the end of the rainy season.

Each year, thousands of paper lanterns are released into the night sky to symbolically ward off bad luck, while rivers are covered by floating flower lanterns, adorned with candles and joss sticks, cast into waterways to wish for good luck. With flower and flame, the city of Chiang Mai comes alive during these festive days each November. The event has been transformed over the years from a reverent temple ritual to a rowdy street party that lasts for days.

When we landed and met our guide, he prepared us to what we were going to see and managed our expectations.

Like most festivals there were vendors selling their goods, food specialty booths, parades, arts and crafts and lanterns, so many lanterns. Our group was excited and engaged in the process of purchasing our lanterns. We were interested in what lantern and size each would buy. We learned the lantern festival song and each day our guide started our day with this chant.

The opening day of the festival in Chiang Mai it was raining, blowing and down right miserable. When I see hor-

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rid weather on a festival’s opening day I empathize with the staff and organizing committee, my heart sinks.

Needless to say, we could not take part in the festival due to the inclement weather and our travel itinerary. As we loaded the bus to leave Chaing Mai, our guide explained we would create our own lantern lighting and send our wishes down the river and up into the sky. We drove for a while to get back to our hotel and as we crossed a bridge, our guide started singing the festival chant and my travel companions all joined in. The weather cleared and outside in the distance we could see the lanterns rise. There were oohs and aahs, as we traveled away.

The next night we held our own little lantern lighting. We all had participated in a piece of the festival. Not the way we wanted, but a small piece.

That little part we did experience became one of our fond memories of the Thailand trip. It is still something my travel partners talk about and at times, we break out singing the lantern festival song. We still talk of our disappointment of not being able to be in the “thick” of the festival, but we all are thankful that we shared a small piece of the lantern festival tradition and Thailand’s culture. This event experience fostered a sense of community and strengthened our relationships.

This past year as IFEA World Board Chair, I have been honored and thankful to be in the “thick” of IFEA. I have been able to experience the dedicated IFEA staff work tirelessly on creating the 60th Anniversary Convention and Expo, the amazing Event Management School at Oglebay, strong Webinar sessions, the increasing membership and

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

Winter 2015

involvement of the student chapters, the IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Award Program and the IFEA World Festival & Event City Award Program. I have had the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with so many members, on so many topics. I have been able to form a stronger sense of community with many more meaningful relationships.

In January, the chairmanship will be turned over to Guy LaFlamme. Guy is responsible for the planning, development and implementation of Ottawa's 2017 Celebrations to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of Confederation. We are so fortunate to have Guy chairing the IFEA World Board. His creativity and development of topnotch event experiences will ensure a great 61st year for IFEA. I have been honored and humbled to work with the talented board of directors, both the IFEA World Board and IFEA Foundation Board.

Thank you for all your support.

To Steve and the dedicated staff, thank you for all your hard work and determination. You rocked it.

At last to the membership, thank you for continuing to be in the “thick” of our industry.

Happy Holidays!

CINDY LERICK 2015 IFEA World Board Chair Executive Director Cultural Festivals St. Louis, MO Email: clerick@culturalfestivals.com

IFEA VISION

A globally united industry that touches lives in a positive way through celebration.

Publisher & Editor Steven Wood Schmader, CFEE, President & CEO Assistant Editor Nia Hovde, Vice President/Director of Marketing Advertising Sylvia Allen, Director of Sponsorship Sales and Marketing Advertising Sales & Expo Booking Art Director Craig Sarton, Creative Director Contributing Writers Gail Lowney Alofsin, Shelby Bond, Mark Breen, Michelle Elliott, Jeff English, CFEE, Scott Fraser, Sean King, Pamela Mack, Wayne Mahar, Jessica Schlimme, Robert Wilson, Kendra Wright, Kate Zabriskie Photography Andrew Rafkind

With respect to interactions with members/customers or those applying to be members/customers, the IFEA will not cause or allow conditions, procedures, or decisions which are unsafe, undignified, unnecessarily intrusive, or which fail to provide appropriate confidentiality or privacy. If you believe that you have not been accorded a reasonable interpretation of your rights under this policy, please contact the IFEA office at +1-208-433-0950 ext. 18.

For association or publication information: IFEA World Headquarters 2603 W. Eastover Terrace • Boise, ID 83706, U.S.A. +1.208.433.0950 Fax +1.208.433.9812 http://www.ifea.com

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FOUNDATION All IFEA Has Given Me I hope you all have had the chance to share the knowledge with your organization that you obtained while attending the IFEA’s 60th Anniversary Convention & Expo this past September in Tucson, AZ. I hope you have begun the process of not only implementing your newfound ideas to your events and guest experiences but have also reached out to your new contacts and are experiencing opportunities you never thought you would. Personally, I am very excited about the new friends I met and am prioritizing all of the new enhancements I learned!

As my time as Chair of the IFEA Foundation Board ends, I reflect on all IFEA has given me during my time as a member. I wanted to touch upon a few.

Connections and Friendship: Some of my best friends I have meet through IFEA and many of which I communicate with weekly. Additionally, my family has reaped some of the benefits too.

My daughter, Alex, was able to work with the Disney Princesses at the San Jose Holiday Parade, through Ed Bautista; and Devin, my other daughter, interned with the Chicago Festivals and Events Association with Phil Purevich as well as having the opportunity to share some time with two remarkable women, Jean McFaddin and Susan Falk during her summer in New York. Even during this past Convention, I had the opportunity to book the IFEA Foundation Live Auction Package to Dubai, UAE with fellow industry professional, Cindy Lerick (Cultural Festivals). Lastly, my roommate during the Convention, Pam Sartory (SunFest) is one of the only people that has ever seen me without makeup, scary! These are just of few of the endless amount of people within the organization that have made a huge impact on both my professional and personal life.

Knowledge: How many of my event enhancements were “stolen” from other events? The Sword and Stone and the Squirt Pad, both from the Boise River Festival; box marketing signage from the Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival; Point of Sales cash register systems from the IFEA Expo; RFP’s from Memphis in May, sponsorship proposals

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from Des Moines Art Festival; posters from Addison, Texas; and logos from Disney are just a few of the items I have “researched” and “confiscated”!

Compensations: The research IFEA has done on compensation for event experts, helped determine my financial income at each of my careers. Having the statistics of industry standards armed me in negotiating my compensation and benefit package. This obviously impacted my career and family.

Sponsorship and Partnership: The sponsorship and partners IFEA have secured, on behalf of all of our organizations, have ensured us quality partnerships. Partnerships including but not limited to: insurances, flagging, fireworks and shipping rates. Use them often and with the assurance IFEA has done the research to find us the best in the industry!

Credentials: Obtaining my Certified Festival Event Executive showed my sponsors not only did I invest in myself, but gave them the reassurance I was an expert in my field. I am confident it raised my proposals to the top of the pile and opened doors quicker to hear my pitch first! Additionally, the classes I participated in, showed me how to effectively present and deliver information; making me truly an expert in the field!

The Bookstore: Yes, I have my own personal event library and a lot of it has come from the IFEA online bookstore. I use these resources daily.

They make great gifts and are perfect for your staff and interns!

IFEA Staff: How many of you have had a question and have turned to the IFEA staff? At one point in my career, I was asked to research an opportunity to produce a jazz festival. I called an expert at the IFEA World Headquarters to supply a list of contacts for the best Jazz Festivals in the world. After touching base and building a case study, I was able to decide that due to our demographic, competition, and resources, other opportunities would be a better fit for our organization. Their knowledge and connections are second to none.

Webinars: Thursday noon Webinars (yes, I am central time zone) have given me an opportunity to share national

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Winter 2015

experiences with my team in Oshkosh, WI. This time creates an environment for creativity and brainstorming. These sessions lead to ideas that enhance our event and/or our guest experience. It helps us find the time to get away from the day-to-day “to do list” and problem solve around the challenges of another event. This exercise will ensure we are prepared when similar challenges present themselves at our events. Additionally, this time gives us invaluable team bonding opportunities.

There are numerous other benefits IFEA has not only given me, but to you too. Therefore, I must ask, what can we do for IFEA? Well, we can help recruit new members through our connections within our state. Perhaps you or your organizations can make a donation to the Fund for the Future to invest in future leaders in our industry. Or possibly be willing to share our time and talent when it is needed by the organization. Maybe just find out what the IFEA team or organization needs to continue to grow and serve the membership and future members of our industry. Whatever you feel you can do, it will enhance the experience for all of us. It can make a positive impact on our communities through the events we produce. We are all in the business of making memories; we are the memory makers. With the help of IFEA, let’s make our industry the best it can be!

MARY ANN DILLING, CFEE 2015 IFEA Foundation Board Chair Director of Business Development Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Oshkosh, WI Email: mdilling@eaa.org

The IFEA would like to thank the following partners for their dedicated support of the association.

Association Endorsed Partners have made a commitment to the continued success of our association, our members, and our industry through their umbrella support of all IFEA programs and services.

Show your support for these dedicated providers to our industry by getting to know them, and the high quality products and services that they supply, better.

THE DIGITAL LIFE

By Kendra Wright

Maximizing Your Marketing This year, it has been my privilege to share some of my favorite apps for improving your work and personal life. But today, we’re going to deep dive into a few tools that we use here at Saffire (and I use personally) to manage our digital marketing.

The best part is that all of these tools are absolutely free!

IF (IFTTT – If This, Then That) IF is one of my favorite all-time digital life enhancers. Not only is it great for marketing, but it’s useful in other areas of your life!

The essence of IF is that you create recipes – if THIS happens, then make THAT happen. For instance, IF I post a photo to Instagram, THEN also post it to Facebook. Or IF I post a photo to Instagram, THEN also post it to Twitter. (A nerdy note: These posts will all be “native”, meaning; they won’t look like they are copied over. Facebook likes native posts and they look better to users too!)

We often recommend IF to customers who want to streamline their social marketing. Another useful recipe is IF I post to Instagram, THEN post to BufferApp. Buffer is another awesome app that lets you “buffer” posts to a time when your followers are most active (more on Buffer below).

Now, let’s talk about some fun you can have with IF. It can text you when allergens are high, so you know to take an allergy pill. You can also get a nightly text with the next day’s weather. You can even receive a text when someone enters your home or office, which is nice for peace of mind when you aren’t there.

You can also use IF for things like concert tickets or Etsy items – IF they go on sale, THEN you get a text or email. IF you take a photo with your phone, THEN it can save to Dropbox. There are literally thousands of uses for IF. BufferApp BufferApp is a great tool if you want your posts to go out when your followers are active instead of when you think of them.

The only reason we can’t recommend Buffer as your sole social streamlining app is that it doesn’t include Instagram.

Obviously, Instagram should be in your marketing mix (Another nerdy note: It’s not Buffer’s fault. Instagram requires that you start any rule with them. The way Buffer works doesn’t allow that.).

For what it is, Buffer is incredible! At any time of day you can post, and it will schedule it to go live at just the right time. You can even highlight text on any web page and it will post that text at the next best opportunity.

You can also see when your customers are online with your Facebook statistics.

There’s a great little tool called Tweriod that will tell you exactly when they’re online and active, based on when they are posting.

In combination with IF, BufferApp is a winner (Note: Hootsuite is good too.

Give their free trial a shot and let me know what you think!).

Canva Let’s say you’re posting, you’re tweeting and you’re blogging. However, you aren’t thrilled with the results. Could it be that your posts aren’t beautiful? Ten percent of the photos taken in the history of the world were taken in the last 12 months, Continued on page 96

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IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

Winter 2015

Remember All Those Who Helped You Get Where You Are Today?

The IFEA “Fund for the Future” provides critical funding to ensure that the IFEA has reserves in place to protect against future economic shifts and realities in a constantly changing world; to allow the organization to keep pace with new and changing technologies necessary to communicate with and serve our global industry; and to support a continued expansion of our services, resources, programming and outreach around the world.

Pay it Forward With a Gift to IFEA’s

‘sponsor summit.’

Your donation will ensure that our world always has something to celebrate!

Contact any IFEA Foundation Board, IFEA World Board, or IFEA Staff Member for more information.

Individual and Organizational Contributions are welcomed and encouraged.

All contributions are tax-deductible in the United States.

For more information go to www.ifea.com.

ENGLISH 101

By Jeff English, CFEE

A SPIT AND A HANDSHAKE One of the things that differentiates testing in law school from traditional college tests are the crazy hypothetical questions that have no correct answer. These questions evaluate a student’s ability to identify the legal issue, explain the applicable rule, analyze the question by applying the rule to a set of facts, and defend any conclusion that is reached. The question is never intended to have a “correct” answer, but rather it tests the student’s ability to “think like a lawyer.” Below is a hypothetical question related to a festival & event contract that is very similar to what you’d see in law school.

Let’s Give It a Shot!

The Kentucky Sockeye SalmonFest landed the big one. They just signed No Luck Bait & Tackle to become the title sponsor of a festival celebrating a fish that couldn’t find Kentucky swimming upstream or downstream in the muddy Ohio. J.R. Jayhawk, President of the SalmonFest, memorialized the deal with Bait & Tackle in fine Kentucky tradition.

They spit on their palms, agreed the sponsorship was valued $50,000 and then shook on it.

As SalmonFest approaches, advertising for the event ramps up. Unfortunately, Emily Wildcat, who coordinates all print and media advertising for the SalmonFest, forgot to include Bait & Tackle as the title sponsor. Further, representatives from Bait & Tackle are not provided tickets for the Salmon Launch, the opening ceremony and largest event of the SalmonFest.

Bait & Tackle is furious and claims J.R. Jayhawk lied to them about what they would receive for the $50K. Jayhawk retorts claiming that he didn’t remember tickets or signage as part of the deal and that Bait & Tackle just wanted to be a good corporate citizen by supporting the Festival. Bait & Tackle files suit claiming that the SalmonFest breached their contract. SalmonFest responds by saying, “What contract?”

What are the essential elements of a contract for Festival and Events? Is there a contract?

When looking at a contract for festivals & events, here are some basic elements to consider (note that the elements in bold and italics are absolutely essential to any contract): 18

• Identify the parties – Clearly state who the Agreement is between • Term – There must be a specific length of time in which the Agreement is effective • Specifically define what each party promises to do or deliver to the other party. ❍ When must performance occur? ❍ Is there a specific form or performance of delivery?

• Renewal periods ❍ Automatic right of renewal?

• Fee ❍ Policies for refunding the fee ❍ Policies for late payment • Cancellation ❍ Who may cancel the event? ❍ What happens if the event is cancelled? ❍ Refunds? Note that in the week of the cancellation, most of a festival’s hard expenses have already been realized. Most of the advertising for the event has also happened.

• Intellectual Property rights - parameters upon which your IP can be used • Indemnification/Assumption of Risk ❍ Festival indemnifies sponsors ❍ Vendors indemnify the festival • Insurance ❍ Policy limits and additional insured language.

So Was There a Contract Between Salmonfest and Bait & Tackle?

Yes. In most instances, an oral contract is valid. In this case there will be evidence showing Bait & Tackle did not receive the full value of the sponsorship fee

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paid. A party seeking remedies can sue for restitution of any benefit that has not been conferred. I’d highly recommend, however, that you not rely on the spit and a handshake and instead memorialize all agreements in writing!

Now, look, I understand that all of you are not lawyers and so writing a complete contract for your festival is a pretty daunting task. More than anything, I’d like to just encourage you to review the contracts that you have for sponsors and vendors to make sure they incorporate the items listed above and that all details are updated. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at jenglish@kdf.org with any questions.

Jeff English, CFEE is the Sr. Vice President of Administration/General Counsel of the Kentucky Derby Festival. After graduating from Washburn University School of Law (Topeka, KS) in 2004, Jeff worked in politics and practiced law before joining the KDF staff. He is charged with overseeing all of Festival’s legal issues and serving as its risk management officer. He also manages the Merchandise Department and the 501(c)3 not-for-profit Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation.

TWO PROGRAMS GUARANTEED TO INCREASE YOUR SPONSORSHIP REVENUE! International Festivals & Events Association

SPONSOR SUMMIT

Sponsorship is the fuel for the festival and events industry engine. Strengthen the partnerships you have built with your festival’s sponsors by hosting an IFEA Sponsor Summit.

When sponsors have to make difficult resource allocation decisions, they will remember the sponsor properties that gave them the tools and ideas they need to gain even greater value from their sponsorship investment.

SPONSOR AUDIT

Are you getting the most out of your sponsorship program? Is your sponsorship program performing at its peak or could it be strengthened? Have you identified and valued all of your sponsorable benefits and assets; or is their valuable ‘real estate’ going untapped?

Have you been so busy recruiting, servicing and retaining the sponsors you have that you haven’t had time to step back and evaluate your overall sponsorship program to see if there is room for improvement? If all of these questions have left you with even more questions, it may be time for an IFEA Sponsorship Audit!

To set up a Sponsor Summit or Sponsor Audit or for more information about these valuable IFEA programs, please contact:

SYLVIA ALLEN, CFEE +1-732-241-1144 • sylvia@ifea.com International Festivals & Events Association 2603 W. Eastover Terrace • Boise, ID 83706 • USA Phone: +1-208-433-0950 • Fax: +1-208-433-9812 www.ifea.com

THEY SAID WHAT???

By Scott Fraser

Creating a Crisis Communication Plan First let me say what a pleasure and honor it was to be invited to present at this year’s IFEA 60th Anniversary Convention and Expo at the JW Marriott in Tucson this past September. For those of you who were able to attend, you know the sessions were jam-packed with great information, the exhibits were informative, the after-session activities were fun, and the location was spectacular. Personally, I was fortunate to make many new friends who either attended one of my sessions or who I may have sat with at general sessions, awards ceremonies or one of the social events.

In any case, if you were not able to attend, here is an abbreviated version of my presentation on crisis communications.

This will be presented in two parts. This issue’s edition will be about the creation of your crisis communications plan. In the next installment of this column, I will discuss what to do when the crisis hits, and how best to put your plan into practice.

So, what is a crisis? Sure, you can think of any number of situations, but can you define it? The best definition says that a crisis is any situation that has a severe negative impact on an organization’s reputation and/or bottom line. A crisis may place lives, reputation, and/or property at risk.

So, why don’t you have a plan? No stumbling or stammering allowed! If you don’t have a crisis plan in place, start the process, today! If you have not had a crisis involving your event or organization, consider yourself fortunate. And it is not a matter of “if” but “when” your crisis will happen.

Since that is the case, why not follow the Boy Scout motto and “Be Prepared.”

How do you begin? I’m glad you asked.

First, you have to create a plan. You do that by gathering key personnel of your 20

organization. Depending on the size of your organization, you probably want to have five or six on your crisis team. Wait, you only have three people on staff? Well, obviously they will all be part of your crisis team, but you should also have some outside help. This can include local police and fire personnel and local public relations professionals. You must clearly define the roles of everyone on the team. Among the roles, one person must be designated as the spokesperson and one person must be designated as the final decision maker.

When creating a crisis communications plan, one of the first things to do is to define your audiences . . . all of them. Who will be affected by this crisis?

The community? Your attendees? Your vendors? Your suppliers? The media?

Local legislators? And most important of all, make sure you do not leave out your employees as a key audience.

Once you have decided who your audiences are, you have to decide the best way to communicate with each. Will you use email, text, mass media, phone calls, news conferences, your website, Facebook, Twitter, or some combination of these?

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Then you must decide what you will say. Of course, this will be dictated by the nature of the crisis, but you can list some general guidelines in your plan. For instance, vendors and suppliers will need to know how this will affect their business.

The public will need to know how this crisis will affect their plans to attend. The media will need to be updated as often as you can.

Social media will of course play an important part in dealing with any crisis. In your crisis communications plan, make sure you have simple instructions on how to post a message on any of the social media platforms in which you participate.

Also, keep a current list of all user names and passwords necessary to access these social media outlets. That way, in case the person who handles social media in your organization is not available in a crisis, any member of the team will be able to post messages.

You also want to have the contact information of everyone on your crisis team listed in your plan. Make sure these are kept up to date and include all possible ways to reach people. When a crisis hits, you may not have a lot of time to react.

If you have as much spelled out in your plan as possible, it will be that much easier to implement. Also, know where you will meet in times of crisis. Your regular office may not be available, so be sure to have an alternate location that is accessible to all.

OK, let’s fast forward a bit and assume you have created your plan or already have one in place. Don’t let it just sit in a folder (electronic or otherwise) or on a desk or shelf. Practice! Set aside some Continued on page 96

THE UN-COMFORT ZONE

With Robert Wilson

When Stories Work Better Than Facts Recently I was asked by the sales manager of a company if I could reach his staff with a message he had been trying to “beat into their heads for months.” Uh, his words not mine.

He wanted me to accomplish what he failed to do: inspire his sales people to spend more time pursuing smaller accounts. He said they were all good producers so he couldn’t threaten them with job loss, but the company depended on those smaller accounts because they made up the bulk of their business.

His sales staff only wanted to work with the larger accounts because they generated higher commissions. He said, they complained that the small accounts took up too much time, and were not worth it.

They were cold to his logic. In order to convince them, I knew I needed to translate the company’s mission into human terms. In short, I needed to come up with a story they could personally relate to.

I did some research to find some good ones. Then I recalled a story of my own, one I had not thought of since the 1980s when I worked as a wholesale apparel salesman. Yes, I was a rag rep. One day at the Miami Apparel Mart, a clothing store owner stopped by my showroom to say she did not have time to shop with me, but asked if I would visit her store on my way back to Atlanta. I agreed.

Having never worked with her before, I did not know what to expect. When I arrived at her shop, I groaned. It was the smallest store I had ever seen. It was maybe 300 square feet. There was barely room to show her my samples. As I looked around the tiny space, I imagined the tiny order I might get. Nevertheless, I patiently worked with her. It took over two hours.

When it was over - my prediction came true - I received a mediocre order.

As I drove away, I grumbled to myself about the time I had wasted. But it got 22

worse. The client called me multiple times with changes to her order. She was very demanding and had several special needs. I complied cordially. I was never brusque, but wondered how much more hand-holding this woman was going to need. Even my partner got annoyed seeing me on the phone so often with her; and said, “You need to cut your losses on that account!”

A few weeks later, the store owner visited my showroom at the Atlanta Apparel Mart. This time I ended up working with her for several hours. She wanted to see everything we had. I was patient and polite, and did not rush her, but I grew more irritable by the minute. She took copious notes, thanked me and left. I was furious all that work and no order to show for it!

A couple of days later, she dropped off the largest order I had ever received. I was dumbfounded. My first thought was that such a small store would not have the necessary credit, and the manufacturers would never ship this amount of merchandise to her. But that was not my decision to make. I placed the order and waited to see what the factors would say.

To my surprise the order went through without a hitch.

The clothing was shipped and a week later she re-ordered. Again, I was shocked. Completely baffled, I started asking other reps what they knew about her. I soon learned that she was a maven. She had hundreds of loyal customers who would not get dressed without her fashion advice. The merchandise in her store turned over every week. She had a multi-million dollar business that she started out of her home before she ever rented space in a commercial building.

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Later on, she confessed that her first order with me was a test. She wanted to see how I would work with her. I passed. I was so happy that I had been patient with her because she became one of my top customers for a long time.

It worked! I could tell that my client’s sales people connected with the story because it generated a lively discussion where several offered similar stories of their own.

I then reinforced my message of “hidden gold mines” by sharing another story with them about a colleague who nurtured his fledgling customers to success by sharing his expertise in how to build a business.

Because he took the time to help them grow, they became loyal customers.

As I told each story, the sales people imagined similar scenarios where they might benefit from working with their own smaller customers. Annette Simmons, author of The Story Factor: Inspiration, Influence, and Persuasion through the Art of Storytelling, said, “Story is your opportunity to create in your listeners' imagination an experience that feels real."

When you need to persuade, forget the hard facts; instead share a relevant story that touches the heart.

Robert Evans Wilson, Jr. is an author, humorist and innovation consultant. He works with companies that want to be more competitive and with people who want to think like innovators. Robert is also the author of the humorous children’s book: The Annoying Ghost Kid. For more information on Robert, please visit www.jumpstartyourmeeting.com

Time-Slot Reservation Tickets Dynamic Reserved Seating Interface Accurate Real-Time Scanning

Encrypted Barcode Security In-Depth Reporting Immediate Access to Revenue

LEADE RSH I P AT ALL LEVE LS

With Gail Lowney Alofsin

KISS Your Desk and Fall In Love The month of November features Thanksgiving and leads to weeks focused on gratitude.

What are you grateful for? Your faith? Your family? Your health, friends, career?

community. So much of our success or failure begins in our minds.

In this day and age, we are blessed if we have a job that we enjoy and find invigorating. Yet every career has its moments. How do you approach Monday morning? Are you ready for the best day? Sometimes we find ourselves missing that “spring in our step.”

Think back to when you did not work for your respective company. How did it look from the outside? Were you attracted to the company and career or was it the sole job in the area? Have there been times in the past when you could not wait to reach your desk? Take a look back to the time that you felt that way. It is time to KISS your desk and “fall in love” with your job again. Let’s review a few steps when falling in love.

Crush: Wow! Take a look at that position, look at that company! What an incredible place to work, I would love to work there.

Remember when you felt this way? What was it that attracted you to your current workplace – the people, the aura, the ping pong table? Take a look at what you have and write down fifteen things that you appreciate about your company. Camaraderie with your co-workers? Flexible work schedule? A parking spot? Casual dress on Fridays? Challenging projects? A sense of stability? Post this list where you can see it and review it before you set out for the day.

First Date: Perhaps it is a visit to the company or an informational interview. How did this “first date” feel? What were the people 24

like? Could you envision yourself working there? Were you ready for a second date?

Courting: You are now enamored with the company, position, career and would do anything to work there. In one of my first job interviews out of college, I commented that I would “wash dishes” to work there – I was so impressed with the resort. I got the job and did not have to wash dishes, yet I truly would have.

Marriage: You signed your paperwork and now what? Once I started one of my first careers, I found that it was not as glamourous as it looked from the outside. In addition to this, people could smoke in the office (late 80’s) and I was not popular when I was successful in getting this changed. I decided I would “create my own world” with clients, colleagues, community, non-profits and stayed for over two decades by looking at the positive and creating a department and culture that I wanted to work in.

Honeymoon: Some honeymoons do last forever.

That said, no job is perfect. There will be people that you do not like, projects that are not appealing and clients who are not ideal to work with. Focus on the positive.

Why did you join this industry to begin with? Is it one step on your career ladder or do you plan to climb to the top? When you focus on the things that you do like, your mindset is focused on success for all – clients, coworkers, vendors and

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Challenges: “Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.” These are wise words by the late Wayne Dyer. We all face challenges in our personal and professional lives. If you are miserable everyday – is it due to a toxic work environment, a difficult boss or is it your attitude? Why not practice looking at things differently for three weeks and see if your challenges improve. It takes 21 weeks to change a habit which will serve to improve your mindset.

Renewal of Vows: It is time for a refreshed mindset. How we see ourselves and our lives can make us or break us. Liken yourself to a magnet, attracting positivity or negativity. What do you choose? Wake up and expect good things to happen to you! The very first thing in the morning, set patterns of success - prayer, meditation, yoga, a phone call with someone upbeat. Make sure you carve out at least ten minutes for you.

Kiss Your Desk!

My father always guides us to “Accentuate the positive.” You can always find something to complain about. Counter each negative with three positives – and KISS YOUR DESK! Gail Lowney Alofsin is an author, speaker, adjunct professor and business executive. Her new book, Your Someday is NOW – What are you Waiting For? has raised over $25,000 for non-profit organizations since it was launched in April 2014.

A lifelong student and humanitarian, Gail believes that we all have the capability to be a leader in our own lives, influencing the lives of others to positive peak performance and success. She can be reached at 401-640-4418, gail@gailspeaks.com, twitter: @gailalofsin and gailspeaks.com.

S

panning the globe, Kern Studios creates and produces parades in cities in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

It all began in 1932, when Kern Studios artists created the company’s first float atop a mule-drawn wagon for New Orleans Mardi Gras. Since then, the company has grown to become the world’s leading maker of floats, sculpture and props.

VISIT US AT 60 ANNIVERSARY EXPO BOOTH 300-302 TH

THE WORLD’S GREATEST PARADES START WITH KERN STUDIOS www.kernstudios.com | info@kernstudios.com | 800.362.8213

Turnstiles: Marketing for Event Managers

By Sean King

Five Marketing Questions to Review 2015 & Plan for 2016 For most of us, our events are in the rear view mirror for the year 2015. Tents are down, signage is packed, sponsors are thanked, yet there is still some work to be done.

As we prepare for 2016 and the successes to come, this is a great time to take a look back on the basics of your marketing plan to evaluate its effectiveness in achieving the mission of your event and your organization.

With the advent of big data and analytics, every facet of the mechanics of an organization’s marketing can be parsed to the narrowest parameter. While detailed analytics are possible, for most organizations the limited resources of time, budget and personnel make it nearly impossible to take on analysis in a meaningful way.

But in this time of reflection and planning for the New Year, we ask ourselves to set aside the daily dashboard to ask what are the important questions. We need to take some time to investigate the deep insights that connect our data to our mission.

Where is the heart? Where is the soul in what we do? We find ourselves ensconced in ROI and conversion rates, which all agree are necessary to keep our doors open and to make payroll. But in the end, what are we achieving, and what role does marketing play in forming relationships between those who support us and every aspect of our event and our organization?

There are FIVE basic questions and themes to reflect upon and address in an upcoming staff meeting or planning session with your volunteers. These are fairly universal topics that can be asked by any large Fortune 500 company or small community church, but they are intrinsic 26

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expectations of what your marketing plan should seek to address and deliver.

Question #1 Does Your Marketing Reflect Your Mission?

A long time ago, in some extended offsite retreat, leaders of your organization went on a deep dive of what they wanted to accomplish through your event or organization. Years passed by and the mission has pretty much remained intact but is it still relevant to supporters and attendees?

No matter if its been months or decades since your mission was last addressed, it is critically important that the organization pays attention to its most basic elements and incorporates them in some way into the marketing plan on an ongoing basis.

The question you and your staff must answer is this: “Do we know why we are hosting this event, selling these tickets, and promoting this event?” If you can’t answer that question, it might be a good time to start delving into why everyone is not singing from the same songbook.

Unless there is a connection between the mission, the marketing and the members of the team – from paid staff to newest volunteers and from all levels of seniority and responsibility - true success might be difficult to attain.

Question #2 Does Your Marketing Tell Your Story?

Storytelling in marketing has become a catch-all for consultants to promote in this instantaneous world of social media.

But what does it really mean?

Time is at a premium for most everyone. There are only so many hours in the day for people to digest all of the inbound sources of news. While newspapers, radio and traditional media have seen drastic drop-offs in followers, the mainstream social media of Facebook, Instagram and YouTube have more than taken up their space.

Why? Because social has provided a great job of building platforms for storytelling, people have become more connected to one another and to those things that are important to them. And what is more important than one’s own news feed, hearing stories from those we know and love and care about?

No matter how small the niche, social media has been able to align those who are passionate and engaged and connect them to others resulting in solid growth when the most effective channels are being leveraged for the right audiences.

Tapping into this passion is what it means to tell your story. Remember, it’s not necessarily about you generating all of the content on your own. It’s about having members of your tribe do that for you.

From selfies at your event to minimally-produced videos to heartfelt love notes written to you in celebration of your successes, we’re talking about the sum total of the work surrounding your event helping to build the audience for the future.

Question #3 Are You Measuring the Right Things?

There’s so much chatter about big data these days.

It’s wonderful to be served with ads of things I care about… I think?

It’s great to know about the five or seven items that an algorithm believes would make my life more complete since I purchased a related product on Amazon. Maybe? These tactics are efficient.

But are they necessary? You decide.

We can and should harness all this data for good. Marketers love this ability because we can eliminate wasting resources such as time or budget to concentrate on messaging to people who find us relevant.

However, with so many of us programming events for the general public, mass appeal is still important in building of a larger community than parsing data to exclude rather than include all.

One can argue that with limited resources we must do our best to maximize our investment in marketing. But with all of the opportunities presented, it may be in the best interest of us to look at all of the data to understand the qualitative as much as the quantitative.

It's the age-old question of measuring outputs vs. outcomes. Is it more important that we drive the analytics to know that we had 73% of our readers open our emails and 42% click thru and 5% complete the goal we wanted them to accomplish.

Or is it just as important, or even more so, to measure what the outcome of that goal was? And if so, how do we go about creating the new metrics.

These questions are the real grist for the 21st century mill of marketers. Caring about our followers and measuring the why’s and what happened’s beyond just the trackable data is where intelligent marketers are headed. Are you in that space?

Question #4 What is the Status of Your Current Marketing and Communication Channels?

When was the last time you completed a full marketing and communications audit?

If it hasn’t occurred in the past two to three years, you and your team have some work to do.

There are too many changes to count that have affected everything from your website to your email channels, not to mention the explosion of social media opportunities including SEO, paid ads and more. Add in the traditional in-person touch points and the power of word of mouth and it’s probably a great time to analyze what you are doing, where you’ve been and where you are headed.

Where do you stand? Are you happy?

Are your stakeholders receiving the information they need? Are you developing new audiences and attendees through the right channels?

What needs help? Are you wasting precious resources on elements of social media without a strategy? Are there other areas of opportunity that your team would like to test, but you do not know where to begin?

If there’s one thing to put on your todo list for 2016, it’s to conduct an audit of your marketing and communications channels to affect an even more successful year ahead.

Question #5 Is Your Marketing (Ir)Relevant?

Relevance is a scary word and an even scarier topic when it comes to your marketing. Creativity and content development are difficult issues to address with your team. Some marketing professionals have spent countless hours of trying to craft the perfect message only to find it provides only a negligible improvement in engagement.

At some point, we realize a portion of marketing is art and highly subjective to Winter 2015

the audience, and we cannot waste much time on trying to address personal taste.

The phrase “getting the word out” ties into not only where and when we are delivering our message, but what our message is. Most campaigns are relatively benign but lack more for the inability of the message to be sent with enough frequency and land directly with an audience that is impassioned to make an impact on whatever your measurable is.

The great thing about festivals and events is that the content essentially generates itself and with proper planning, you should have more than enough content to entertain and delight your audience for a long time to come.

For those events run by organizations who have a busy annual schedule, even better. There’s more opportunity to create content that is relevant to your followers and to keep them engaged in the next step of their journey through your organization.

SUMMARY Are these five questions the only ones you need to ask? Of course not, but they are certainly important ones to get the conversation started.

Our hope is that by taking on some of these questions at the 20,000 foot level it will get you and your team’s focus out of the weeds long enough to avoid discussing the actual tactics you employ to deliver your marketing messages.

We encourage you to take the time to block out an hour or two to begin this conversation across all members of your team in a constructive and creative atmosphere.

The goal is not to point fingers or cast blame, nor is it to celebrate successes and slap backs. The real goal is to address the higher level of your marketing plan so the event and your organization move in lockstep towards your mission.

Best of luck on your journey!

If you find yourself in need of assistance in facilitating the conversation or conducting your 2016 Marketing Audit, please contact me at your convenience. I’d be happy to assist with your plans for event marketing in 2016 and beyond.

Sean King has been consulting with small businesses and non-profits organizations for over 20 years. Cur­rently, Sean is the Director of Market­ing & Communications for Youth Edu­cation in the Arts (YEA!), a non-profit organization based in Allentown, PA which teaches life lessons through music. He also blogs regularly at www.artsmarketingblog.org. You can follow Sean on Twitter @skingaspire or contact him at: sking@yea.org

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SAFELY DOES IT

By Mark Breen

17 OVERLOOKED WAYS WEATHER CAN AFFECT YOUR EVENT I think it’s fair to say that, as event organisers, we don’t always consider the effect that weather can have on our events.

We’re good at considering the weather when we’re running an outdoor event as it’s quite obvious how the weather may affect us. What can be less obvious however is the effect the weather can have on ALL events, including indoor ones.

I’ve worked with a range of clients on a variety of events where I’ve raised the weather as an important consideration during the planning phase only to be met with blank stares, challenges and even the occasional laugh. None of the above bother me as it’s part of my job to work with clients so that they understand why we consider these things. If I’m effective in doing that, then that client will likely always consider the weather in future, whether I’m involved in their event or not.

Running the Risk In discussing the effects of the weather with clients and stakeholders I often use the same scenario by way of illustration of some of the more obvious effects the weather can have. I describe an indoor concert event with a headline act popular among teenagers. We discuss those teenagers that queue for 6 hours outside the venue to ensure they get up near the stage once the doors open. We then discuss how the situation changes if the weather is (a) extremely hot or (b) extremely wet.

It generally requires little further input on my part for us all to establish the risks and issues arising out of the situation.

Chief among those risks identified is always the resulting wet floor inside the venue in 28

the wet weather scenario along with the likelihood those teenagers towards the top of the queue will want to run to get their spot at the front of the stage. That running is a much bigger risk on a wet floor.

Discussions similar to the above and more have informed the accompanying infographic entitled ’17 Overlooked Ways Weather Can Affect Your Event’.

This is not an exhaustive list, but these are the ones I encounter most often. Let’s take a closer look at some of them.

The Sun Sunny and warm weather can significantly impact on your event. In the example outlined above, those queuing outside may suffer from sunburn, heat stroke and more. They may need fluids.

From a duty of care perspective, you may want to provide them with water and / or shelter. Remember – they’re only there because of your event.

The sun can also affect the positioning of the stage if your event is outdoors.

I’ve seen events where the sun is setting behind the stage. This can make for a very pretty photo opportunity but it can also greatly impact your attendees’ enjoyment if they’re looking straight into the sun while trying to enjoy what’s on stage.

Another common issue arising out of good, sunny weather is that of staff not turning up for work. This can often be the case with occasional, part time staff in particular. Being down staff in key areas like behind the bars, security etc., can have a significant impact on your event and your attendees’ experiences.

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Continued on page 99

Your Event Has

IMPACT…

SHOW IT!

Commission Your IFEA Economic Impact Study Today

In uncertain times, we must often remind those whose support we depend upon, of the important economic and social value that our festivals and events bring to the communities we serve. Having a credible and current economic impact study can do just this, in addition to increasing credibility with stakeholders, providing quantified data to sponsors, presenting reliable data to base future marketing and programming decisions upon and much, much more.

Unfortunately, this critical resource, especially with credible credentials, is often financially out of reach for most events even in a good economic environment. Recognizing this, the IFEA has created a cost effective, industry credible program to provide Economic Impact Studies at a budget-accessible investment. Call us today to learn more.

GETTING STARTED For more information about this valuable IFEA program, please contact one of our Business Development Directors: Steve Schmader, CFEE • 208-433-0950 Ext: *818 • schmader@ifea.com Ira Rosen, CFEE • 732-701-9323 • ira@ifea.com Penny Reeh, CFEE • 830-456-3829 • penny@ktc.com

EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHT

Proudly known as the “First Family of Fireworks,” Zambelli Fireworks is one of the oldest and largest American Fireworks companies.

Today the family name is equated with quality, creativity and safety. Zambelli has presented artistic excellence in fireworks displays for over 100 years. George Zambelli, Sr., was the pioneer of Zambelli Fireworks for over 65 years.

His father, Antonio Zambelli, brought the artistry to New Castle, PA from Italy. George’s son, George R. Zambelli, Jr., MD, is now the Chairman of the Board of Zambelli Fireworks. Our year round staff of technicians, designers, office staff and administrators are here to assist and guide their customers in the development and implementation of their specific fireworks event.

How many employees does your company have?

Zambelli Fireworks employs approximately 50 people year round. During the Fourth of July period, that number swells to over 1,000 people.

How has your company grown over the years?

Zambelli has concentrated on growth by region. We have established priority regions and then concentrated on modern service facilities allowing us to increase our business while maintaining our service levels.

What areas do you serve with your product/service?

Zambelli Fireworks serves 35 states and territories of the United States.

Give us your ‘Elevator Pitch’ about your product/service.

Zambelli is proud to be the oldest and best company in the fireworks display business. We have access to many resources and facilities strategically located around the US, allowing us to provide better service to our customers. Many of our technicians have been providing entertainment for over 20 years. All of these things add up to our being able to provide our clients the safest and the best fireworks entertainment. We are proud 30

that we have maintained many of our customers for 20 or more years. We are proud to bring this fireworks entertainment to festivals and events around the country.

What is your newest product/ service that you have to offer that attendees need to know about?

Attendees need to know that there are now products available to enable fireworks in many locations that previously could not have a display. Close proximity and low level products enable beautiful, safe displays in venues that would previously have been eliminated.

What is different about your product/service vs. Your competitors?

The quality of product that Zambelli can purchase at a good price, due to our large volume buying power enables us to provide very competitive pricing to our customers. Our staff, with generations of knowledge, can assist our clients in planning fireworks entertainment that will thrill their customers.

How many years have you exhibited at the ifea’s expo?

We have been exhibiting at IFEA Expo for many years. We have partnered with

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the IFEA for a number of years and are proud to be the sponsor of the IFEA/ Zambelli Fireworks Volunteer of the Year Award.

What is the best sales advice you’ve ever received?

The best sales advice I’ve ever received is “Always be Honest”. It is the motto that I work by.

What is your customer service philosophy?

My customer service philosophy is: Respond to customers immediately, remember that without the customer there is no work to do, and always educate the customer so that they are comfortable with their buying decisions.

CONTACT INFORMATION Kim Ceyrolles Project Manager Zambelli Fireworks 20 South Mercer St. New Castle, PA 16101 kceyrolles@zambellifireworks.com 800-245-0397 www.zambellifireworks.com

Winter 2015

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C O N G RATU LATI O N S Gold • Grand Pinnacle • Under $250,000 Sevierville Chamber of Commerce • Bloomin' BBQ & Bluegrass • Sevierville, TN U.S.A. Sevierville's Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass is a family oriented event celebrating the beauty of spring, championship barbeque and world class bluegrass music. Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass takes place during Smoky Mountain Springfest in historic downtown Sevierville, Tennessee. Our Barbeque Cook-Off is an official barbeque championship of the state of Tennessee and is coordinated by the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce.

For more information: Click Here

Silver • Grand Pinnacle • Under $250,000 National Archives • July 4th at the National Archives • Washington, DC U.S.A. Join a tradition like no other: the annual Independence Day celebration at the National Archives in Washington, DC - home of the original Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Boo the list of grievances against King George III, and cheer ‘Huzzah!’ as we declare our independence on the steps of the Archives, while enjoying a full day of family-friendly activities in our nation’s capitol.

For more information: Click Here

Bronze • Grand Pinnacle • Under $250,000 Oak Grove Tourism Commission • Annual Spring Into Summer Festival • Oak Grove, KY U.S.A. The Annual Spring into Summer Festival began in 2007 as a very small show of community and military appreciation. It has continually grown throughout the years to include many forms of free entertainment including headlining concerts, carnival rides, stage shows, fireworks and more. The festival is now the largest event in the entire county and brings in over 40,000 people in one weekend.

For more information: Click Here

To view the complete list of 2015 IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Award Winners, Click Here.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE 2016 IFEA/HAAS & WILKERSON PINNACLE AWARDS ENTRY DEADLINES

Earlybird Deadline: June 20, 2016 Final Deadline: July 18, 2016 32

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to our 2015 Grand Pinnacle Winners Gold • Grand Pinnacle • $250,000 to $750,000 BorderFest Association • BorderFest 2015 "Celebrating Korea" • Hidalgo, TX U.S.A. BorderFest began in 1976 when a committee from the Hidalgo Chamber of Commerce set out to celebrate the American Bicentennial by commemorating the local border culture, the international setting, and the unique community spirit. Now celebrated each year on the first full weekend in March, BorderFest is a four‐ day plus extravaganza staged by the non‐profit BorderFest Association. BorderFest is the largest and oldest music, culture and heritage celebration in South Texas, attended by enthusiastic people of all ages, ethnicities, and tastes from Texas, many of the United States, Canada and Mexico.

For more information: Click Here

Silver • Grand Pinnacle • $250,000 to $750,000 Edmonton Heritage Festival Association • Servus Heritage Festival • Edmonton, AB Canada In the heat of the summer in one of the most northerly cities in the world, over 380,000 people make their way to Hawrelak Park –a 168 acre park on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River – that features a beautiful 12 acre lake, open grassy areas and walking trails. These people come to the park on the August long weekend not just for the sunshine and the beautiful scenery, but also for the 3 day Servus Heritage Festival – an annual tradition since 1974 which celebrates the many cultures of Canada.

For more information: Click Here

Bronze • Grand Pinnacle • $250,000 to $750,000 Charlotte Center City Partners • Novant Health Thanksgiving Parade • Charlotte, NC U.S.A. The Novant Health Thanksgiving Parade is a Charlotte tradition that has entertained and inspired audiences since 1947. Complete with dance and choral performances, marching bands from around the region, larger-than-life floats, balloons and some of your favorite characters. The parade kicks off the holiday season, Charlotte-style!

For more information: Click Here

Proud to insure excellence in the festivals & events Winter 2015 IFEA’s ie: theindustry business of international events

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C O N G RATU LATI O N S Gold • Grand Pinnacle • $750,000 to $1.5 Million Des Moines Arts Festival • Des Moines, IA U.S.A. The Des Moines Arts Festival®, Iowa’s only free, three-day celebration of the arts, celebrated its 18th-annual Festival June 26-28, 2015 with an exciting line-up of visual art, live entertainment, film, community outreach, interactive activities, eclectic foods, craft beer, and fine wines in Downtown Des Moines’ Western Gateway Park. At the heart of the Festival is the juried art fair. The Festival has truly put Des Moines, Iowa, on the map, drawing more than three million guests to the three-day event during the past 18 years. The Festival has something for everyone to enjoy and it’s all free to attend.

For more information: Click Here

Silver • Grand Pinnacle • $750,000 to $1.5 Million Cherry Creek Arts Festival • Denver, CO U.S.A. The Cherry Creek Arts Festival (CCAF) weekend event is a world‐class and award‐winning celebration of the visual, culinary and performing arts, and enjoys an attendance of 350,000 visitors over the course of the three‐day event. CCAF, since 1991, gives patrons the rare and special opportunity to meet and talk with international juried visual artists, sample fine cuisine, enjoy live musical performances and artist demonstrations, and entertain their families with interactive “ARTivities.”

For more information: Click Here

Bronze • Grand Pinnacle • $750,000 to $1.5 Million Boulevardia • Kansas City, MO U.S.A. Because a desirable society stands on principle and aspires higher, Boulevardia is no everyday experience. It’s a gathering unlike any other, one that elevates and combines the best aspects of beer, food and music festivals to relentlessly reward all who cross over our borders. It honors the rich past of our grounds while setting the agenda for future celebrations and sharing our commitment to important causes. It also highlights our good fortune to be able to regularly drink from our fountain of youth and truth: Boulevard Brewery.

For more information: Click Here

To view the complete list of 2015 IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Award Winners, Click Here.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE 2016 IFEA/HAAS & WILKERSON PINNACLE AWARDS ENTRY DEADLINES

Earlybird Deadline: June 20, 2016 Final Deadline: July 18, 2016

to our 2015 Grand Pinnacle Winners Gold • Grand Pinnacle • Over $1.5 Million Kentucky Derby Festival • "The Stories You Tell Happen Here" • Louisville, KY U.S.A. We stretched a famous two minutes into a month-long party. What the Run for the Roses is to horse racing, Louisville’s Derby Festival is to community celebrations. The Festival is one of the premiere events of its kind in the world and a proud five-time winner of the International Festivals & Events Association award for Best Overall Festival. It brings fun, excitement, international recognition and a spirit that is unmatched anywhere.

When 1.5 million people gather to celebrate spring and the unique vitality of their community, the focus is on fun and the whimsical.

For more information: Click Here

Silver • Grand Pinnacle • Over $1.5 Million Destination NSW • Vivid Sydney • The Rocks, NSW Australia Vivid Sydney was first staged in 2009 as a winter festival based in the harbourside precincts of The Rocks and Circular Quay. The first event program included an eclectic lineup of contemporary music at the Sydney Opera House, lighting projections on several buildings around Circular Quay, an outdoor exhibition of light art sculptures and a program of talks and workshops at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) that were largely associated with creativity and digital technology. The first Vivid Sydney festival attracted an audience of 225,000. Vivid Sydney is now streamlined to deliver three clear programs: Vivid Light; Vivid Music and Vivid Ideas.

For more information: Click Here

Bronze • Grand Pinnacle • Over $1.5 Million Portland Rose Festival Foundation • Portland Rose Festival • Portland, OR U.S.A. At the heart of Portland’s popular culture for more than a century, the Rose Festival has its roots in tradition, with inspired programming that embraces both the contemporary and the nostalgic. Visionary city leaders started the festival during the first decade of the 20th Century to put Portland on the map and brand it “the summer capital of the world.” Little did they know that more than a hundred summers later the Rose Festival would be world-famous – both for its remarkable, award-winning events and as a leader in celebrating community values like volunteerism, patriotism and environmentalism.

For more information: Click Here

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The International Festivals & Events Association announced and recognized the 2015 recipients of the “IFEA World Festival & Event City” award during the 60th Anniversary IFEA Convention & Expo in Tucson, Arizona, United States on September 21, 2015.

The IFEA would like to congratulate all of our 2015 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award Recipients.

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Coffs Harbour New South Wales, Australia

Jinju City South Korea

The City of Coffs Harbour is a major regional city on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales, about midway between Sydney and Brisbane. It is the principal city of the tourism destination known as Coffs Coast, which includes the delightful seaside and hinterland communities of Bellingen, Sawtell, Coramba and Woolgoolga. Highly valued as a place to live and a popular holiday destination, Coffs Harbour continues to attract people seeking a lifestyle change or place to enjoy a diverse and expanding range of festivals and special events.

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Jinju holds various festivals throughout the year including the Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival, selected as the Korean honorary representative festival and global fosterage festival in addition to the Caecheon Art Festival, the first Korean local synthetic art festivals every October. Various other festivals include the Jinju Nongae Festival, which succeeds to loyalty and the independent spirits of 70,000 citizens, officials and soldiers as well as Nongae who sacrificed her life for her country in the Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592 every spring.

Click Here to view Entry Click Here to view Video

Dubai United Arab Emirates

industry; a vibrant hub for knowledge and leisure, commerce and trade and a place where optimism, leadership and community drive make the impossible happen. This is truly a remarkable city.

With an inspiring, diverse and exciting annual calendar of events covering the genres of gastronomy to sport, music to heritage and all that’s in-between, Dubai plays host to world-class events including Dubai World Cup, Dubai Food Festival, Gulfood and Dubai Shopping Festival to name a few. Also home to an ever-growing infrastructure of the very best hotels, venues and transportation options, the emirate has become the destination of choice for visitors from around the world – solidifying its reputation as an exciting and energetic city that its residents are proud to call home.

Click Here to view Entry Click Here to view Video

Events are in the Dubai DNA, woven into the very fabric of Dubai life; they’re our heart and soul. As the second largest of the seven United Arab Emirates, Dubai is one of the world’s fastest growing cities.

In the blink of an eye, the emirate has transformed itself into a modern bustling metropolis at the forefront of the events

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Philadelphia Pennsylvania, United States

Newcastle New South Wales, Australia

Rotterdam The Netherlands

Famous as the birthplace of American Independence, the City of Philadelphia offers much more than cobblestone streets and historical landmarks. Cultural, culinary, artistic and ethnic treasures all weave together to create the beautiful fabric that is Philadelphia and its surrounding countryside. Philadelphia is a city of amazing diversity and contrast. By day, explore four centuries of history and architecture, beautiful parks, charming neighborhoods and remarkable museum collections. After the sun sets, the city heats up with a vibrant performing arts community, adventurous fine dining and special events of every conceivable genre, size and scope.

All this and more attracts more than 39 million visitors to the Philadelphia region each year, sustaining 90,000 jobs in the hospitality sector and generating approximately $10 billion in annual economic activity. The New York Times ranked Philadelphia #3 on its list of “52 Places to Go in 2015” behind only Milan, Italy and Cuba. There is no doubt that Philadelphia has arrived on the world stage as an international destination and a first-class city.

Click Here to view Entry Click Here to view Video

Australia's second-oldest city, surrounded by a working harbour and glorious surf beaches, was forged from coal, timber and sweat. Moving on from its roughand-tumble beginnings it has embraced a new outlook. Clever transformations of heritage buildings have seen former railway workshops house Newcastle Museum; a sandstone bank is now a French-inspired bar sparkling with chandeliers; a brewery's 19th-century grain and keg warehouse now showcases craft beers. Arts projects, festivals and events have transformed five inner-city precincts to create distinctive Civic, Cooks Hill, East End, West End and the harbourside Honeysuckle development. Their makeovers are all part of a 25-year plan to revitalise Newcastle, shoring up its position as a vibrant regional centre and gateway to Hunter Wine Country. A top ten city in Lonely Planet's 'Best in Travel 2011' and twice winner of the IFEA award for global festival and event city, this is where bohemian culture co-exists with surf culture; where hip cafés and award-winning restaurants flank an industrial port; where events and festivals bring the community and visitors together; and where the land meets the sea. This is Newcastle – a city of contrast, change and endless possibility.

Click Here to view Entry Click Here to view Video

Rotterdam is a young and vibrant city, with more than 170 nationalities living within its borders. It aims to be a ‘WE’ society, a community for everyone, regardless of their origins, religious beliefs or skin color. A community in which we are looking for what unites us, rather than emphasizing the differences. Festivals play an important role in achieving this. In the words of one of our visitors: “These festivals are a way of celebrating our unique Rotterdam identity. They have a great bonding effect and turn us into a community.”

Rotterdam’s event calendar is based on the identity of the city and its people, alongside the ideas and creativity of the many festival producers and cultural institutions based here. Events form part of the city’s DNA and in turn the city is in the DNA of Rotterdam’s events. Rotterdammers are justifiably proud of their international port city, which stands open to the world and is, as Wallpaper* magazine wrote, “fiercely committed to the new”.

The municipality of Rotterdam, city marketing organizations, festival producers, and supporting organizations all share the same vision. Locals also share in the festivals and enjoy how Rotterdam – both in the Netherlands and internationally – is presented as a city with its own distinctive identity, a city with an undeniable appeal. The city and its people are the main source of inspiration for Rotterdam’s events, which together tell the fascinating story of Rotterdam.

Click Here to view Entry Click Here to view Video

Sydney New South Wales, Australia

Louisville Kentucky, United States

Sydney is Australia’s event capital; it leads the nation in attracting major new events and the city calendar is constantly replenished and enhanced through a diverse array of sporting, cultural and lifestyle events. Sydney prides itself on its capacity to host events of global significance; it shows up for events, participates in achieving their success and celebrates the enrichment they bring.

Click Here to view Entry Click Here to view Video

Louisville is an exceptional place infused with the spirit of possibility.

In fact, it’s been dubbed “Possibility City.” You can discover one-of-a-kind museums, world-famous bourbon

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bars, top-flight cultural events and nationally recognized restaurants. Add to that unique architecture, beautiful historic neighborhoods, innumerable parks, family-friendly communities and entertainment districts. You’ll come to understand why Louisville is becoming increasingly attractive as not just a place to live and work, but a place people want to visit and play in.

Click Here to view Entry Click Here to view Video

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2015 The IFEA / Zambelli Fireworks Volunteer of the Year Program rewards our member’s supporters who give so unselfishly of their time. Although, annually, one individual must ultimately be named Volunteer of the Year, hundreds are recognized by our member organizations and affiliated associations as the backbone of our industry. Whether small or large, special events and festivals throughout the world consistently bring to our attention the talents of their most committed volunteers. To select one is a daunting task; to learn the stories behind their contributions has been an honor. The following outstanding volunteers were selected as Semi-Finalists in the 2015 IFEA/Zambelli Fireworks Volunteer of the Year Awards Competition.

LuAnn Chapman Gatts Nominated by: Grapevine CVB, Grapevine, TX LuAnn has made a huge contribution to the success of many of the festivals and events that happen in Grapevine, TX. As a take charge kind of person, she has volunteered as well as chaired festivals and has always had the attitude of “do what has to be done to get it done” no matter the time and effort involved. She has been a full time volunteer putting in as many hours as our managers working from 7 a.m. until 1 a.m. most nights making sure we have enough help to complete the task at hand. She has done this at the Main Street Days and GrapeFest festivals for over twelve years. She always finds a way to work through a variety of opportunities by helping solve and create new and different experiences at our events. Her expertise in the business

world and theater world has helped provide fun and exciting changes with creativity from the arts side for the events.

She has worked in many areas of the festivals over the years holding chair positions for volunteers, gates, food vendors and the People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic just to name a few. She is a past Chair of our GrapeFest festival.

Sheri Howard Nominated by: Kentucky Derby Festival, Louisville, KY The Kentucky Derby Festival is a not-for-profit organization which annually produces one of the world’s premiere community celebrations in Louisville, Kentucky. Each year in the spring, the Festival produces nearly 70 events during the two weeks leading up to the Kentucky Derby horse race. None of those events would happen without

the support of over 4,000 Volunteers, especially volunteers like Sheri Howard.

Sheri has volunteered with the Festival for 20 years, dedicating hours of service to not just one, but several different events.

Sheri first got involved as a volunteer in 1996, helping with the Republic Bank Pegasus Parade. Sheri says she was “hooked” from that very first parade.

Over the years, she’s continued to support the parade as a volunteer, moving up the ranks to become Volunteer Coordinator. Sheri also branched out and began helping with several other Festival events including the McDonald’s Thunder Preview Party, U.S. Bank Great BalloonFest, Marathon and miniMarathon, and Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company $1 Million Dollar Hole-In-One Golf Contest.

Dave Roser Nominated by: Cultural Festivals, St. Louis, MO Dave Roser has been at the helm of the Operations Committee for Cultural Festivals for 14 years. This included the Saint Louis Art Fair (2001-present), St. Louis Jazz and Heritage Festival (2001-2008) and The Big Read Festival (2006-2010). He has taken on this role with pride and selfless diligence.

Dave is responsible for managing the operational resources of Cultural Festivals (Saint Louis Art Fair), overseeing set-up and tear-down, and serving as operational support to volunteers, committee chairs, city personnel and artists. Dave is the staff’s go to person for just about anything.

To view information on this year’s winner and past Volunteer of the Year winners, Click Here.

For more information about the IFEA/Zambelli Fireworks Volunteer of the Year Award, Click Here 38

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Good

Great

CFEE

Maybe it’s Time to be Recognized for What You Bring to the Table.

As a professional in the Festivals & Events Industry, you know the difference between Good and Great. You’ve dedicated yourself to the “whatever it takes” approach that has become your hallmark. You understand the importance and value of continuing to hone your skills, growing your knowledge base, expanding your professional network, and surrounding yourself with others who have reached the top levels of their careers as well.

CFEE (Certified Festival & Event Executive), the IFEA’s professional certification program, provides the essential difference between good and great among professionals in our industry. It signifies the highest level of achievement. Attainment of your CFEE certification provides recognition of your commitment to excellence, experience, and to your career, placing you in an elite group of the top festival and event professionals in your field. It’s a statement of quality that you bring to the table.

For more information about the IFEA’s professional certification program, and our 2015 CFEE FastTrack® Program, contact Cindy Lerick at clerick@culturalfestivals.com or call +1-314-614-7152.

The CFEE Professional Certification Program is Sponsored by

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Criminal Background Checks and Non-Profit Organizations

By Pamela Mack

Non-profit organizations invest a great deal of time, energy and money into their reputation in the community. Without community trust and involvement, the organization may cease to exist. Just like any business, employees should be screened for prior criminal records in order to mitigate the risk of negligent hiring and to protect your organization. But, what would happen if trust was lost because of the actions of a volunteer? What if someone with a known criminal history re-offends, while volunteering for your organization?

No one can prevent all bad things from happening, and no one wants to live in a world of fear and risk avoidance. That being said, there are some steps to consider which can provide your organization with a better level of confidence, based on having some important information about your volunteers from the start.

Should I Screen My Volunteers?

Criminal background screening for volunteers is a process similar to screening employees, and is treated as such in the industry. Many organizations screen all of their volunteers. Even if you feel this is not necessary, there are some key volunteers that deserve a closer look.

• Does your volunteer work with children?

• Do they have access to financial reports, funds, or private information?

• Do they hold key positions in your organization where they could

potentially damage your reputation?

• Will the volunteer provide transportation or make deliveries for the organization?

Considering these and other questions can help you to make a decision about whether to screen, and what particular searches to run.

How Should I Screen Volunteers?

Unfortunately, there is no single search that will provide every bit of information about a volunteer, but there are some searches to consider to help make you aware of pertinent information.

National Criminal Database – This database is a compilation of records from many sources in most states, and is a good way to throw a net over the country and see what you catch. The information is by no means comprehensive or necessarily up-to-date and must be confirmed at the county level prior to using the information for hiring decisions. Some sex offender records are also included in the database, although not a comprehensive record of all fifty states.

County Court Search –County Courts are the best source for records and should be included in your search. Searching all the counties they have resided in for the last seven years will give you a much more accurate result. If that is not feasible, adding at least the current county of residence can be helpful.

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Sex Offender Registry Search – While the National Criminal Database Search does have some sex offender records, if sex offender registry information is needed, a check of the national registry should accompany a database search.

Motor Vehicle Report – State DMV’s can provide a driving record of your volunteer or employee.

For a thorough check, a combination of county court records, a national database search and a sex offender registry check or Motor Vehicle Report when warranted, is the best way to locate records. A background screening provider can help you set up a protocol that meets your needs and budget, and should be able to offer you discounted pricing for your non-profit status.

In short, perform a background screen when necessary to rule out any records that are adversely related to the duties of the volunteer. Screening will help you know more about your volunteer, mitigate risk and protect those who serve you, while keeping your organization and reputation safe.

Pamela Mack is the Vice President of Business Development at Occuscreen, LLC in Vancouver, WA. She can be contacted at: pamelam@occuscreen.com or 1-888-833-5304.

For more information go to: www.occuscreen.com

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“Saving for a RAINY DAY” Adding NEW REVENUE Generating EVENTS

By Michelle Elliott

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It is important to understand the history behind any event prior to adding new programming. You should know the demographics of the attendees, the surrounding area, and also look at trends.

The National Cherry Festival is an eight day Festival held annually in Traverse City, Michigan. It attracts over 500,000 people over the span of the entire week.

The Festival is known for its air shows, parades, fireworks, amusement rides, Fourth of July celebration and of course its cherries. The Cherry Festival was created from the “Blessing of the Blossoms” festival, which started May 22, 1925. The “Blessing of the Blossoms” festival started when Traverse City businesses partnered with local cherry farmers to promote the growing industry. The “Blessing of the Blossoms” festival was so successful that in 1930 it was made into a three-day affair. On July 19, 1928 the first official “National Cherry Festival” took place.

During World War II, the National Cherry Festival was suspended for six years. After its six year suspension, it was held in 1948 and has been held annually since then. In 1964, it was voted and approved for the festival to go from a three day event to a five day event and again in 1968 the festival was approved to be an eight day event. The Festival is typically held in the first week of July. The mission of the Festival is to celebrate and promote cherries, community involvement and the Grand Traverse Region. Traverse City is known as the ‘Cherry Capital of the World’ producing over 75% of the nation’s tart cherries. The city is constantly being praised by the media for its natural beauty as it is situated right on West Grand Traverse Bay, not too far from the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes on Lake Michigan.

The strategic plan of the National Cherry Festival is to focus on “saving for a rainy day”. It was mentioned that with any event it is important to recognize that you only have a certain number of days to make your money for the entire year. The goal of the Festival was to look at building strategic partnerships and also add new revenue generating events that might help the funding model. The National Cherry Festival works closely with the Cherry Marketing Institute to promote our treasured fruit. In 2013 we decided to continue to build our new revenue generating events to promote the health and wellness aspects of the cherry. The Cherry Marketing Institute had followed trend trackers that predicted that American dining would move beyond sweet, salting and fatty. In the following years, we’d see a plethora of tart, acidic and bitter flavors to choose from, as menus and grocery stores feature flavors like fermented cher-

ry juice, varietal vinegars and even sour beer. The cherry industry has seen a 500% increase in sales over the last five years in cherry juice and cherry juice concentrate.

There have been numerous studies done regarding the health benefits of cherries proving that they reduce inflammation, help ease arthritis and gout, aid in sleep, and could also help athletes reduce muscle damage to recover faster from a tough workout, according to a growing body of research.

Once you are ready to begin developing a concept for an additional way to generate revenue it is important to understand the basic demographic information of the audience. What are the spending patterns of these demographic groups? Are there national or local trends that will affect the attendance? A success in one town will not guarantee a success in another town. Surveying attendees and collecting demographic information is extremely important prior to making a decision.

The National Cherry Festival has always had success with its footraces (Festival of Races). These foot races have been one of the largest revenue centers for the Cherry Festival for the past 40 years. In 1973 a man named George Kuhn, founder of the Traverse City Track Club, established the Meijer Festival of Races. The Festival of Races began with only one distance, a 10K (6.2 miles). In the 1970’s, a board member suggested that a marathon be added to the race, however, Kuhn stated, “Well, there are not many marathoners around so let’s just do a 10K.” Kuhn is a runner himself and still participates in the race today; he has not missed an event since 1978. In 1979 the first 15K (9.3 miles) was started and had 600 runners. In 1983, the 15K reached in peak participation with 1650 runners. In 1989, the first 5K (3.1 miles) was added.

In 2007 there was a large focus in the potential the race could have and from 2009 – 2013, under the direction of Lisa Taylor, the race attracted anywhere from 3,300 – 3,800 runners.

Festival of Races participants were surveyed prior to making any decisions and specific demographic information was collected. The majority of the runners were female and the average age was 40.

While continuing to support the vision of the Cherry Industry we knew we could continue to build new programming that would help move past the “sweet cherries, baked goods, and treats” that most people associate with the cherry and get more people focused on the health benefits of the fruit. An industry assessment concluded that as health and wellness would become a larger part of today’s society, so does running and participating

in organized running events. Overtime running event participation has increased between both men and women, particularly women. In 1990 there were a total of 4,797,000 running event finishers; 75% were male and 25% were female.

In 2013 there were a total of 19,025,000 running event finishers; 43% were male and 57% were female. Not only did the entire population of finishers increase but women were now the dominant gender within the running community.

Aside from the increase in participation, studies also show that more people are participating in longer distances. Women also show an increase in participation in this category. 61% of people that run half marathons are women.

A market assessment concluded that there are three main areas of Michigan that runners are traveling from to attend the Festival of Races. The data shows that the most participants in the Festival of Races are from Traverse City. Numbers show it is also heavily concentrated in the surrounding area of Traverse City. South of Traverse City, From Grand Rapids to Holland is another concentrated area in Michigan where runners are traveling to race. Most racers are from Michigan, there are however racers that are traveling to attend the races from Florida and Indiana.

Once the decision to add new races was finalized it was important to build a successful event. The National Cherry Festival knew that by adding two new race distances close to their existing races (5K and 15K) they could inevitably cannibalize a race. After doing more market research it was clear that the registration fee for a half marathon would be twice as much as what we were collecting for the 15K. Therefore any cannibalization of the 15K would in the end be worth it.

There were specific items that we knew we would need to add in order to make the half marathon appealing to runners. It is important to have accurate timing, a well thought out race course, a finisher’s medal and an upgraded shirt. We knew that we wanted more runners to sign up for the half marathon as it yielded a larger revenue so we strategically marketed the Festival of Races with a focus on the new “Half Marathon”.

Obviously the addition of another event can be an operational burden. It is important to analyze the costs associated with adding a new event to a Festival’s roster. This situation was unique in a sense that we already had existing races that were in place. Most of the operational expenses were already handled. There were a few additional expenses incurred.

Additional permits, emergency responders, timing equipment, race merchandise.

We added a unique element to the race in Continued on page 96

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Being LIKED is SERIOUS BUSINESS Ten Steps for Repairing and Protecting Your Online Reputation

by Kate Zabriskie

“The worst customer service experience ever! The bed was dirty, and the bathroom had hair on the toilet seat. My dog refused to enter the room. He slept in the car. I don’t know why I didn’t do the same thing. Do not EVER stay here!!!!!!!”

“If you are offered a job at this place, run! Do not walk to the nearest exit. This company is an asylum. I have never worked with a more dysfunctional group of people in my life.”

“There are a lot of fake reviews on this site. Anyone who has ever been here knows there is no possible way on earth a real customer would say this place was anything but a pit. Enter at your own risk. You have been warned.”

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OUCH! THOSE HURT.

And there it is, right there in black and white for anyone and everyone to see—the naked truth: what someone thinks of your product, your service, or your organization.

Bad reviews can bite, wound, and sting.

Worst of all, a mountain of them can appear in a matter of seconds. Social media, it’s a wonderful thing, until it turns against you.

So, what’s a person to do when his or her online reputation is suffering at the hands of others? Plenty.

Step One: Take a deep breath. You can fix it. Not overnight, but you can fix it.

Step Two: Get over any hurt feelings or embarrassment, and do it quickly. The people who complain have done you a great favor. It’s now up to you to decide if negative reviews are going to be the kiss of death or a wakeup call.

Step Three: Uncover everything that is being said about you. If you found a bad review in one place, there are probably others. You will need to spend a few hours researching yourself online. Start Googling, and take notes of what you find and where. A word of caution: resist the urge to respond to anything.

Be strategic, not impulsive. You will need a game plan before typing a word.

Step Four: Automate. Sign yourself up for Google Alerts at www.google.com/alerts. If new content mentioning your company shows up online and Google sees it, the search engine will send out an automatic alert letting you know. There are also a variety of free and paid services that will monitor online search terms and any major review sites for mentions, and will quickly notify you if new information about you is posted. If you are serious about managing your online reputation, these services are extremely valuable.

Step Five: Once you have a good picture of your online grade, get ready to roll up your sleeves and start problem solving. If your employees are rude, train them. If your

establishment is dirty, clean it. If people hate working for you, investigate. Unless you are the victim of competitor sabotage, what you are reading is probably based in truth. If needed, revisit step two.

Step Six: Involve your team and communicate your improvement plan. You will reach your goal faster if everyone in your organization understands what it is and is working toward it.

Step Seven: When you are interacting with people, ask them what they think. You already know some of them have no problem sharing their opinions with the world, so they will probably be willing to candidly tell you the good, bad, and ugly. Asking your customers or clients for help can prove extremely beneficial.

“We are working hard to improve. Would you be willing to talk to me for a few minutes? Thank you. What two or three things could we have done differently in order to make your experience with us better?”

If at all possible, have these conversations verbally. You may be surprised by the quantity and quality of information you are able to quickly gather.

Step Eight: Once you have a clear sense of what is going on with your business and are on the road to smoothing out the rough spots, get back to the reviews. It’s time to answer them.

First, thank the reviewer for letting you know about a problem and include something good about yourself, too.

“Thank you for your feedback, and I’m sorry your son’s birthday experience with us wasn’t what you expected. We’ve hosted over a thousand birthday parties for children in our five years of business, and we strive to delight each of our guests.”

Second, describe what you have done to prevent the issue from occurring again.

“We’ve taken a few steps to prevent what happened to you from happening to another parent of a birthday boy or birthday girl.

Since your visit, our staff has taken several classes to improve their service skills. They’ve Winter 2015

focused specifically on techniques for positively engaging with children.”

Third, ask the person to give you a second chance.

“Please celebrate with us again. I believe you will be pleasantly surprised. My name is Kate. If you ask for me when you make your reservation, I will take care of you personally.”

Resist the urge to be snarky, judgmental, or to correct your customers. Yes, some customers are wrong—however, pointing that out will not help. Lots of people are going to be watching how you respond to others. Take advantage of the opportunity to be polite, helpful and solution-focused.

People who rely on the reviews can often tell when other customers are being difficult. If you are gracious in your dealings with them, you will win in the long run.

Step Nine: Ask your happy customers to post reviews. Over time, your average will improve. Obviously this approach only works if you are indeed making changes and removing the causes of bad evaluations. If you are not, prepare for more of the same reviews you’ve received in the past because they’re coming. You simply cannot turn off the social media tap.

Step Ten: As tempting as it may be, do not post fake reviews or go to a service to get others to do the same. Apart from the fact that it’s dishonest, it’s also dangerous. If you get caught, you will look even worse than you did before. Instead, get busy writing more content to post on your site, press release sites, and other appropriate places. The more that’s out there, the less visible a bad comments be.

Followed closely, this 10-step plan for a reputation overhaul could earn you five stars. What do you think?

Kate Zabriskie is the president of Business Training Works, Inc., a Maryland-based talent development firm. She and her team help businesses establish customer service strategies and train their people to live up to what’s promised. For more information, visit www.businesstrainingworks.com

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SECRETS of Successful Festival Entertainment

BY SHELBY BOND

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Over the past fifteen years I have been traveling the world performing at festivals and events. I have done shows at Conventions, Renaissance Faires, Theatre Festivals, State Fairs and pretty much any other type of venue.

I learned my show, my skills and exactly what I could offer a job well before I set out onto the road to make my living this way. What I learned over the years, however, is what these events can offer me. That is, how what I bring to the event and what the event has going for it can combine to make the most successful production.

I have done shows indoors, outdoors, on the ground, in the grass, in warehouses, TV studios, halls, lodges, hockey arenas, stadiums, restaurants, boats, casinos and even palaces. My shows are a timetested commodity. I know where a laugh is, what the audiences want, and how to whip a crowd into a frenzy of laughs and riotous applause. Why is it, then, that the show can go so well at one event and not have nearly the same success at another?

That is what I plan to explore in this article. Based on the thousands of shows I have performed I have devised these eight tips to help you help the performer do their best to make your event a hit.

Shade I often tell an event that if there are plenty of people at the occasion I’ll fill as much shade as you give me. People will not sit in the sun. Not for long at least. If it’s hot outside, shade is the number one thing to provide to get a big audience.

Even if it’s not hot, people don’t want the sun in their eyes.

Stage If you have the performer on a designated stage instead of simply in the street on a “pitch” (space in street with adequate traffic flow that is open enough for the performer to do an impromptu show) the stage should be elevated. It should also be offset from the walkway a bit but always facing it. If there is a turn in a street, placing a stage at the bend is great placement. If it is a prefab stage let the performer know this. If you are constructing one then wood is always preferable to cement. Brown is better than black paint and, if the stage is outdoors, mix some sand in the paint and it will create a surface that will be much less slippery, especially in the rain.

Sound & Light Let the performer know if you are using your own sound system or if they need to provide their own. Will there be sound/light technicians on hand during the show? If so, let the performer know how to contact them and if there will be time for a tech runthrough. If there is no projected sound then set the stage a little more off the street and, if possible, build or use natural sound walls.

Stairs If the stage is raised there should be stairs at the front of the stage so that the performer can quickly go from the audience to the stage. This is also so that they can bring audience members up onto the stage. An added point: if you do not want the performer to use a volunteer or if you have a specific person you would like them to use let them know in advance.

Seating If the performer is in the street in an open area, this is a non-issue. However, if you would like to set out seats, this is what you need to take into account. After you tell the performer how many people you expect to attend you can ask them how many seats they feel they will need.

They may have a request as to the seating lay out, as well.

It is best if a seating area is not open on all sides. Using natural or created barriers at the rear and sides of the theatre helps to designate more of a stage area and help to siphon an audience out, which is ideal.

Lodging Ask if the performer would rather stay in a host home or a hotel. If they would like to be hosted, find someone in the community that would like to share their home for a few nights. Generally, both parties feel this is an enriching experience.

The house should be within walking distance of the site and have Internet and a washer & drier. The performer will not expect to be fed. They may, however, need to be taken to purchase desired groceries. If a hotel accommodation is desired it should be at a reputable hotel (i.e.: Holiday Inn, Ramada, or any major chain).

Pass the Hat Many performers request donations at the end of the show, which is called “Passing the Hat.” This composes a large percent of their income. When you are scheduling shows, ask the performer if they have included their crowd gathering time and hat Winter 2015

pass into the length of their performance.

You should also ask them how much clean up time they need. It is best to leave a bit of a gap between shows for the audience to clear out. Try to never put two “Pass the Hat” shows back to back. If you do there must be adequate time for the entire audience to leave and regenerate.

You can listen to the end of their show to decide if you feel their request is too pushy, but most performers are knowledgeable in keeping it causal and friendly.

If you are opposed to a “Pass the Hat” show and the performer is used to this as part of their pay, you may request to “buy out their hat” which would mean you would pay an agreed upon amount to have them not request these tips.

Flights and Transportation In most cases, it is the festivals responsibility to provide travel whether it be air, ground or otherwise to the performer. In many instances, the festivals have many performers to book and arranging for all the travel can be a logistical nightmare, and as such, many festivals simply give the performer a travel budget. This must be sufficient for round trip airfare and basic ground transportation. Remember, if you choose to book the travel yourself it must include round trip airfare, ground transportation to and from the airport and ground transportation to and from the festival site.

I hope these points help you understand a performer’s needs so they can assist in making your event a success.

Shelby Bond travels internationally performing as “Cowboy Max” in a comedy, audience participation show with trick roping and bullwhips. His shows have been an international hit in front of over 700,000 people.

He received his training from “The Second City” conservatory program as well as The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London and has been brought in to many events to instruct in interactive theater and improv. In addition, Shelby works in film and television and has numerous credits, including many national commercials, appearances in Mona Lisa Smile, “Home Improvement”, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, I Am Sam, and even guest hosting “Love Line.” You can hear more about Shelby and his shows at www.cowboymax.com.

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TIME CHANGES EVERYTHING?

By Wayne Mahar I think we’ve all heard this saying.

Here’s another saying…

“They say time changes everything.

But you actually have to change things yourself,”

"Time changes everything,"

by Thomas Hardy.

by Andy Warhol.

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Which quote is more accurate, and what do these quotes have to do with severe weather safety? Let me explain…

Time does NOT change everything. You DO have to change things yourself. Here’s proof. Although it’s been four years since the tragedies at the Indiana State Fair and the Ottawa Bluesfest, weather related serious injuries and deaths continue.

Dateline Wood Dale, Illinois. August 2nd this year. One dead and a dozen seriously injured at Prairie Fest as a storm blew in causing a tent to collapse onto fairgoers.

24 hours later, Dateline Lancaster, New Hampshire. August 3rd. Two dead, a father and young daughter and many injured as a storm hits a circus causing another tent collapse onto fairgoers.

"The lawsuit claims that the businesses lacked reasonable and adequate emergency response plans that would ensure the safety of festival attendees in adverse weather."

That quote was taken from a Chicago Tribune article dated 8/12/2015 regarding the deadly Prairie Fest in Wood Dale, Illinois on August 2nd.

Note the phrase "adequate emergency response plans." This phrase doesn't just pertain to immediately before the storm hits. It also pertains to well before the storm hits when there is still time to do something. In both of these recent, tragic events, it appears there WAS sufficient warning, sufficient lead time to at least get people heading to a place of safety. The Lancaster, NH event had a Severe Thunderstorm Warning in effect for 22 minutes, issued by the National Weather Service.

Reports on the Wood Dale event say the National Weather Service had issued a Special Weather Statement at least a half hour before the storm struck stating that strong thunderstorms with damaging winds and hail were heading towards the area.

It’s the same story every year. A fair, a festival or a concert. 30,000 people attending or 30 people attending, the fact is many in the outdoor event and concert industry are still not properly prepared to face severe weather. Since the Indiana State Fair, I’ve had the opportunity to speak at several major event conventions such as the IFEA Convention & Expo and the Festivals and Events Ontario annual convention.

I’ve moderated panel discussions on severe weather preparedness, run hundreds of event organizers through my Table Top severe weather exercise and written articles on severe weather preparedness. Unfortunately, weather related tragedies are still happening. In fairness, I believe in a general sense, we are slowly becoming better prepared for storms, but nowhere near enough. Mistakes are still being made and people are still getting seriously injured and killed. What do we do? Well,

first thing, you actually DO have to “change things yourself” or at least change the way you prepare for your outdoor event.

Although the peak of summertime severe weather season is past, its never a bad time to review “proper” severe weather preparedness procedures. Start planning for next year. Your severe weather safety checklist if you will. To some of you reading this, these safety procedures may seem obvious, but please read them anyway. At the least they’re a good reminder.

1. WHAT’S YOUR PLAN? First and foremost, you need a Severe Weather Plan. A proper severe weather safety plan should begin with long range planning, meeting weeks and even months in advance with all key people and discussing all possible severe weather scenarios. This includes everything from different types of “weather events” to short and long “lead times” for sending people home or sending them to predetermined locations.

2. KEY PEOPLE Who are your “key people”? Law enforcement and security; Emergency Medical; your Public Relations personnel; your managers; the “Voice of your event”; the Announcer who is in constant contact with your guests; and your front office personnel. I can imagine for some of these folks, you are saying to yourself “Why would I have them at the meeting?”

The answer will become clear later.

3. PLAN OF ACTION You will want to discuss types of severe weather and decide what your “Plan of Action” is for each. There should be a difference in your planning between what to do when a tornado threatens vs. simple heavy rains causing localized flooding of the grounds. Decide which “types” of weather will require people moving, and by people I mean everyone from patrons to vendors. If the weather is that bad, where do you direct them to go? Designate buildings and shelters ahead of time.

4. THE WEATHER Deciding on types of severe weather and contingency plans is generally the easy part.

Now it gets tougher. For instance, WHERE are you getting your weather information from? WHO is responsible for monitoring all the latest weather, storm movements, watches and warnings? Did you hire your own private meteorologist to work just for you and your event, someone you can call 24/7 with questions and concerns, even just to call and say “I’m a little concerned, the sky seems to be getting dark to our west.”

A private weather company you hire works for YOU and is concerned about YOU and YOUR event. Government weather services

might, or might not be available to help you out when you call them. That’s not their job, they don’t have a commitment to you, or a stake in your event. Whoever is in charge of monitoring weather, are they constantly monitoring for sudden changes, or just occasionally? Assuming these issues are set, lets now deal with the potential for “increased danger!” What I’m talking about is actual severe weather approaching or hitting your venue at the same time you have 15,000 people watching your afternoon or evening concert at the grandstand. A ton of rowdy concert goers packed like sardines into the concert area and a severe thunderstorm warning or even tornado warning is issued for your area. Think Indiana State Fair, or more recently, three summers ago, the Rogers Sarnia Bayfest in Sarnia, Ontario Canada. Precision Weather Service monitored Doppler Radar and was on the phone continuously with the Festival Director tracking the severe storm movement minute- by- minute, which by the way came within five miles of the venue.

5. KEY PERSON BEWARE! Do not mistake this for #2. WHO is THE key person at your event? Who is THE decision maker? In fast breaking weather with large crowds, you don’t have time to find your managers, call a meeting and vote on what to do. You MUST have someone, in the know with the latest information who can make critical decisions right now. More so, all your key people, from Law Enforcement to the main office must acknowledge this individual as THE key decision maker so there are no questions or second guessing taking place in the midst of severe weather warnings.

Many fairs, festivals and concerts do not have ONE key person in place, and this can be a real issue! Again, the Indiana State Fair. Seven lives were lost, and even to this day the argument continues between Fair officials, Law Enforcement and the band itself, Sugarland, as to WHO had final say on “calling the concert.” Nobody made the call before the severe weather hit and after the fact, everyone points fingers at the other. Designate THE key person well ahead of time and make sure everyone knows who it is, and that key individual MUST have direct and immediate access to the latest information to make these key decisions.

When signing contracts with the bands, promoters, private security, vendors or anybody on your grounds, make sure they know ahead of time WHO the real KEY decision maker is if push comes to shove.

6. KEEP THE MAIN OFFICE INFORMED! If bad weather develops miles away, chances are fair officials and concert goers will hear about it. It will begin with a Continued on page 99

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BY JESSICA SCHLIMME

TOP

TEN

TIPS FOR FESTIVAL AND EVENT VOLUNTEER MANAGERS 50

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The 89th National Cherry Festival’s eight day celebration took place on July 4th, 2015. This was my 5th year as the Festival’s Volunteer Manager.

Each year it is easier for me to grasp and know what to expect based on my personal experience of being caught in the heat of battle, planning and implementing ways that we can make things work on the fly. In 2014, it took over 2,100 volunteers to help put on the Festival – giving a total of 20,000 hours to make it a success. The amount of help needed each year keeps growing as we add on additional events to our ever growing 8 day schedule.

Attracting volunteers is a relatively easy thing to do - with so many options from a variety of events to leadership positions, there is an opportunity for something to fit anyone’s schedule based on the time and effort they are willing to put in. Retaining volunteers to come back year after year has been a challenge, we don’t have a high turnover rate but we do lose a handful or so. I have worked with some fabulous volunteers, but lost some excellent ones as well. Sometimes we learn things the hard way…. My efforts in writing this article for you is in hopes that this will help you and your event succeed in the 3 R’s of Volunteer Management: Recruitment, Retention and Recognition!

Based on my own experience, and from listening to the wisdom of my colleagues, I have compiled a list of my top ten tips for Volunteer Management. This will help you avoid some of the problems of managing your team of volunteers no matter the size.

1. Interview Them, Take Notes & Do Your Research Giving the volunteer an opportunity to explain their strengths and talents will give you a better understanding of what would be a good fit for their volunteer position.

Once you have placed the volunteer in their position, follow up with them to make sure that it is indeed the right fit, especially in a leadership role. Leadership

roles tend to be more high stress and responsibility. Volunteers keep doing what they are happy doing, and if they aren't happy with their role or feel like they are not being utilized to their full potential, there is a good chance they won't be around for your next Festival or Event. If the volunteer is going to be around children or involved with money handling, you may want to run a background check on them to make sure you are covered on your end. All non-profit groups have free access to the ICHAT Michigan State Database, with the ability to run free background checks on all of your volunteers.

2. Make Them Feel Welcome Volunteering at your Festival or Event should be an enjoyable experience for the volunteer. This is something that they are passionate about and are willing to give up time out of their busy schedule to help with this event. Greet them when they arrive, SMILE and thank them. Show your appreciation that they showed up to help. The more your volunteer feels comfortable and welcome, the more likely they will be around to help at your next event. If you can, hold an event specific training prior to your Festival or Event.

By providing this training, your volunteers will feel comfortable and confident to know what needs to be done at their volunteer assignment. Any information Winter 2015

you can get in their hands prior to your event will better the volunteer experience, and in turn the guest experience having a trained and ready volunteer assisting them at your event. It is important that volunteers know what to wear, what to bring, where to park, who to check in with, etc. This type of information can be created and distributed in your volunteer manual or via email prior to the event.

Having information accessible to the volunteer prior to their first shift will make them better prepared and will cut down on any day of event confusion.

3. Have a Back-up Plan As a volunteer manager for the event, plan for “no-shows.” Although the volunteer signed up or said that they will be there, emergencies happen and you are left to find someone to fill their spot, on scene - last minute. Be ready for an unexpected gap by having alternate volunteers who can fill in when necessary. What happens in a perfect world when all the volunteers show up for their event shifts? Think about other duties ahead of time that they could do in case this happens. Some ideas: Organizing volunteer t-shirts and nametags, beautification of the event space (picking up trash, clearing tables, etc.), or helping write thank you notes to send out post-event. As long as you have not wasted the volunteers time by having them sit around with nothing to do, you have achieved a win-win situation for your Festival gaps!

4. Monitor and Evaluate Groups Just because a volunteer group signs up for the same shift year after year, does not mean they do not need interaction or direction. Thank them, shake their hands, and let them know they are appreciated.

Don’t take them for granted. Check with the volunteer or team on a regular basis, and ask the group leaders for feedback post volunteer shift or after the event.

You may find out something you really needed to know, which allows you to make changes accordingly- making their volunteer experience better each year!

5. Emergency Preparedness While no one wants to think about emergencies, they do happen. It might be a simple skinned knee that requires a

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Don’t over-use your volunteers by giving them too many shifts, hours or positions. Watch for signs that a volunteer has over-committed, to avoid burn-out. Talk to them and see if they would like to be on-call or a backup for some shifts. Try to be flexible and find a schedule that works for each individual volunteer.

Band-Aid or it might be something more serious like a thunderstorm. No matter the emergency, a plan should always be in place. Most organizations have emergency plans and or evacuation procedures but they are broad and long. An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) gets the word out to the most important group of the volunteers.

A volunteer needs clear communication about who, what and when and a simple clear action plan that can give them that information. EAPs can be tailored to any event and can be changed as often as needed. They are detailed with a contact list for the event, which includes Event Staff, Fire Department, EMS, Police and the Community Emergency Manager. An EAP can also have a list of procedures for the event such as, lost child procedures, event evacuation procedures, event cancellation information and event layouts showing the location of first aid equipment and fire extinguishers. Every volunteer should have a copy of the Festival’s EAP in their volunteer handbook.

6. Overtaxing Your Help Don’t over-use your volunteers by giving them too many shifts, hours or positions. Watch for signs that a volunteer has over-committed, to avoid burn-out. Talk to them and see if they would like to be on-call or a backup for some shifts. Try to be flexible and find a schedule that works for each individual volunteer. If they still feel obligated to help, put them in a position that is not so fast paced. Be sure to take note of this in their volunteer profile. Knowing this about a volunteer ahead of time can help you plan accordingly. It is possible that you might have to remind them that signing up to help everyday might be too much for them since

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it caused an issue at the last event. Having well-rested and engaged volunteers is key to the success of your event!

7. Always Look for Ways to Improve There are many volunteer management blogs, books and free resource websites that you can access to share ideas and learn about the new and upcoming trends in volunteerism. Another way to get great ideas and see how your volunteer program compares to other events out there is to volunteer yourself! How were you treated?

Did you feel welcome? How was their training? Were you thanked? Sometimes having a first-hand experience, good or bad, gives you the ideas and feedback to better your organization’s volunteer program. Sometimes you may find that you are doing things pretty well compared to other organizations and events.

8. The Power of “Thank You” The best way to keep your volunteers is to frequently acknowledge their help and contributions to your event or organization. The importance of a verbal thank you cannot be overstated. Did you know that April is National Volunteer Month?

Show your appreciation of their volunteerism! Formal types of recognition such as awards or certificates are an easy and affordable way for you to demonstrate your gratitude. Get in the habit of also sending post event thank you cards or emails. Host volunteer appreciation events if you can. A great way to recognize and thank your entire volunteer base is to hold a post- event thank you party strictly for the volunteers. This gives them ownership in your event and the excitement

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to know that there will be a party after to celebrate their hard work and dedication.

9. YOUR Brand Ambassadors Volunteers like to be a part of an organization that is known for their great work.

Get them organization-identified nametags, certificates, shirts or jackets. If your organization or event has limited funds, ask a local business to sponsor these shirts or nametags to help cover the cost and in return, include their logo on the volunteer merchandise so the community can see their support and partnership of your Festival or event. Publish photos of volunteers at work on your website or social media page with shout outs (make sure to request their permission prior to posting their picture.) Publish a roster list of all volunteers that helped out at your Festival or event in your event program or post-event in your local newspaper. People like to see their names and get recognition for being a part of a successful event.

10. Get Feedback Survey your volunteers. Hear what they have to say. You can’t be everywhere at the same time so it is nice to have someone provide the feedback that was right in the middle of the action. Asking a variety of questions pertaining not only to their volunteer involvement but also include questions about the overall Festival and Event. Ask them for their feedback on how you could have improved their volunteer experience. Surveys can be sent out post Festival via free survey platforms such as Survey Monkey or Survey Gizmo.

This will give you the information you need in order to see what changes need to be made for your next Festival or Event.

Make sure you implement this into your post-event plans as this is an important thing to do after every event.

And remember…. No volunteers = No Festivals!

Jessica Schlimme is the Volunteer and Corporate Membership Manager for the National Cherry Festival. Have questions about Volunteer Management? Need some advice or ideas for your program? Feel free to contact Jessica at jessica@cherryfestival.org.

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For IFEA sponsorship opportunities, contact Steve Schmader, President & CEO at (208) 433-0950 ext. 818 or schmader@ifea.com

2016 IFEA Webinar Series

2016 IFEA WEBINAR SCHEDULE THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016

Live Online Festival & Event Website Audit Doug Rasch, Director of Online Marketing, Edgeworks Group, Irvine, CA

THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2016

Event Marketing from A-Z Sean King, Principle, Aspire Consulting Group, Allentown, PA

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016

Is Your Event Ready for Severe Weather? Take the Test and See Wayne Mahar, President, Precision Weather Service, Syracuse, NY

THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2016

Secrets to Successful Sponsorship Retention Bruce Erley, CFEE, APR, President/CEO, Creative Strategies Group Denver, CO

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2016

Media Relations- Staying Cool When the Heat Is On Scott Fraser, Principal, Fraser Communications Group, N. Scituate, RI

IFEA is pleased to present our 2016 Webinar Series!

Offering online educational sessions hosted by industry leaders and special guests, the IFEA Webinar series covers a wide variety of topics important to your organization’s success.

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016

Webinars are easy to attend . . . just view and listen to the presentation online from the comfort of your own computer - without even leaving your desk! No Travel Expense Required. Can’t make the live presentation of the Webinar?

All Live webinars are recorded and are available for purchase to watch at your leisure. What better way to receive great educational information by great presenters while saving both time and travel expenses!

Thinking About Cashless? Take a Strategic Approach Jim Shanklin, Senior Consultant, Contratto, Inc., Seattle, WA

Registering for a Webinar: Live Webinars are available for purchase via any of the following methods: • Online at the IFEA Store • Faxing or mailing in the Webinar Registration Form ❍ (See separate brochure/registration form for Webinars on Demand) • Calling the IFEA at +1-208-4330950 ext: 3 Webinar Start Time in Your Time Zone: 7:00 a.m. Hawaii 9:00 a.m. Alaska 10:00 a.m. Pacific 11:00 a.m. Mountain 12:00 p.m. Central 1:00 p.m. Eastern 6:00 p.m. GMT Webinar Length: 60 Minutes Individual Webinar Cost: • $59 - IFEA Members • $59 - Association Alliance Members • $99 - Non-IFEA Members

Registration cost is per computer site for as many people as you can sit around your computer. Gather additional staff, volunteers, or board members around your computer so they too can join you for this learning experience at no additional charge!

Buy More, Save More Webinars in Bulk Pricing: The more Webinars purchased, the more available for free. May combine Live Webinar Presentations and Webinars on Demand to take advantage of this special offer. See separate Webinars On Demand Brochure for On Demand lineup. (Call, Mail or Fax orders only, not available for online purchasing) • BUY 3 Webinars and Receive 1 FREE • BUY 5 Webinars and Receive 2 FREE • BUY 10 Webinars and Receive 5 FREE • CFEE Elective Credit: If working toward your CFEE Certification each indiviual webinar is eligible for one CFEE Elective Credit.

• Questions?

Contact: Nia Hovde, Director of Marketing & Communications at: nia@ifea.com

© Copyright 2016. The presentation, materials and content of these Webinars are the intellectual property of the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) and the specific presenter for each webinar. They are presented for the educational use of each paying customer to the IFEA. Any reproduction, rebroadcast or reselling of this webinar, or the content contained within, by an outside party, without the expressed written consent of the IFEA is strictly prohibited.

Why Didn’t You Tell Me That Was Excluded Andrew Vandepopulier, Producer Mike Rae, Recreation Sales Manager Carol Porter, Producer Haas & Wilkerson Insurance, Fairway, KS

THURSDAY, JUNE 2, 2016

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2016

A Spit and A Handshake Jeff English, CFEE, Senior Vice President of Administration/ General Counsel, Kentucky Derby Festival, Louisville, KY

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2016

Catering is for Show, Concessions are for Dough: The Keys to a Successful Food and Beverage Program Mary Ann Dilling, Director of Business Development, Experimental Aircraft Association, Oshkosh, WI

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2016

Maximizing Your Revenue Through Online Sales Kendra Wright, President, Saffire, Austin, TX

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2016

From Volunteers to Super-Volunteers Florence May, President & Managing Member, The Registration System, Fishers, IN

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2016

Capital Ideas: Identifying, Securing and Retaining Quality Sponsors Diana Mayhew, CFEE, President, National Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington, D.C.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2016

C’mon, Get Appy: How Mobile Gamification Inspires People to Emotionally Invest in Your Event Kevin Bridges, Technology Director Stephanie Young, Editorial Strategist Elizabeth Paolini, Marketing Director Event Quest, Kansas City, MO

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2016

16 Sensational Event Ideas and Trends from 2016 Ted Baroody, President, Norfolk Festevents, Norfolk, VA

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2016

Keeping Your Event Fresh – The Creative Process Ira Rosen, CFEE, Assistant Professor, Temple University School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Point Pleasant, NJ

Thursday, April 21, 2016

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Mountain Time Live Online Festival & Event Website Audit Doug Rasch, Director of Online Marketing Edgeworks Group, Irvine, CA Having a user-friendly and Search optimized website is key to successful events and festivals. Join us for an in-depth analysis by online marketing and SEO professionals into Event Industry websites. Don’t miss out on the chance to pick up practical online marketing tips, SEO best practices, and tools to evaluate your own event’s website.

If you would like your website to be part of the live audit, submit your Festival or Event’s URL to nia@ifea.com by April 14th, 2016; up to 5 websites will be selected for this live website audit.

Doug Rasch is a Google Certified Advertising Professional. Doug began his internet Marketing and SEO Career in 2000, promoting Events and Live Theater in Southern California, before joining Edgeworks Group. Doug is currently the Director of Online Marketing at Edgeworks Group.

Thursday, April 28, 2016

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Mountain Time Event Marketing from A-Z Sean King, Principle Aspire Consulting Group, Allentown, PA Twenty-six letters in the alphabet. The Event Marketing from A-Z webinar explores 26 ideas and concepts, one for each letter, to make your 2016 Festival and Event marketing more effective. Updated for the 2016 event season, the A-Z session reviews the basics and introduces the latest trends in advertising, marketing, social media, sponsorships and more. Marketing changes in the blink of an eye. Spend this fast-paced, informative hour to gain insight on what will make your 2016 event marketing plan a success.

Sean King is a Principle at Aspire Consulting Group in Allentown, PA and has been consulting with small businesses and non-profit organizations for over 20 years. He also blogs regularly at www. artsmarketingblog.org. You can follow 56

Sean on Twitter @skingaspire or contact him at: sking.aspire@gmail.com.

Thursday, May 5, 2016

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Mountain Time Is Your Event Ready for Severe Weather? Take the Test and See Wayne Mahar, President Precision Weather Service, Syracuse, NY This Webinar will feature a unique Table Top severe weather exercise geared to outdoor events. This exercise features developing severe weather on a typical outdoor fair, festival or concert timeline. The clock is ticking. Your decisions will be critical. The Webinar will be followed by a quick review of severe weather safety for outdoor events and a few minutes for Q & A at the end.

Wayne Mahar is the President of Precision Weather Service, a private weather consulting firm based in Syracuse, NY and the leaders in forecasting and safety for events in North America. Clients include The Academy Awards, MLB All Star Gala, Super Bowl concerts, San Francisco to LA AIDS Bike Ride, Oklahoma City Heart Walk, most Hollywood red carpet events, Coachella, high profile weddings, major concerts, New York State Fair, Los Angeles St. Patrick’s Day Festival, Toronto Nuit Blanche Festival, Boots and hearts Country Music Festival and many more...

Thursday, May 12, 2016

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Mountain Time Secrets to Successful Sponsorship Retention Bruce Erley, CFEE, APR, President/CEO Creative Strategies Group, Denver, CO Finding sponsors is one thing. Keeping them is another. What are some of the secrets to sponsor retention as well as generating interest to upgrade a level. Bruce Erley will share some of the secrets they use at CSG to keep sponsors coming back from setting expectations, assuring successful engagement, integrating the sponsorship into their organization and creates incentives for future upgrades.

Bruce Erley, CFEE, APR is a 30-year veteran of the event marketing and sponsorship field and is regarded as a leading

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Winter 2015

sponsorship expert for the festivals industry. He founded Creative Strategies Group (CSG) in 1995. Prior to that time, Bruce was the Vice President for Marketing and Sales for the International, educational and cultural organization, Up with People, where he directed sponsor sales, entertainment marketing and merchandising operations. At Creative Strategies Group, Bruce conducts all general consultation, including the development of property audits, sponsorship plans, corporate sponsorship programs and training, as well as directs CSG’s ongoing operations. Erley is widely acclaimed as a top presenter on sponsorship topics for the festivals and events industry.

Thursday, May 19, 2016

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Mountain Time Media Relations Staying Cool When the Heat Is On Scott Fraser, Principal Fraser Communications Group, N. Scituate, RI We’ve all said things we wish we could take back, but when it comes to speaking with the media you always have to be on your “A” game. There is no room for slips of the tongue or stumbles. This session will give you some of the basic “Whos, Whats and Hows” of media relations. We will also discuss some Very Important Points that all who deal with the media should know. You will learn the proper techniques for preparing for and taking part in a media interview—what to wear, how to sit, etc. Remember it is not just what you say, how you say it is equally as important.

Scott Fraser is a veteran communications professional with more than 30 years of experience. As principal of Fraser Communications Group (FCG), he provides public relations, media relations, crisis communications, government affairs and voiceover talent for his clients who range from small non-profits, to international corporations. He has been hired to protect the reputations of companies in crisis, and gain positive public exposure for clients ranging from an emerging high tech company to established organizations in healthcare. Sought after as a public speaker, Fraser also is an adjunct professor at Salve Regina University in Newport, RI, teaching courses in Crisis Communications and Public Relations.

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Why Didn’t You Tell Me That Was Excluded Andrew Vandepopulier, Producer Mike Rae, Recreation Sales Manager Carol Porter, Producer Haas & Wilkerson Insurance, Fairway, KS

Thinking About Cashless?

Take a Strategic Approach Jim Shanklin, Senior Consultant Contratto, Inc., Seattle, WA

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Mountain Time

The biggest misconception about event liability insurance is that there’s little difference from one general liability policy to another.

It’s a dangerous assumption and could lead to catastrophic consequences for you and your event. In this session we’ll review some of the standard and specialty exclusions that could lead to an uninsured claim and show you how to find them before it’s too late.

After graduating from the University of Central Missouri with a degree in Business and Education Andrew Vandepopulier began working in the disaster and catastrophe claims field for Farmers Insurance. He spent 3 years working around the Midwest handling all types of claims from hail to wildfires. In 2010, Andrew joined Haas & Wilkerson’s Fair and Festival division and has been serving the insurance and risk management needs of the event world ever since. With Clients all over the country ranging from the largest fairs in the nation to the smallest festivals, we have a product for all types of events.

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Mountain Time

Department. He’s a 2004 graduate of Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, KS and received his CFEE certification in 2013.

Thursday, October 20, 2016

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Mountain Time

Now that all US consumers have “embedded-chip” credit and debit cards, and all retailers are required to use chip-reading/NFC (Near-Field Communications) Point of Sale devices, cashless transactions are inevitable for festivals and events. Your visitors will expect and demand non-cash transactions from all of your points of sale. Join Jim Shanklin, CFEE for ideas on how to strategically` address the inevitable changes, minimize the “push-back” from board members and vendors and avoid other pitfalls of moving to a cashless event.

Jim Shanklin founded Festivals.com in 1995 and has been a 20-year IFEA member. Now with his new company, Contratto, Inc. he is working with IFEA members in cashless and sponsorship projects.

Thursday, October 13, 2016

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Mountain Time A Spit and A Handshake Jeff English, CFEE, Senior Vice President of Administration/ General Counsel Kentucky Derby Festival, Louisville, KY The list of complex legal issues facing the festival and event industry continues to grow each year! Let’s spend an hour discussing your event’s legal standing on issues such as protestors, waivers, personal copyrights, risk management, drones, and conceal & carry laws. We’ll also answer the age-old question of whether contracts agreed to the old fashioned way – with a spit and a handshake – are legally enforceable! There will be plenty of time for Q&A to help save money on some of those legal bills.

Jeff English is the Senior Vice President of Administration and General Counsel for the Kentucky Derby Festival. For eight years he’s managed KDF’s legal work, along with serving as the Executive Director of the non-profit KDF Foundation and supervising the KDF Merchandise Winter 2015

Catering is for Show, Concessions are for Dough: The Keys to a Successful Food and Beverage Program Mary Ann Dilling, Director of Business Development Experimental Aircraft Association, Oshkosh, WI Come and take part in a fun filled educational Webinar on everything you ever wanted to know about the Food and Beverage industry. Menus, accountability, commission structure, and commemorative pieces are just a few of the topics that will be covered in this Webinar.

Mary Ann L. Dilling, CFEE is currently the Director of Business Development for the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in Oshkosh, WI. As the Director of Business Development, Mary Ann’s team encompasses three areas: Exhibits, Advertising and Sponsorship. The team currently recruits more than 800 exhibitors during its fly in AirVenture.

Before November 2015, Mary Ann was the Director of Events and Hospitality at EAA for the past 3 festivals seasons where her department was for responsible the F&B program; the Sales Program for EAA’s venues; the Housing Program that secures the over 2400 room nights for their annual event AirVenture; the Event Administration Program ; and A/V Program.

Previously she served as the Executive Director of Fond du Lac Festivals for the past eleven festivals seasons.

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Thursday, October 27, 2016

Thursday, November 10, 2016

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Maximizing Your Revenue Through Online Sales Kendra Wright, President Saffire, Austin, TX

Capital Ideas: Identifying, Securing and Retaining Quality Sponsors Diana Mayhew, CFEE, President National Cherry Blossom Festival, Washington, D.C.

C’mon, Get Appy: How Mobile Gamification Inspires People to Emotionally Invest in Your Event Kevin Bridges, Technology Director Stephanie Young, Editorial Strategist Elizabeth Paolini, Marketing Director Event Quest, Kansas City, MO

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Mountain Time

Are you getting the most bang out of your digital buck? There’s more to ecommerce than just “selling stuff”! You can utilize your website to facilitate business with sponsors, vendors, renters, and more.

When you do sell online, you can also learn how to maximize your revenue per sale! Join us as we cover the ins and outs of increasing the value of your online presence based on our 15+ years’ experience selling online.

Kendra Wright has spent the last 20 years in online marketing, working with clients like Nike, KEEN Footwear, Jeep, Chrysler, Intel, Panasonic and Frito Lay. Six years ago, she gave it all up to launch Saffire, integrated online marketing and ticketing for hundreds of events, venues and destinations.

Thursday, November 3, 2016

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Mountain Time From Volunteers to SuperVolunteers Florence May, President & Managing Member The Registration System, Fishers, IN Turning your volunteers into a strong motivated team has never been easier. Identify your volunteer program’s strengths, weaknesses and alarming pitfalls in five easy steps from: Volunteer Training, Job Descriptions and Risk Controls to Volunteer Management Technology and Evaluation. Volunteers can be your greatest event assets – the better you prepare, the better return you can receive on your volunteer investment.

Florence May led the TRS online registration system development project in 2000 to support her event planning company, Simply Hospitality. She conceived the software based on 15 years of sport and event management working with clients including National League of Cities, American Association of Museums, NCAA Final Four Host Committees, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s USGP. Flory is a national speaker and author on topics including professional event management, volunteer best practices and top technical trends.

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11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Mountain Time

This important Webinar will focus on topics that are critical to sponsorship success: Expanding your prospect base and keeping the pipeline filled; Creating assets and benefits beyond the “norm”; Understanding/ identifying motivating factors that attract potential sponsors; and Making that “electric” connection between sponsors and your event, focusing on the value of strategic activation.

Diana Mayhew became Executive Director of the National Cherry Blossom Festival in 2000, and has been President of the National Cherry Blossom Festival since 2007. Her success as a “connector” has led to developing strong partnerships with business, media, government and industry leaders, resulting in the Festival’s growth in programming, funding, and staff support. Today, the strengthened brand of the National Cherry Blossom Festival receives local, national and international recognition, attracting more than 1.5 million attendees each year and generating over $150 million for the nation’s capital annually.

Diana currently serves on the World Board and the Foundation Board of the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) and is a member of Leadership Greater Washington, the Destination DC Marketing Advisory Committee, and the Woman’s Leadership Group of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington.

She was recognized by the Washington Business Journal as one of the 2012 Women Who Mean Business.

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11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Mountain Time

Join the team from Event Quest, a start-up business living inside Hallmark Cards, Inc. in Kansas City, MO, as they share how creative uses of technology can create a sense of community within events, integrate sponsors into the experience and engage attendees in a truly meaningful way.

Event Quest is a start-up business that lives inside a big corporation. This team combines 100+ years’ worth of connecting knowledge from Hallmark Cards Inc., with the nimble freedom to create mobile adventures. Event Quest has created scavenger hunt experiences for events large and small, from Kansas City’s Irish Fest to Harvesters’ brand-new “friendraising” event, Fed-up Fest.

Thursday, December 1, 2016

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Mountain Time 16 Sensational Event Ideas and Trends from 2016 Ted Baroody, President Norfolk Festevents, Norfolk, VA Join us for this idea inspiring Webinar where the 16 best ideas and trends that took place at festivals & events in 2016 will be presented. Covering different areas of the event industry from sales, operations and programming this Webinar will not only be a great recap of 2016 – but hopefully ignite some ideas for your events for 2017. Good ideas can be and should be a win-win-win partnership - Good for the guest, your partners and for you!

Ted Baroody is a graduate of North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. After college he moved to Norfolk, Virginia to start his own small sports marketing company, Victory Promotions. After a couple of years of power

boat racing production under Victory Promotions, he served as Marketing Director for a group of local radio stations in Virginia Beach, Virginia for 5 years.

From 1996 to 2011 he was the Director of Development of the not-for-profit event marketing company, Norfolk Festevents, Ltd. known as “Festevents,” and is now the President of Festevents. Ted also works with many non-profit organizations as a volunteer, event coordinator and as a board member and is on the IFEA Foundation Board of Directors.

Thursday, December 8, 2016

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Mountain Time Keeping Your Event Fresh – The Creative Process Ira Rosen, CFEE, Assistant Professor Temple University School of Tourism and Hospitality Management Point Pleasant, NJ With everything going on in the world today, and the rapid pace of change, if your event isn’t constantly growing, changing and keeping up with times, you may soon start to see it dwindle! During this important session, you will learn about the many tools and techniques that you need to be aware of to keep the excitement in… and attendees at… your festival.

Ira Rosen is an Assistant Professor with Temple University’s School of Tourism and Hospitality Management. He teaches several event management courses and directs the School’s award-winning Event Leadership Executive Certificate Program.

Additionally, he is President and Chief Executive Officer of Entertainment On Location, Inc. (EOL), a full-service event production and consulting company based in Point Pleasant, New Jersey.

Webinars On Demand Looking for a different webinar topic – don’t forget to check out our Webinars OnDemand – previously recorded webinars that are now available for download.

For a complete list of available Webinars On Demand, just go to the IFEA Store.

How Webinars Work IFEA Webinars are Website-enabled seminars that function much like a teleconference. They use your computer’s Website browser to display presentation materials and other applications important to the Webinar topic, with the audio portion of the presentation provided either through your computer speakers or over the phone.

Once your registration has been submitted, you will receive an email from the IFEA confirming that you have been registered for the Webinar.

The day before the scheduled Webinar, you will receive an email with specific instructions on how to log in for the Webinar. You will receive this email again, the day of the Webinar.

Once this information has been received, joining a Webinar is as easy as 1, 2, 3!

1. Log In To The Webinar: To start the Webinar, log in to the specific website address that you received for the Webinar and connect to the presentation. Webinars can

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be viewed on virtually any computer with a high-speed internet connection.

2. Listening To The Webinar: After you’ve logged in and gained access to the Website, you have two options to listen to the audio portion. You can either dial the telephone number provided to hear the webinar via a conference call, or if you have computer speakers, you may listen via your computer speakers. (The phone number provided will not be an 800 number, so all costs for the call will be incurred by the registrant.)

3. Sit Back and Learn: Once you are logged in, all you need to do is sit back and learn! It’s just like any other seminar, except you’re sitting comfortably at your own desk! Throughout the webinar, you are able to ask questions to the presenter using the online Question/ Answer messaging system that is part of the Webinar screen. The Webinar Organizer will view your question and present it to the speaker at the end of the presentation.

Along with the Webinar itself, all registered attendees will receive a copy of the presentation used for the webinar prior to the webinar start time in addition to the recorded copy of the webinar after the webinar presentation.

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2016Call for Inductees Please submit the following information for your nomination:

A. INDIVIDUAL SUBMITTING NOMINEE 1. Name • Organization • Address • City • State Zip • Phone • Fax • Email 2. If your nominee is selected, will you be willing to help ensure that they attend the luncheon?

3. If your nominee is selected, will you be willing to assist the IFEA and the inductee in gathering materials to prepare their induction video?

B. NOMINEE INFORMATION 1. Name • Position • Address • City • State • Zip Phone • Fax • Email

Known as the associations most prestigious honor, the IFEA Hall of Fame recognizes those outstanding individuals who, through their exceptional work and achievements, have made a significant contribution to the Festivals and Events Industry. The International Festivals & Events Association is now accepting nominations from its members for those individuals who meet this standard for the 2016 Induction Ceremony.

The Hall of Fame Committee will review all nominations and select one or more individuals to be honored in to the IFEA Hall of Fame. The Honoree (s) will be the guest (s) of the IFEA on an all-expense* paid trip to the 61st Annual IFEA Convention & Expo, Date & Location TBD, where they will be inducted at a reception, in their honor.

NOMINATION CRITERIA Nominations must represent a current or past IFEA member who has made substantial achievements and/or contributions to the festivals and events industry.

Nominees can be retired and represent any facet of our industry (i.e. vendor, supporter, senior professional, etc.).

(Current IFEA Board of Directors and Staff Members are not eligible to be nominated).

C. NOMINATION QUESTIONS • Please answer each of the following questions citing specific examples. Points will be awarded for each question. Points awarded are listed below.

• Please provide up to a 1 (one) page response (single sided) for each of the below questions, for a maximum total of 4 (four) pages.

1. Explain how your nominee has made a difference to the festivals & events industry.

(25 points) 2. Submit a general overview of your nominee’s career, including organizations they have worked for, positions held, titles, awards, etc.

(25 points) 3. Describe the level of involvement your nominee has had with the IFEA during their career.

(25 points) 4. What void would there be if he/she were not an event professional? (25 points) D. ENTRY FORMAT: Please EMAIL your nomination in a Word document.

E. SUBMIT ENTRIES TO: Nia Hovde, Director of Marketing & Communications at nia@ifea.com F. QUESTIONS: Please contact: Nia Hovde – nia@ifea.com +1-208-433-0950 ext: 3 To view a complete list of past inductees and their stories go to the Industry Awards / Hall of Fame section on www.ifea.com.

Nominations should be submitted no later than 5:00 PM (MST) Monday, June 20th, 2016

Includes 2 nights hotel, airfare and Convention registration.

The importance of volunteers to our industry cannot be overestimated.

Whether the individual acts as a volunteer administrator of an event or contributes his or her time and resources in support of a larger, multi-event organization with a paid staff, the efforts that are put forth deserve our heartiest congratulations and recognition.

It is for that reason that the IFEA/Zambelli Fireworks Volunteer of the Year Award was created.

Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2016 IFEA/Zambelli Fireworks Volunteer of the Year Award. The award recognizes those outstanding event volunteers whose unselfish and dedicated service to a member festival or event has made a significant difference in their community and mirrors the commitment to success in our professional ranks.

A panel of impartial judges from within the IFEA organization will select the Volunteer of the Year winner from all of the candidates submitted.

That individual will be honored at the 61st Annual IFEA Convention & Expo, Date & Location TBD. As the guest of the IFEA the winner will receive an all expense* paid trip to the convention to accept their award. All participants in the program will be promoted through local and national media releases, available on request. The finalist will be featured in a future issue of “ie� magazine, and each semi-finalist will receive a certificate of recognition.

Volunteer nominations submitted for the 2015 Award may be carried over into the 2016 competition with the permission of the nominator. The nominator will have the option to re-write the nomination if desired.

Please direct all nomination materials and questions to Nia Hovde, Director of Marketing & Communications at nia@ifea.com or +1-208-433-0950 ext. 3.

*Includes 2 nights hotel, airfare and Convention registration.

To view a complete list of past winners and their nominations, go to the Industry Honors section on www.ifea.com

NOMINATION CRITERIA 2016 CALL FOR NOMINATIONS Please submit the following information for your nomination.

A. INDIVIDUAL SUBMITTING NOMINATION INFORMATION: Name • Organization • Address • City • State • Zip • Phone • Fax • Email B. NOMINATION INFORMATION: Name • Address • City • State • Zip • Phone • Fax • Email C. NOMINATION QUESTIONS: Please provide a 2 paragraph response for each of the questions below, indicating which question you are answering. Please include specific examples for each. Points will be awarded for each question. Points awarded are listed below.

1. Explain your volunteer’s significant depth of involvement. (20 points) 2. Show specific examples of your volunteers roles and responsibilities. (10 points) 3. Describe how your volunteer has provided significant enthusiasm, organizational assistance and specific expertise. (10 points) 4. Explain how your volunteer has shown initiative and leadership in his or her efforts.

(20 points) 5. Tell how your volunteer has exemplified his or her dependability. (10 points) 6. Describe your volunteer’s positive attitude. (10 points) 7. Describe how your volunteer has made a difference to the festival or event. What impact has your volunteer had on your festival/event? What void would there be without him or her as a volunteer? (20 points) D. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: If your nominee is selected, we will need the following information for marketing the 2015 Volunteer of the Year. Please submit the following with your nomination. (Not required at time of nomination).

1. A photograph of the volunteer you are nominating.

2. A local media list (up to 15 contacts) in order for IFEA to send Press Releases to your media.

• The preferred media list submission is in an Excel format.

• Please include: Name; Organization; Address; City; State; Zip; Phone; Fax; Email E. ENTRY FORMAT: • Please email your nomination in a Word document.

F. SUBMIT ENTRIES TO: Nia Hovde, Director of Marketing & Communications at nia@ifea.com G. QUESTIONS: Please contact Nia Hovde, nia@ifea.com, +1-208-433-0950 ext. 3

Nominations should be submitted no later than Monday 5:00 PM (MST) June 20th, 2016 * Pixels Per Inch ** Pixels Per Centimeter

To be eligible for consideration for the IFEA/Zambelli Fireworks Volunteer of the Year Award, the nominee shall:

• Be a current volunteer of an IFEA member organization • Have provided significant enthusiasm, organizational assistance and specific expertise • Be a volunteer of the nominating festival or event for at least 3 years • Have shown initiative and leadership in his or her efforts • Have a positive attitude • Have exemplified his or her dependability • Have a significant depth of involvement • Have made a difference to the festival or event • Have received no remuneration for services directly associated with his or her volunteer duties

LEGACY SCHOLARSHIPS Supporting and Educating the Festivals & Events Industry Since 1993.

Each of the following IFEA Foundation Legacy Scholarships serve a selected audience(s) within our industry, as identified, by providing an annual scholarship to the IFEA Annual Convention & Expo (registration only). We invite you to look through the opportunities, take a moment to learn a little more about the special individuals and groups attached to each, and apply for those that you may qualify for. For more information, go to: www.ifea.com.

The Nick Corda Memorial Scholarship Providing support to young/new professionals currently completing their education or with less than three years in the industry.

The Carolyn and Lee Crayton Legacy Scholarship Providing support to a deserving individual/organization from a smaller market, with grand visions for helping their community through events, but not yet a budget to match those visions.

The Judy Flanagan Scholarship Providing support to a deserving individual/ organization whose event involves a parade.

The Georgia Festivals & Events Association Scholarship Providing support to a deserving individual/organization from Georgia.

The Bill & Gretchen Lofthouse Memorial Scholarship Providing support to a deserving individual/organization currently struggling with short-term economic or start-up challenges.

The Mampre Media International Scholarship Providing support to a deserving individual working with media/marketing responsibilities for an event.

The Jean McFaddin Legacy Scholarship Providing support to a deserving individual/organization who has had at least 2 years active involvement, either as staff or volunteer, in producing a multi-dimensional event and whose career/lives have been inspired or touched by the Macy*s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The Daniel A. Mangeot Memorial Scholarship Providing support to a deserving individual/organization seeking advanced education and professional certification. This scholarship provides core curriculum registration fees toward the attainment of the IFEA’s Certified Festival & Event Executive (CFEE) designation.

The Mid-Atlantic Festival & Event Professionals Scholarship Providing support to a deserving individual/organization within the Mid-Atlantic United States.

The Richard Nicholls Memorial Scholarship Providing support to a deserving High School senior or College Student with a history of commitment to participating or volunteering in non-profit events / organizations; someone who is well-rounded in extra-curricular activities in and outside of campus life and who has a passion for helping others and/or supporting a cause that enhances the quality of life for individuals or the community at large.

The Bruce & Kathy Skinner Scholarship Providing support to young/new professionals currently completing their education or with less than three years in the industry.

The John Stewart Memorial Scholarship Providing support to a deserving individual working with technology responsibilities supporting an event(s).

The Tennessee Festival & Event Professionals Scholarship Providing support to a deserving individual/organization from Tennessee.

The Pete Van de Putte Scholarship Providing support to a deserving individual/organization from Texas.

The Joe & Gloria Vera Scholarship Providing support to a deserving individual/organization from Texas.

The Don E. Whitely Memorial Scholarship Providing support to a deserving individual/organization whose event involves a parade.

The Kay Wolf Scholarship Providing support to a deserving individual/organization from Texas.

The George Zambelli, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Providing support to a deserving volunteer who has given their time and energies to their community festival/event.

For more information about how you can sponsor an IFEA Foundation Legacy Scholarship, call +1-208-433-0950 or email Schmader@ifea.com.

For more details about each Legacy Scholarship, go to www.ifea.com

2016 IFEA / Haas & Wilkerson

Pinnacle Awards Competition Call for Entries Gain the recognition your event deserves…

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ach year, the International Festivals & Events Association recognizes outstanding accomplishments and top quality creative, promotional, operational and community outreach programs and materials produced by festivals and events around the world, with the Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards Competition. This prestigious awards competition strives for the highest degree of excellence in festival and event promotions and operations, and in doing so, has raised the standards and quality of the festivals & events industry to new levels.

From events large or small, cities, festivals, chambers, universities, parks & recreation departments, vendors & suppliers, and everything in between, events and promotions of nearly every type and size will have the opportunity to be recognized, as entries are categorized into organizations with similar sized budgets. From best Event Poster, T-Shirt, Hat, Promotional Brochure, Website, TV Promotion and Social Media site to best Volunteer Program, Green Program, Sponsor Follow-Up Report and Media Relations Campaign, there’s a place for almost every element of your event to be recognized.

The IFEA / Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards have provided many outstanding examples of how event producers can use innovation and creativity to achieve a higher level of success. One of the goals of the IFEA is to promote the professionalism of our members and the festivals and events industry as a whole. Therefore, to add further impact to the winning organizations, the IFEA will provide your organization with a press release template for you to distribute to your media list explaining the award and the competition. Your organization will be recognized for taking part in raising the level of professionalism throughout the industry, while at the same time improving your community.

So what are you waiting for, gather your items, fill out the entry form, and send them off to be judged against the best of the best, in the festivals and events industry. Then get ready to hear your organization’s name announced at the 61st Annual IFEA Convention & Expo, Date & Location TBD. Winter 2015

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THE CONTEST DEADLINES • EARLY BIRD ENTRY DEADLINE: 5:00 p.m. (MST), MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2016 ❍ Entries received on or prior to June 20, 2016 will receive the Member early bird rate of $30 per entry or $75 per Grand Pinnacle entry or the Non-Member early bird rate of $60 per entry or $150 per Grand Pinnacle entry depending on IFEA Membership status.

A HOW TO GUIDE • All categories are listed on the left side of each page • Entry information required for each category is listed under the specific category on the left (if applicable). This information is unique to that specific category.

• Any supporting questions and supporting material requirements needed for each category or group of categories, is listed on the right side of each page (if applicable.)

• FINAL ENTRY DEADLINE: 5:00 p.m. (MST), MONDAY, JULY 18, 2016 ❍ Entries received between Tuesday, June 21, 2016 and Monday, July 18, 2016 will receive the Member final entry rate of $35 per entry or $100 per Grand Pinnacle entry; or the Non-Member final entry rate of $75 per entry or $200 per Grand Pinnacle entry depending on IFEA Membership status.

THE JUDGES The judges are recognized professionals in the areas of graphic design, promotions and public relations; broadcast, print and online media; and special event planning and management.

ELIGIBILITY • Entries must have been produced and / or used for the first time between July 21, 2015 and July 18, 2016.

• Entries must be submitted in their original format unless previously approved. For Questions Contact: Nia Hovde, nia@ifea.com.

• Payment in full must be received with entries for entries to be deemed eligible.

• Entries and entry forms must be submitted in English.

• Font size for any written text must not be smaller than 11pt.

• To receive the member rate for Pinnacle entries you must be an IFEA member in good standing.

• Each entry form submitted must be completed in its entirety in order for items to be judged eligible.

• Entry must be received at the IFEA Office by the above dates to be eligible.

• Please consider the processing of your credit card or the cashing of your check for your Pinnacle entries, notice that your entries were received and processed.

IMPORTANT NOTES • Items submitted are NOT able to be returned.

• Judges will not refer to items in other categories, nor will they transfer items already judged in other categories (the number of entries must equal the number of categories entered).

• A separate entry form must be submitted for each entry (copy as necessary).

• Multiple entries or categories on a single form will not be accepted.

• For all entries, please paper clip/bull clip entry form to item.

Please do not glue or tape form to item.

• Multiple entries within the same notebook/ bound format/ CD/ USB Drive, will not be accepted. Please separate entries.

• Entries required to be submitted in a “notebook” (Categories 1, 38-68) means that the entry should be submitted in some sort of bound format in order to keep all the materials together. For example, a 3 ring binder; spiral bound; in a report cover or a bound publication with hard/soft covers. Please do not staple or paper clip your entries together.

• UPDATED: If submitting categories 1 or 38-68, in addition to the printed entry being submitted, please also submit each entry as a single pdf document (including all supporting materials within that single document.) Please submit PDF on a USB ThumbDrive or Disk. If submitting one or more entries from categories 1 or 38-68, please include all entries on a single USB Thumbdrive/Disk and attach to overall payment form.

• After submitting your entries, please also submit a high resolution copy of your organization or event logo. Please email to nia@ifea.com – subject “Logo for 2016 Pinnacle Entry – and your event/organization name.”

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SCORING SYSTEM • Categories 1, 38-68 will be judged using a point system for each individual entry. Each entry is scored separately. Scores will not be combined.

• A possible total of 100 points may be awarded to each entry.

• Be sure to answer and include all necessary information for each entry.

• If a required element within an entry is not applicable to your event, please state so within your entry to avoid being marked down on points or indicate what element you have instead.

• The scoring system is not applicable to TV, Radio, Multimedia, Print & some Merchandising categories.

• We are unable to provide you with the points awarded for each of your entries.

• Failure to meet all requirements or answer / provide all necessary information will result in a deduction of points.

THE WINNERS • All finalists for the IFEA / Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards will be notified by email the last week of August, 2016. Notification will go to the primary IFEA Member in addition to the contact listed on the Awards entry form. If you have not received a notification email, please contact nia@ifea.com.

• The 2016 IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Award winners will be announced at the 61st Annual IFEA Convention & Expo, Location/Date TBA. All winners will receive an email on the evening of the Awards Presentation which will include a complete list of winners, press release, logos, etc. This email will go to the primary IFEA Member and the contact person listed on the Pinnacle Awards Entry Form. A complete list of winners will also be posted on the IFEA Website the evening of the Awards Presentation.

• If you are not able to be present at the IFEA Awards Presentation to accept your award(s), they will be mailed to you 3-4 weeks after the IFEA Annual Convention.

• Awards will be shipped via USPS and make take up to 3-4 weeks to arrive at their destination (depending on location). If you would like us to ship your awards via UPS/FedEx, please provide your UPS/FedEx account number or a credit card for us to charge the shipping fees.

• Organizations submitting entries for the Grand Pinnacle category must register at least one person for the 61st Annual IFEA Convention & Expo, Date & Location TBD or arrange for a representative to accept any award won on your behalf.

• Gold winning entries will be on display during the 61st Annual IFEA Convention & Expo.

• Winning entries will also be available to view at www.ifea.com shortly after the 61st Annual IFEA Convention & Expo.

RELEASE & USAGE • By submitting your entry to the IFEA / Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Award Competition, you automatically grant the IFEA the right to use any materials and / or photos from your entries for editorial, analytical, promotional or any other purpose without additional compensation or permission. In addition, you acknowledge your entry/ies are not returnable. Your entry into the competition is acknowledgment of these terms.

SHIP ENTRIES TO: IFEA Pinnacle Awards Competition International Festivals & Events Association 2603 W Eastover Terrace, Boise, ID 83706, USA Phone: +1-208-433-0950 ext: 3 • Please try to avoid using packing peanuts/popcorn when shipping your entry.

• For packing tips, go to www.ifea.com and then Industry Awards / Pinnacle Awards / 2016 Pinnacle Awards FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS As you prepare your entries, you will have many questions. To help answer many of your questions, we have posted our most frequently asked questions on the IFEA website at www.ifea.com / Awards / Pinnacle Awards / 2016 Pinnacle Awards, check back often as we’ll continue to post questions and answers as they come in.

If you have any further questions about the IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards, please contact Nia Hovde at +1-208-433-0950 Ext 3 or nia@ifea.com.

Go to www.ifea.com to find answers to common questions such as: • When you ask for entries in the original format, what does that apply to?

• What do you mean when you say, please provide entries in a ‘notebook’ or ‘bound format’?

• For the more in depth entries (categories 1, 38-68) do I have to answer or provide information for all the criteria and requirements listed under the category?

• Referring to the above question, what if something in a specific category that is required, either does not apply to our event, or we are unable to provide the information required.

• Certain entries ask for budget information, however we aren’t able to reveal certain elements of that information as it is not public knowledge. How can I answer the required information if I’m not able to provide it?

• On certain entries, it says we can only provide 5 examples of supporting materials . . . how can I possibly only provide 5 examples!?

• Why do we need to provide certain entries on disk or Thumbdrive?

• Referring to the above question, am I able to save all of the entries I’m submitting on one disk/Thumbdrive, instead of saving each individually?

• Are we able to enter the same event into multiple categories?

• Are we able to enter multiple items (that are different) in the same category, for the same event?

• I’m not a member of the IFEA, am I still able to enter?

• Can I pay for my entries via a wire transfer?

• How are the Pinnacle Award Entries Judged?

• Why do you not publish the points awarded for each entry in the list of winning entries?

• Who judges the Pinnacle Entries?

• Why aren’t we able to know the names of the judges?

• It looks like there’s even more requirements for some categories . . what specifically do I need to answer for categories 1, 38-68?

• For the above listed categories . . . what order should I list my entry in, in response to the requirements?

TIPS AND POINTERS Never participated in the Pinnacle Awards Program before? Looking for some helpful tips and pointers on how to enter? Below are just a few tips to hopefully point you in the right direction. Be sure to also review the Pinnacle FAQ’s and the Pinnacle Packing Tips.

• Start Early!

• Don’t wait until the deadlines are almost here to get your entries submitted! If you have time to work on your entries early, do so and then get them in early!

• We will start accepting entries as soon as you want to start sending them in!

• Do not mount any of the merchandise on poster board/foam core/card board etc. It’s much easier for the judges to pick up, look at and perhaps try the items on, if they are standing alone.

• Be sure to read and follow all the criteria and requirements for each entry. The criteria and requirements are always being updated, so be sure to review the changes before you start.

• For categories 1, 38-68, that require written information and are also required to be put into a ‘notebook’ or ‘bound format’ be sure to submit the information in that category in the order that it is asked so it’s easier for the judges to compare one entry to another.

• When saving your entry to a disk or Thumbdrive to go along side your individual entry, be sure to save your entry as one document – instead of multiple documents.

• When putting together categories 1, 38-68 that require a lot of work to create . . . if you have time, make 2 copies! What better way to keep a record of what you did each year not only at your event, but also for the next year’s Pinnacles!

• Remember the eligibility period for the pinnacles. Entries must have been produced and/or used for the first time between June 21, 2015 and July 18, 2016. So if you produced an event during that time, or any materials for your event were produced during that time (even if the actual event was outside of that time frame) it’s eligible!

• If you are required to write something for your entry, make sure it is well written and easy to read.

• The more organized your entries are, the easier it is to understand your message.

• With all entries, guide the judges to what you want them to see.

Highlight the important parts.

• Don’t overwhelm the judges with too much information. Summarize the statistics and only display your best footage/news clippings. Quantity is not always quality.

• On categories 1, 38-68 (categories that have a lot of requirements), be sure to have someone that is not closely tied to your event read through your entry to see if everything makes sense.

Sometimes you may be too close to your event and you may not include certain information, since it may be too obvious to you.

But it may be a vital piece of information. If your entry makes sense to an outsider to your event, it should make sense to the judges.

• Many of the judges may not know anything about your event, so make sure your explanations are clear enough so they feel like they have just attended/participated in your program.

• Proof, Proof, Proof!! Yes, we do mark you down for typos!

• When in doubt – ASK. If you’re not sure on something, please contact Nia Hovde +1-208-433-0950 ext: 3 or nia@ifea.com.

QUESTIONS? • Contact: Nia Hovde, Director of Marketing & Communications at Phone: +1-208-433-0950 ext: 3 or Email: nia@ifea.com • For additional information and FAQ’s, go to www.ifea.com/ Industry Awards / Pinnacle Awards

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THE GRAND PINNACLE 1) GRAND PINNACLE The Grand Pinnacle is the highest award given by the IFEA in recognition of those Festivals and Events* who have a balance of all the elements necessary to ensure a successful event. (*Of those events who enter and judged within each of the four separate budget categories.)

ENTRY INFORMATION: For entry, please provide a detailed description to each section requested within: 1. Introductory Information 2. Additional Requirements 3. Supporting Materials 4. Supporting Questions • Submit entire Grand Pinnacle Entry within one (1) notebook (2 or 3 ring binder; spiral bound; report cover; bound publication etc.)

• In addition to the required printed entry, please also provide a pdf document of your entire entry (as 1 (one) document) on a CD or Thumbdrive. Attach CD or Thumbdrive to overall payment form.

(Okay to submit all of your Pinnacle entries on 1 (one) CD or Thumbdrive.)

• Please submit your entry in the order listed here.

• Points will be awarded to the individual sections of your entry, in addition to the overall Judges Criteria points.

1. Introductory Information: (10 points) Within a maximum of 4 pages (total), provide an overview of your event, stating your event’s: a. Event Dates b. Purpose / Mission c. History/Description of Event d. Types of Activities Included Under the Festival / Event Umbrella e. Overall Revenue and Expense Budget f. Estimated Economic Impact g. Attendance Numbers & Demographics h. Volunteer Count & Demographics i. Staffing Numbers and Positions j. Founding / Incorporation Date and Management System (i.e.: 501(c)3 non-profit staff & volunteer board; city managed; profit-making partnership, etc.)

2. Additional Requirements: (40 Points) Include a detailed overview of each of the sections listed below (a-e*) for your festival / event, using no more than two (2) pages for each section.

• Make each section a separate tab in entry in order for the judges to clearly identify them.

• If your festival/event does not include one or more of the sections listed below, please provide an overview as to why your event does not include that element, or what you provide instead, so as not to lose points. a. Promotional/Marketing Campaign & Media Outreach (Includes but not limited to: What was your overall message/ slogan/image that you projected for your event this year? What was your target population, who received the message, what types of mediums did you utilize and who promoted your message. ) b. Website / Social Media / Multi-Media Program /Campaign c. Overall Sponsorship Program (Provide an overview of your overall sponsorship program – how many sponsors, who are they and what do they sponsor and total sponsorship funds.) d. Critical Component Programs *Provide up to a one (1) page description for each of the following programs (if not applicable, please state as such and/or what your festival/event has in its place.)

• Volunteer Program • Green Program 68

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• • • •

Educational Program Children’s Program Food & Beverage Program Entertainment Program (music, artists, theatre, performers etc.)

• Merchandise Program • Community Outreach Program • Emergency Preparedness Program e. Descriptions of any other Special Programs unique to your event.

3. Supporting Materials: (10 Points) • Please also include any necessary supporting materials for the festival/event - limiting materials to no more than 5 examples for each area in the 2.) Additional Requirements section (if applicable) (a-e).

• Supporting materials may be placed within a specific section of the entry, or at the end.

4. Supporting Questions: (10 points) Please answer the following questions.

(Maximum of 1 page per question) a. What did you do to update / change the event from the year before? Were your updates / changes successful? ❍ If the event is a new event, please answer the following question instead: • “What challenges / obstacles did you foresee / encounter in creating the event, and how did you handle them?” b. Please provide measurable results / examples for question (a). c. What makes the event stand out as an internationally recognized event? d. Why should the event win the IFEA / Haas & Wilkerson Grand Pinnacle Award?

Judging Criteria: (30 points) The Grand Pinnacle Entry will be judged based on the following criteria. Please refer to the Entry Information for further details. The following Judging Criteria is applicable to both the individual entry and the overall event.

• Is the entry / event well organized?

• Is the content professional?

• Is the message clear?

• Is the entry / event designed and laid out well?

• Is the event creative and / or unique?

• Does the entry relay the image of the event?

• What is the overall impression?

• Have all supporting materials and measurable results been provided?

• Does the entry match the purpose / mission for the event?

• Have all requirements been met?

Additional Notes: • Be sure to answer and provide information for every section and area listed in the entry requirements. Failure to provide information for each section / element will result in a deduction of points. If a required element is not applicable to your event, please state as such and/or what your festival/event has in its place.

• This entry is separate from all other categories and divisions.

Judges will not refer to, or transfer items from other categories.

• Organizations submitting entries for the Grand Pinnacle category must register at least one person for the 61st Annual IFEA Convention & Expo, Date and Location TBD. or arrange for a representative to accept any award your behalf.

CATEGORIES TELEVISION & RADIO ENTRIES 2)

BEST TV PROMOTION

3)

BEST FULL LENGTH TV PROMOTION

4)

BEST FULL LENGTH TV PROGRAM

5)

BEST EVENT VIDEO

6)

BEST RADIO PROMOTION

(Ad Spot or PSA)

(Local Programming)

(National Promotion / Syndication) (For Sale)

(Ad Spot or PSA)

ENTRY INFORMATION FOR CATEGORIES 2-7: • Submit TV/Video entries (Categories 2-5) each individually on a either a DVD or Thumbdrive.

• Entry should be viewable in Windows Media Player or QuickTime.

• All TV/video entries should be encoded for Region 1 or Region 0 DVD capabilities.

• (Please do not submit Blu-Ray Disks.)

• All Radio entries should be submitted on a CD or Thumbdrive (not a DVD) • Entry should preferably be submitted as a wave file, MP3 file or WMA. • Please clearly label each DVD / CD / Thumbdrive and attach entry form.

• Only one video/radio spot per DVD / CD / Thumbdrive.

• Submit EACH entry SEPARATELY. • DO NOT combine multiple entries on DVD / CD / Thumbdrive.

• These are standalone items and no written information is required.

• Make all DVD’s / CD’s set to Auto Play.

Judging Criteria: • Does the entry relay the image of the event?

• Is the item creative and / or unique?

• Is the message clear?

• Is the item organized?

• What is the “Usability” factor?

• What is the overall impression?

MULTIMEDIA ENTRIES 7)

BEST EVENT WEBSITE

8)

BEST ORGANIZATION WEBSITE

9)

BEST EVENT / ORGANIZATION E-NEWSLETTER

(Submit web address only – clearly print or type website address on entry form under section 3.)

(Submit web address only – clearly print or type website address on entry form under section 3.)

(Clearly print or type a link to download materials on entry form under Section 3. Submit 3 consecutive issues.)

10) BEST MISCELLANEOUS MULTIMEDIA • • • •

(Includes, but is not limited to items such as: Screen Savers, Live Web-casts, Electronic Billboards, etc.)

Submit in format used.

Preferable method for Videos is a YouTube link.

Only one multimedia item per entry.

Clearly print or type link on entry form under Section 3 or on separate sheet of paper if necessary.

11) BEST SOCIAL MEDIA SITE

(Submit Social Media Site Address – clearly print address on entry form under section 3.)

12) BEST FESTIVAL / EVENT MOBILE APPLICATION

(Submit web address or instructions on how to obtain the App, clearly print address on entry form under Section 3.)

ENTRY INFORMATION FOR CATEGORIES 7-12: • For categories 7-12, entries will be reviewed online by judges.

• Be sure to make the website link goes to exactly where you wish the judges to go first.

• Refer to any additional entry information listed next to each category.

• These are standalone items and no written information is required.

Judging Criteria: • Does the entry / item relay the image of the event?

• Is the item creative and / or unique?

• Is the message clear?

• Is the entry / item organized?

• What is the “Usability” factor?

• What is the overall impression?

CATEGORIES PROMOTIONAL PRINTED ENTRIES 13) BEST EVENT PROGRAM 14) BEST NEWSPAPER INSERT / SUPPLEMENT 15) BEST PROMOTIONAL BROCHURE 16) BEST EVENT / ORGANIZATION NEWSLETTER (Submit three consecutive issues.)

Judging Criteria • Does the entry relay the image of the event?

• Is the item creative and / or unique?

• Is the item designed / laid out well?

• Is the message clear?

• Is the item organized?

• Is the item usable / functional?

• What is the overall impression?

17) BEST MISCELLANEOUS PRINTED MATERIALS (MULTIPLE PAGE) (Includes but not limited to: direct mail brochures, cookbooks, annual reports, etc.)

• One item per entry.

18) BEST MISCELLANEOUS PRINTED MATERIALS (SINGLE PAGE)

(Includes but not limited to direct mail pieces, rack cards, fliers, maps, etc.)

• Only one item per entry.

• Mounting on Poster board, optional for this entry.

19) BEST COMPANY IMAGE PIECES

(Includes but is not limited to: Letterhead, envelopes, logo, business cards, notecards, etc.)

• One item per entry.

20) BEST COVER DESIGN

(Includes covers from items such as Magazines, Newspapers, Brochures, Programs etc.)

• Submit cover only – mounted on poster board.

21) BEST SINGLE NEWSPAPER DISPLAY AD (Submit entry mounted on poster board.)

22) BEST SINGLE MAGAZINE DISPLAY AD (Submit ad mounted on poster board.)

23) BEST AD SERIES

(Submit a maximum of 5 ads.) (If possible, mount all ads one same poster board.)

24) BEST PROMOTIONAL POSTER

(For posters not for sale at Festival or Event but used for promotional purposes to promote event) (Do not mount. Submit in poster tube.)

25) BEST COMMEMORATIVE POSTER

(For posters specifically for sale at festival or event.)

(Do not mount. Submit in poster tube.)

26) BEST EVENT PROMOTIONAL PHOTOGRAPH

(Promotional photograph for your event) (Photo Dimensions: 8 inches x 10 inches. Submit photo mounted on Poster board - 2 inch margins.)

27) BEST OUTDOOR BILLBOARD

(Submit photo or print out of billboard, mounted on poster board.)

28) BEST EVENT INVITATION

(Single or Multiple Page. Do NOT mount this category on poster board.)

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ENTRY INFORMATION FOR CATEGORIES 13-17: • These are stand alone items and no written information is required.

• Submit each entry in original format if possible • Submit categories 13-17 with the entry form securely paper clipped/bull clipped to the back.

• Do not mount on display board.

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ENTRY INFORMATION FOR CATEGORIES 18-28: • Submit categories 18-23, 26-27 each mounted on a single, black display board with a maximum of 2 inch margins.

• Submit categories 24-25 each rolled up in a poster mailing tube. Do not fold the poster. Do not mount the poster on poster board.

• Only one entry per board.

• These are standalone items and no written information is required.

Judging Criteria • Does the item / entry relay the image of the event?

• Is the item creative and / or unique?

• Is the item designed / laid out well?

• Is the message clear?

• Is the item organized?

• Is the item usable / functional?

• What is the overall impression?

CATEGORIES EVENT DÉCOR & AMBIANCE ENTRIES 29) BEST STREET BANNER

(Submit photo or printouts of banner only, mounted on poster board. Do not send actual banner.)

30) BEST MISCELLANEOUS ON-SITE DECOR

(Includes but is not limited to: directional signage, stage backdrops, entryways, flags, inflatables, etc.)

(Submit only one decor item per entry.)

(Submit photo of decor, mounted on poster board.)

ENTRY INFORMATION FOR CATEGORIES 29-30: • Submit categories 29-30 each mounted on a single, black display board with a maximum of 2 inch margins.

• Only one entry per board.

• These are standalone items and no written information is required.

Judging Criteria: • Does the item / entry relay the image of the event?

• Is the item creative and / or unique?

• Is the item designed / laid out well?

• Is the message clear?

• Is the item organized?

• Is the item usable / functional?

• What is the overall impression?

MERCHANDISE ENTRIES For merchandise sold at Festival / Event / Organization.

31) BEST T-SHIRT DESIGN

(Does not include Tank Tops, Long-Sleeve T-Shirts or Collared/Polo Shirts)

32) BEST PIN OR BUTTON

(Please mount pin on poster board with 2 inch margins maximum.) (For single pins only, no pin sets.)

33) BEST HAT 34) BEST OTHER MERCHANDISE

(For merchandise other than T-shirts, pins, hats etc. that you have for sale at your festival/event.)

35) BEST MISCELLANEOUS CLOTHING

(i.e. - jackets, sweatshirts, long-sleeve t-shirts, polo shirts, tank tops, socks, scarves, etc.)

ENTRY INFORMATION FOR CATEGORIES 31-37: • Submit actual merchandise items for categories 31- 37 as is.

• These are standalone items and no written information is required.

• Do not mount merchandise items on poster board – except Best Pin or Button.

Judging Criteria: • Does the entry / item relay the image of the event?

• Is the item creative and / or unique?

• Is the message clear?

• Is the entry / item organized?

• What is the “Usability” factor?

• What is the overall impression?

36) BEST NEW MERCHANDISE

(New merchandise to your festival/event/ organization)

37) BEST SPONSOR GIFT

(A gift a festival/event gives to a sponsor of their festival/event.)

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CATEGORIES SPONSORSHIP ENTRIES 38) BEST TARGETED SPONSOR SOLICITATION PROPOSAL

(Actual Sponsorship Proposal that was used to target a specific sponsor for your festival/event.)

1. Overview Information: Please provide a detailed overview explaining the following using no more than one (1) page per section: a. Introduction and description of main event. b. Name of Sponsor c. Introduction, effectiveness and success of Sponsor solicitation package

2. Supporting Materials: a. Please provide a sponsor solicitation package that was actually used to target a specific sponsor.

• Provide in the format used to present to the sponsor and with any other additional materials that were sent with the proposal. (Okay to substitute name of sponsor for generic name for confidentiality, however please make it clear on your entry you are doing this.)

39) BEST INDIVIDUAL SPONSOR FOLLOW-UP REPORT

(Actual Follow-Up Report that was generated for a specific sponsor for your festival/event.)

1. Overview Information: Please provide a detailed overview explaining the following using no more than one(1) page per section: a. Introduction and description of main event. b. Name of Sponsor c. Introduction and effectiveness of Sponsor follow-up report 2. Supporting Materials: a. Please provide a sponsor follow-up report that was actually sent to a specific sponsor.

• Provide in the format used to present to the sponsor and with any other additional materials that were sent with the report. (Okay to substitute name of sponsor for generic name for confidentiality, however please make it clear on your entry you are doing this.)

40) BEST SPONSOR PARTNER

(Entry should highlight a specific sponsor that stands out above all others.)

1. Overview Information: Please provide a detailed overview explaining the following using no more than one (1) page per section: a. Introduction & description of main event b. Name of Sponsor c. Description of sponsor; level of sponsorship (cash/in-kind); details of benefit package and length of sponsorship/ partnership d. Quantity and quality of support to event by sponsor e. Goals and success of relationships for both event and sponsor f. How the sponsor stands out over all other sponsors. g. Activation of Sponsorship by Sponsor ENTRY INFORMATION FOR CATEGORY 40: • Submit category 40 within one (1) notebook (2 or 3 ring binder; spiral bound; report cover; bound publication etc.)

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ENTRY INFORMATION FOR CATEGORIES 38-39: • Submit category 38-39 each within one (1) notebook (2 or 3 ring binder; spiral bound; report cover; bound publication etc.)

• Please submit your entry in the order listed.

• In addition to the required printed entry, please also provide a pdf document of your entire entry (as one (1) document) on a CD or Thumbdrive. Attach to overall payment form. (Okay to submit all of your Pinnacle entries on one (1) CD or Thumbdrive.)

For each entry, please provide detailed information to the following: 1. Overview Information (20 points) Please provide the required information listed under the specific category to the left.

2. Supporting Materials: (50 points) Please provide materials listed under the specific category to the left.

Supporting materials should be placed at the end of the entry.

3. Judging Criteria: (30 points) No information required. Your entry will also be judged based on the below criteria.

• Is the item / entry well organized?

• Is the content professional?

• Is the message clear?

• What is the overall impression?

• Have all supporting materials and measurable results been provided?

• Have all requirements been met?

• Would you recommend or support this opportunity if in a position to do so?

• Please submit your entry in the order listed.

• In addition to the required printed entry, please also provide a pdf document of your entire entry (as one (1) document) on a CD or Thumbdrive. Attach to overall payment form. (Okay to submit all of your Pinnacle entries on one (1) CD or Thumbdrive.)

For each entry, please provide detailed information to the following: 1. Overview Information (70 points) Please provide the required information listed under the specific category to the left.

2. Judging Criteria: (30 points) No information required. Your entry will also be judged based on the below criteria.

• Is the entry well organized?

• Is the content professional?

• Is the message clear?

• What is the overall impression?

• Have all requirements been met?

CATEGORIES SPONSORSHIP ENTRIES 41) BEST SINGLE NEW SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY

(New activity / program within an Event created specifically to recruit a new sponsor or created after a new sponsor came on board.)

1. Overview Information: Please provide a detailed overview explaining the following, using no more than one (1) page to explain each section: a. Introduction & description of main event b. Name of Opportunity and Sponsor c. Description and purpose of New Sponsorship Opportunity d. Description of the targeted sponsor for the opportunity and why the sponsor was targeted e. Explain the synergy between the event and sponsor f. Overall effectiveness / success of the sponsorship 2. Supporting Question - Answer question listed to the right, here 3. Supporting Materials - Place at the end of the entry.

42) BEST SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM FOR INDIVIDUAL SPONSOR

(Activity or program within a Festival or Event created for a specific sponsor.)

1. Overview Information: Please provide a detailed overview explaining the following, using no more than one (1) page to explain each section: a. Introduction & description of main event b. Name of Program and Sponsor c. Description and purpose of event/program being sponsored d. Description of sponsor; level of sponsorship (cash/in-kind); details of benefit package and length of sponsorship/ partnership e. Overall effectiveness / success of the program 2. Supporting Question - Answer question listed to the right, here 3. Supporting Materials - Place at the end of the entry.

43) BEST OVERALL SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM

(Entry should focus on the entire sponsorship program for all sponsors for the entire event.)

1. Overview Information: Please provide a detailed overview explaining the following, using no more than one (1) page to explain each section: a. Introduction & description of main event b. Description of overall Sponsorship Program c. List of all current sponsors for event; levels of support; longevity of each d. Available benefit packages and valuation formulas e. Description of sponsor research targeting and sales process f. Description of sponsor service team and steps taken when new agreement is signed. g. Describe current sponsor renewal process & retention rate h. Overall effectiveness / success of the program i. Supporting Materials: Please provide a copy of Sponsor Agreement Sales Packet / Proposal; a copy of Sponsorship Follow Up Report and a sample of Sponsor Agreement 2. Supporting Question - Answer question listed to the right, here 3. Supporting Materials - Place at the end of the entry.

ENTRY INFORMATION FOR CATEGORIES 41-43: • Submit category 41-43 each within one (1) notebook (2 or 3 ring binder; spiral bound; report cover; bound publication etc.)

• Please submit your entry in the order listed.

• In addition to the required printed entry, please also provide a pdf document of your entire entry (as one (1) document) on a CD or Thumbdrive. Attach to overall payment form. (Okay to submit all of your Pinnacle entries on one (1) CD or Thumbdrive.)

For each entry, please provide detailed information to the following: 1. Overview Information (50 points) Please provide the required information listed under the specific category to the left.

2. Supporting Question: (10 points) • What did you do to update / change this program from the year before? Were your updates / changes successful? Please provide measurable results / examples.

• If the program is a new program, please answer the following question instead: “What challenges / obstacles did you foresee / encounter in creating the program, and how did you handle them?”

3. Supporting Materials: (10 points) Please also include any necessary supporting materials for the program. Supporting materials should be placed at the end of the entry. Please limit your supporting materials to those actually sent / used with sponsor: • Printed materials (brochures / programs etc.)

• Promotion / marketing / media materials • Supporting photographs • Measurable results: tangible & intangible 4. Judging Criteria: (30 points) No information required. Your entry will also be judged based on the below criteria.

• Is the program / entry well organized?

• Is the content professional? Is the message clear?

• Is the program / entry designed and laid out well?

• Is the program creative and / or unique?

• What is the overall impression?

• Have all supporting materials and measurable results been provided?

• Have all requirements been met?

• Would you recommend or support this opportunity if in a position to do so?

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CATEGORIES FESTIVAL & EVENT CRITICAL COMPONENT ENTRIES 44) BEST VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

ENTRY INFORMATION FOR CATEGORIES 44-45:

(For overall Volunteer Programs at an Event/Festival/ Organization)

1. Overview Information: Please provide a detailed overview explaining the following, using no more than one (1) page to explain each section, together with applicable examples: a. Introduction and background of main event b. Description and purpose / objective of Volunteer Program c. Target audience / attendance / number of participants d. Duration of program (start to finish) and years program has been part of event e. Volunteer demographics (age, gender, individuals, charities, schools etc.) f. Volunteer job descriptions g. Recruitment methods / materials / applications h. Communication methods / materials i. Training guides / programs / handbooks / materials j. Organization & schedule information / materials k. Volunteer perks / benefits l. Appreciation / recognition methods/ materials m. Retention methods / materials n. Description of sponsor / charity / volunteer / school / other group involvement with program and benefits to each (if applicable) o. Overall revenue/expense budget of program p. Overall effectiveness / success of program q. Measurable results: ratio of volunteers to guests; # of volunteers; # of volunteer hours; # of volunteers in database; estimate of the financial value of your volunteers.

2. Supporting Question - Answer question listed to the right, here 3. Supporting Materials - Place at the end of the entry.

45) BEST GREEN PROGRAM

(For festivals/events with implemented green/recycling programs at their event.)

1. Overview Information: Please provide a detailed overview explaining the following, using no more than one (1) page to explain each section: a. Introduction and background of main event b. Description and purpose / objective of Green Program c. Target audience / attendance / number of participants d. What “Green” initiatives were used at event (i.e. – recycling; alternative methods of transportation; renewable energy etc.) e. How were initiatives promoted to the public? Include marketing materials. f. Education programs pertaining to green program (for public, sponsors, volunteers etc.) g. How was green program enforced / encouraged, tracked, and staffed? h. Who assisted green program (vendors, volunteers etc.) i. Measurable results – how much was recycled; savings / cost of Green program; carbon footprint reduction j. Non-tangible results: education; awareness; involvement etc. k. Duration of program (start to finish) and years program has been part of event l. Description of sponsor / charity / volunteer / school / other group involvement with program and benefits to each (if applicable) m. Tie-in of program to main event n. Overall revenue/expense budget of program o. Overall effectiveness / success of program 2. Supporting Question - Answer question listed to the right, here 3. Supporting Materials - Place at the end of the entry.

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• Submit categories 44 & 45 each within one (1) notebook (2 or 3 ring binder; spiral bound; report cover; bound publication etc.)

• Please submit your entry in the order listed.

• In addition to the required printed entry, please also provide a pdf document of your entire entry (as one (1) document) on a CD or Thumbdrive. Attach to overall payment form. (Okay to submit all of your Pinnacle entries on one (1) CD or Thumbdrive.)

For each entry, please provide detailed information to the following: 1. Overview Information (50 points) Please provide the required information listed under the specific category to the left.

2. Supporting Question: (10 points) • What did you do to update / change this program from the year before? Were your updates / changes successful? Please provide measurable results / examples.

• If the program is a new program, please answer the following question instead.

• “What challenges / obstacles did you foresee / encounter in creating the program, and how did you handle them?”

3. Supporting Materials: (10 points) Please also include any necessary supporting materials for the program - limiting materials to no more than 5 examples for each area listed below (if applicable). Supporting materials should be placed at the end of the entry.

• Printed materials (brochures, handbooks, Recruiting materials, evaluation forms, signage, etc.)

• Promotional / marketing / media materials • Merchandise materials (photographs accepted) • Information provided to participants / volunteers / sponsors / students / charities etc.

• Supporting photographs • Measurable results: tangible & intangible 4. Judging Criteria: (30 points) No information required. Your entry will also be judged based on the below criteria.

• Is the entry / program well organized?

• Is the content professional? Is the message clear?

• Is the entry / program designed and laid out well?

• Is the program creative and / or unique?

• What is the overall impression?

• Have all supporting materials and measurable results been provided?

• Have all requirements been met?

FESTIVAL & EVENT CRITICAL COMPONENT ENTRIES 46) BEST EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

(For festivals/events who have a specific educational component built into their programming.)

1. Overview Information: Please provide a detailed overview explaining the following, using no more than one (1) page to explain each section: a. Introduction and background of main event b. Description and purpose / objective of Educational Program c. Target audience / attendance / number of participants d. Provide a detailed description of the education program / curriculum e. Who provided the education and in what setting f. Involvement by local educational institutions and professional education (if any) g. What was the take-away for attendees / participants? h. Duration of program (start to finish) and years program has been part of event i. Tie-in of program to main event j. Overall revenue/expense budget of program k. Description of sponsor / charity / volunteer / school / other group involvement with program and benefits to each (if applicable) l. Overall effectiveness / success of program 2. Supporting Question - Answer question listed to the right, here 3. Supporting Materials - Place at the end of the entry.

47) BEST CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMING (For festivals/events who have specific programming for Children) 1. Overview Information: Please provide a detailed overview explaining the following, using no more than one (1) page to explain each section: a. Introduction and background of main event b. Description and purpose / objective of Children’s Program c. Target Audience / main target age group d. Attendance / number of participants e. Activities /entertainment provided f. Local School involvement g. Tie-in of program to main event h. Overall revenue and expense budget of specific program / event i. Description of sponsor / charity / volunteer / school / other group involvement with event / program and benefits to each (if applicable) j. Duration of program (start to finish) and years program has been part of event k. What makes the program unique and creative? l. Overall effectiveness / success of program 2. Supporting Question - Answer question listed to the right, here 3. Supporting Materials - Place at the end of the entry.

48) BEST COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM

(Programming done throughout the year to benefit and help include all parts of the community, while enhancing the image and brand of your event/organization throughout the year.)

1. Overview Information: Please provide a detailed overview explaining the following, using no more than one (1) page to explain each section: a. Introduction and background of main event b. Description and purpose / objective of Outreach Program c. Target audience / attendance / number of participants d. Impact program had on the community e. Tie-in of program to main event f. Duration of program (start to finish) and years program has been part of event g. Overall revenue/expense budget of specific program h. Description of sponsor / charity / volunteer / school / other group involvement with program and benefits to each (if applicable) i. Overall effectiveness / success of program 2. Supporting Question - Answer question listed to the right, here 3. Supporting Materials - Place at the end of the entry.

Winter 2015

ENTRY INFORMATION FOR CATEGORIES 46-48: • Submit categories 46, 47, 48 each within one (1) notebook (2 or 3 ring binder; spiral bound; report cover; bound publication etc.)

• Please submit your entry in the order listed.

• In addition to the required printed entry, please also provide a pdf document of your entire entry (as one (1) document) on a CD or Thumbdrive.

Attach to overall payment form. (Okay to submit all of your Pinnacle entries on one (1) CD or Thumbdrive.)

For each entry, please provide detailed information to the following: 1. Overview Information (50 points) Please provide the required information listed under the specific category to the left.

2. Supporting Question: (10 points) • What did you do to update / change this program from the year before? Were your updates / changes successful? Please provide measurable results / examples.

• If the program is a new program, please answer the following question instead.

• “What challenges / obstacles did you foresee / encounter in creating the program, and how did you handle them?”

3. Supporting Materials: (10 points) Please also include any necessary supporting materials for the program - limiting materials to no more than 5 examples for each area listed below (if applicable). Supporting materials should be placed at the end of the entry.

• Printed materials (brochures, handbooks, Recruiting materials, evaluation forms, signage, etc.)

• Promotional / marketing / media materials • Merchandise materials (photographs accepted) • Information provided to participants / volunteers / sponsors / students / charities etc.

• Supporting photographs • Measurable results: tangible & intangible 4. Judging Criteria: (30 points) No information required. Your entry will also be judged based on the below criteria.

• Is the entry / program well organized?

• Is the content professional? Is the message clear?

• Is the entry / program designed and laid out well?

• Is the program creative and / or unique?

• What is the overall impression?

• Have all supporting materials and measurable results been provided?

• Have all requirements been met?

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

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FESTIVAL & EVENT CRITICAL COMPONENT ENTRIES 49

BEST EVENT / PROGRAM WITHIN AN EVENT TO BENEFIT A CAUSE

(Entry may include fundraising programs as well as awareness programs.)

1. Overview Information: Please provide a detailed overview explaining the following, using no more than one (1) page to explain each section: a. Introduction and background of main event b. Description and purpose / objective of Event/Program c. Description of selected cause and why/how it was selected d. Target audience / attendance / number of participants e. Tie-in of program to main event f. Duration of program (start to finish) and years program has been part of event g. Overall revenue/expense budget of specific event/program h. Description of sponsor / charity / volunteer / school / other group involvement with event / program and benefits to each (if applicable) i. Overall effectiveness / success of program 2. Supporting Question - Answer question listed to the right, here 3. Supporting Materials - Place at the end of the entry.

50) BEST EVENT (WITHIN AN EXISTING FESTIVAL) (Entry to highlight a specific event that is held during the course of a larger festival/event.)

1. Overview Information: Please provide a detailed overview explaining the following, using no more than one (1) page to explain each section: a. Introduction and background of main event b. Description and purpose / objective of Event within Festival c. Target audience and attendance / number of participants d. Overall revenue/expense budget of event e. Tie-in of program to main festival f. Duration of program (start to finish) and years program has been part of event g. Description of sponsor / charity / volunteer / school / other group involvement with event and benefits to each (if applicable) h. What makes the event unique & creative? i. Overall effectiveness / success of program 2. Supporting Question - Answer question listed to the right, here 3. Supporting Materials - Place at the end of the entry.

51) BEST EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR AN EVENT

(Entry to focus on the overall risk management / emergency preparedness plan for a specific festival/event.)

1. Overview Information: Please provide a detailed overview explaining the following, using no more than one (1) page to explain each section: a. Introduction and background of main event b. Description and purpose / objective of Risk Management Plan c. Target audience / attendance / number of participants d. Overall revenue and expense budget of specific program / event e. Duration of program (start to finish) and years program has been part of event f. Description of sponsor / charity / volunteer / school / other group involvement with event / program and benefits to each (if applicable) g. Overall effectiveness / success of program 2. Supporting Question - Answer question listed to the right, here 3. Supporting Materials - Place at the end of the entry. ❍ Please submit a detailed documentation of the security plan used at your event

52) BEST FOOD & BEVERAGE PROGRAM

(Entry to focus on the overall food and beverage opportunities available during the course of a specific festival/event.)

1. Overview Information: Please provide a detailed overview explaining the following, using no more than one (1) pages to explain each section: a. Introduction and background of main event b. Description and purpose / objective of Food & Beverage Program c. Number and types of vendors d. Site Plan (i.e.: Food Courts, Crowd Flow etc.) e. Cash Management Process f. Fee Structures g. Alcohol Beverage Training/Control h. Vendor Application Process i. Festival/Event Controlled Products & Services (i.e.: Festival-only controlled product sales, Vendor required product use, etc.) j. Promotional activities to drive business k. Power/Water Access l. Waste Disposal 2. Supporting Question - Answer question listed to the right, here 3. Supporting Materials - Place at the end of the entry.

ENTRY INFORMATION FOR CATEGORIES 49-52: • Submit categories 49, 50, 51, 52 each within one (1) notebook (2 or 3 ring binder; spiral bound; report cover; bound publication etc.)

• Please submit your entry in the order listed.

• In addition to the required printed entry, please also provide a pdf document of your entire entry (as one (1) document) on a CD or Thumbdrive. Attach to overall payment form. (Okay to submit all of your Pinnacle entries on one (1) CD or Thumbdrive.)

For each entry, please provide detailed information to the following: 1. Overview Information (50 points) Please provide the required information listed under the specific category to the left.

2. Supporting Question: (10 points) • What did you do to update / change this program from the year before? Were your updates / changes successful? Please provide measurable results / examples.

• If the program is a new program, please answer the following question instead. ❍ “What challenges / obstacles did you foresee / encounter in creating the program, and how did you handle them?”

3. Supporting Materials: (10 points) Please also include any necessary supporting materials for the program - limiting materials to no more than 5 examples for each area listed below (if applicable). Supporting materials should be placed at the end of the entry. ❍ Printed materials (brochures, handbooks, Recruiting materials, evaluation forms, signage, etc.) ❍ Promotional / marketing / media materials ❍ Merchandise materials (photographs accepted) ❍ Information provided to participants / volunteers / sponsors / students / charities etc. ❍ Supporting photographs ❍ Measurable results: tangible & intangible 4. Judging Criteria: (30 points) No information required. Your entry will also be judged based on the below criteria.

• Is the entry / program well organized?

• Is the content professional? Is the message clear?

• Is the entry / program designed and laid out well?

• Is the program creative and / or unique?

• What is the overall impression?

• Have all supporting materials and measurable results been provided?

• Have all requirements been met?

CATEGORIES FESTIVAL & EVENT CRITICAL COMPONENT ENTRIES 53)

BEST NEW EVENT

(For festival or event created from scratch within the past year.)

1. Overview Information: Please provide a detailed overview explaining the following, using no more than one (1) page to explain each section: a. Introduction and background of main event b. Description and purpose / objective of New Event c. Target audience and attendance / number of participants d. Overall revenue/ expense budget of event e. Duration of program (start to finish) f. Description of sponsor / charity / volunteer / school / other group involvement with event and benefits to each (if applicable) g. What makes the event unique & creative? h. Overall effectiveness / success of event 2. Supporting Question - Anwser question listed to the right, here.

3. Supporting Materials - Place at the end of the entry.

54)

BEST NEW PROMOTION ACTIVITY

(Entry should focus on a specific promotion done by festival/event/vendor/supplier to promote a product, service, event, company, entertainment etc.)

1. Overview Information: Please provide a detailed overview explaining the following, using no more than one (1) page to explain each section: a. Introduction and background of main event/organization b. Description and purpose / objective of Promotion c. Description of what was being promoted (merchandise, event, company, entertainment; etc.) d. What makes this promotion different from any other promotions? e. Target audience for promotion f. Attendance / number of participants (if applicable) g. Tie-in of promotion to main event/organization h. Overall revenue and expense budget of specific promotion i. Duration of promotion (start to finish) j. Description of sponsor / charity / volunteer / school / other group involvement with event/ organization and promotion and benefits to each (if applicable) k. Overall effectiveness / success of promotion 2. Supporting Question - Anwser question listed to the right, here.

3. Supporting Materials - Place at the end of the entry.

55)

BEST NEW ATTENDEE SERVICE

56)

BEST MONEY-MAKING IDEA

(Any product or service designed with the intent of enhancing the attendee experience at a festival or event.)

1. Overview Information: Please provide a detailed overview explaining the following, using no more than one (1) pages to explain each section: a. Description of new product or service b. Goals & objectives of product or service c. Application of product or service at an event d. Overall effectiveness of product or services e. Target market for product or service f. Measurable results: tangible & intangible 2. Supporting Question - Anwser question listed to the right, here.

3. Supporting Materials - Place at the end of the entry.

(Entry should focus on a specific idea implemented at a festival/event that generated revenue.)

1. Overview Information: Please provide a detailed overview explaining the following, using no more than one (1) page to explain each section: a. Introduction & description of main event b. Description of money-making idea c. Target audience (if applicable) d. Attendance / number of participants (if applicable) e. Mediums used to promote idea (if applicable) f. Tie-in of promotion to main event/organization g. Overall revenue and expense budget of specific idea h. Overall effectiveness / success of idea 2. Supporting Question - Anwser question listed to the right, here.

3. Supporting Materials - Place at the end of the entry.

ENTRY INFORMATION FOR CATEGORIES 53-56: • Submit categories 53, 54, 55, 56 each within one (1) notebook (2 or 3 ring binder; spiral bound; report cover; bound publication etc.)

• Please submit your entry in the order listed.

• In addition to the required printed entry, please also provide a pdf document of your entire entry (as one (1) document) on a CD or Thumbdrive. Attach to overall payment form. (Okay to submit all of your Pinnacle entries on one (1) CD or Thumbdrive.)

For each entry, please provide detailed information to the following: 1. Overview Information (50 points) Please provide the required information listed under the specific category to the left.

2. Supporting Question (10 points) • What challenges/obstacles did you foresee/encounter in creating the program/activity/idea, and how did you handle them?

3. Supporting Materials: (10 points) Please also include any necessary supporting materials for the program - limiting materials to no more than 5 examples for each area listed below (if applicable).

Supporting materials should be placed at the end of the entry.

• Printed materials (brochures, handbooks, signage, etc.)

• Promotional / marketing / media materials • Merchandise materials (photographs accepted) • Information provided to participants • Supporting photographs • Measurable results: tangible & intangible 3. Judging Criteria: (30 points) No information required. Your entry will also be judged based on the below criteria.

• Is the entry / program well organized?

• Is the content professional? Is the message clear?

• Is the entry / program designed and laid out well?

• Is the program creative and / or unique?

• What is the overall impression?

• Have all supporting materials and measurable results been provided?

• Have all requirements been met?

CATEGORIES FESTIVAL & EVENT CRITICAL COMPONENT ENTRIES 57) BEST OVERALL MERCHANDISING PROGRAM

(Entry should focus on the entire merchandising program for the entire festival/event/organization.)

1. Overview Information: Please provide a detailed overview explaining the following, using no more than one (1) page to explain each section: a. Introduction & background of event b. Description of merchandising program c. Overall revenue and expense budget for merchandise lines d. Target market for merchandise program (population / location) e. Marketing efforts tied to merchandise program f. Community support in selling / distributing merchandise g. Measurable results (Including number / variety of items; number of outlets selling items, etc.) h. Overall effectiveness of merchandise program 2. Supporting Question - Answer question listed to the right, here 3. Supporting Materials - Place at the end of the entry.

ENTRY INFORMATION FOR CATEGORY 57: • Submit category 57 within one (1) notebook (2 or 3 ring binder; spiral bound; report cover; bound publication etc.)

• Please submit your entry in the order listed.

• In addition to the required printed entry, please also provide a pdf document of your entire entry (as one (1) document) on a CD or Thumbdrive. Attach to overall payment form. (Okay to submit all of your Pinnacle entries on one (1) CD or Thumbdrive.)

58) BEST VENDOR / SUPPLIER

(Entry should highlight a specific vendor or supplier to the festival/event that stands out above all others.)

(Festival or Event must submit this entry)

1. Overview Information: Please provide a detailed overview explaining the following, using no more than one (1) pages to explain each section: a. Description of vendor / supplier b. How the vendor / supplier stands out over all other vendor / suppliers c. Quantity and quality of service and support to event by Vendor / Supplier d. Length of relationship between vendor and event e. Tangible benefits of relationship to both event and vendor.

ENTRY INFORMATION FOR CATEGORY 58: • Submit category 58 within one (1) notebook (2 or 3 ring binder; spiral bound; report cover; bound publication etc.)

• Please submit your entry in the order listed.

• In addition to the required printed entry, please also provide a pdf document of your entire entry (as one (1) document) on a CD or Thumbdrive. Attach to overall payment form. (Okay to submit all of your Pinnacle entries on one (1) CD or Thumbdrive.)

78

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

Winter 2015

For entry, please provide detailed information to the following: 1. Overview Information (50 points) Please provide the required information listed under the specific category to the left.

2. Supporting Question: (10 points) • What did you do to update / change this program from the year before? Were your updates / changes successful? Please provide measurable results / examples.

• If the program is a new program, please answer the following question instead: “What challenges / obstacles did you foresee / encounter in creating the program, and how did you handle them?”

3. Supporting Materials: (10 points) Please include a sample selection of actual merchandise items available.

• Also include photographs of all merchandise items available in your merchandise program.

• Supporting materials should be placed at the end of the entry.

4. Judging Criteria: (30 points) No information required. Your entry will also be judged based on the below criteria.

• Is the entry / program well organized?

• Is the content professional?

• Is the message clear?

• Is the entry / program designed and laid out well?

• Is the program creative and / or unique?

• What is the overall impression?

• Have all supporting materials and measurable results been provided?

• Have all requirements been met?

For entry, please provide detailed information to the following: 1. Overview Information (70 points) Please provide the required information listed under the specific category to the left.

2. Judging Criteria: (30 points) No information required. Your entry will also be judged based on the below criteria.

• Is the entry well organized?

• Is the content professional?

• Is the message clear?

• What is the overall impression?

• Have all requirements been met?

CATEGORIES MEDIA RELATIONS ENTRIES For effective media campaigns that generated news coverage, instead of paid or donated advertising time.

59) BEST PRESS / MEDIA KIT

(For festivals/events/organizations to demonstrate the effectiveness and use of their Press/Media Kit.) • Provide information for questions listed below in addition to providing your actual press/media kit.

1. Overview Information: Please provide a detailed overview explaining the following, using no more than one (1) page to explain each section: a. Introduction & background of campaign / event b. Provide actual media kit used to send out for your event c. Target audience / demographics for the media d. Target location (communities / cities / states) for media e. Types of mediums used for media outreach f. Measurable results indicating: • Number of publications / cities / states targeted • Percent of distribution that covered news • Longevity of media coverage • Increase / decrease in media from previous years 2. Supporting Question - Answer question listed to the right, here 3. Supporting Materials - Place at the end of the entry.

60) MOST CREATIVE / EFFECTIVE NEWS STUNT (For Festivals/Events/Organizations who generated publicity through a media stunt to promote their event/cause etc.)

1. Overview Information: Please provide a detailed overview explaining the following, using no more than one (1) page to explain each section: a. Introduction & background of campaign / event b. A detailed description of the news stunt c. How did the news stunt fit in to the overall media campaign for your event? d. Sponsor / charity involvement (if any) and why e. Was there an increase in media coverage for your event as a result of the stunt?

2. Supporting Question - Answer question listed to the right, here 3. Supporting Materials - Place at the end of the entry.

61) BEST MEDIA RELATIONS CAMPAIGN (Entry should focus on the entire media relations campaign for a specific festival or event.)

1. Overview Information: Please provide a detailed overview explaining the following, using no more than one (1) page to explain each section: a. Introduction & background of campaign / event b. Purpose / objective of the media relations campaign c. A detailed outline of your entire media relations campaign for your event. d. Target audience / demographics for the media e. Target location (communities / cities / states) for media f. Types of mediums used for media outreach g. Measurable results indicating: ❍ Number of publications / cities / states targeted ❍ Percent of distribution that covered news ❍ Attendance results based on media outreach / campaign ❍ Income results based on media outreach / campaign ❍ Longevity of media coverage ❍ Increase / decrease in media from previous years. h. Overall effectiveness of the campaign 2. Supporting Question - Answer question listed to the right, here 3. Supporting Materials - Place at the end of the entry.

ENTRY INFORMATION FOR CATEGORIES 59-61: • Submit categories 59, 60, 61 each within one (1) notebook (2 or 3 ring binder; spiral bound; report cover; bound publication etc.)

• Please submit your entry in the order listed.

• In addition to the required printed entry, please also provide a pdf document of your entire entry (as one (1) document) on a CD or Thumbdrive. Attach to overall payment form. (Okay to submit all of your Pinnacle entries on one (1) CD or Thumbdrive.)

For entry, please provide detailed information to the following: 1. Overview Information (50 points) Please provide the required information listed under the specific category to the left.

2. Supporting Question: (10 points) • What did you do to update / change this promotion from the year before? Were your updates / changes successful? Please provide measurable results / examples.

• If the promotion is a new promotion, please answer the following question instead.

• “What challenges / obstacles did you foresee / encounter in creating the promotion, and how did you handle them?”

3. Supporting Materials: (10 points) Please also include any necessary supporting materials for the program - limiting materials to no more than 5 examples for each area listed below (if applicable). Supporting materials should be placed at the end of the entry.

• Printed materials (press releases, news clippings, etc.)

• Promotional materials • Video / audio documentation (Please limit to 1 example – provide written explanation of further examples) • Supporting photographs 4. Judging Criteria: (30 points) No information required. Your entry will also be judged based on the below criteria.

• Is the entry / campaign well organized?

• Is the content professional?

• Is the message clear?

• Is the entry / campaign designed and laid out well?

• Is the campaign creative and / or unique?

• What is the overall impression?

• Have all supporting materials and measurable results been provided?

• Have all requirements been met?

Winter 2015

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

79

CATEGORIES EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OFFERING EVENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS 62) BEST EVENT MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATE DEGREE

1. Overview Information: Please provide a detailed overview explaining the following, using no more than one (1) page to explain each section: a. Introduction & History of School/University b. Purpose / objective of Event Management Associate Degree c. Date degree/program was founded & time frame the course is offered d. Number of staff members & student to staff ratio e. Number of students enrolled / number graduated f. Tuition costs / Financial assistance offered g. Overall revenue and expense budget of program h. Writing/Speaking/Testing/Research requirements for students i. Practical event experience required (internships/assigned event management etc.) j. Overall effectiveness of degree/program - Alumni success (what are alumni of program doing now?)

2. Supporting Question - Anwser question listed to the right, here.

3. Supporting Materials - Place at the end of the entry.

63) BEST EVENT MANAGEMENT BACHELOR DEGREE

1. Overview Information: Please provide a detailed overview explaining the following, using no more than one (1) page to explain each section: a. Introduction & History of School/University b. Purpose / objective of Event Management Bachelor Degree c. Date degree/program was founded & time frame the course is offered d. Number of staff members & student to staff ratio e. Number of students enrolled / number graduated f. Tuition costs / Financial assistance offered g. Overall revenue and expense budget of program h. Writing/Speaking/Testing/Research requirements for students i. Practical event experience required (internships/assigned event management etc.) j. Overall effectiveness of degree/program - Alumni success (what are alumni of program doing now?)

2. Supporting Question - Anwser question listed to the right, here.

3. Supporting Materials - Place at the end of the entry.

64) BEST EVENT MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

1. Overview Information: Please provide a detailed overview explaining the following, using no more than one (1) page to explain each section: a. Introduction & History of School/University b. Purpose / objective of Event Management Certification Program c. Date degree/program was founded & time frame the course is offered d. Number of staff members & student to staff ratio e. Number of students enrolled / number graduated f. Tuition costs / Financial assistance offered g. Overall revenue and expense budget of program h. Writing/Speaking/Testing/Research requirements for students i. Practical event experience required (internships/assigned event management etc.) j. Overall effectiveness of degree/program - Alumni success (what are alumni of program doing now?)

2. Supporting Question - Anwser question listed to the right, here.

3. Supporting Materials - Place at the end of the entry.

ENTRY INFORMATION FOR CATEGORIES 62-64: • Submit categories 62, 63, 64 each within one (1) notebook (2 or 3 ring binder; spiral bound; report cover; bound publication etc.)

• Please submit your entry in the order listed.

• In addition to the required printed entry, please also provide a pdf document of your entire entry (as one (1) document) on a CD or Thumbdrive. Attach to overall payment form. (Okay to submit all of your Pinnacle entries on one (1) CD or Thumbdrive.)

For entry, please provide detailed information to the following: 1. Overview Information (50 points) Please provide the required information listed under the specific category to the left.

2. Supporting Question (10 points) • What did you do to update/change the Degree from the year before? Were your updates/changes successful? Please providw measurable results/examples.

• If the Degree is a new program, please answer the following questions instead: • What challenges/obstacles did you foresee/encounter in creating the program and how did you handle them?

3. Supporting Materials: (10 points)

Please also include any and all of the following Supporting Materials.

Supporting materials should be placed at the end of the entry.

• Student recruiting materials • Student application materials • Marketing materials for program • Complete outline and syllabus of course(s) • Reading requirements list for students • Sample testing Materials 4. Judging Criteria: (30 points) No information required. Your entry will also be judged based on the below criteria.

• Is the entry / program well organized?

• Is the content professional?

• Is the message clear?

• Is the entry / program designed and laid out well?

• Is the program creative and / or unique?

• What is the overall impression?

• Have all supporting materials and measurable results been provided?

• Have all requirements been met?

CATEGORIES EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS OFFERING EVENT MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS 65) BEST ONLINE EVENT MANAGEMENT TRAINING PROGRAM 1. Overview Information: Please provide a detailed overview explaining the following, using no more than one (1) page to explain each section: a. Introduction & History of School/University b. Purpose / objective of Online Event Management Training Program c. Date degree/program was founded & time frame the course is offered d. Number of staff members & student to staff ratio e. Number of students enrolled / number graduated f. Tuition costs / Financial assistance offered g. Overall revenue and expense budget of program h. Writing/Speaking/Testing/Research requirements for students i. Practical event experience required (internships/assigned event management etc.) j. Overall effectiveness of degree/program - Alumni success (what are alumni of program doing now?)

2. Supporting Question - Anwser question listed to the right, here.

3. Supporting Materials - Place at the end of the entry.

66) BEST FESTIVAL & EVENT MANAGEMENT MASTERS PROGRAM 1. Overview Information: Please provide a detailed overview explaining the following, using no more than one (1) page to explain each section: a. Introduction & History of School/University b. Purpose / objective of Festival & Event Management Masters Program c. Date degree/program was founded & time frame the course is offered d. Number of staff members & student to staff ratio e. Number of students enrolled / number graduated f. Tuition costs / Financial assistance offered g. Overall revenue and expense budget of program h. Writing/Speaking/Testing/Research requirements for students i. Practical event experience required (internships/assigned event management etc.) j. Overall effectiveness of degree/program - Alumni success (what are alumni of program doing now?)

2. Supporting Question - Anwser question listed to the right, here.

3. Supporting Materials - Place at the end of the entry.

67) BEST FESTIVAL & EVENT MANAGEMENT PHD PROGRAM

1. Overview Information: Please provide a detailed overview explaining the following, using no more than one (1) page to explain each section: a. Introduction & History of School/University b. Purpose / objective of Festival & Event Management PhD Program c. Date degree/program was founded & time frame the course is offered d. Number of staff members & student to staff ratio e. Number of students enrolled / number graduated f. Tuition costs / Financial assistance offered g. Overall revenue and expense budget of program h. Writing/Speaking/Testing/Research requirements for students i. Practical event experience required (internships/assigned event management etc.) j. Overall effectiveness of degree/program - Alumni success (what are alumni of program doing now?)

2. Supporting Question - Anwser question listed to the right, here.

3. Supporting Materials - Place at the end of the entry.

ENTRY INFORMATION FOR CATEGORIES 65-67: • Submit categories 65, 66, 67 each within one (1) notebook (2 or 3 ring binder; spiral bound; report cover; bound publication etc.)

• Please submit your entry in the order listed.

• In addition to the required printed entry, please also provide a pdf document of your entire entry (as one (1) document) on a CD or Thumbdrive. Attach to overall payment form. (Okay to submit all of your Pinnacle entries on one (1) CD or Thumbdrive.)

For entry, please provide detailed information to the following: 1. Overview Information (50 points) Please provide the required information listed under the specific category to the left.

2. Supporting Question (10 points) • What did you do to update/change the Degree from the year before? Were your updates/changes successful? Please providw measurable results/examples.

• If the Degree is a new program, please answer the following questions instead: • What challenges/obstacles did you foresee/encounter in creating the program and how did you handle them?

3. Supporting Materials: (10 points)

Please also include any and all of the following Supporting Materials.

• Supporting materials should be placed at the end of the entry.

• Student recruiting materials • Student application materials • Marketing materials for program • Complete outline and syllabus of course(s) • Reading requirements list for students • Sample testing Materials 4. Judging Criteria: (30 points) • Is the entry / program well organized?

• Is the content professional?

• Is the message clear?

• Is the entry / program designed and laid out well?

• Is the program creative and / or unique?

• What is the overall impression?

• Have all supporting materials and measurable results been provided?

• Have all requirements been met?

CATEGORIES JUST FOR FUN 68) BEST PROMOTION PUBLICIZING AN IFEA / HAAS & WILKERSON PINNACLE AWARD WIN

ENTRY INFORMATION FOR CATEGORY 68: • Submit category 68 within one (1) notebook (2 or 3 ring binder; spiral bound; report cover; bound publication etc.)

• Please submit your entry in the order listed.

• In addition to the required printed entry, please also provide a pdf document of your entire entry (as one (1) document) on a CD or Thumbdrive. Attach to overall payment form. (Okay to submit all of your Pinnacle entries on one (1) CD or Thumbdrive.)

1. Overview Information: Please provide a detailed overview explaining the following, using no more than one (1) page to explain each section: a. Describe the promotion that took place to celebrate your IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Award win.

For entry, please provide detailed information to the following:

(No Charge to enter this Category) Were you recognized for your outstanding accomplishments with an IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Award last year?

Gain further recognition for your award and event by promoting your Pinnacle Win, and then share with us what you did!

2. Supporting Questions: Please answer the following supporting questions, using no more than one (1) page for each question: a. What has winning an IFEA / Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Award meant to your event? b. How have you used winning an award(s) to your advantage? c. How has winning an award(s) enhanced your presence within your community? d. How has winning an award(s) increased leverage / funding / sponsorship for your event?

3. Supporting Materials: Please also include any and all of the following supporting materials – limiting it to no more than 5 examples of each: • Promotion materials used to promote award • Media clippings from promotion • Examples of IFEA / Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Winner logo placement

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1. Overview Information (50 points) Please provide the required information listed under the specific category to the left.

2. Supporting Question: (10 points) Please answer questions listed under specific category to the left.

3. Supporting Materials: (10 points) Please provide materials listed under the specific category to the left. Supporting materials should be placed at the end of the entry.

4. Judging Criteria: (30 points) No information required. Your entry will also be judged based on the below criteria.

• Is the entry / promotion well organized?

• Is the content professional?

• Is the message clear?

• Is the entry / promotion designed and laid out well?

• Is the promotion creative and / or unique?

• What is the overall impression?

• Have all supporting materials and measurable results been provided?

• Have all requirements been met?

ENTRY FORM REQUIREMENTS

• Please submit one overall entry form with total payment - list all entries submitted on this form. (Be sure to complete sections 1 & 4.)

• Please also submit TWO copies of each individual entry form

2016

AWARDS

•

RELEASE AND USAGE

By submitting your entry to the IFEA / Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards, you automatically grant the IFEA the right to use any materials from your entries for editorial, analytical, promotional or any other purpose without additional compensation. In addition, you acknowledge your entry / ies are not returnable. Your entry into the competition is acknowledgment of these terms.

• •

– one to be attached to each individual entry – and one to be submitted with payment and overall entry form. (Complete sections 1, 2, 3 on each entry form.) Be sure payment information is NOT filled out on these copies.

If one organization is entering items for multiple events produced, please submit a separate payment form / overall entry form for each event to allow for proper credit to be given to that event.

Please be sure to PRINT your organization, event, sponsor or program name clearly and correctly - as this is how it will appear on any award if won.

NEW - Please email a high resolution copy of either your organization or event logo (Only one logo will be used.) to nia@ifea.com - subject “2016 Pinnacle Entry Logo” & Your Event / Logo Name.

Sections 1, 2 and 3 must be completed twice for each entry. One copy attached to each individual entry, and one copy attached to payment form.

1. ENTRANT INFORMATION (Required for each entry) (Tip: Complete Section 1. Then make copies to complete form for each entry.)

How you list your organization / event name will be how it is listed on any award won. PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY. Organization: ________________________________________________________________________ Membership #: ____________________________ Name of Event (if different from organization): ________________________________________________________________________________________ Name of Program and/or Program Sponsor for specific category (applies to Categories 28-68): ______________________________________________________ Address (Do not list P.O. Box): ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ City: ____________________________________ State: _____ Zip Code: _____________________ Country: __________________________________ Contact Person (This person will receive all email notifications regarding your Pinnacle entries.): ________________________________________________________________ Phone:______________________________________________ E-mail: ____________________________________________________________________ Website: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. BUDGET INFORMATION (Required for each entry) Organization’s Event Expense Budget: (USD, include all cash outflows). Each entry category is divided into the budget categories below. Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards will be given in each budget category unless the number of entries warrants budgets to be combined, or as determined by the judges. under $250,000

$250,000 - $750,000

$750,000 - $1.5 million

over $1.5 million

3. ENTRY INFORMATION (Required for each entry) Category Name (required): _____________________________________________________________ Category Number (required): ________________ Entry Description: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Provide brief identifying description for each entry - helps to identify if you enter 2 or more entries for the same category. Also list links for categories 7-12 here.)

Complete section 4 ONCE. Attach payment for all entries combined.

4. PAYMENT INFORMATION

Total Categories Entered: List which categories you are entering and how many of each. This is so we can account for all of your entries when they arrive. (e.g. 1, 2, 2, 3, 5, 7…): ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Entries received with payment by 5:00 p.m. June 20, 2016 (MST) will receive the Member early bird rate of $30 per entry or $100 per Grand Pinnacle Entry; or the Non-Member early bird rate of $60 per entry or $150 per Grand Pinnacle entry, depending on IFEA Membership Status. Entries received between June 21, 2016 and July 18, 2016 will receive the Member final entry rate of $35 per entry or $100 per Grand Pinnacle entry; or the Non-Member final entry rate of $75 per entry or $200 per Grand Pinnacle entry, depending on IFEA Membership Status. Questions: Contact nia@ifea.com.

Early Bird Member Rates (Before June 20, 2016)

Final Entry Member Rates (June 21 - July 18, 2016)

Early Bird Non-Member Rates (June 20, 2016)

Final Entry Non-Member Rates (June 21 - July 18, 2016)

Grand Pinnacle:

$75 x _____= $_______

$100 x _____= $_______

$150 x _____= $_______

$200 x _____= $_______

Pinnacle Entries: (Categories 2-67)

$30 x _____= $_______

$35 x _____= $_______

$60 x ______= $_______

$75 x ______= $ _______

Category #68: $ 0 x _____ = $_______ (Just for Fun Category) TOTAL NUMBER OF ENTRIES: __________________________ TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED: $ _____________________________________ Check (Make checks payable to IFEA)

Visa

MasterCard

American Express

Print Cardholder Name: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Signature: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Credit Card Number:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Expiration Date: _____________________________________________ CVN Code: ______________________(MC / VISA-3 digit code back) (AMX-4 digit code front) DID YOU REMEMBER TO Include your payment for total entries along with 1 overall entry form listing each category number entered Include 2 individual entry forms for each item – one with item, one with payment, do not list payment details on these forms Include each entry (as requested) on one disk or Thumbdrive attached to payment form.

Email organization or event logo to nia@ifea.com Review all rules for entry submission – go to: Pinnacle Awards section at www.ifea.com for more info.

International Festivals & Events Association • 2603 W Eastover Terrace • Boise, ID 83706 U.S.A. • phone: +1.208.433.0950 • fax: +1.208.433.9812 • web: www.ifea.com

Wi shi ngyou

Ha p p y Ho l i d a y s anda

Ha p p yN e wY e a r

IFEA WORLD FESTIVAL & EVENT CITY

©

AWARD PROGRAM “Recognizing the best in city-event leadership and partnerships around the world.”

ABOUT THE

IFEA WORLD FESTIVAL & EVENT CITY AWARD

©

The IFEA World Festival & Event City Award © was designed and created as a way for the global festivals and events industry to openly encourage, support, learn from and recognize positive local environments for festivals and events worldwide. If you are considering applying for this prestigious award, you already understand the important role that festivals and events play in your community by: • Adding to the quality of life for local residents; • Driving tourism; • Showcasing a positive community brand and image to the media, business community, and visitors; • Creating economic impact that translates into jobs, tax revenues and enhanced infrastructure improvements; • Providing enhanced exposure opportunities for the arts, not-for-profit causes and other community programs and venues; • Promoting volunteerism and bonding the many elements of the community together; • Encouraging community investment, participation, creativity and vision; and • Building irreplaceable ‘community capital’ for the future.

To achieve and maximize these important returns for the markets that they serve, we must clearly understand their direct correlation to the partnerships with and support from the local community, at all levels, that is critical to the success and sustainability of existing festivals and events, as well as the ability to attract and encourage new events. Through this special award the IFEA is pleased to recognize those cities and markets who have worked, through concerted efforts, to provide an environment conducive to successful festivals and events. For each year’s selected cities, the IFEA World Festival & Event City Award © provides: • A strong platform from which to recognize the success of current and on-going efforts by every component of your community; • A clear positioning statement to encourage continued infrastructure, policy and process enhancement and expansion; and • A powerful marketing statement for use in recruiting and encouraging new festivals, events and businesses.

We look forward to working with you, your city and community partners to recognize the quality efforts and support that you have successfully developed over the years and should be rightfully proud of. Thank you for your continued support of, and partnership with, the festivals and events industry. Best of Luck with your entry!

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RECIPIENT CITIES INCLUDE:

IFEA World Festival & Event Award recipients cities come from all over the globe including such cities as: Sydney, Australia; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; SĂŁo Paulo, Brazil; Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Jinju City, Gyeonsangnam-do, South Korea; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Ottawa - Ontario, Canada; Boston Massachusetts, USA; Maribor, Slovenia; Taupo - New Zealand; Ballito-KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa and much, much more. A complete list of winning cities and details about each can be found at www.ifea.com.

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ENTRY INFORMATION Quick Reference Guide DEADLINES

• Entry Deadline: 5:00 p.m. (Mountain Time Zone) – Monday, July 18th, 2016 • Entry must include completed entry, additional requested details and application form with payment • Due to time constraints in judging, late entries cannot be accepted.

FEES

The total cost to enter the IFEA World Festival & Event City Award© is $695 (U.S. Dollars) for IFEA Members and $895 (U.S. Dollars) for non-IFEA Members per entry. Payment may be made using a Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit card or by Check (made payable to the IFEA) or by Wire Transfer. For more information on Wire Transfers and transfer fees, please contact IFEA at +1-208-433-0950.

ELIGIBILITY

Applications for the IFEA World Festival & Event City Award © may be submitted by the City itself or by an event(s) on behalf of their City. It is our hope that the application process itself will result in an even closer working partnership and dialogue between the Applicant City and the festivals and events who serve that market.

Applicants may re-apply for the IFEA World Festival & Event City Award © each year.

JUDGING

Judging of the IFEA World Festival & Event City entries is done by an international panel of respected event professionals, who have been pleased to discover that there are many amazing programs happening around the world that will help us all to raise the bar for our own communities, showing us what is possible – at every level – when vision and leadership combine.

The IFEA World Festival & Event City Award © are presented on an individual basis to exemplary cities around the world that we hope others will emulate. The awards are not designed as a competition of one city against another, but rather to recognize those individual cities that have ‘raised the bar’ for everyone, taking into account the cultural, economic and geographic challenges that they have met, mastered and often changed along the way. For that reason, we may present multiple awards each year, while some will be encour88

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aged to strengthen or make adjustments to selected components of their entry criteria for reconsideration in future years.

SCORING SYSTEM

• A possible total of 100 points may be awarded to each entry based upon the individual components listed under Sections 1-6 of the overall entry.

• Failure to meet all requirements or answer/ provide all necessary information may impact judging decisions and will result in a deduction of points.

• If a section or element does not apply to your City, please state this within your entry (explaining why it does not apply) in order to avoid losing points.

SELECTION AND NOTIFICATION

• Award Recipients will be notified via email

by August 22st, 2016. Notification will go to the primary contact listed on the entry application.

• The 2016 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award © will be presented during the IFEA’s 61st Annual Convention & Expo, Date and Location TBD. Each recipient city will be highlighted in a brief video presentation at the award ceremony and on-site throughout the convention.

• If you are unable to attend the IFEA’s 61st Annual Convention & Expo to accept your award, please arrange for a representative to accept on your behalf.

• IIf you are not present at the awards presentation to accept your award, it will be mailed to you 3-4 weeks after the convention concludes. Please provide a UPS or FedEx account number to charge shipping fees to, or a credit card number to charge for shipping fees.

MAXIMIZING YOUR AWARD

Being selected as an IFEA World Festival & Event City is only the beginning of the benefits to be gained from this special honor. The IFEA will help each recipient with ideas on how to maximize and leverage your award, with specific examples from previous recipients.

• Each winning recipient of the IFEA World Festival & Event City Award © will receive an engraved award suitable for indoor display and a personal letter of congratulations.

• Duplicate IFEA World Festival & Event City awards, flags (for display or flying) and other recognition items are available for purchase by award recipients wishing to share their honor with the many partners who helped them to win.

• Winning recipients will be provided with the rights to use the 2016 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award© Winner logo

on their websites, press releases and other appropriate City letterhead, brochures, marketing materials, etc.

• The IFEA will announce all IFEA World Festival & Event City Award© recipients in an international press release to the world’s leading media sources, including all local market media contacts provided to the IFEA by selected applicants.

• IFEA World Festival & Event City Award© recipients will be featured in a special on-line tribute section at www.ifea.com in perpetuity and in a special section of ie: the business of international events, the IFEA’s industry-leading magazine.

• Each winning recipient will receive a oneyear complimentary IFEA membership.

RELEASE & USAGE

• By submitting your entry to the IFEA World Festival & Event City Award, you automatically grant the IFEA the right to use any materials from your entry for editorial, analytical, promotional or any other purpose without additional permission or compensation. All materials and photos submitted as part of the application will become the property of the IFEA. • Entries submitted are not able to be returned. Copies should be made prior to submitting your entry, as desired. Note: Proprietary or sensitive information will not be shared if identified clearly.

• Winning applicants agree that the IFEA may use their City name and representative photos in all press releases and program marketing materials, both hard copy and electronic versions.

• Your entry into the competition is acknowledgement of these terms.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Working in partnership with local community leadership, festivals, events, organizations and businesses, please provide a clear overview and understanding of the festival and event environment in your City/Market through your responses to each defined section. The application process in itself is a great opportunity to evaluate internally the areas where your City excels and other areas where you may be able to strengthen your efforts and further support local programs.

Cities interested in being considered for the annual IFEA World Festival & Event City Award© must submit and include the following information: 1. A completed entry form providing contact and payment information.

2. A one (1) paragraph description of your city (to be used for promotional purposes by the IFEA).

3. An email list of your local media contacts in Excel format for IFEA for use in announcing the selected recipients.

4. A representative photograph highlighting your City and/or events. (A least 300 dpi in size) 5. A three (3) minute video presentation representing your City. (Refer to Important Details section below for video format.)

6. A one (1) page introductory letter stating why your City should be selected to receive the IFEA World Festival & Event City Award.

7. Your overall completed IFEA World Festival & Event City Award© Entry providing responses and supporting information for the following sections. Refer to pages 6-9 for detailed descriptions required for each section. This part of your entry must be submitted as one (1) singular entry piece/ document/PowerPoint/Pdf, etc.: ❍ Section 1: Community Overview ❍ Section 2: Community Festivals & Events ❍ Section 3: City/Government Support of Festivals & Events ❍ Section 4: Non-Governmental Community Support of Festivals & Events ❍ Section 5: Leveraging ‘Community Capital’ Created by Festivals & Events ❍ Section 6: Extra Credit To view examples of past IFEA World Festival & Event City Award© recipient entries, go to: www.ifea.com / Industry Awards / World Festival & Event City Award / Recipients.

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Please submit your main entry (as listed in components 6-7 under Entry Requirements above), as one (1) singular entry piece/document/ PowerPoint/Pdf, etc.

Components 1-5 listed under Entry Requirements may be submitted as separate pieces from the main entry, but must be submitted at the same time.

• All entry information should be provided in English and typed using 10-point Arial font.

• Please submit your overall entry via Email (preferred method of submitting entry.)

Please create entry in a Word, PowerPoint, PDF document, tif, jpg or other standard format. If entry must be mailed, please submit your overall entry on a CD, or USB flash drive to the IFEA World Headquarters in the format listed above.

• To submit Video portion of entry, please email video file as an MP4, WMF, MOV or provide a link to an online video location such as YouTube. If mailing video on a

Winter 2015

disk or USB Drive, please submit video as an MPF, WMF, MOV. (DVD’s should be encoded for Region 1 or Region 0 DVD capabilities.)

• Entries over one Meg must be provided as a link to a fixed site with no expiration timeframe.

TIPS & POINTERS

• Not all components under a specific section will pertain to everyone. Don’t worry; there are no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answers and our international judging panel will base their decisions on overall impressions after reviewing all of the submitted information. We are all learning from each other, with the goal of strengthening the partnerships, benefits and returns to our respective communities from the festivals and events that are such an important part of the community fabric and we hope to find additional new ideas being implemented from within all of the award entries that we can share in the future.

• Responses to the requested information may require a straight-forward numerical answer, or a more descriptive definition.

While we have placed no limits on length, we encourage you to provide the most succinct answers possible that clearly make your point.

• If you have any questions or need clarification on any criteria, please do not hesitate to contact us.

• Support materials, photos, videos, brochures, copies, etc. should be inserted following the responses to each section.

• As needed, we may communicate with the primary contact on the application to clarify any questions that may arise.

SEND ENTRIES TO

Please email completed entries, application form and payment to: nia@ifea.com.

Entry, payment and application form may be mailed if necessary. Be sure to provide entry on a disk or a USB Flash Drive in a word, PowerPoint, PDF or other standard format.

Please mail to: IFEA World Festival & Event City Award 2603 W. Eastover Terrace Boise, ID 83706 U.S.A.

QUESTIONS?

Contact: • Steve Schmader at schmader@ifea.com • Nia Hovde at nia@ifea.com • Phone: +1-208-433-0950 ext:3

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IFEA World Festival & Event City Award

©

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Working in partnership with local community leadership, festivals, events, organizations and businesses, please provide a clear overview and understanding of the festival and event environment in your City/Market through responses to each of the following sections. The application process in itself is a great opportunity to evaluate internally the areas where your City excels and other areas where you may be able to strengthen your efforts and further support local programs.

Please submit the following information: 1. A completed entry form providing contact and payment information.

2. A one (1) paragraph description of your city (to be used for promotional purposes by the IFEA) 3. An email list of your local media in Excel format for IFEA to use to announce the selected recipients.

4. An individual photograph representing your city. (A least 300 dpi in size).

5. A three (3) minute video presentation representing your city. (Refer to Important Details section for video format.)

6. A one (1) page introductory letter stating why your City should be selected to receive the IFEA World Festival & Event City Award.

7. Your overall completed IFEA World Festival & Event City Award© Entry providing responses and supporting information for Sections 1-6 below. This part of your entry must be submitted as one (1) singular entry piece/document/PowerPoint/Pdf, etc. Please refer to the Entry Requirements and Important Details sections for specific entry formats and details.

To view examples of past IFEA World Festival & Event City Award© recipient entries, go to: www.ifea.com / Industry Awards / World Festival & Event City Award / Recipients

Section 1.

Community Overview Goal: The information in this section should help provide us with a better understanding of your community and the infrastructure in place to host and/or support those producing and attending festivals and events.

• Please provide an overview of your community that will provide us with as many elements as possible, such as: a. Current City Population b. Current SMSA or LUZ Population (Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area or Large Urban Zone) c. Population within a 50 Mile Radius of Applicant City d. Primary Festival and Event Venues Available (Indoor and Outdoor. For example: Theatres, Plazas, Bandshells, Parks, Stadiums, Fairgrounds, Sport Facilities, Convention Centers, etc., including those facilities planned for completion within the next two years. Include Estimated Capacities for each. For outdoor venues, use a formula of 1 person per 3 square feet if no other total capacity numbers are available.) e. Water and Power Accessibility in Outdoor Venues f. Hospital and Emergency Response Availability g. Total Number of Hotel Rooms Available h. Public Transportation Options i. Parking Availability (Paid lots, meters, and free) j. Walking Paths, Bicycle Lanes k. Estimated City Visitors Annually Attributed to Festivals and Events

Section 2.

Community Festivals and Events Goal: The information in this section should provide us with an understanding of the diversity and success of current festivals and events that serve your city residents and visitors throughout the year.

• Please provide us with a good overview of the leading festivals and events currently operating in your market. A full-year calendar of events is very helpful as we consider this area.

Please provide the following for the ‘Top 10’ festivals or events in your market: a. Festival or Event Name b. Top Executive Contact Information c. Number of Years Festival or Event has been Produced d. Event Dates (Minimally the month held, with days if clearly defined – For example: the last weekend in June. If the event is a series, list the starting and ending dates – For example: Every Wednesday, June through August.) e. Primary Target Audience (For example: Families; Young Adults; Seniors; Children; Specific Cultural Heritage Groups; All Community Segments; Out-of-Market Visitors, etc.) f. Recurrence Cycle (Annually, Every 5 Years, etc.) g. Estimated Combined Aggregate Attendance

Section 3.

City/Governmental Support of Festivals and Events Goal: The information in this section should help us to understand the strength and depth of support by the applicant City and other area governmental bodies (County, State, taxing districts, etc.) and demonstrate a clear awareness of event support needs by government agencies and officials.

• Please define or describe each of the following elements (a-i) below, as completely and accurately as possible.

• Where available and appropriate, please provide examples and copies.

• If a section or element does not apply to your city, please state this within your entry and why it does not apply and/or what you may have/use instead. a. Defined and Accessible Public Objectives and Support Statements for Festivals and Events by the City and Other Local Government Agencies b. Direct Funding Support Provided to and/or Budgeted for Festivals and Events from the City or Other Government Agencies c. In-Kind Services Support Provided to and/or Budgeted for Festivals and Events from the City or Other Government Agencies d. Defined Role of the City in Festival and Event Approval e. City-Provided Festival and Event Process Coordination and Assistance Systems (For example: Existence of a City Events Department; ‘One-Stop Shopping’ for Permitting and Municipal Service Needs; Shared Resource Programs for Volunteer Recruitment/Management, Non-Proprietary Equipment Usage/Maintenance, Insurance/Music Licensing Provisions, etc.) f. Participation in Official Capacity by City Department Representatives on Boards and Planning Committees of Local Festivals and Events g. Local Laws, Ordinances, Regulations, Permits and Policies Impacting and Supportive of Festivals and Events (For example: noise ordinances, traffic regulations, curfews, parking fees, fireworks regulations, ambush marketing control, alcohol service requirements, taxes, food safety, insurance requirements, etc.) h. City Provided Festival and Event Training Programs (For example: Marketing, Planning, Budgeting, Risk Management, Alcohol Service, City Department Introductions, Professional Certification, etc.) i. Direct Industry Involvement / Memberships by Any of the Above

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Section 4.

Non-Governmental Community Support of Festivals and Events Goal: The information in this section should help us to understand the commitment to festivals and events and direct support provided by community individuals and non-governmental organizations. Without this type of support most festivals and events could not achieve the level of success that these important partnerships help to build.

• Please define or describe how each of the following elements/organizations (a-l) below (if applicable) lends their support to ensure the success and outreach of local festivals and events completely and accurately as possible.

• Answers should be provided as an overview reflective of the entire community versus an individual event/organization, with enough detail to provide a clear picture of support.

• If a section or element does not apply to your city, please state this within your entry and why it does not apply and/or what you may have/use instead. a. Volunteer Involvement b. Sponsorship Support (include in your answer a list of the ten (10) most prominent corporate sponsors in your market) c. Media Support d. Chamber of Commerce / Convention & Visitors Bureau Support (Promotion and marketing activities, familiarization tours, travel writer access, material creation, information distribution, grant funding, visitor hosting, etc.) e. Downtown Associations (Support by Downtown merchants and businesses) f. Organizations to Assist Individuals with Disabilities g. Local Event Cooperatives h. Sports Commissions i. Educational Institution Support j. Special Incentives/Discounts Provided to Festivals and Events by Local Venues k. Access to Industry Suppliers in the Local Market (For example: banners and decorations; generators; portable toilets; merchandise; generators; stage, lights & sound; golf carts; security; chairs; barricades; ATM’s; communication services; etc.) l. Direct Industry Involvement / Memberships by Any of the Above

Section 5.

Leveraging ‘Community Capital’ Created by Festivals & Events Goal: The information in this section should help us to understand how the City and its non-governmental partners maximize the ‘community capital’ created by festivals and events in your market.

• Please define or describe how your City uses the branding and marketing images/ opportunities provided by your local festivals and events to leverage return in other areas.

• These may include, the items below, among others.

• If a section or element does not apply to your city, please state this within your entry and why it does not apply and/or what you may have/use instead. a. Community Branding (How are local festivals and events used to promote and build upon the positive image of the city?) b. Promoting Tourism (How are local festivals and events used to promote tourism visits?) c. Convention Marketing (How are local festivals and events used to recruit conventions to the city during the times that festival or event activities may serve as an extra incentive for choosing a destination?) d. Corporate Recruiting Efforts (How are local festivals and events used by Economic Development efforts to recruit new businesses to consider choosing your market for their operations?)

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e. Relocation Packets and Information (How are local festivals and events used in information designed to entice individuals / organizations to relocate to your city?) f. Familiarization Tours (How are local festivals and events used by your City and Convention & Visitors Bureau as part of ‘Familiarization Tours’ for visiting meeting planners, VIP’s, etc.) g. Out-of-Market Media Coverage (How are local festivals and events used to secure interest in coverage from out-of-market media sources, travel writers, etc.?) h. Enhancing Exposure to the Arts and Other Causes (How are local festivals and events used to feature, highlight, expose new audiences to, or drive support for the arts and other causes?) i. Creating Highly Visible Public Relations Campaigns for City Facilities and Services (How are local festivals and events used to drive positive public relations campaigns for things like police image, parks usage, fire safety, EMT roles and support needs, use of local transportation options, marketing of/exposure to local venues, support of local bond issues, etc.?) j. Encouraging Community Bonding, Participation, and Celebration (How are local festivals and events used by the City to bond all of the diverse elements of the community together, encourage community involvement and support, and celebrate who we are when we are at our best?) k. Highlighting or Developing Underused Venues or Sections of the Community (How are local festivals and events used to encourage usage of or exposure to underused venues or city neighborhoods, underdeveloped sections of the City, etc.?) l. Creating Legacies and Images Beyond the Event (How are local festivals and events used to create lasting legacies (venues, programs, infrastructures and images of the City after and in-between events?)

Section 6.

Extra Credit This section provides an opportunity to highlight any other programs, services, resources, activities, etc., that may not have been included or covered in the previous sections. Some examples may include the items below, among others, a. Skills Development - Availability of Certificate or Degree Programs in Festival & Event Management through a Local University or Private Provider b. Members of Your Event Community Who Currently Hold a Certified Festival & Event Executive (CFEE) Designation c. Secondary School System Graduation Requirements that Encourage Volunteerism and Community Service during Festivals and Events d. A Festival and Event Shared Resource Program in Your City (For example: shared warehousing, office space, equipment, staff, etc.) e. Efforts to Actively Recruit New Events to Your City (Please include reference to any applications made/secured if this area pertains) f. Other Creative Endeavors

Past IFEA World Festival & Event Cities Each year, the International Festivals & Events Association announces the recipients of the IFEA World Festival & Event City Award, at the Annual IFEA Convention & Expo. The IFEA would like to congratulate each winning city. For more information about each winning city - go to: www.ifea.com / Industry Awards / IFEA World Festival & Event City Awards / Past Event Cities

2015 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award Recipients 2011 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award Recipients • • • • • • • •

Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia Dubai, United Arab Emirates Jinju City, Gyeonsangnam-do, South Korea Louisville, Kentucky, United States Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Rotterdam, The Netherlands Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

2014 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award Recipients • • • • • •

Boston, Massachusetts, United States Hwacheon-Gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea Nice, Côte d’Azur, France Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand Salvador, Bahia, Brazil Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

2012 IFEA World Festival & Event City Awards Recipients • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Ballito-KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa Campos do Jordão, São Paulo, Brazil Denver, Colorado, United States of America Dubai, United Arab Emirates Dublin, Ohio, United States of America Grapevine, Texas, United States of America Hampyeong-gun, Jeonlanam-do, Korea Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China London, England Maribor, Slovenia Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, The Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

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Dubai, United Arab Emirates Gimje-si, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea Indianapolis, Indiana, United States Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa Joinville, Santa Catarina, Brazil Meizhou Island of Putian City, Fujian Province, China Reykjavik, Iceland São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil Shanghai, China Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

2010 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award Recipients

Dubai, United Arab Emirates Dublin, Ohio, United States Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States São Paulo, Brazil Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

2013 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award Recipients • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • •

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• • • • • • • • • • • •

Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea Edinburgh, Scotland Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea Hidalgo, Texas, United States Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea Louisville, Kentucky, United States Norfolk, Virginia, United States Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Rotterdam, The Netherlands Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Salvador, Bahia, Brasil Taupo, New Zealand

IFEA World Festival & Event City Award© APPLICATION Entry Deadline: 5:00 p.m. (MST) Monday, July 28th, 2016 Submit Entries, Entry Form and Payment to: Email: nia@ifea.com (preferred method of receiving entry.)

If shipping entry, send to: IFEA World Festival & Event City Award© • 2603 Eastover Terrace, Boise, ID 83706 USA Phone: +1-208-433-0950 ext: 3 – nia@ifea.com

CITY APPLICANT INFORMATION (Please print clearly) Applicant City Name (If including information from surrounding market or suburb communities, please note those in parenthesis):______________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ State / Province or Territory: __________________________________________________________________________________________________ Country: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Global Region: (Choose one)

❍ Africa

❍ Asia

❍ Australia / New Zealand

❍ Europe

❍ Latin America

❍ The Middle East (MENASA)

❍ North America

Note: Politically connected islands and territories should choose the region of their most direct affiliation. ❍ Other (If you choose ‘Other’ please clearly specify location below.) __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Population Level (select one):

❍ Under 1 million ❍ Over 1 million

PRIMARY CONTACT INFORMATION (Please print clearly) The following information should pertain to the primary individual with whom the IFEA should communicate with, as necessary, throughout the award judging and selection process.

Name: ___________________________________________________________ Title: __________________________________________________ Organization: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City, State, Country, Postal Code: _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone (Business): _________________________________________________ Phone (Mobile): _________________________________________ Fax: _____________________________________________________________ E-Mail: _________________________________________________ Note: The Recipient City will receive a complimentary membership for one year in IFEA through our appropriate global affiliate. If different from the Primary Contact please let us know who should receive this membership.

RELEASE & USAGE

• By submitting your entry to the IFEA World Festival & Event City Award©, you automatically grant the IFEA the right to use any materials from your entries for editorial, analytical, promotional or any other purpose without additional compensation. All materials and photos submitted as part of the application will become the property of the IFEA.

• Winning applicants agree that the IFEA may use their City name and representative photos in all press releases and program marketing materials, both hard copy and electronic versions.

• Your entry into the competition is acknowledgement of these terms.

PAYMENT TOTAL

IFEA Member Non IFEA Member IFEA World Festival & Event City Award©: Number of Entries:_________x ❍ $695 USD Per Entry ❍ $895 USD Per Entry = $_____________

PAYMENT INFORMATION Please select your method of payment:

❍ VISA

❍ MasterCard

❍ American Express ❍ Check (Made payable to the IFEA) ❍ Wire Transfers: (Contact Leslie McFarlane at leslie@ifea.com for details)

Print Cardholder Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Signature: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Credit Card Number:________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Expiration Date: _____________________________________________ CVN Code: _________________ (VISA/MC-3 digit code back) (AMX-4 digit code front)

DID YOU REMEMBER TO: ❍ Complete the entry form providing contact and payment information? ❍ Submit a one (1) paragraph description of your city (to be used for promotional purposes by the IFEA)? ❍ Submit an email list of your local media in Excel format for IFEA to use to announce the selected recipients? ❍ Submit an individual photograph representing your city. (A least 300 dpi in size)?

❍ Submit a three (3) minute video presentation representing your city? ❍ Submit a one (1) page introductory letter stating why your City should be selected to receive the IFEA World Festival & Event City Award©? ❍ Submit your overall completed IFEA World Festival & Event City Award© Entry providing responses and supporting information for Sections 1-6?

Is this entry submitted as one (1) singular entry piece/document/ PowerPoint/Pdf, etc.? Is this entry provided on a disk, USB Flash Drive or electronically in a Word, PowerPoint, PDF or other standard format?

Continued from page 16

so the bar is really high for great imagery.

If you aren’t a graphic designer, but a mere mortal, you need Canva. Canva gives you everything you need to design beautiful graphics for your posts, website, presentations, posters and more… all in a few easy steps.

First, you can tell Canva what your designing needs are – let’s say you’d like to create a Facebook cover image (since we all need to change those more often!).

Then, Canva gives you lots of Facebook cover layout options, which consist of images with overlaid text. Pick a layout and get to editing. Upload your own photo background by using its beautiful, flexible filters to get it just right. Then, edit your text (and even the font, color and size), placing it wherever it works best on the image.

Inspired? I hope so! Of all the things I speak about, Canva is the tool people write to me about the most, saying how life changing it is.

Thanks for allowing me to share some digital tools with you this year. I hope

Continued from page 20

they have helped save you time and will make your life better. But most of all, I wish you peace, whether you’re a closet nerd or just getting comfortable with technology. Here’s to using technology to enhance, not control, our lives!

Kendra Wright started her career managing non-profit fundraising events.

Then in an “about face,” she took a job managing global Internet strategies at a Fortune 1000 company in 1995, just as the Internet came to being. She left that company in 1998 to found Wright Strategies, working with clients like KEEN Footwear, Nike, Jeep, Chrysler, Intel and Panasonic. Then in 2009, Kendra launched Saffire to do integrated online marketing and ticketing for hundreds of events, venues and destinations. It’s been a wild ride! Kendra can be reached at kendra@saffire.com, and more information about Saffire can be found at www.saffire.com.

Continued from page 43

order to differentiate it from other races in town. We ran the first 2 miles of the course through a working cherry orchard connecting the runners back to the fruit of the Festival. We focused on the farm to Festival aspect and it really connected the runner to the mission of the Cherry Festival. The new operational expenses were minor once you analyzed the entire picture.

Once registration was open it was clear that the market demanded the half marathon race distance. Due to local government regulations we capped the half marathon at 500 participants. The total number of people that ran the Festival of Races was 3,230 which was very similar to previous years. Of the 3,230 runners, 56% were female and 44% were male.

The largest race (according to the number of runners) was the 5K with 1,988 runners making it 61% of the participants.

The second largest was the half marathon with 487 runners making it 15% of the runners. Third, the 10K had 408 runners making it 12% and lastly the 15K had 343 runners making up 10%. Although the overall number of runners stayed consistent with previous years the total registration revenue increased almost 20% compared to 2013. The addition of the half marathon was extremely successful.

Overall it is important to analyze every different aspect of an event prior to making any decisions on changing or adding 96

any new programming. Non-sponsorship revenue is important and can also help an event sustain longevity. Analyzing the different elements of an organization and understanding basic information is an important step. Once the demographics of the audience are determined it is easier to narrow down different types of programming options. Industry, national and local trends are crucial to track and analyze. Although races had been successful in the Traverse City area it was important to identify a unique component to help the race stand out. Overall the Festival has continued to see improvements with the Festival of Races and the new half marathon has continued to yield new revenue for the entire Festival.

Michelle Elliott is the Business Development Manager for the National Cherry Festival. She is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys spending time in Northern Michigan with her friends and family. She graduated Central Michigan University in 2009 with her Bachelors of Applied Arts and is grateful she gets to go to work each day planning an event that puts a smile on thousands of faces!

She can be reached at: melliott@ cherryfestival.org.

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time every few months and practice how you will react when a crisis hits. This is the time to expect the unexpected. Remember, a crisis may not be of your own making. You may be the victim, but will still have to deal with your audiences.

And, as you are conducting these practice sessions, make sure all of the information in your plan (names, addresses, phone numbers, emails, passwords, etc.) is up to date.

While we are on the subject of your actual plan, once completed, create hard copies as well as electronic files. I know that sounds a bit “old school” but if the crisis includes loss of access to your computer or files, you will want to be able to access a hard copy and put your plan into action.

All right, this is probably enough information to get you started on the creation of your crisis communications plan. In the next installment, I will give you some tips on what to do when the crisis hits. In the meantime, if you have any questions, or need further advice, please let me know.

Good luck!

Scott Fraser is a veteran communications professional with more than 30 years’ experience. As principal of Fraser Communications Group, he provides public relations, media relations and crisis communications advice for his clients who range from small non-profits, to international corporations. He has been hired to protect the reputations of companies in crisis, and gain positive public exposure for clients ranging from an emerging high tech company to established organizations in industry and healthcare. Sought after as a public speaker, Fraser also is an adjunct professor at Salve Regina University in Newport, RI, teaching courses in Crisis Communications and Public Relations.

You can reach Scott at: sfraser@frasercomm.com, (401) 647-3444 and follow him @frasercomm on Twitter.

Is Your Online Marketing

PLUGGED IN? Let the IFEA Take a Look with our New Online Marketing Audit Program

If you are like most events/organizations, your on-line marketing presence and visibility is really just a summation of non-related, often outdated, components and links and access to miscellaneous tools/ toys that someone in a seminar somewhere said that you should be using, with no real ‘plan’ to it at all. You may not even be sure anymore just what you have or what it should do, let alone having a plan for strengthening / upgrading it. If this sounds like you, it’s probably time for an online tune-up.

We’ll make sure your Online Marketing is Plugged In! Working with some of the most experienced professionals in the field, IFEA is pleased to offer our new “IFEA Online Marketing Audit.”

The Audit includes a formal evaluation of a festival/ event’s online visibility by an expert team from Edgeworks Group that includes web developers, social media consultants and online marketers. This broad assessment – a starting point for defining both a short-and-long term roadmap for creating a powerful online presence covers your event/ organization’s: • Online reputation • Social and mobile integrations • Search optimization • Website usability • Social media efforts.

• Installation of tracking tools • Updates and customizations to existing tracking programs • Verification of Webmaster tools for both Bing and Google

To learn more about the IFEA’s Online Marketing Audit, please contact: Nia Hovde, Vice President & Director of Marketing & Communications at nia@ifea.com or +1-208-433-0950 ext: 3 or Click Here

MARKETPLACE BANNERS/FLAGS dfest® - DIXIE FLAG EVENT SERVICES TEAM - The ONE source for creative design, custom decorations, street banners, mascots, video marketing & installation for events. All services tailored to fit your unique needs.

Contact: Pete Van de Putte Jr., CFEE, President; Address: 1930 N. Pan Am Expressway, San Antonio, TX 78208; Phone: (800) 356-4085; Fax: 210-227-5920; Email: sales@dixieflag.com; Website: www.dixieflag.com.

FIREWORKS LANTIS FIREWORKS AND LASERS - Provides display fireworks and laser specialists, computerized, choreographed fireworks, indoor/outdoor programs, special effects. Fully licensed and insured in Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado, Texas and Alaska. Contact: PO Box 491, Draper, UT 84020-0491; Phone: 800-443-3040; Email: lantispyro@yahoo.com; Website: http://www. lantisfireworks.com/v3/.

FLOATS/SCULPTURE/PROPS KERN STUDIOS AT MARDI GRAS WORLD - Since 1932, Kern Studios has been creating New Orleans Mardi Gras parades from concept through completion.

Today we are proud to be the world’s leading makers of floats, sculpture and props. Contact: Barry Kern; Address: 1380 Port of New Orleans Place, New Orleans, LA 70130; Phone: 800-362-8213; Fax 504-366-0245; Email: barry@ kernstudios.com; Website: www.kernstudios.com/ INFLATABLES DYNAMIC DISPLAYS, FABULOUS INFLATABLES - Designs, manufacturers, for rent or purchase – costumes, props, floats, helium balloons, event entry ways and décor. Offers complete and flexible service packages for small towns and large international events. 50+ years of parade/event experience. Contact: Steve Thomson; Address: 6470 Wyoming St. Ste #2024, Dearborn MI 48126; Phone: 800-411-6200 Fax 519-258-0767; Email: steve@fabulousinflatables.com; Website: www.fabulousinflatables.com INSURANCE HAAS & WILKERSON INSURANCE – Over 50 years experience in the entertainment industry, providing insurance programs designed to meet the specific needs of your event. Clients throughout the US include festivals, parades, carnivals and more. Contact: Carol Porter, CPCU, Broker; Address: 4300 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Fairway, KS 66205; Phone: 800-821-7703; Fax: 913-676-9293; Email: carol.porter@hwins.com; Website: www.hwins.com.

KALIFF INSURANCE - Founded in 1917, Kaliff Insurance provides specialty insurance for festivals, fairs, parades, rodeos, carnivals and more. We insure the serious side of fun! Contact: Bruce Smiley-Kaliff; Address: 1250 NE Loop 410 Ste 920, San Antonio TX 78209; Phone: 210-829-7634 Fax: 210-829-7636; Email: bas@kaliff.com; Website: www.kaliff.com.

K & K INSURANCE – For 60 years, K & K insurance has been recognized as the leading provider of SPORTS-LEISURE & ENTERTAINMENT insurance products.

Contact: Mark Herberger; Address: 1712 Magnavox Way, Fort Wayne, IN 46804; Call: 1-866-554-4636; Email: mark.herberger@kandkinsurance.com.

Website: KandKinsurance.com.

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INTERNET POINTSMAP® - PointsMap® has proven to be an effective and useful software for Festivals and Events. Create custom points at their exact location on your PointsMap with photos, descriptions, website links, multi-media, PDF’s and even “inside maps”. Your visitors can “PLAN” before the festival using their desktop computer, and then “NAVIGATE” the festival using their Smartphone. Visit www.

PointsMap.com/SLAF and http://www.PointsMap.com/WichitaRiverFest/ to see how PointsMap is being used. It’s easy to use and extremely affordable.

Contact: Jerry Waddell Address: 1100 Riverfront Pkwy, Chattanooga, TN 374022171; Phone: 423-894-2677; Email: jerryw@videoideas.com; Website: www.pointsmap.com.

QUICKEDGE™ (EDGEWORKS GROUP LLC) - Since 1994 our mission has been to drive more business through your website. We plan, design, build, and market successful websites by integrating customized online strategies including search engine optimization, affiliate marketing, email marketing, and more. If this kind of experience and approach is what you’re looking for, we’d love to hear from you.

Address: 26361 Crown Valley Parkway, Suite 203, Mission Viejo CA 92691; Phone: 866-888-7313 x701; Email: info@edgeworksgroup.com; Website: www.edgeworksgroup.com.

SAFFIRE EVENTS - Saffire is award-winning software providing events & venues with beautifully designed, online event destinations, including integrated content management, mobile, social, ecommerce, email and more. Contact: Kendra Wright; Address: 248 Addie Roy Rd, Ste B-106, Austin TX 78746-4133; Phone: 512-430-1123; Email: info@saffireevents.com; Website: www.saffireevents.com.

PINS CUSTOM PIN & DESIGN - Supplying festivals & events with lapel pins and other novelty items since 1980. Highest Quality-Lowest Prices! Many well-known clients.

Contact: John Stevenson; Address: 245 Ivanhoe Street, Denver CO 80220; Phone: 877-307-7467 Fax 720-524-7376; Email: custompin@aol.com; Website: www.custompin.com.

PUBLICATIONS TRIPINFO.COM - Their widely recognized database drives their reference media, constantly updated by travel destinations who submit their information updates online. Publishes website, print atlas & handbook, newsletters, and road maps. Address: 3103 Medlock Bridge Rd, Norcross, GA 30071-5401; Phone: 770-825-0220; Email: mark@tripinfo.com; Website: www.tripinfo.com.

SPONSORSHIP IEG - The leading provider of consulting, valuation, research, published information and training in the global sponsorship industry. Address: 640 N LaSalle Ste 450, Chicago, IL 60654-3186; Phone: 312-944-1727; Website: http://www. sponsorship.com.

TICKETING INTERACTIVE TICKETING - is an industry leader in online and onsite ticketing, providing a comprehensive ticketing solution with dynamic online sales tools, innovative mobile scanning options and secure onsite point of sale. Contact: Paul Lauterjung, Sales Manager; Address: 93 S Jackson St #20360, Seattle, WA 98104; Phone: 877-253-5676; Email: paul.lauterjung@interactiveticketing.com; Website: http://www.interactiveticketing.com/online-sales

Continued from page 28

Your medical resources can find themselves under pressure as a consequence of warm weather too. Dehydration, sunburn and exhaustion are typical issues resulting from warm weather. Dealing with these, usually minor issues, can be a significant drain on your medical cover.

You can never have enough water or access to water at most events. This becomes all the more important when the weather is particularly warm.

The Rain Wet weather puts people in a bad mood. Bad moods can lead to a wide range of knock-on effects at events.

Rain can mean that your attendees will turn up later than you’d like or, potentially, earlier than you’d like in order to avoid the chance they’ll have to queue outside in the rain. This can affect your plans in a variety of ways.

With rain can come cold and this can cause your attendees to be cold and contract pneumonia and / or hypothermia. This can be especially likely in outdoor sports events and multiday festivals.

Umbrellas tend to feature in wet weather and these can block people’s views as well as have the potential to be used as weapons.

The Wind In extreme circumstances, the wind can result in temporary structures being compromised and potentially collapsing.

Wind speeds and effects need to be monitored closely.

On the less extreme end of the spectrum, the wind can wreak havoc with the sound at events, even indoor ones. I worked on an event that was housed in a large warehouse and the wind hitting the building caused a loud noise internally, which made the audio engineers’ lives quite difficult.

High or swirling winds can create serious problems for pyrotechnic shows too. Professional pyro operators calculate where the fireworks fallout will land and this can be affected by wind. Worst case scenario, it can mean the cancellation of pyro shows for safety reasons.

The Bottom Line This infographic includes 17 overlooked ways weather can affect your events but I’m sure there are more. What I’m hoping to achieve here is to maybe help us, as event organisers, be more cognisant of some of these potential issues.

Many of these effects are in themselves safety issues or can quickly lead to knockon safety issues. These are universal,

experienced the world over, and can be powerful. Let’s all keep them in mind.

Mark Breen is Co-Founder & Senior Partner of Cuckoo Events based in Dublin, Ireland. He is an award- winning event Safety Officer and one of the most experienced and qualified event safety practitioners in Ireland.

He has worked at the London 2012 Olympics as well as on some of Ireland’s largest outdoor events. He writes and speaks regularly on all things event-related, particularly event safety. He is a Graduate Member of the Marketing Institute of Ireland and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in PR & Events. He has specialist qualifications in Spectator Safety Management as well as Crowd Science. He is also soon to begin an MSc in Crowd Safety & Risk Analysis.

Mark and the Team at Cuckoo are passionate about helping people run safer events and devote a lot of time to doing so. Mark is very active on Twitter @mark_breen and @CuckooEvents. The multiple award-winning Cuckoo Events website can be found at cuckoo.ie

Continued from page 49

watch being issued, meaning the chance of severe weather, then could be upgraded to a warning, meaning severe weather is likely.

Maybe there has already been damage an hour west of you. As patrons, vendors and even the bands themselves hear of this, they begin wondering and want to know more, and in most instances, they call your main office. Keep your office personnel in the know. Everyone from vendors to the band should be clear and reminded when they check in that any emergency decisions of any type come through your main office, possibly coordinated with Law Enforcement! If you have one or two key office personnel to field inquiries, all the better!

7. SPREADING THE WORD If and when the time comes and a critical decision is made to move fair goers, vendors and workers, how do you spread the word?

For your managers, your handful of key people, cell phone is typically the quickest.

For most everyone else, this is where your Public Address Announcer becomes very important and the reason they should have been in on your initial severe weather plan meetings. They can help spread the word in an informed and clear way if THEY already

understand the procedures. Let them help you and help everyone with clear and concise information over the loud speakers.

8. EMERGENCY PERSONNEL Make sure you, your managers, Law Enforcement/Security on the grounds and main office all have cell phone and/or two way radio contact with Emergency personnel. If there is a medical emergency, in severe weather or not, chances are it will come through Security or the Main Office.

9. CELL PHONES In emergency times, everyone is on their cell phones, and normal cell phone signals could be an issue. If possible, try switching your cell phone(s) to analog. You may well find that old method less crowded.

10. AFTER THE STORM The storm is over. Hopefully you have no serious injuries. Your safety concerns may not be done yet. While your remaining patrons and workers begin touring the grounds, watch for hazards, especially downed power lines or power cables running through water. Keep an eye out for building material and even furniture that Winter 2015

may have been torn apart, nails showing, and thrown around the grounds.

There are countless other rules and things to watch out for. These ten are just a start, but an important start in being able to “handle the pressure” for severe weather at your outdoor event.

Wayne Mahar is the President of Precision Weather Service, a private weather consulting firm based in Syracuse, NY and the leaders in forecasting and safety for events in North America. Clients include The Academy Awards, MLB All Star Gala, Super Bowl concerts, San Francisco to LA AIDS Bike Ride, Oklahoma City Heart Walk, most Hollywood red carpet events, Coachella, high profile weddings, major concerts, New York State Fair, Los Angeles St. Patrick's Day Festival, Toronto Nuit Blanche Festival, Boots and hearts Country Music Festival and many more...

WEB SITE: www.precisionweather.com TWITTER @PrecisionWeathr PH: 315 638-1666

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IFEA HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE

TOUCH-A-PRIZE Turn a Festival Survey into an exciting interactive experience for festival attendees who can win valuable prizes while gaining higher visibility for your sponsor and generating revenue at no cost to you. Call by January 1st for complete details and get a 10% discount on this amazing opportunity.

P 414-321-0874 • E Bob@TouchAPrize.com www.TouchAPrize.com 100

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Winter 2015

IFEA MEMBERSHIP

BEST ENTERTAINERS

December 2015 IFEA NEW Membership Special

Best Entertainers creates panoptic Entertainment Experiences throughout the great State of Texas.

During the month of December 2015 join the IFEA as a new IFEA Member and receive 2 years of IFEA Membership for the price of 1 year.

OFFER ENDS: December 31, 2015

2 Years for the Price of 1

P 208-433-0950-4085 Ext 816 • E beth@ifea.com www.ifea.com

From international celebrity acts that have graced the stages of America’s Got Talent to acts that have performed over 5,000 events to date.

We don’t just “do” entertainment for events, we CREATE Entertainment Experiences that will set your event apart from all others.

That’s why Best Entertainers has sustained its business for OVER 30 years.

Make YOUR Event A BEST Event Today!

dfest ® “At dfest ®, we design banners, signage, and custom décor so that it has the flexibility to be updated and re-used year-after-year. Instead of throwing away and reprinting your banners each time an element changes, in our designs, variable information, like sponsors and dates, can be removed and added.”

P 800-356-4085 • E sales@dixieflag.com www.dixieflag.com

P 713-773-2378 • E victoria@bestentertainers.com bestoffice@bestentertainers.com www.bestentertainers.com Winter 2015

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IFEA HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE SAFFIRE

KERN STUDIOS

Shine Online With Saffire Saffire empowers hundreds of clients with beautiful, unique and engaging websites, and integrated SaffireTix ticketing. The platform includes online, advance and gate sales, all with comprehensive, up-to-the-minute reporting. Saffire’s Spark content management system makes it easy to control it all yourself and get unlimited help when you need it. It’s imperative for our festivals to attract younger, more tech-savvy audiences to thrive. With over 15 years in this business, the Saffire team is your expert on all the pieces to the digital puzzle and we’re dedicated to helping you with everything your organization needs to be successful online! We've come a long way since our first rodeo. From our success working with hundreds of events, venues & destinations across the country, we are happy to call this industry home. We have big plans to continue to grow, and we'd love to have you join the Saffire movement.

Discover Where Magic is Made

P 512-430-1123 www.saffire.com

P + 1-504-362-8211 • E info@kernstudios.com www.kernstudios.com

ZAMBELLI FIREWORKS

GATHERBOARD

Zambelli Fireworks works to “wow” the audiences of our clients with creative shows that appeal to all the senses and enable audiences to feel the power of the display. We have offices and operation facilities around the US. To assure that your display is handled safely and professionally we have staff available around the country.

GatherBoard is the Online Event Calendar That Puts You in Charge. This customizable software has app-quality design with built-in searchengine optimization and easy interface, ideal for mid-sized communities. GatherBoard easily integrates into your existing site or can be launched as a standalone initiative. This is a great solution for your City or County, Multiday Festival, Chamber or Downtown Association, or Tourism District.

GatherBoard Connects Communities - One Calendar at a Time.

P 406-880-0880 www.zambellifireworks.com

P 406-880-0880 www.GatherBoard.com

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IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

Based in New Orleans, Kern Studios is the world’s leading maker of parades, floats, custom props, spectaculars, and themed environments since 1932.

We create most Mardi Gras parades, but the magic doesn’t stop there! Our work can be found in advertising, theme parks, and casinos around the globe.

Come see what we’re capable of and get inspired! We’d gladly make some magic for you!

Winter 2015

HAAS & WILKERSON

LANTIS FIREWORKS

B:9.5” T:9” S:8.5”

Over 50 years experience in the entertainment industry, providing insurance programs designed to meet the specific Don’t let an accident ruin your day. needs of your event.

Clients throughout the US include festivals, parades, carnivals and more.

Don’t let an accident ruin your day.

Lantis Fireworks & Lasers provides display fireworks and laser specialists, computerized, choreographed fireworks, indoor/ outdoor programs, special effects. Fully licensed and insured in Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado, Texas and Alaska.

hwins.com

P 800-443-3040 • E lantispyro@yahoo.com www.lantisfireworks.com

Take a proactive approach instead. Our event experts can help identify your risks and provide creative solutions that protect your organization from accidents.

For a comprehensive review of your coverage and exposure, call 1-800-821-7703.

HAASWGEN2407_FairFestivalAd_9x11_RUN.indd

R

SAVED 8-24-2012 12:31 PM | BY Randy Green | PREVIOUSLY BY David Terrill | FILES SENT VIA None » Contact Diane Straughen · None · diane@blacktopcreative.com

POINTSMAP VIDEO IDEAS

JOB INFO Job Client Built At Output At

APPROVAL & NOTES HAASWGEN2407 Haas & Wilkerson Fair & Festival Ad 100% 100%

T:11”

S:10.5”

Independent agent representing ACE Group Programs Division. Most insurance products are underwritten by insurers within the ACE Group of Insurance Companies.

B:11.5”

P 800-821-7703 • E Andrew.Vandepopulier@hwins.com www.hwins.com

Creative Director Designer Brand Navigator Studio Artist Print Production Proofreader

None Lane Nelson Diane Randy Green None None

ROUND

IEG

FONTS & IMAGES

Fonts » Univers (55 Roman, 45 Light), Times (Regular), Adobe Jenson Pro (Semibold Subhead) Images » 80489031_Punchstock_icecreamV2.tif (CMYK; 447 ppi, -448 ppi; 67.03%, -67.03%)

PointsMap® is an on-line, interactive software that allows you to add your own Points of Interest on a unique Google® map and custom maps. Your map is accessible to anyone with an Internet connection - even on a smartphone or tablet. Beyond finding a specific Point, PointsMap® specializes in providing detailed information, directions, videos, pictures and even the ability to "Go Inside" Points and view custom interior maps.

PointsMap®even offers INTERNAL NAVIGATION and Turn by Turn Directions inside buildings without any external hardware.

PointsMap is now available as an App. This App can be "customized" for your PointsMap.

IEG’s 33rd Annual Sponsorship Conference April 17 - 20, 2016 Chicago Register before Dec. 15, 2015 and take advantage Use special order code: IEG2016IFEA of special early bird rates.

Join us in Chicago to learn from and network with more than 1,200 marketers representing the biggest brands, coolest properties and smartest agencies from around the globe, Don’t miss your only opportunity to get together with influential partnership decision-makers and thought-leaders at IEG 2016.

P 423-894-2677 • E jerryw@videoideas.com www.pointsmap.com

P 312-944 1727 • E ieg@sponsorship.com www.IEG2016.com

Scale Bleed Trim Live Publication

1” 9.5” x 11.5” 9” x 11” 8.5” x 10.5”

= 1” 9.5” x 11.5” 9” x 11” 8.5” x 10.5”

Production & Design Notes » None

None

Inks » 4C Cyan,

Magenta,

Yellow,

Black

Winter 2015

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

103

IFEA HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE TRIPINFO

SCHED

Travel Professionals Spend More Time On TRIPinfo.com Than Any Travel Site.

SCHED* is a provider of interactive event calendars, personal agenda builders and social networking tools that make it easy to plan, share and access your event's schedule via web, mobile, print ready and "offline" formats including an iPhone application.

Grow group visits for as little as $500/year!

Go to tripinfo.com/preview to learn more.

P 770-825-0220 • E info@TRIPinfo.com www.tripinfo.com

P 262-724-6278 • E support@sched.org sched.org

ATOMIC RENTAL

FABULOUS INFLATABLES DYNAMIC DISPLAYS

Atomic Rental. Packs Small - Plays Big. Easy to Order - Easy to Receive - Easy to Return - Easy to Light - Easy to Look Brilliant - It’s ATOMIC.

Designs, manufacturers, for rent or purchase – costumes, props, floats, helium balloons, event entry ways and décor. Offers complete and flexible service packages for small towns and large international events.

50+ years of parade/ event experience.

P (+1) 717-626-4408 • E brian.shaughnessy@atomicdesign.tv www.atomicdesign.tv/rental/ 104

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

Winter 2015

P 800-411-6200 • E steve@fabulousinflatables.com www.fabulousinflatables.com