ie volume 34 issue 3

the business of international events

66th Annual Can a “Return to IFEA Convention, Normal” Happen in 2021?

Expo & Retreat Unveiling the Dynamics of Crowds Write With Power: Get Short, Sharp and Simple Let’s Get Ready to Fundraise!

the business of international events

66th Annual IFEA Convention, Expo & Retreat Unveiling the Dynamics of Crowds Write With Power: Get Short, Sharp and Simple Let’s Get Ready to Fundraise!

Get paid.

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With a First Data payment processing account, you get: • Special IFEA processing rates and hardware pricing while using partners like Saffire, Etix, Magic Money and Showorks • One-click enterprise and audit reporting solution for fairs and vendors with Apex Ceph reporting • Real-time sales data and employee management capabilities • Seasonal rental opportunities • Register functionality for retail sales,ticketing, parking, concessions and much more • Analytics to help you identify how far your patrons are traveling and their spending habits • Flexible connectivity and built-in AT&TLTEcellular, Ethernet, Wi-Fi or offline functionality

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© 2020 First Data Corporation, a subsidiary of Fiserv, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The First Data name and logo are trademarks owned by First Data Corporation and registered or used in the U.S. and many foreign countries. All trademarks, service marks and trade names referenced in this material are the property of their respective owners. The Clover marks are trademarks owned by Clover Network, Inc.,a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Data Corporation, and registered or used in the U.S.and many foreign countries. 647915 2020-4

IFEA VISION A globally united industry that touches

Publisher & Editor Steven Wood Schmader, CFEE, President & CEO

lives in a positive

Assistant Editor Nia Hovde, CFEE, Vice President

way through

Director of Marketing & Communications Advertising

celebration.

Carrie Ring, CFEE, Director of Partnerships & Programs Art Director Craig Sarton, Creative Director Contributing Writers Gail Lowney Alofsin , Robert Baird, Dave Bullard, CFEE, Bertina Ceccarelli, ChatGPT, Bruce L. Erley, APR, CFEE, Annie Frisoli, CFEE, Elizabeth Grigsby, CFEE, CFRE, Mike Jacquart, Patrick McGowan, William O’Toole, CFEE, Ford Saeks, Susanne Tedrick, Robert Wilson

Photography National Cherry Festival

For association or publication information: IFEA World Headquarters 10400 Overland Rd. #356 Boise, ID 83709, U.S.A. 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. 8180.

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+1.208.433.0950 Fax +1.208.433.9812

http://www.ifea.com

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LITITZ • LAS VEGAS • LOS ANGELES • NEW YORK • MIAMI • FRANKFURT

the business of international events

F E AT U R E S

66th Annual IFEA Convention, Expo & Retreat Unveiling the Dynamics of Crowds Write With Power: Get Short, Sharp and Simple Let’s Get Ready to Fundraise!

On the Cover: Celebrating its 97th year this July, IFEA Member, the National Cherry Festival, celebrates and promotes cherries and encourages community involvement in the Grand Traverse region of Michigan! Featuring eight nights of live entertainment, diverse food and beverage options, the National Cherry Festival has over 150 scheduled activities, 85% of which are free!

DEPARTMENTS 10 IFEA President’s Letter

46

Unveiling the Dynamics of Crowds: Insights from the Latest Research

By William O’Toole, CFEE

56

Let’s Get Ready to Fundraise!

By Elizabeth Grigsby, CFEE, CFRE

66

It’s Not Just the Job, It’s the Job Culture - Three Important Takeaways Toward Reducing Turnover

By Mike Jacquart

74

New Shoes for Your Digital Identity: How to Revamp Your Online Presence and Stand Out!

By Ford Saeks

80

Why Diversity Efforts are Crucial - Seven Considerations for Business Leaders

By Susanne Tedrick and Bertina Ceccarelli

86

Seven Realities for Video in the 21st Century

By Patrick McGowan

12 IFEA World Board 14 IFEA Foundation Board 17 2023 IFEA Convention, Expo & Retreat Brochure 42 Event Profile - National Cherry Festival 44 What Does ChatGPT Have to Say? 52 The Sponsor Doc 62 The PR Shop 70 The Intentional Leader 76 Festivals Without Borders 82 The Un-Comfort Zone 88 Leadership at All Levels 90 Marketplace Fall 2023, Volume 34, Issue 3 “ie” is published quarterly by the International Festivals & Events Association, 10400 Overland Rd. #356, Boise, ID 83706, USA. Permission to quote from material herein is granted provided proper credit is given to IFEA.

IFEA PRESIDENT’S LETTER

rip•ple ef•fect noun 1. the continuing and spreading results of an event or action.

The ripple effect is the notion that a single event or action has an effect over several different entities. When you drop a pebble in a pond, it creates a series of ripples that span out over the water to move surface plants around and disrupt the animals that may be on the water.

T

he festivals and events that we all have the very real honor of having a hand in making possible, hold immense power to bring about transformation in individuals, organizations, and communities-at-large. They have the potential to create a lasting impact that extends far beyond the duration of the event itself, motivating people to participate and take action; to imagine new possibilities; to establish fresh partnerships; and to cultivate a sense of unity and inclusiveness that can stay with them for a lifetime.

At the same time, our events are being impacted every day by the ripple effect created by many things around us that are out of our control: the economy; the Covid pandemic (yes, we are still in the post-pandemic recovery phase); politics; sponsor decisions and restructuring; insurance, entertainment, food vendors and other resources, services and related industries; changing travel and tourism challenges and trends; audience fears and comfort levels; changing and diverse populations; volunteer availability; and many more.

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Likewise, we all, as individuals, can have an often-unseen and powerful ripple effect on the world around us, through the joy that we create; the stories that we help to tell and share; the lives that we touch; the families and communities that we bring and bond together; the dreams that we inspire; the creativity that we spark and share; the leadership that we provide; and the example that we set for others, as others have set for us. An impact that we should never take for granted.

At this year’s IFEA convention we will delve into the many avenues through which festivals and events create and are impacted by ripple effects - ranging broadly across important topical areas that include leadership, management and host city partnerships; operations and risk management; sponsorship and other revenues; technology, creativity and innovation; marketing, branding and media relations; and the plethora of both challenges and opportunities that lie within each.

Our lineup of speakers and presenters include many of the most innovative and inspiring leaders

BY STEVEN WOOD SCHMADER, CFEE

in the festivals and events industry, as well as experts from a variety of related fields who will offer new perspectives and insights, while sharing their knowledge and experience on how we can all create lasting and positive impacts through festivals and events.

We are very excited to be returning to McAllen, Texas for this year’s convention, and we thank them for their generosity and welcoming hospitality that has created its own positive ripple effect as we continue to rebuild and replenish our own post-pandemic foundations. McAllen is a vibrant, creative, and diverse city that offers a perfect setting for the convention, with its beautiful natural surroundings, thriving arts and culture scene, and friendly community. It is the ideal location to celebrate the impactful power of festivals and events and those who lead them.

I am confident that the 66th Annual IFEA Convention, Expo & Retreat will be an unforgettable experience that will inspire and energize you, your team, and your professional peers, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the event itself, and transforming the festivals and events industry for years to come. Come join us and be part of the impact that starts new ripples around the world.

Mark your calendars for the 66th Annual IFEA Convention, Expo & Retreat, scheduled for October 9th-11th, 2023. Some hotels are already filled, so get your reservations and registrations in soon. *Note: The 66th Annual IFEA Convention footprint will run through 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 9th, 2023. Certified Festival & Event Executive (CFEE) Certification education classes will be scheduled in the days leading up to the convention – October 6th, 7th, and 8th, 2023.

Separate Registration is Required. For more details, Click Here.

Stay safe and healthy and we will look forward to seeing you soon!

IFEA WORLD BOARD

BY KAREN CHURCHARD, CFEE

USING THE IFEA CONVENTION AS A

TIME TO REFLECT, LEARN AND GROW

W

ith the beautiful city of McAllen, Texas welcoming us back for the 66th Annual IFEA Convention, Expo & Retreat from October 9-11 soon upon us in addition to just wrapping up the IFEA World Board meeting and a two-week vacation road trip across the USA, it has been a time of reflection and relaxation.

Being together with the IFEA World and Foundation Board of Directors in beautiful city of Traverse City, Michigan during IFEA Member, the National Cherry Festival, reminded me how much the power of festivals and events brings people and their communities together to celebrate.

The IFEA Board and Foundation Board would like to extend a huge thank you to Kat Paye, CFEE, Executive Director of the National Cherry Festival, her entire staff and board for welcoming us in as VIPs and showing us amazing hospitality and a wonderful time.

Immediately following the World Board meeting, I met up with my family in Nashville to continue a cross USA road trip to Washington DC and back to Arizona. During our travels through 10+ states, I reflected on all the friendships I’ve made during IFEA Conventions during the past 40 years and the many festivals I’ve been blessed to attend here in the USA and internationally because of the IFEA. My time of reflection also reminded me how much I look forward to the IFEA Convention. Not only to see longtime friends, but also make new ones while networking. And to learn about the Ripple Effects of our industry’s changing technologies, trends, and issues. It’s also the perfect time for me to reflect on the work and events my team produces and permits for the city of Scottsdale as well as to share these experiences with others who have similar situations.

This year’s Convention comes at a time where each of us are in different phases of planning and implementing our festivals and events. No matter what the time is for 12

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each of us, these few days have proven essential to our industry as the Convention is designed to provide networking and educational opportunities to share and grow our professional experiences and expertise. It’s the perfect opportunity to bring your staff, board members and volunteers to meet industry experts and take advantage of this great opportunity to prepare for, and respond to, the ripple effects that are influencing our industry.

My favorites during the IFEA Convention are the Opening Session to hear from IFEA President & CEO Steve Schmader, CFEE, followed by the Opening Keynote that always inspire. Another is the IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards to glean the winners of all the creative award categories. Spending time at the EXPO to visit with longtime vendors and hear and see new technology opportunities as well as spend in-person time with the Affinity Groups I “attend” throughout the year are also favorites. And, of course, the IFEA Foundation Night is always a great time to network and raise dollars for the mission of IFEA and its Foundation.

Based on the update Steve Schmader gave the IFEA World and Foundation Boards during our Summer Meetings, I know the 66th Annual IFEA Convention, Expo & Retreat is shaping up to be fabulous. On behalf of the World Board, thank you for making the IFEA a part of your professional resource pool and I hope you will join us at the Convention this October in McAllen, Texas to see what the Ripple Effects are for your festivals and events and our industry.

Karen Churchard, CFEE IFEA World Board Chair Tourism & Events Director City of Scottsdale Scottsdale, AZ

2023

IFEA World Board of Directors

CHAIR KAREN CHURCHARD, CFEE City of Scottsdale Scottsdale, AZ kchurchard@scottsdaleaz.gov

CHAIR-ELECT JAZELLE JONES City of Philadelphia Office of Special Events Philadelphia, PA Jazelle.Jones@phila.gov

SECRETARY JOE VERA, CFEE City of McAllen McAllen, TX jvera@mcallen.net

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR DIANA MAYHEW, CFEE National Cherry Blossom Festival Washington, D.C. dmayhew@ncbfdc.org

CASSIE DISPENZA IFEA Foundation Board Chair Saffire Austin, TX cassie@saffire.com

BOB BRYANT 500 Festival Indianapolis, IN bbryant@500festival.com

DAVID EADS Pasadena Tournament of Roses Pasadena, CA deads@tournamentofroses.com

MATT GIBSON Kentucky Derby Festival Louisville, Ky mgibson@kdf.org

WARWICK HALL, CFEE Safety Set Consulting Section 646 Taupo, New Zealand contact@s646.com

STEPHEN KING, CFEE Des Moines Arts Festival Des Moines, IA sking@desmoinesartsfestival.org

SAM LEMHENEY, CFEE Creative Event Solutions Philadelphia, PA sam@creativeeventsolutions.com

CINDY LERICK, CFEE Art of Events, LLC. Fort Myers, FL cindy@artofeventsllc.com

BILL O’TOOLE, CFEE Event Project Management System Pty., Ltd. Bondi Beach, NSW Australia event@epms.net

STEVEN WOOD SCHMADER, CFEE IFEA World Boise, ID schmader@ifea.com

VANESSA VAN DE PUTTE DFEST ® San Antonio, TX vanessa@dixieflag.com

KELI O’NEILL WENZEL, CFEE O’Neill Marketing and Event Management Kansas City, MO keli@oneillevents.com

The IFEA World Board of Directors is an elected, non-compensated body of industry professionals responsible for overseeing the successful operations of the IFEA. In addition to approving policy and direction, Board members serve as an active and involved industry leadership advisory source to the President & CEO. Members proactively support IFEA programs and visions through their input, use of their professional networks on behalf of the association, and personal participation in association programs and activities.

IFEA FOUNDATION BOARD

BY CASSIE DISPENZA

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT

THE IFEA MISSION Hello IFEA Members!

I hope the summer is treating you well! I know many of you are in full festival mode as we hit the heart of the warmer months, so I trust you are staying busy.

Summer also means that the IFEA Convention is just around the corner, and your IFEA Foundation Board is super busy preparing for all our fundraising efforts from now through October. If you have a moment, we’d appreciate your participation! You can join the fun at the 66th Annual IFEA Convention, Expo & Retreat this October 9-11, 2023 in McAllen, TX, as well as from afar if you can’t make it this year. Here are a few things you can do to support the IFEA mission along with the Foundation Board: We are now actively seeking silent and live auction item donations. We appreciate anything you can spare to donate, and if you don’t have any specific ideas in mind, keep an eye out for our Amazon wish list coming soon! We will post the link on the IFEA social media as well as send it via email. This list will contain items we are aspiring to receive as donations and allow you to ship your items directly to the IFEA office. We are also seeking vacation packages for our Ultimate Experience Raffle & Live Auction. If you have items ready 14

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to donate, you can fill out our donation form at https://www.ifea.com/annualauction to let us know what you are able to give!

Our Ultimate Experience Raffle tickets will also be available online and in person at the Convention again this fall. If you are unable to make an item donation, please consider purchasing a ticket. You need not be present to win, and you will have a chance to score a package of your choice for a mere $100!

You’ll also be able to bid on silent auction items from afar, as we have once again partnered with Auction Frogs to bring our silent auction to you, wherever you may be.

This is a great chance to pick up items as gifts or to treat yourself. Keep an eye out for emails from the IFEA announcing the launch of these initiatives.

Finally, if you’d like to support our mission in any other way, please reach out to me at cassie@saffire.com. I’d be happy to help you get to the right place!

See you soon, IFEA Family!

Cassie Dispenza IFEA Foundation Board Chair VP of Strategic Partnerships Saffire, Austin, TX

2023

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS & EVENTS ASSOCIATION

IFEA Foundation Board of Directors

CHAIR CASSIE DISPENZA Saffire Austin, TX cassie@saffire.com

CHAIR-ELECT KAT PAYE, CFEE National Cherry Festival Traverse City, MI kat@cherryfestival.org

SECRETARY IRA ROSEN, CFEE Festival & Event Consulting Philadelphia, PA irosen@temple.edu

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR ALISON BARINGER, CFEE North Carolina Azalea Festival at Wilmington, Inc. Wilmington, NC alison@ncazaleafestival.org

LUANN CHAPMAN The Gatts Group Grapevine, TX luchap@aol.com

ERIN FORTUNE, CFEE Music for All Indianapolis, IN erin.f@musicforall.org

ANNIE FRISOLI, CFEE Creating Community, LLC Goodyear, AZ anniefrisoli@gmail.com

JESSICA KAMINSKAS The Parade Company Detroit, MI jkaminskas@theparade.org

CURT MOSEL, CFEE ArtsQuest Bethlehem, PA cmosel@artsquest.org

COLLEEN MURPHY, CFEE Des Moines Arts Festival Des Moines, IA cmurphy@desmoinesartsfestival.org

DAVID RAMIREZ TINT San Antonio, TX david.ramirez@tintup.com

BRUCE SMILEY KALIFF, CFEE Kaliff Insurance San Antonio, TX bas@kaliff.com

KAREN CHURCHARD, CFEE Chair - IFEA World Board Of Directors City of Scottsdale Scottsdale, AZ kchurchard@scottsdaleaz.gov

DAVE BULLARD, CFEE FanFirst Fulton, NY debullard@gmail.com

DAVID KNUTSON City Of Santa Clarita Santa Clarita, CA dknutson@santa-clarita.com

STEVEN WOOD SCHMADER, CFEE IFEA World Boise, ID schmader@ifea.com

The IFEA Foundation Board of Directors is an elected, non-compensated body of industry professionals responsible for overseeing the successful operations of the IFEA Foundation. Members proactively work to raise and secure important funding that helps to support and protect the educational mission of IFEA World.

ADMINISTRATION & MANAGEMENT FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2023 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (MDT) Presented by: Ira Rosen, CFEE Festival & Event Consulting Philadelphia, PA, USA

MARKETING & MEDIA RELATIONS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2023 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (MDT) Presented by: Penny McBride, CFEE, President & CEO Fredericksburg, Texas Chamber of Commerce Fredericksburg, TX, USA

SPONSORSHIP & SPONSOR SERVICE Sunday, October 8, 2023 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (MDT) Presented by: Bruce Erley, CFEE, APR President/CEO Creative Strategies Group Denver, CO, USA

TAKE THE NEXT STEP TO ADVANCE YOUR CAREER Do you want to take your career in the Festivals and Events Industry to the next level?

Do you want to get noticed over everyone else in today’s competitive job market?

Do you want to increase the chances of raising your earning potential?

Do you want to connect with a group of like-minded professionals from around the world?

Do you want to establish professional credibility and demonstrate you are committed to mastering your skills and knowledge in the Festivals & Events Industry?

If the answer is yes to any of these questions, then the IFEA’s Certified Festival & Event Executive (CFEE) Program, sponsored by Kaliff Insurance, is for you!

With intensive core classes covering: Sponsorship; Non-Sponsorship Revenue; Project Management; Operations/Risk Management; Marketing & Media

Relations; and Administration & Management; in addition to an emphasis on industry experience, written communication, public speaking, practical application and continued industry education; completion of the IFEA’s CFEE Certification demonstrates that you have completed the steps necessary to be a professional in the Festivals & Events Industry.

LEARN MORE OR REGISTER TO START YOUR CFEE CERTIFICATION HERE QUESTIONS: Cindy Lerick, CFEE, IFEA CFEE Program Manager, cindy@ifea.com

66 Annual th

IFEA Convention, Expo & Retreat

RIPPLE E F F E CT

October 9, 10, 11, 2023 McAllen Convention Center McAllen • Texas • U.S.A. CFEE Classes October 6, 7, 8, 2023 Presented by

RIPPLE EFFECT

Presented by

66 Annual th

IFEA Convention, Expo & Retreat Mark your calendars for the 66th Annual IFEA Convention, Expo & Retreat! Scheduled for October 9th-11th, 2023, this unforgettable event will take place in the beautiful city of McAllen, Texas, where we invite you to join us for an inspiring celebration of the power of festivals and events – and those who make them possible - to create positive change and hope, in our local communities and around the world.

Festivals and events hold immense power to bring about transformation in individuals, organizations, and communities at large. They have the potential to create a lasting impact that extends far beyond the duration of the event itself, motivating people to participate and take action; to imagine new possibilities;

a chance to enjoy two weeks of live jazz performances in the most diverse indoor and outdoor venues.

NN NORTH SEA JAZZ FESTIVAL

With over 150 performances and thirteen different stages, the North Sea Jazz Festival is the biggest indoor jazz festival in the world – and one of the most influential. The festival is known around the world for its many musical genres, ranging from New Orleans jazz and swing to blues and hip hop. During the three days of the festival, more than 70,000 visitors enjoy jazz music from the past, present and future. There are performances by famous names such as Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga, John Legend, Stevie Wonder, Prince, and Pharrell Williams. Jazz and blues greats like Wynton Marsalis, BB King, Benny Goodman, Miles Davis, Sarah Vaughan, Count Basie, Dizzy

to establish fresh partnerships; and to cultivate a sense of unity and inclusiveness that can stay with them for a lifetime.

At this year’s convention we will delve into the many avenues through which festivals and events create ripple effects - ranging broadly across economic growth and tourism; sparking new creativity and involvement; lowering barriers and strengthening community/cultural bonds; serving as a catalyst for social and environmental progress; and creating treasured memories to be shared for generations.

N N N or th

Se a Ja zz

Fe st iv al

Our lineup of speakers and presenters will include some of the most innovative and inspiring leaders in the festivals and events industry, as well as experts from a variety of related fields who will offer new perspectives and insights, while sharing their knowledge and experience on how to create lasting impact through festivals and events.

We are very excited to be returning to McAllen, Texas for this year’s convention, and we thank them for their generosity and welcoming hospitality. McAllen is a vibrant, creative and diverse city that offers a perfect setting for the convention, with its beautiful natural surroundings, thriving arts and culture scene, and friendly community. It is the ideal location to celebrate the transformative power of festivals and events and those who lead them.

We are confident that the 66th Annual IFEA Convention, Expo & Retreat will be an unforgettable experience that will inspire and energize attendees, creating a ripple effect that extends far beyond the event itself, transforming the festivals and events industry for years to come. *NOTE: The 66th Annual IFEA Convention footprint will run through 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 9th, 2023. Certified Festival & Event Executive (CFEE) Certification education classes will be scheduled in the days leading up to the convention – October 6th, 7th, and 8th, 2023. Separate Registration is Required.

For more details, Click Here.

22 | City of Rotterdam: Application

Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, and Stan have all performed at the North Sea Festival.

NORTH SEA ROUND TOWN

Prior to the North Sea Jazz Festival, North Sea Round Town offers a belo fringe programme with more than 120,000 attendees and 365 presenta each year in more than 100 location including bars, music venues, living r public squares, shop windows, even on bikes, boats, and a train called The Jazz Night Express!

Edison Jazz/World The Edison is one of the oldest and prominent music prizes in Europe, a is presented, during North Sea Roun Town, in the categories Jazz/World, Pop, and Classic.

CONVENTION OPENING & CLOSING OPENING KEYNOTE SPEAKER

CLOSING KEYNOTE SPEAKER

RIPPLE EFFECT: LESSONS LEARNED IN A MAGIC KINGDOM

THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF LEADING RELATIONSHIPS

LOUIE GRAVANCE Speaker, Author, Customer Experience Expert; Louie Gravance Creative Content Few pebbles in the festivals and events industry pond have created a longer, wider, or deeper ripple effect on other events (and other industries) – of all genres – than Disney.

Throughout most of our professional careers Disney has been recognized as a bar to be strived for…in creativity; experience design; cleanliness; merchandising; customer service; and the often-unrecognized creation of memories that can last a lifetime, as a result. To be compared to Disney (in any way) is among the highest compliments that we in the festivals and events industry can receive for our own brands.

Join us at the 66th Annual IFEA Convention, Expo and Retreat for our Opening Keynote Speaker, Louie Gravance, a customer experience expert and author who spent three decades with the Walt Disney World Resort, ranging from live-entertainment experiences to running the customer service training programs through the Disney Institute in Orlando, Florida. Gravance has been credited with “literally changing the consciousness of business in America” through his successful corporate service campaigns and initiatives.

And, helping to keep the magic alive for audiences everywhere, in 2014 his entertainment and training experience was called upon as part of the opening team for the Harry Potter Diagon Alley expansion at Universal, Orlando.

Gravance understands, better than anyone, the origin of ripple effects…how to create them and how to maintain them…through lessons learned in a Magic Kingdom!

STEVE MCCLATCHY President, Alleer Training & Consulting If you are in business today - especially festivals and events - you are in the business of relationships. The skills of communicating effectively, working with diverse multi-generational teams, setting expectations, giving positive and improvement feedback, gaining commitments, resolving conflicts and getting others to follow through can be the most important skills you will ever develop as a leader.

The ripple effect of these skills will impact your personal life, your professional life and the success of your events.

In this important presentation you will learn the keys to success in each of these areas and how to build a team that is high in trust, collaborative, engaged and strong enough to handle the pressures and tensions inherent in our business today. A presentation that is guaranteed to change the way you work, interact, communicate, solve problems, and accomplish work through others.

Helping us to put a fitting cap on our 66th Annual IFEA Convention, reminding us all of the power and ripple effect of leading relationships and the impact that we all have on those around us, we are very pleased to welcome longtime friend and advocate of the IFEA and our global festivals and events industry, Steve McClatchy. Steve is a speaker, trainer, consultant, award-winning New York Times Bestselling author and entrepreneur. He founded Alleer Training and Consulting out of his passion for continual improvement and his belief that when we stop growing, learning, gaining experience, achieving goals and improving, we stop living.

INSPIRE THE INDUSTRY ‘INSPIRE THE INDUSTRY’ SESSION

‘INSPIRE THE INDUSTRY’ SESSION

FROM LOCAL TO GLOBAL: THE RIPPLE EFFECT AND LESSONS OF SXSW

THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF AI ON THE FUTURE OF EVENTS

TAMI RICHTER Vice President, Event Operations, South by Southwest Tami Richter is an accomplished professional in the events industry, currently serving as the Vice President of Event Operations for SXSW, LLC. With an extensive background in event management and a strong focus on safety and event operations, Tami plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success of one of the largest and most renowned events in the world.

In her role with SXSW, Tami oversees a wide range of event operations, including a robust volunteer program, event staffing, catering, transportation, accessibility, welfare, security, and the management of the onsite event control room.

Come join us for a unique inside-perspective of an event that has created ripple effects for our industry around the world.

DAVID RAMIREZ Senior Marketing Manager, TINT When it comes to ripple effects, the quickly growing emergence of AI is less like the proverbial ‘pebble’ dropped into a pond and more like a ‘boulder’; the ‘ripples’ more potentially like ‘tsunamis’. The positive possibilities and opportunities for its use to help augment our staff capabilities, events, cities, et al., are enormous, with the right understanding of how to access and maximize those. And while there are certainly some concerns to be addressed, knowledge and awareness are also our best firewalls to minimize those.

“Artificial Intelligence will have a more profound impact on humanity than fire, electricity and the internet.”

- Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet

Believing that to sustain our common successes, across our industry, we must clearly identify and be prepared for the rising trends around us, we invite you to join us for this fascinating and educational session to better understand the capabilities of AI and how to best make use of it to leverage the success of your own events and organizations.

Led by David Ramirez, Senior Marketing Manager with IFEA member TINT, one of the world’s most trusted and powerful Enterprise UGC platforms, our ‘Inspire the Industry’ focus on AI is sure to create ripples of its own.

Fall 2023

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21

Leadership & Management

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION Ripple effects start with the seen (and often unseen) drop of the proverbial pebble into many varied topical ponds. Creativity, kindness, service, quality, and inspiration may evolve, expand, cross with other ripples and wind up on distant shores – far away from their points of origin and in many all-new forms. Sharing with your professional peers and learning from our common experiences is the starting point of that effect – in formal sessions or hallway conversations.

Sharing and carrying that knowledge and experience further…with and on behalf of our staffs, volunteers, sponsors, attendees, cities and stakeholders, at every level, only amplifies that effect and continues to raise the bar for us all.

Knowing that you are not alone in that process; that your global, professional peers are there to share, guide, imagine and strengthen the future along with you, can often be the difference in our own success and those that we rely on every day.

For 68 years (and 66 conventions) the IFEA has provided the festivals and events industry with the very best pebbles in professional education and training; a wealth of creative and diverse perspectives; and a reliable and important resource that continues to expand and spread our own ripple effects through good times and challenging times. As we gather together again in McAllen, we continue that well-etched tradition, but with a keen awareness of the many new needs that have presented themselves within our industry and the communities that we serve.

We have drawn upon the insights and input of active industry leadership and other respected voices, from around the globe, and have worked to ensure that attendees at all levels - first-timers and repeat attendees, new to the industry or seasoned professional - can all benefit from the answers, ideas and motivation that makes its way to our personal shores.

A sampling of this year’s topics, presented/moderated by the top leaders in our global industry, include*, among others: (* subject to change)

• Ripple Effect: Lessons Learned in a Magic Kingdom • ‘The Ripple Effect of AI on the Future of Events • From Local to Global: The Ripple Effect and Lessons of SXSW • The Ripple Effect of Leading Relationships • Building Authentic Connections with Your Team • Semiquincentennial: Planning for America’s 250th Anniversary Signing of the Declaration of Independence • Enhancing Your Network with Intention • Connecting and Working with Local Tribal Indian Leadership in Your Area • Ecological Sustainability through Events: A Planetary Ripple Effect • Lessons Learned through an International Career in Festivals & Events • The Changing World of City and Event Relationships • CRAZY IS THE NEW NORMAL: Risk Management Amidst the Chaos • How You Wow! The Impressions You Leave Behind with Your Event • Human-Centered Design to Enhance the Event Experience • Growing Next Generation Industry Leadership through Event Internships • How to Protect Yourself and Your Event from Unexpected Risk Fallout • Performing an Accessibility Assessment for Your Outdoor Festival • Inclusion Lessons We Can Learn and Emulate from Our Community Attraction Partners • How to Balance Your Guest Experience and Security • Protecting Your Brand and Audience: What Can & Should We Expect from Police & Security Amidst New Fears by Diverse Audiences • ‘New World: A Participative Insight Session into AI Engagement • Recalculating: Traveling Parades, Non-Attendee Surveys and Other Alternative Pathways in a Changing World • Emergency and Disaster Preparedness for those with Disabilities at Events • The Winds of Change: Creatively Redefining Volunteer Programs • Balancing the Budget while Balancing Risk • Parade ANSI Standard Update and Working Session • Next Chapter: The Move from Practitioner to Consultant • The Ripple Effect of Events on Tourism and How to Maximize that Impact • Transition: Inside the Move and Considerations from Fireworks to Drone Shows • Winning Perspectives: A Look Inside the 2023 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award Recipients

Sponsorship & Revenues • Ripple Effect: Lessons Learned in a Magic Kingdom • ‘The Ripple Effect of AI on the Future of Events • From Local to Global: The Ripple Effect and Lessons of SXSW • The Ripple Effect of Leading Relationships

• In Search of the Elusive Sponsor • Revisiting Sponsorship in a Changed & Changing World • Inside the Sponsorship Decision Process • Driving Event Revenue Through Your Web Site • A Look Inside Memphis in May’s Pinnacle-Winning Event Sponsorship Program • The Changing World of Sponsorship Research • Maximizing Your Food & Beverage Revenue • Enhancing Your Network with Intention

works to Drone Show • Inclusion Lessons We Can Learn and Emulate from Our Community Attraction Partners • Lessons Learned through an International Career in Festivals & Events • Recalculating: Traveling Parades, Non-Attendee Surveys and Other Alternative Pathways in a Changing World

Technology, Creativity and Innovation

• Ripple Effect: Lessons Learned in a Magic Kingdom • ‘The Ripple Effect of AI on the Future of Events • From Local to Global: The Ripple Effect and Lessons of SXSW • The Ripple Effect of Leading Relationships • ‘Let’s have a Parade!’: A Look Inside the Success of the McAllen Holiday Parade (with an Offsite Parade Warehouse Tour) • How to Protect Yourself and Your Event from Unexpected Risk Fallout • How to Balance Your Guest Experience and Security • Still Here: ‘Normal’ Risk & Security Concerns in a Higher-Risk Focused World • Emergency and Disaster Preparedness for those with Disabilities at Events • Parade ANSI Standard Update and Working Session • The Changing World of City and Event Relationships • Recalculating: Traveling Parades, Non-Attendee Surveys and Other Alternative Pathways in a Changing World • CRAZY IS THE NEW NORMAL: Risk Management Amidst the Chaos • The Winds of Change: Creatively Redefining Volunteer Programs • A Look Inside Disney’s Parades • Balancing the Budget while Balancing Risk • Maximizing Your Food & Beverage Revenue • Transition: Inside the Move and Considerations from Fireworks to Drone Show

• Ripple Effect: Lessons Learned in a Magic Kingdom • ‘The Ripple Effect of AI on the Future of Events • From Local to Global: The Ripple Effect and Lessons of SXSW • The Ripple Effect of Real Leadership • How You Wow! The Impressions You Leave Behind with Your Event • Human-Centered Design to Enhance the Event Experience • The Changing and Evolving Role of Social Media: Maximizing Returns with Limited Resources • ‘Let’s have a Parade!’: A Look Inside the Success of the McAllen Holiday Parade (with an Offsite Parade Warehouse Tour) • Performing an Accessibility Assessment for Your Outdoor Festival • Inside the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s E-Mail Marketing Campaign • ‘New World: A Participative Insight Session into AI Engagement • Winning Perspectives: A Look Inside the 2023 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award Recipients • A Look Inside Disney’s Parades • Ecological Sustainability through Events: A Planetary Ripple Effect • Transition: Inside the Move and Considerations from Fire-

Operations & Risk Management

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• Recalculating: Traveling Parades, Non-Attendee Surveys and Other Alternative Pathways in a Changing World • The Winds of Change: Creatively Redefining Volunteer Programs • The Ripple Effect of Events on Tourism and How to Maximize that Impact • Winning Perspectives: A Look Inside the 2023 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award Recipients

PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION

Host City Partnerships

• Human-Centered Design to Enhance the Event Experience • Ecological Sustainability through Events: A Planetary Ripple Effect • Performing an Accessibility Assessment for Your Outdoor Festival • Inclusion Lessons We Can Learn and Emulate from Our Community Attraction Partners • Protecting Your Brand and Audience: What Can & Should We Expect from Police & Security Amidst New Fears by Diverse Audiences

Marketing, Branding and Media Relations • Ripple Effect: Lessons Learned in a Magic Kingdom • ‘The Ripple Effect of AI on the Future of Events • From Local to Global: The Ripple Effect and Lessons of SXSW • The Ripple Effect of Leading Relationships • How You Wow! The Impressions You Leave Behind with Your Event • Connecting and Working with Local Tribal Indian Leadership in Your Area • Enhancing Your Network with Intention • The Changing and Evolving Role of Social Media: Maximizing Returns with Limited Resources • Growing Next Generation Industry Leadership through Event Internships • Ecological Sustainability through Events: A Planetary Ripple Effect • Inclusion Lessons We Can Learn and Emulate from Our Community Attraction Partners • How to Balance Your Guest Experience and Security • Protecting Your Brand and Audience: What Can & Should We Expect from Police & Security Amidst New Fears by Diverse Audiences • Inside the National Cherry Blossom Festival’s E-Mail Marketing Campaign • ‘New World: A Participative Insight Session into AI Engagement 24

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• Ripple Effect: Lessons Learned in a Magic Kingdom • ‘The Ripple Effect of AI on the Future of Events • From Local to Global: The Ripple Effect and Lessons of SXSW • The Ripple Effect of Leading Relationships • The Changing World of City and Event Relationships • Semiquincentennial: Planning for America’s 250th Anniversary Signing of the Declaration of Independence • Connecting and Working with Local Tribal Indian Leadership in Your Area • Enhancing Your Network with Intention • Ecological Sustainability through Events: A Planetary Ripple Effect • Performing an Accessibility Assessment for Your Outdoor Festival • Protecting Your Brand and Audience: What Can & Should We Expect from Police & Security Amidst New Fears by Diverse Audiences • CRAZY IS THE NEW NORMAL: Risk Management Amidst the Chaos • Emergency and Disaster Preparedness for those with Disabilities at Events • Parade ANSI Standard Update and Working Session • The Ripple Effect of Events on Tourism and How to Maximize that Impact • Winning Perspectives: A Look Inside the 2023 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award Recipients

SPEAKERS AND NETWORKING LEADERS AT THIS YEAR’S CONVENTION include many of the top professionals (past, present and future) and internationally recognized industry organizations in the world, including*, among others: (*subject to change) • Louie Gravance Creative Content • TINT • South by Southwest • Aleer Training & Consulting • Temple University • Creative Strategies Group • Fredericksburg, Texas, Chamber of Commerce • The ART of Events, LLC • City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • Bautista Event Specialist Team • Pasadena Tournament of Roses • The Parade Company • Visit Stockton (California) • Beale Street Music Festival • City of Greenville, South Cariolina • Creative Event Solutions • Genoways Events • FanFirst • City of Las Vegas, Nevada • Walt Disney • Atomic • World Championship BBQ Cooking Contest • City of McAllen, Texas • Sponsorship Marketing Association • U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) • Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) • Creating Community, LLC • National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development • Newport, RI Harbor Corporation • H-E-B Grocery Company • Applied Strategies and Principals • CleanVibes • Kaliff Insurance • Saffire

• Everyone’s Invited, LLC • St. Louis Art Fair • Johan Moerman Consulting, The Netherlands • SecurEvent Solutions • Memphis in May International Festival • National Cherry Blossom Festival • Open Sky Drone Light Shows • Haas & Wilkerson Insurance • City of Scottsdale, Arizona • Safety Set Consulting, New Zealand • (Indianapolis) 500 Festival • Town of Indian Trail, North Carolina • Kentucky Derby Festival • O’Neill Marketing & Event Management • Event Safety Alliance • Adelman Law Group, PLLC • McAllen Holiday Parade • John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts • King William Fair • Genoways Events • DFEST® • IFEA World Festival & Event Cities • IFEA Global Affiliates… and Many More

“INSPIRE THE INDUSTRY” GENERAL SESSIONS

SPECIAL FOCUS OPPORTUNITIES “There is no better connection to our industry’s global professional network, and the experience, wisdom and support that lies within, than the IFEA.” – William O’Toole, CFEE Event Development Specialist, Australia

Our “Inspire the Industry” general sessions, beginning each day, are built around the goal of providing targeted presentations, led by selected industry professionals, with a focus on those who have created recognizable ‘ripple effects’ for us all. Professional inspiration that we can all take home and put to use in our own careers, events and communities. From leadership and creativity, to global trends and city partnerships, and everything in-between, our “Inspire the Industry” presentations are sure to do just that.

(Tuesday, October 10th, 8:30-9:30 a.m. and Wednesday, October 11th, 9:00-10:00 a.m.)

“AFFINITY GROUP” SESSIONS

IFEA Convention attendees have a unique opportunity to share “common ground” conversations, in person, with professional peers, discussing current trends, issues, challenges and opportunities, during our popular “Affinity Group” Sessions (Monday, October 9th, 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. and 3:45 – 4:45 p.m.), including those for: • CEO’s • DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) • Sponsorship • Cities, CVB’s & Tourism • Arts Events • Volunteer Programs • Operations & Risk Management • Marketing & PR • Parades • Event Education Held virtually throughout the year, on-line, join us in person for this increased networking and exchange opportunity.

Bring your questions and professional experience to these valuable open-topic dialogue sessions, scheduled early in the convention program to allow the opportunity to expand your conversations beyond the sessions. (*All sessions are subject to change.)

ON THE RIGHT TRACK

IFEA educational sessions are selected to ensure that we cover a wide range of important topical areas. For those who are interested in following a specific track/focus of sessions, those will be broken out for you in our official convention program to make scheduling your time easier.

Tracks will include: • Leadership & Management • Sponsorship & Revenues • Operations & Risk Management • Marketing, Branding and Media Relations • Technology, Creativity and Innovation • Host City Partnerships (*All sessions are subject to change.)

INDUSTRY ANCESTRY: COME MEET THE IFEA FAMILY

Before you hit the ground running, stop by to meet some old friends and new on Sunday evening, October 8th, from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., at our “Industry Ancestry” session.

Designed to give our first-time convention attendees, as well as our our long-time IFEA ‘family’ attendees, an opportunity to meet some valuable new friends, share some insider tips and advice on how to maximize the days ahead, and get your convention experience off to a fun start. Then, join us for Happy Hour in the DFEST® Hospitality Suite at the Cambria Hotel & Suites, to meet more new friends, find some dinner partners, and let the networking conversations begin!

“The fire and ability to change our events, our cities and our world…to touch lives… lies within each one of us, but it must be lit. The IFEA global network provides the inspiration, motivation and support to ignite so many possibilities.”

- Janet Landey, CFEE, CSEP Founder, Skills Village 2030 Johannesburg, South Africa

A Special Thank You to Our City of McAllen Partners:

SUCCESS AND ACHIEVEMENT

2023 2023

2023 Celebrating and recognizing the outstanding achievements of friends and peers, whose confidence and careers have expanded our creative and professional horizons and created their own ‘ripple effects’ for more than six decades, is a big part of what makes the IFEA Annual Convention both valuable and memorable. As we celebrate our own 66th Annual Edition of the IFEA Convention & Expo we are confident that these exemplary individuals, organizations and cities will continue to inspire and guide us all for decades to come.

IFEA AWARDS LUNCHEON There are few things that mean more than being recognized by your professional peers. Don’t miss the 2023 IFEA Awards Luncheon (Wednesday, October 11th, 12:00 – 1:45 p.m.), as we pause to pay tribute to the people who have made/make our industry great and who continue to create ripple effects on so many levels through their own personal commitment and creativity. Join your global peers as we:

• Recognize our 2023 CFEE (Certified Festival & Event Executive) Graduates, who continue to raise the bar for everyone in our industry (the CFEE Professional Certification Program is sponsored by IFEA Association Endorsed Partner Kaliff Insurance); • Award the 2023 IFEA Volunteer of the Year Award, recognizing the contribution of all volunteers to the success of our global events; • Recognize the Recipients of our 2023 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award, recognizing outstanding city/event partnerships around the world; and • Pay tribute to our 2023 IFEA Hall of Fame Inductee(s), the highest honor bestowed in our field, in acknowledgment of their tremendous dedication to and impact on the festivals and events industry.

(For more information about all of the above awards go to www.ifea.com.)

“There is no greater honor than to be recognized by those who understand what you do.”

- Mike Berry, CFEE President & CEO (Retired) Kentucky Derby Festival 2008 IFEA Hall of Fame Inductee

IFEA / HAAS & WILKERSON INSURANCE PINNACLE AWARDS Join us as we put a memorable cap on the first day of the convention (Monday, October 9th, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.) with the most anticipated event of the year. The IFEA / Haas & Wilkerson Insurance Pinnacle Awards pay tribute to both creativity and excellence in multiple categories, from marketing to merchandise; operations to sponsorship; and much, much more; all leading up to the presentation of the coveted Grand Pinnacle Awards.

This is the Academy Awards Ceremony for the festivals and events industry. The IFEA / Haas & Wilkerson Insurance Pinnacle Awards, recognizing festival and event excellence for 27 years, are proudly sponsored

by Haas & Wilkerson Insurance. Don’t miss this unopposed special event as we all wait to hear…“And the Pinnacle Award goes to…”

“The ready access to the best in our business, not only in sessions, but in every hallway, reception, and hospitality suite, is unprecedented. Our staff looks forward to the IFEA Convention each year and consider the IFEA as part of the team that helps ensure our success.”

– Diana Mayhew President National Cherry Blossom Festival

“CONNECTIONS CAFÉ”

INFORMAL GATHERINGS One of the best parts of any professional convention is the chance to spend some dedicated time with friends and peers reconnecting, looking ahead, planning that next great idea, sharing a laugh, a challenge, or a special memory. The 66th Annual IFEA Convention, Expo & Retreat provides plenty of opportunities for those special informal and memorable gatherings and conversations.

“Connections Café,” sponsored

by Eventeny, is the center of IFEA daytime gatherings and conversations.

Located near the heart of the convention sessions and activities, “Connections Café” is open every day throughout the convention, providing coffee and a relaxing atmosphere conducive to doing business one-on-one or simply catching up with friends. Promoting human connections – while cyber ones are accessible too - this popular venue is always a favorite hang-out, providing the perfect setting for strengthening those personal connections that are so important to everyone’s success.

DFEST® HOSPITALITY SUITE

The DFEST® Hospitality Suite, co-sponsored by long-time IFEA supporter DFEST®, is as much a part of the IFEA Convention as our breakout sessions, and we look forward to extending a historically warm Texas welcome to everyone! Located in the Cambria Hotel & Suites, on the McAllen Convention Center Campus, the hospitality suite will be open on Sunday night, October 8th (beginning at 6:00 p.m.) to meet up with old friends and new, before dinner; Monday night, October 9th (beginning at 9:00 p.m.) and Tuesday night, October 10th (beginning at 10:30 p.m.). The DFEST® Hospitality Suite provides convention attendees with a time and a place to unwind, relax and connect outside of scheduled sessions and functions. For more than three decades the DFEST® Hospitality Suite has been recognized as the hub of the IFEA’s convention networking system.

A FREE EVENING OF DINING AND NETWORKING IN McALLEN

Sunday evening, October 8th, offers the perfect opportunity to join up with your IFEA friends and professional peers to explore some of the many and varied restaurant options surrounding the McAllen Convention Center campus, all located within easy walking distance. Your hotel staff and local Visit McAllen staff (who will be on-site at the IFEA Convention Registration area) can help with suggestions and directions. And many local restaurants are offering special IFEA discounts!

WHO WILL YOU MEET AT THE IFEA CONVENTION?

ONE ON ONE OPPORTUNITIES

The 66th Annual IFEA Convention, Expo & Retreat offers all attendees the unique opportunity, in one place and at one time, to be exposed to global industry leaders from festivals and events, large and small; host cities and municipalities; tourism organizations; corporate and media representatives; academic institutions and more.

• Seasoned Festival & Event Professionals • Those New to the Festivals & Events Industry • Festival & Event Board Members • Host City Leadership • Key Volunteers • Festival & Event Sponsors/Sponsorship Agencies • Suppliers to the Festivals & Events Industry • Industry Consultants • The Creative Sparks Behind IFEA Award-Winning Events & Cities • Tourism Organizations, CVBs, and Chambers of Commerce • Parks & Recreation Staff • Educational Institutions/Faculty/Students • Media Representatives • Representatives from Allied Industry Associations • Professional ‘Experience Management’ Peers from Around the World • All those with an Interest/Stake in the Festivals & Events Field Start building and adding to your professional network today.

IFEA EXPO: THE GATEWAY TO CREATIVE NEW PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN EVENTS AND INDUSTRY SUPPLIERS

As we reimagine our events from every angle, the most successful festivals and events in our industry share an important commonality; an understanding that the suppliers and vendors who support our industry are a critical part of keeping our events innovative, fresh, and dynamic. They often provide the creative and operational experience pebbles that strengthen the ripple effects of our events. They are among our most committed stakeholders. They share their experience and skills with us, help us to meet new challenges with cost-effective solutions, and partner with us to turn our creative ideas and visions into successful realities. They help us to elevate the event experience for our attendees and our communities and provide us with new perspectives and support that make them an irreplaceable part of our success, and we, theirs.

“Personal relationships are the most important key to good business. You can buy mailing lists; you can’t buy friendships. And the most valuable personal relationships are best built face-to-face.

For 66 years the IFEA has been bringing our industry together face-to-face” – Vanessa Van de Putte President & COO, DFEST®

“What limits us most in life is the picture in our head of how it is supposed to be vs. what could it be. Ripple effects begin with a vision of what we can be and the willingness to share that with our peers.”

– Keli O’Neill Wenzel, CFEE President & CEO O’Neill Marketing & Event Management Serving as a gateway for bringing events and industry suppliers together, the IFEA Expo showcases creative and leading-edge products and services geared specifically to festival and event innovators and decision-makers. From fun and inspiring finds to more practical and purposeful needs, the IFEA Expo offers elements applicable to events of all types, sizes, and budget levels. Bring your wish list and your challenges to find many of the answers you’re looking for, and maybe even a few you aren’t expecting!

EXPO HOURS

Mon., Oct. 9th 12:30 – 3:30 PM Tue., Oct. 10th 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Lunch is included in the Expo on both days.

Connections Café coffee service will also be available in the Expo during the hours it is open.

SPECIAL INCENTIVE: Get $100 off your 2024 IFEA Convention Registration when you spend $100 or more in NEW business with an IFEA exhibitor! Maximum discount credit of $500 per organization. Offer is good through 11/30/23.

View Current Exhibitors in our Virtual Trade Show Interested in exhibiting? Visit the IFEA Expo web page

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RIPPLE EFFECTS BEGIN WITH A SINGLE ACTION

CFEE FastTrack© PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION CLASSES Sponsored by IFEA Association Endorsed Partner Kaliff Insurance, the IFEA’s Certified Festival & Event Executive (CFEE) FastTrack© program allows festival and event industry professionals to complete their professional certification and all required program components in one year and at special pricing that represents a substantial savings over class-by-class scheduling.

CFEE classes, a required component toward the achievement of professional certification, are taught by leading professionals in our field and are open to all who desire to attend. Three of the six required core curriculum classes are offered each year leading into the convention on a rotating basis. New 2023 CFEE participants can potentially complete all of their required classes, electives, and written/speaking obligations in time to receive their CFEE Professional Certification at the 2024 Convention! And those who started in 2022 or before (through our live or virtual CFEE training) may be receiving theirs in McAllen! (Note: Those completing only the six CFEE core curriculum classes will receive a CFEA (Certified Festival & Event Associate) Certificate, recognizing your educational accomplishment, but will not be recognized at the convention CFEE graduation.

“Never stop raising the bar. The future belongs to those who continue to grow their knowledge base, expand their professional network, and stretch new boundaries of creativity.”

– Jim Holt, CFEE President & CEO Memphis in May International Festival / Beale Street Music Festival/ World Championship BBQ Cooking Contest / Great American River Run

THE 2023 FULL-DAY CFEE SEMINARS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: Administration & Management Friday, October 6th, 2023 • 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Using the development of a model business plan as a guide, these sessions will explore and reveal the process by which successful administration and management programs are developed. Session attendees will explore the ins and outs of managing a board of directors, building an effective leadership and administration team, identifying budget targets and making them work, establishing marketing plans, identifying competition and establishing a business paradigm that will give more, “gravitas,” to an event-producing organization. Learn More Presented by: Ira Rosen, CFEE, Festival & Event Consulting, Philadelphia, PA, USA

Marketing & Media Relations Saturday, October 7th, 2023 • 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

A strong marketing vision, direction, and ultimately a plan is essential in successful promotion of any company’s products or services. This area of instruction is designed to look at and provide an overview of marketing and media relations and specifically how

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these functions can be used to the unique needs of the festival and special events industry. Learn More Presented by: Penny McBride, CFEE, President & CEO, Fredericksburg, Texas Chamber of Commerce, Fredericksburg, TX, USA

Sponsorship & Sponsor Service Sunday, October 8th, 2023 • 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Over the past generation the sponsorship of festivals and special events has evolved from the quasi-donation of money by a local business to a sophisticated marketing relationship involving the exchange of mutual value. The development of a comprehensive sponsorship/valuation plan and successful fulfillment program involves the coordination of numerous details and a working knowledge of a variety of critical factors. This area of instruction is designed to provide information about the fundamentals of sponsorship. Learn More Presented by: Bruce Erley, CFEE, APR, President & CEO, Creative Strategies Group, Denver, CO, USA

Sponsored by

IFEA Association Endorsed Partner

RETURN ON INVESTMENT

We are so confident you will return home from the 66th Annual IFEA Convention, Expo & Retreat with at least one idea, approach, relationship, or renewed energy and enthusiasm, that is worth at least the value of attending (and you actually did attend), that we are willing to guarantee a return on your investment. If not, you can write to us (with a “cc” to your board) explaining how you did not receive a return on your investment and we will refund your full registration fee.

“The City of Philadelphia’s popularity in the event world continues to grow in leaps and bounds. We have been very fortunate to have our work recognized around the world and our office and team have benefited tremendously from being a part of the IFEA. As a very forward-thinking city, who believes in positive collaborations, we are happy to be an active participant in the IFEA’s global vision and ripple effect.”

– Jazelle Jones Deputy Managing Director and Director of Operations City of Philadelphia Office of Special Events

Especially in today’s world, the IFEA understands that Return-On-Investment (ROI) is and should be a primary consideration of every leader – events, sponsors, municipalities, tourism organizations and others. With that at the forefront of our minds and conversations, we have designed the 66th Annual IFEA Convention, Expo & Retreat to provide the highest level of return possible, from every perspective – time, resources, information, creativity and access to the strongest network of professionals in our global industry.

Whether you are a first-time or a long-time IFEA Convention & Expo attendee, it won’t be difficult to recognize the virtually limitless opportunities provided through professional conversations and networking; our all-inclusive registration, with no separately-ticketed events; our welcoming McAllen, Texas location; amazing hotel values at our participating convention center ‘campus’ properties; convenient access to professional certification courses prior to the official start of the convention (as your schedule may allow); and much more, including a professional plethora of educational sessions; daily keynote and general sessions; discussion and direct participation groups; and ready access to IFEA Expo vendors and suppliers, convention speakers and other global industry leaders who, together, are the foundation of the IFEA experience and the core of our global industry conversation.

CONVENTION SCHOLARSHIPS

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS & EVENTS ASSOCIATION

Since its’ founding in 1993 the IFEA Foundation has provided scholarship assistance to over 300 students, new professionals and financially challenged events, allowing them to attend the annual IFEA Convention, CFEE programs, and other special programs.

Scholarship recipients are able to return home with new ideas, information and motivation to take their own events and careers to the next level, beginning their own professional ripple effects. Ten IFEA Foundation Legacy Scholarship recipients will be joining us for this year’s IFEA Convention. If you are interested in how you might apply for or provide support for future IFEA Foundation scholarships, more information is available in the Foundation section of the IFEA home page at www.ifea.com.

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS & EVENTS ASSOCIATION

Our primary, annual fundraising event is an all-important source of support that allows us to confidently provide convention scholarships to many young professionals who will become the next generation of industry leadership and to those deserving organizations working to build a solid and successful foundation for their festivals, events and communities. The funds raised also support our capabilities to provide and host top-quality industry presenters, speakers and programming, helping us to raise the bar for everyone in our global industry.

Día de los Muertos Gala Celebration

SILENT AUCTION This year’s IFEA Foundation ‘Silent Auction’ will kick off online September 19th at 10:00am CDT and come to a close October 10th at 11:00pm CDT, shortly after the close of our Foundation Night Party. While all item photos, details and bidding will be available online, many items will also be on display the first two days of the convention (October 9th and 10th) in the McAllen Convention Center. Whether you’re looking for a fun and relaxing getaway; gifts for yourself, family and friends; or a must-have product or service that helps your festival/event, the auction will have a wide variety of unique and useful items to choose from. All funds enable the IFEA Foundation to continue their critical support of IFEA’s many programs and services, so bid high and bid often!

IFEA FOUNDATION DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS GALA CELEBRATION & LIVE AUCTION

On Tuesday night, October 10th, join us for a very special experience. El Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead), is a Mexican holiday where families welcome back the souls of their deceased friends and relatives for a brief reunion that includes food, drink and celebration. While the holiday is officially celebrated each year in late October – early November, with the help of the City

of McAllen, celebration of this special holiday will be extended to include the IFEA Convention dates throughout the City. According to tradition, during el Día de los Muertos, the gates of heaven are opened so that treasured family and friends can return for a special remembrance and celebration of those continued relationships and the ripple effects that they have had on us all.

Beginning the evening - under the watchful eye of La Catrina (who symbolizes the cycle of life, and a reminder to enjoy life, but also embrace death) with a toast to treasured friends lost, from the McAllen Convention Center we will join together for a celebration procession to the McAllen Performing Arts Center where we will enjoy dinner, followed by a very special cultural performance in this beautiful state-of-the-art facility, and dessert.

A memorable night, to benefit a meaningful cause, festive-dressy-casual is the attire for the event. Photo ops and activities to add to your celebration look will be available on-site, together with opportunities to bid on extended weekend stays, exclusive VIP opportunities and behind-the-scenes interactions within our Live Auction/Ultimate Experience packages. The winner of our Ultimate Experience Getaway will be drawn and announced just prior to the Live Auction’s start, and for those finding themselves on the short end of any bids during the night, we encourage you to consider donating to the ongoing memories of good friends lost, helping us to reach our annual goal of exceeding the previous year’s success.

Best of all, the IFEA Foundation Día De Los Muertos Gala Celebration & Live Auction is included at no extra charge as part of your convention registration! So mark your calendar now and plan to be there for this can’t miss celebration!

Note: The IFEA Foundation encourages you and/or your event/organization to donate a special item, experience package, travel opportunity, or product / service / dining package to be included in the IFEA Foundation Auctions. Help support the IFEA’s educational mission and the future of our industry along with your professional peers from around the world.

For more information call or email Kaye Campbell, CFEE at +1-208-433-0950 ext. 8150 / kaye@ifea.com or go to the Foundation section of the IFEA home page at www.ifea.com.

66 th Annual I FEA Convention, Expo & Retreat - Schedule At-A-Glance TIME

7:00 a.m.

7:30 a.m.

8:00 a.m.

Fri., Oct. 6

Sat., Oct. 7

Sun., Oct. 8

Breakfast at Hotels and Walk to Convention Center

Breakfast at Hotels and Walk to Convention Center

Breakfast at Hotels and Walk to Convention Center

8:30 a.m.

Mon., Oct. 9

Silent Auction 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

9:00 a.m.

9:30 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

CFEE FastTrack© Class

CFEE FastTrack© Class

CFEE FastTrack© Class

11:00 a.m.

11:30 a.m.

12:00 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

Lunch on Own

Lunch on Own

Tue., Oct. 10

Silent Auction 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

‘Inspire the Industry’ General Session

Convention Opening & Keynote Speaker

Educational Sessions 9:45 am - 10:45 am

Affinity Group Sessions 11:15 pm - 12:15 pm

IFEA Expo and Lunch

Lunch on Own

3:00 p.m.

Educational Sessions 10:15 am - 11:45 am

IFEA Expo and Lunch

2:00 p.m.

2:30 p.m.

‘Inspire the Industry’ General Session

IFEA Awards Luncheon 12:00 pm - 1:45 pm

1:00 p.m.

1:30 p.m.

Wed., Oct. 11

CFEE FastTrack© Class

CFEE FastTrack© Class

CFEE FastTrack© Class

3:30 p.m.

Affinity Group Sessions 3:45 pm - 4:45 pm

4:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Industry Ancestry: Come Meet the IFEA Family

5:00 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

Educational Educational Sessions Sessions 1:00 pm - 5:45 pm 2:00 pm - 4:15 pm

Closing Session and Speaker

IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Insurance Pinnacle Awards

6:30 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

Attendee Free Evening

Attendee Free Evening

7:30 p.m.

DFEST® Hospitality Suite Happy Hour Welcome

8:00 p.m.

Attendee Free Evening of Dining and Networking

8:30 p.m.

9:00 p.m.

9:30 p.m.

Attendee Free Evening

10:00 p.m.

Departure or Free Time

DFEST® Hospitality Suite DFEST® Hospitality Suite

10:30 p.m.

EDUCATION

IFEA ‘Foundation Party & Live Auction 7:00 pm - 10 pm

NETWORKING/SOCIAL

CONTINUING EDUCATION

FREE TIME

AWARDS PROGRAMS

EXPO

* Connections Cafe is open all day during most convention hours for coffee breaks and networking.

Expo Load In: Sunday, October 8, 2023, 2:00 p.m.– 7:00 p.m. and Monday, October 9, 2023, 7:00 a.m.– 9:00 a.m. | Expo Load Out: Tuesday, October 10, 2023, 1:00 p.m.– 4:00 p.m.

RIPPLE EFFECT

IFEA M EM BER CONVENTION 66 Annual REGISTRATION FORM th

IFEA Convention, Expo & Retreat

October 9, 10, 11, 2023 McAllen Convention Center McAllen • Texas • U.S.A. CFEE Classes October 6, 7, 8, 2023

Presented by

Return To: Mail: IFEA 10400 Overland Rd. #356, Boise, ID 83709, U.S.A. Fax: +1-208-433-9812 • Phone: +1-208-433-0950 Payment Form: Please complete this form for all those attending the Convention from the same organization. Please use page 1 to add organization information and page 2 to add all individuals from that organization. Be sure to complete sections 1, 2, 3, (4 optional) and 5.)

1. ORGANIZATION INFORMATION (Please add complete details for each attendee being registered on the 2nd page. Duplicate page as necessary.)

Organization: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: __________________________________________________________ Website: _______________________________________________________ 2. ORGANIZATION CATEGORY: Please indicate which category you/your organization falls into from the list below: (Please check only one).

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2ND EARLY BIRD RATE BETWEEN: APRIL 8 AND SEPT. 1, 2023 MAIN ATTENDEE RATE: 1st Attendee Rate:

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FINAL PRE-CONVENTION REGISTRATION RATE: SEPT. 2 AND OCT. 6, 2023 Onsite Registration starts Oct. 7, 2023 $895

2nd, 3rd, 4th Attendee (SAME Organization)

$695

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x ____ Qty = $ ____________

5th Attendee or More (SAME Organization)

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ADDITIONAL REGISTRATION TYPES: Full-Time Student (Current Class Schedule Required)

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REGISTRATION FEES INCLUDE: All Educational Sessions during the main convention; All Coffee Breaks at Connections Café; Entrance to the dfest ® Hospitality Suite; Entrance to the IFEA Awards Luncheon & Pinnacle Awards Presentation; Entrance to the IFEA Expo in addition to Lunch at the Expo on both days; IFEA Foundation Auction Night Event; IFEA Convention Program Book & Convention Attendee List; Registration does not include CFEE Certification Classes or Expo Exhibitor Registration. Separate registration required for each.

If registering for CFEE Core Classes or an IFEA Expo Booth, please use the separate registration forms found at www.ifea.com.

4. IFEA FOUNDATION DONATION: The IFEA Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization, works hand-in-hand with the IFEA as its primary partner in raising funds for scholarships, educational programs and more.

Donations to the IFEA Foundation may be tax deductible and a donation receipt letter will be sent for your records.

• Donation Amount (USD): Amount $25 $50 $100 $250 $500 Other $ __________ Promo Code:____________

TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED: $ __________

5. PAYMENT: All fees are payable in U.S. Funds. Your registration form CANNOT be processed until payment is received. To ensure that you are pre-registered for the 66th IFEA Annual Convention & Expo, return your signed registration form with full payment no later than 25 days prior to the Convention’s start. After that, please call Kaye Campbell, CFEE to make sure your registration has been received at +1-208-433-0950 ext: 8150.

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Print Cardholder Name: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Signature: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Credit Card Number:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Expiration Date: _________________________________________________________ CVN Code: _____________ (MC/Visa-3 digit code back) (AMX-4 digit code front) 6. CANCELLATION POLICY: Full refunds will be provided for cancellations made prior to 30 days from the Convention’s start. A 50% refund will be provided for cancellations made 15-29 days before the Convention’s start. After 15 days prior to the Convention’s start, there will be no refunds for cancellations. Please contact Kaye Campbell for questions or cancellations (kaye@ifea.com or call +1-208-433-0950, Ext. 8150).

As a not-for-profit 501(C)6 organization, the IFEA reserves the right to refuse or cancel the registration of any individual or organizational attendee, who, at its sole discretion, may represent/display unprofessional, unlawful, unethical, unsafe, or other actions/positions deemed contrary to the best interests of the IFEA and our global industry. Additionally, the IFEA does not discriminate on any basis including race, sex, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or disability. For the complete Code of Ethics, visit www.ifea.com.

By registering for and attending the IFEA Convention & Expo, you provide the IFEA express permission to use your name, photo and/or likenesses in any and all promotional and/or advertising materials in any medium, including the internet. Additionally, by registering, providing complete contact information and attending the IFEA Convention, consent is provided from all registrants for the IFEA to send emails to the email address listed on this form for each registrant, in addition to listing the complete name and all contact information for each registrant on this form, on the IFEA Convention Attendee List.

RIPPLE EFFECT

66th Annual

IFEA Convention, Expo & Retreat

October 9, 10, 11, 2023 McAllen Convention Center McAllen • Texas • U.S.A. CFEE Classes October 6, 7, 8, 2023

Presented by

I N D IVI D UAL

A T T E N D E E I N FO RMATI O N FRO M SAM E O RGAN IZATI O N

ORGANIZATION: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Student Volunteer Guest Convention Attendee Name: _______________________________________________________________ Name for Badge: ____________________________________________

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ATTENDEE Student Volunteer Guest Convention Attendee Name: _______________________________________________________________ Name for Badge: ____________________________________________ Position Title: _____________________________________________________________________________________

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Date of Birth (mm/yyyy): ________________________________________________ Year Started Employment in Festivals & Events Industry: __________________ Ice Breaker: What is one unique fact that people wouldn't know about you? _________________________________________________________________ Special Dietary Needs:

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Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City, State/ Province, Zip Code: ________________________________________________________________________ Country: __________________________ Phone: __________________________________________________________ Cell Phone: _____________________________________________________ E-mail: __________________________________________________________ Website: _______________________________________________________ Student Volunteer Guest Convention Attendee Name: _______________________________________________________________ Name for Badge: ____________________________________________

3 ATTENDEE rd

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Date of Birth (mm/yyyy): ________________________________________________ Year Started Employment in Festivals & Events Industry: __________________ Ice Breaker: What is one unique fact that people wouldn't know about you? _________________________________________________________________ Special Dietary Needs:

Vegetarian

Gluten Free

Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City, State/ Province, Zip Code: ________________________________________________________________________ Country: __________________________ Phone: __________________________________________________________ Cell Phone: _____________________________________________________ E-mail: __________________________________________________________ Website: _______________________________________________________ Student Volunteer Guest Convention Attendee Name: _______________________________________________________________ Name for Badge: ____________________________________________

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Date of Birth (mm/yyyy): ________________________________________________ Year Started Employment in Festivals & Events Industry: __________________ Ice Breaker: What is one unique fact that people wouldn't know about you? _________________________________________________________________ Special Dietary Needs:

Vegetarian

Gluten Free

Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City, State/ Province, Zip Code: ________________________________________________________________________ Country: __________________________ Phone: __________________________________________________________ Cell Phone: _____________________________________________________ E-mail: __________________________________________________________ Website: _______________________________________________________ Fax: +1-208-433-9812 • Mail: IFEA 10400 Overland Rd. #356, Boise, ID 83709, U.S.A. • Phone: +1-208-433-0950 If adding more attendees, please duplicate this page.

The Name’s V.A.L., Festi-V.A.L., That Is!

Your Virtual Attendee Liasion for the 66th IFEA Convention To Chat With V.A.L., Simply: Scan in the QR code on you phone Text “HI” to 833-572-0211 Visit the IFEA Website

EVENT THE PR PROFILE SHOP

WITH DAVE BULLARD

Festival Foundation YOU’VE GOT GREAT CONTENT. Bailey Judson

SO WHAT?

Creative Director

bjudson@cherryfestival.org Traverse City, MI, United States 231-947-4230 www.cherryfestival.org

Event Name: National Cherry Festival DATES: June 29 - July 6 2024 ATTENDANCE: 500,000 BUDGET: 4 Million ANNUAL DURATION: 8 Days NUMBER AND TYPES OF EVENTS: 150 events NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS: 2,400 NUMBER OF STAFF: 10 WHEN ESTABLISHED: 1926 MAJOR REVENUE SOURCES BY PERCENT: Ticket and Registration Concessions Sponsorship Merchandise Major EXPENSES BY PERCENT: Operational Expenses Equipment Rental Merchandise and Food Product TYPE OF GOVERNANCE: 501 (c) 3 BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Yes NUMBER OF DIRECTORS: 13 INDEPENDENT BOARD OF DIRECTORS: No

42

A Brief History of the National Cherry Festival The mission of the National Cherry Festival is to celebrate and promote cherries and encourage community involvement in the Grand Traverse region. The vision of the National Cherry Festival is to be recognized worldwide as a premier community celebration and be respected as a vital civic organization that provides significant economic benefits throughout the Northern Michigan region and beyond.

We also strive to create a diversified portfolio of quality events and programs that is financially sustainable. The National Cherry Festival’s core values strive for excellence in everything we do and respect the history and heritage of both the Grand Traverse region and the Cherry Industry.

We practice teamwork with passion and build open and honest relationships. We also pursue growth and learning, promote volunteerism and community support, and demonstrate environmentally sound practices. Lastly, the festival embraces and delivers change and communicates clear and consistent information.

The National Cherry Festival started out as a one-day event in 1925 called the, “Blessing of the Blossoms”. The following year, thousands of individuals flocked to the streets to watch the Grand Floral Parade make its way down Front Street with floats and decorated cars. The festival reemerged in 1928 as the Michigan Cherry Festival. In 1931, the Cherry Festival went National! Events, such as the pet show and marathon swimming made debuts, along with a massive cherry pie, of which was

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

Fall 2023

accompanied by a three-foot pie delivered to President Franklin Roosevelt.

Saturday, July 2nd, through Saturday July 9, 2022, marked the festival’s 96th anniversary of the event. The event brought hundreds of thousands of visitors throughout the duration of the eight-day festival.

The National Cherry Festival featured eight nights of live entertainment, diverse food, and beverage options and 150 activities with 85% being free. Our locals not only support the festival; they participate in the festival with over 88,000 locals visiting the festival on an average of 4 days throughout the week.

For over 96 years, the tradition of the National Cherry Festival graces the streets and parks of the bayside community of Traverse City, Michigan. According to Grand Valley State University, the economic impact of the 2022 Cherry Festival contributed $33.4 million to the local economy and supported over 320 jobs. The event also encouraged thousands of volunteers to serve 45,000 hours. There is something for everyone at the National Cherry Festival!

Other Interesting Details About Your Event: • While we celebrate both sweet and tart cherries our region is known for tart cherries so many of our products are made with tart cherries.

• The only time and place you can get a cherry pie flurry (slice of pie in ice cream) is at our Ice Cream and Pie Tent.

• We own 8 miles of extension cord!

Why Use a Portal?

People use portals to get links to search, videos, user posts, purchases, history, resale items...

TRIPinfo.com is a portal used for logistics and details that are needed when planning Leisure Group Trips.

Common Denominators

Popular Portals

TRIPinfo.com

Pioneer

Some of the first commercial websites launched in 1996

One of the first commercial travel websites – launched in 1996

Purpose

Trusted website, loyal audiences

Trusted website, loyal audience

Design

Simple, clean, and largely unchanged since launch

Simple, clean, and largely unchanged since launch

Influence

Among the most popular global websites...hundreds of millions, even billions of monthly visits

Most popular website in its category...consistently 40,000-50,000 monthly visits

Pages per Visit, Time on Site

Higher than non-portal sites

Higher than non-portal sites

Bounce Rate

Lower than non-portal sites

Lower than non-portal sites

Privacy

User privacy protected. Acceptable Ads Certified: Strict global standards for unobtrusive, self-selected, tasteful ads

WHAT DOES CHATGPT HAVE TO SAY?

WITH CHATGPT

ADDRESSING THE EVOLVING CHALLENGES OF VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION IN FESTIVALS:

BEST PRACTICES FOR 2023

F

estivals play a significant role in cultural enrichment, community engagement, and economic growth. However, in 2023, festivals face new challenges in recruiting and retaining volunteers due to changing demographics, increased competition for time, and evolving expectations. This article examines the emerging challenges festivals encounter in volunteer recruitment and retention and presents effective strategies to address these issues. It provides specific examples of festivals that excel in recruiting and retaining volunteers and explores innovative approaches to attract and retain volunteers.

Introduction Festivals rely heavily on volunteers to support various aspects of event planning, coordination, and execution. However, the landscape of volunteer recruitment and retention is continuously evolving, presenting new challenges for festivals in 2023. Understanding these challenges and implementing effective strategies is crucial for maintaining a strong and dedicated volunteer base.

New Challenges in Volunteer Recruitment and Retention • Shifting Demographics: Festivals must adapt to the changing demographics of volunteers, particularly with the preferences and motivations of younger generations, who have different expectations and communication preferences when it comes to volunteering.

• Increased Competition for Time: In today’s fast-paced world, individuals face numerous commitments, making it challenging to secure long-term volunteer engagements. Festivals must find ways to create flexible volunteer opportunities that accommodate busy schedules.

• Evolving Expectations: Volunteers now seek meaningful experiences, personal growth, and opportunities to develop skills while contributing to a cause. Festivals must align their volunteer programs to meet these expectations and provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

• Volunteer Burnout: As festivals expand and volunteer roles become more demanding, the risk of volunteer burnout increases. Festivals need strategies to prevent burnout and 44

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foster long-term commitment among their volunteers.

Best Steps to Solve Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Challenges • Comprehensive Volunteer Program: Establishing a well-structured volunteer program with clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and goals helps align volunteers with the festival’s objectives. Regular training sessions and ongoing support ensure volunteers feel equipped and valued.

• Utilize Technology and Social Media: Leveraging social media platforms and online volunteer management systems allows festivals to reach a broader audience and streamline the recruitment process. Online registration, scheduling tools, and virtual volunteering options facilitate volunteer coordination in remote and hybrid event formats.

• Personalize the Volunteer Experience: Understanding volunteers’ motivations, interests, and skills enables festivals to match them with suitable roles and create a sense of fulfillment.

Regular communication, newsletters, and exclusive volunteer events foster a sense of belonging and community.

• Recognition and Rewards: Acknowledging volunteers’ contributions through recognition and rewards systems encourages their continued engagement. Certificates, badges, appreciation events, and exclusive perks like free tickets or access to artist performances reinforce the value of volunteers’ efforts.

Examples of Festivals Excelling in Volunteer Recruitment and Retention • Glastonbury Festival (United Kingdom): Glastonbury Festival has a robust volunteer program that offers diverse roles such as stage management, hospitality, and recycling. Volunteers receive benefits such as free tickets, exclusive camping facilities, and access to staff amenities, providing a rewarding experience (source: Glastonbury Festival Volunteer Program).

• Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival (United States): Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival has implemented an efficient

online volunteer registration system. The festival offers various volunteer opportunities and provides perks such as meal vouchers, merchandise discounts, and access to exclusive lounges. Bonnaroo’s clear communication channels and the ability to track volunteer hours and rewards through an online portal contribute to their success in volunteer recruitment and retention (source: Bonnaroo Volunteer Program).

• Edinburgh Festival Fringe (United Kingdom): The Edinburgh Festival Fringe employs an online volunteer platform that allows potential volunteers to explore available roles and apply directly. Volunteers receive training, support, and a range of benefits, including free tickets, access to exclusive events, and discounts on festival merchandise. The festival’s emphasis on creating a vibrant volunteer community and fostering a sense of ownership has contributed to their success in volunteer retention (source: Edinburgh Festival Fringe Volunteer Program).

New Ways Festivals Can Recruit and Retain Volunteers • Collaborate with Educational Institutions: Forming partnerships with universities and colleges can provide festivals with access to a pool of enthusiastic volunteers. Festivals can establish internship programs, engage student organizations, or offer academic credit for volunteering, thus integrating volunteering into educational curricula (source: Volunteer Recruitment Strategies for Festivals).

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiatives: Festivals can engage local businesses and corporations in their volunteer recruitment efforts. By aligning with corporate social responsibility initiatives, festivals can attract volunteers from the employees of these companies. This partnership not only strengthens community ties but also provides branding opportunities and recognition for participating corporations (source: Engaging Corporate Volunteers: A Handbook for Nonprofit Organizations).

• Volunteer Ambassador Programs: Festivals can identify experienced and dedicated volunteers to serve as ambassadors and advocates for their events. These ambassadors can assist in recruiting new volunteers, providing mentorship, and sharing their positive experiences, thus inspiring others to get involved (source: Volunteer Engagement Toolkit).

• Incorporate Gamification: Introducing gamification elements into the volunteer experience can enhance engagement and motivation. Festivals can create leaderboards, offer badges or rewards for achieving milestones, and foster friendly competition among volunteers. This approach encourages participation and strengthens volunteer retention (source: Gamification in Volunteer Management).

Hello, I am ChatGPT! As a language model developed

by OpenAI, I have been trained on a vast amount of text data and use advanced algorithms to generate human-like responses to text-based inputs. My abilities include understanding natural language input, generating coherent and contextually appropriate responses, and adapting to user preferences over time. I have been used in a variety of applications, including chatbots, virtual assistants, and language translation tools. With ongoing training and refinement, I have the potential to revolutionize the way we communicate with technology and with each other. I’m constantly learning and improving, and I enjoy exploring new topics and expanding my knowledge base. When I’m not busy answering questions or assisting with tasks, I love to read, write, and analyze language data.

A Note from the Editor: We’re excited to introduce, “What Does ChatGPT Have to Say”, a new column for “ie” magazine that will be created and written from questions posed to ChatGPT. Recognizing the potential that Artificial Intelligence could have on the Festivals & Events Industry and ChatGPT’s vast knowledge and ability to generate original ideas, we thought this would be a fun way to bring a fresh perspective to “ie” magazine, and provide readers with new and engaging content. We can’t wait to see what interesting and thought-provoking insights ChatGPT will bring to its column and the magazine’s readership!

Conclusion In 2023, festivals face evolving challenges in volunteer recruitment and retention. By addressing these challenges through comprehensive volunteer programs, technology utilization, personalized experiences, and recognition initiatives, festivals can attract and retain a committed volunteer base. Successful examples such as Glastonbury Festival, Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe demonstrate effective strategies in action. Exploring new recruitment methods like collaborating with educational institutions, engaging corporate social responsibility initiatives, implementing volunteer ambassador programs, and incorporating gamification can further enhance volunteer recruitment and retention efforts. By embracing these innovative approaches, festivals can ensure the continued success of their events and the meaningful involvement of volunteers.

Fall 2023

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45

Unveiling the Dynamics of Crowds: Insights from the Latest Research

By William O’Toole, CFEE

The rapid growth of events and festivals worldwide is reflected in the rise of specialized companies, including those in security, crowd management, and research. During my time in Dubai, I witnessed an exponential increase in the number of supplier companies within five years. For example, Saudi Arabia transitioned from hosting only one event, the religious Hajj, to organizing billion-dollar festivals and concerts across the entire country. Alongside this trend, there has been a parallel growth in the fields of risk management and crowd management, both as services and sciences.

Recognizing the need and opportunity, universities applied for research funding in this high-risk field of crowd management.

Input from event operations and research is crucial. As a result, Dr. Milad Haghani from the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of New South Wales convened the Crowd Safety Summit in May 2023, an international conference that brought together researchers and practitioners from the UK, Belgium, Germany, Australia, Japan, and France.

Attending the two-day conference provided me with a glimpse of the latest advancements in this field. Unfortunately, progress in risk management disciplines is 46

Figure 1 Volunteers tracked while exiting. The data is analyzed to determine the factors influencing the rate of flow and patterns of behavior (photo courtesy of Dr Haghani)

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

Fall 2023

often driven by disasters. Many presenters at the conference mentioned the recent crowd crush incidents in Korea and El Salvador.

These tragic events underscore the need for data, information, and analysis. Fortunately, there is now an abundance of data available from around the world. It is now the responsibility of researchers to make sense of this data and contribute to operational planning and response for festivals and events.

The conference covered three main areas: simulation, experimentation, and experience. Essentially, university researchers utilized data collected through experiments to develop models of crowd dynamics. For instance, Dr. Paul Geoerg, a researcher with the Association of Fire Protection Engineering in Germany, conducted experiments where subjects were tracked via overhead cameras as they exited through doorways.

The researcher then examined the impact of including wheelchairs in the crowd. Similarly, Dr. Haghani employed a tracking method to study how people make choices about which exit to use and how they adapt their choices while in motion. Figure 1 shows a typical photo of these experiments, with subjects moving towards various exits.

Of particular interest to me was Ramon Spaaj’s presentation on violence at sports events. He made a distinction between retrospective risk, which focuses on what we should have done, and pre-emptive risk, which concentrates on what we can do to prevent violence. Professor Spaaj, from Victoria University, described how some gangs use these sports events as a cover for their violent activities. Moreover, he highlighted that the presence of police and security personnel can actually contribute to an increase in violence. However, he concluded that certain segments of the crowd have the ability to deescalate problems before they escalate further. As a solution, he proposed exploring ways to develop relationships with these groups, rather than calling for more external security.

I’m sure we have all witnessed situations where members of the crowd have managed to calm others and prevent incidents from rapidly growing into disasters.

The old models initially regarded a crowd as similar to a fluid or traffic flow.

The next approach was to view a crowd as a collection of individual ‘particles’ that are influenced by forces such as social and internal drives. Crowd behavior is determined by the interaction and summation of these forces. In both models, common terms used were ‘herding,’ ‘irrational,’ and ‘panic.’ According to Dr. Haghani, the conclusion from this perspective was that the crowd needed to be controlled with

This model considers crowds as complex entities with emergent behaviors. This means that using extra force does not mean extra compliance. Such a model needs validation through experiments and real-life experience, necessitating conducting experiments with volunteers to create and refine these models. security. The solution to any issues was to call in more security.

The new model regards the crowd as an ally in its management, raising the question: How can we enhance this aspect of crowd management? This model considers crowds as complex entities with emergent behaviors. This means that using extra force does not mean extra compliance. Such a model needs validation through experiments and real-life experience, necessitating conducting experiments with volunteers to create and refine these models. Based on the preliminary results of their work, it appears that the research is still in its early stages. However, I anticipate that it will gain momentum as more experience and data are gathered from events worldwide.

During the presentations, various aspects of crowds were illustrated with simulations, including pedestrian movement, avoidance maneuvers, and bidirectional flow. Dr. Alexandre Nicolas from the French National Centre for Research mentioned a new safety concern called ‘smartphone walking,’ where moving crowd members are distracted by looking at their phones.

However, not every presentation focused on modeling. Steve Laws, an Event Safety and Security consultant at Taylor Bridges, shared a familiar story about a 28-day event in Qatar. The event promoter, realizing that there weren’t enough attendees on the first day, announced free entry for people wearing the local football club shirt. This decision increased attendance but also Fall 2023

led to an increase in drunken behavior. The promoter’s subsequent response was to restrict free entry to couples and females only. Consequently, large numbers of young men arrived wearing their football shirts and expecting free entry, and you can guess the result.

I would like to highlight some key points that caught my attention. Ben Crabb from the Cabinet Office Emergency Planning College in the UK emphasized the importance of risk resilience and effective communication. To illustrate his point, he described an incident of fake ticketing at a recent festival. In this case, the scanners would have detected the fake tickets, so the seller of the forged tickets cut the fiber optic cable connected to the event site.

As a result, the scanners stopped working, allowing an additional 1000 people to enter the venue.

Most presenters referred to the Swiss Cheese Model, which emphasizes the concept of layering. According to this model, errors are bound to happen, so it is crucial to have multiple levels of protection in place for events. In event security, this approach is commonly seen, with measures such as searches, behavior analysis, stand-off areas, CCTV, security staff, police presence, and more. Further information about this can be found in the paper linked below.

Regarding terrorist attacks, several presenters mentioned the UK government’s response to the bombing at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester. This response, currently in draft form, is known as Martyn’s Law: Terrorism (Protection of

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Figure 2 Screen shot of instantaneous crowd analysis, detecting and analyzing density, flow and mood in six areas of the festival (courtesy of Dr Andrew Tatrai, Dynamic Crowd Measurement) Premises) Bill, which mandates changes in almost all venues. Additionally, the company Vardogyir presented their software on data-driven terrorism risk assessment.

Several practitioners noted the significant shift in crowd mood and psychology post-COVID compared to pre-COVID. They all expressed the attendees’ expectation for more engagement and a noticeably rowdier atmosphere at events.

Part of the conference theme, driven by the practitioners, emphasizes that planning is necessary but not sufficient.

This notion is exemplified by the work of Dynamic Crowd Management. I had the opportunity to work on the mathematical analysis to develop the original model, and witnessing it in action was truly enlightening. The model was developed based on the experiences of crowd managers working on the ground. They shared their current project, which involves

managing a free event attended by 1.3 million people over 20 days at a festival on Sydney harbor. Drawing from their expertise, they identified indicators that precede a crisis. By promptly detecting these indicators and relaying the solutions to the on-ground staff, crises can be prevented. Time is of the essence in such situations. They developed AI software that utilizes existing cameras to measure density, flow, and mood. These three variables serve as indicators for potential issues. Travis Semmens demonstrated this with an example from a previous event.

The software detected a change in mood in a specific area, which went unnoticed by the on-ground security due to it being within the crowd. Thanks to the software, the security staff was able to intervene immediately and relocate parts of the crowd to alleviate the pressure. Figure 2 shows the screen at an event.

Several practitioners noted the significant shift in crowd mood and psychology post-COVID compared to pre-COVID. They all expressed the attendees’ expectation for more engagement and a noticeably rowdier atmosphere at events.

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There was significantly more information and modeling discussed during the Summit than what I have described here.

Topics such as crowd density measurement using hexagonal design, software developments like CrowdScan, Olympic pedestrian planning, and crowds at live screenings were all covered in fascinating detail. As the duty holder for your events, it is important to know that crowd safety is actively being researched. If you would like to receive more information, I can easily send it to you. Please feel free to email me at events@epms.net.

Dr. Haghani has graciously granted us access to a highly readable paper on crowd safety research titled “Contemporary challenges in crowd safety research and practice, and a roadmap for the future: The Swiss Cheese Model of Crowd Safety and the need for a Vision Zero target.” You can find the paper here.

To wrap up, let me share a little anecdote. Top architects who design new event venues take crowd movement very seriously. Last year, I was asked to conduct a risk assessment for a new venue that can accommodate over 14,000 people.

The venue received a high rating on my comprehensive checklist, thanks to excellent planning regarding factors such as signage, lighting, queuing, width of aisles, and exits.

As the audience arrived and exited the venue, I observed them closely. On exiting, they had to pass through a narrow tunnel to reach the transportation area. This aspect was not included in the builder’s plans, as it was outside their so-called ‘red line’. This situation highlights the limitations of theory and emphasizes the significance of operational experience in integrating crowd management. The excellent flow rates of this venue plan efficiently fed the audience into a pinch point, posing a potential disaster.

William (Bill) O’Toole, CFEE is an events development specialist consultant who has authored several textbooks on events, risk, and crowds.

His recent publications include “Crowd Management: Risk Security Health” (2020), “Safe and Healthy Crowded Places” (Government manual, available for free online), and “Risk Management for Events” (2022). He has trained event teams around the world in project and risk management.

He is a member of the IFEA World Board and is currently researching the application of advanced risk tools listed in ISO31010 to the management of events and festivals.

McAllen Convention Center McAllen • Texas • U.S.A.

October 9 & 10, 2023

Connect with Leading Festival and Event Decision-Makers at the 2023 IFEA Expo!

Exhibit and Benefit From: • Engaging with key decision-makers • Showcasing your latest products or services • Establishing brand familiarity, recall and trust • Expanding your professional network • Gaining valuable industry insights and inspiration

Connect With Decision-Makers Who Are Eager To:

“IFEA has proven to us, in a very short period of time, to be the best marketing tool to reach the festival and event market – hands down!”

– Todd Hoffman, Your-Type

• Discover and explore a wide range of industry products and services • Stay up-to-date on emerging trends and technologies • Effectively influence purchasing decisions with your informed choices • Take advantage of exclusive purchase discounts and incentives available only at the Expo

Receive Year-Round Visibility In addition to exhibiting at the Expo, all exhibitors will gain immediate inclusion in the IFEA’s online Virtual Trade Show from the time you register through 12/31/2023, extending your exposure both before and after the Expo!

REGISTER NOW FOR QUESTIONS CONTACT: Carrie Ring, CFEE • Director of Partnerships & Programs +1-208-433-0950 ext: 8120 • carrie@ifea.com

EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHT

What year was your company established?

We were founded in 2016.

Once that connection is made, our clients gain 1st party data and text opt-in to drive their business forward.

How many employees does your company have?

40 and growing.

What is your ‘elevator pitch’ and/or slogan about your product/service?

42Chat is Siri for client-specific business problems. Our proprietary platform delivers fast custom and highly effective templated A.I. Conversational solutions via text and other channels. Our clients own, grow, and leverage data in the text channel to drive strategic business goals -- through near frictionless opt-in, 98% read rate, limitless support scalability, and a superior 95% Correct Response Rate at launch.

What areas do you serve with your product/service?

All of the above!

How many festivals and events do you work with on an annual basis?

We work with hundreds of events on a yearly basis ranging from festivals, trade shows, and conferences to sports tournaments and graduations.

What new or improved product/service do you have to offer that IFEA audiences need to know about?

We work with events to provide an SMS and web based Siri- like solution that delivers instant answers, personalized connection, and year-round engagement to grow your festival.

What sets your product/ service apart from your competitors?

We instantly connect you with your community and automatically answer questions through text, the only channel virtually everyone has, uses, and reads.

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What advice would you offer to festivals and events searching for your type of product/service?

Our clients turn to us when they are inundated with the same few questions over and over again, which keeps your staff and volunteers from managing higher-level responsibilities. We work with festivals and events to automate these FAQs so guests receive their instant answers while saving you and your team time.

What is your company’s customer service philosophy?

Our solutions create a 1:1 connection over text, the only channel with a 98% read rate, so our clients can reach their customers when they need them most.

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Daly Elias

Account Executive 42Chat 1192 Draper Pkwy #418 Salt Lake City, UT 84020, USA 952-232-9699 daly.elias@42chat.com 42chat.com How many years have you been with your company?

Four What are your favorite festival foods?

Giant Pretzels What do you like to do to relax?

Read in the Sunshine What is the name of the last business book you read?

The Four-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferris What is the name of the last movie you watched?

Pride & Prejudice

A Siri- like solution that delivers instant answers, personalized connection, and year-round engagement to grow your festival

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Protect & Enhance Your Brand

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Protect your brand by instantly reaching

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your community during an emergency or

power of text and automatic opt-in.

support they need. Our solutions create

potential PR nightmare. Elevate your brand

Retain customers by responding

a 1:1 connection over text, the only

by showing innovation and a

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channel with a 98% read rate, so our

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year-round engagement in the channels

clients can reach their customers when

where they already communicate.

they need them most.

Scan now to learn more Stay Informed – Stay Connected – With the IFEA! The IFEA is here to support you, share resources with you, help educate you, provide important information updates to you, help establish and strengthen your industry connections, and so much more!

Gain access to important and valuable member benefits and resources:

JOIN the IFEA Today RENEW Your IFEA Membership, Today!

THE SPONSOR DOC

WITH BRUCE L. ERLEY, APR, CFEE

A GOOD PROBLEM TO HAVE…

BUT STILL A PROBLEM!

Dear Sponsor Doc: We produce a peach festival in a small town in Texas and last week the Ford dealership reached out to us regarding being our “transportation sponsor”. I set a meeting with them for next week to discuss the sponsorship.

Well, yesterday we finally received confirmation that the local Chevy dealer is renewing as our Title Sponsor which includes automotive exclusivity. As we had not heard back if they were going to participate again, I took the call from the Ford dealership. How should my conversation go with Ford in letting them know that Chevy will be back as our Title sponsor, and I don’t have an opportunity for them? Good problem to have right?

I really would appreciate your input on how to handle this conversation.

G.M. Dear G.M.:

Thank you for reaching out and indeed it is a great problem to have. But it is very important how you handle it as you live in a small town, and you don’t want to create any ill will with a business with which you might become a future partner.

First, I would be sure to have a signed deal with Chevy or at least a MOU (Memo of Understanding) to secure their commitment in writing. Nothing could be worse than saying “adios” to Ford and Chevy changing their mind.

Assuming that is in hand, prior to taking the meeting, I would want to give Ford a heads-up of the new circumstances since your original call. As uncomfortable as it is, you need to inform them that the Chevy Dealers has just been confirmed as Title Sponsor and that their level of sponsorship includes category exclusivity for automotive.

This is key…Being candid and transparent in your negotiations is essential in sponsor sales. Your integrity and reputation in your town depend on it!

I would try to come up with other options as well. They might have an interest in sponsoring a different event which you produce. You can also offer them the opportunity to come to them first in 2024 if Chevy does not renew.

Further, as a thank you for their interest you could offer some VIP passes to the festival. Just be gracious, candid, and appreciative in your turndown.

Finally, once you have your meeting with Ford, I would let Chevy know that you just turned down a competitor in deference to their 52

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sponsorship and to protect their exclusivity. You will likely find they are both grateful and their commitment to you is strengthened.

Next year, give Chevy a clear renewal deadline date and remind them of other interests!

Best of luck with the call.

The Sponsor Doc Bruce L. Erley, CFEE, APR is the Founder and President of Creative Strategies Group, a consultancy based in Denver, Colorado which he founded in September, 1995. Creative Strategies Group (CSG) specializes in sponsorship and event marketing consultation for events, festivals, nonprofit organizations and other properties as well as municipalities and for-profit companies.

With more than four decades experience, Erley is considered a master in the field. In 2012, Erley served as the World Board Chairman of the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA). He is a 2015 inductee into the IFEA Hall of Fame. He is Accredited in Public Relations (APR) by the Public Relations Society of America and a Certified Festival & Events Executive (CFEE) by the International Festivals and Events Association.

Contact Info: Bruce L. Erley, APR, CFEE President & CEO Creative Strategies Group Phone: +1-303-558-8181 Business Email: berley@csg-sponsorship.com Column Enquiries Email: bruce@sponsordoc.com

EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHT

What year was your company established?

2008 How many employees does your company have?

40 What areas do you serve with your product/service?

We are based outside of Boston, MA but have warehouses also in NC, TX, CA and CO as we are able to service every market Nationwide.

How many festivals and events do you work with on an annual basis?

Over 100 annually What is your ‘elevator pitch’ and/or slogan about your product/service?

Artificial Ice Events is a Winter attraction rental company. We have winter slides, mazes, ice rinks and so much more than we rent and provide for your event or festival! Our attractions are available for as short as a single day rental or as long as a full season and we work Nationwide!

How/why did your company/ product/ service get started Our sister company Perfect Parties USA us a Boston, MA based rental attraction company. We added a synthetic ice rink to your inventory and the demanded for that stretched nationwide. Many of our “ice” clients wanted more winter attractions to 54

add to your events so over time we stared creating and adding more and more attractions. Do this day we almost a new attraction almost annually.

What new or improved product/service do you have to offer that IFEA audiences need to know about?

Our newest offering is the Stack Box Snow Slide which is a hard surface winter slide designed for long term installations as resorts, ballparks, etc. This slide is made out shipping containers and a proprietary beam system and uses a synthetic tubing surface.

What sets your product/ service apart from your competitors?

We have attractions that on one else has.

We created and produce many of our own attractions.

What advice would you offer to festivals and events searching for your type of product/service?

Think more than ice. Yes, many people like the idea of a ice rink but think larger than that. Getting a rink with a slides and another attraction such as a winter maze really helps to elevate your Winter event.

What is your company’s customer service philosophy?

We are service first. Once out services us. From the sales process to the event execution phase we will make sure we go above and beyond your expectations.

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Michael Lawton Dir of Business Development

Artificial Ice Events 147 Summit St Unit 3a Peabody, MA 01960, USA 800-275-0185 m.lawton@ppentertainmentgroup.com www.artificialiceevents.com How many years have you been with your company?

10 years What are your favorite festival foods?

Chicken on a stick, steak and cheese and anything dessert!

What do you like to do to relax?

Spend time with my family at our pool or going on a family vacation.

What is the name of the last business book you read?

I read more publications and newspapers than books. I read daily the business news section of all major news outlets websites.

What is the name of the last movie you watched?

I just saw the Little Mermaid remake movie with my kids.

ASSOCIATION ENDORSED PARTNER

ASSOCIATION ENDORSED PARTNER

The IFEA would like to thank the above 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.

Interested in becoming an Association Endorsed Partner?

Contact Carrie Ring, Director of Partnerships & Programs (208) 433-0950 x8120 or carrie@ifea.com

Let’s Get Ready to Fundraise!

By Elizabeth Grigsby, CFEE, CFRE

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I have always considered myself an “accidental fundraiser.”

Never did I think that one day, one of my primary responsibilities would be to raise money for my non-profit organization, enabling us to fulfill our mission and provide important projects to the community. When I started 20 years ago, there was very limited information and guidance on fundraising, so much of what I learned was through trial and error. Fortunately, times have changed, and now there is a wealth of research and information available on the most effective fundraising methods. However, this knowledge is only beneficial if it is implemented with the same level of dedication and planning as we put into our festivals or events. Today, my aim is to provide you with a comprehensive and holistic approach to fundraising, based on the latest research and the lessons I have learned throughout my career.

Make Sure You Are Ready To Go! To begin, gather all the necessary legal documentation required to submit a request to a potential funder. If you’re approaching a granting organization, they might ask for specific documents, such as a recent financial report, a copy of your 501(c)(3) non-profit designation or audit, your current budget, and a list of Board Members. With the increasing prevalence of online sponsorship requests, it is highly probable that funders will request specific information about your organization. This may include details about your organization’s mission, history and a completed W-9 form.

Fundraising Requires Active Attention and Effort; It Doesn’t Happen On Its Own Contrary to popular belief, successful fundraising is an ongoing endeavor throughout the year. Simply asking for donations or sponsorships is insufficient; you must also cultivate and nurture relationships continuously. This involves ensuring that your funders receive regular communication from you, including mail, emails, and newsletters. It’s also crucial to provide a sponsorship fulfillment report that outlines how their company received marketing exposure at your event.

Moreover, expressing gratitude is one of the most critical aspects of fundraising.

Showing appreciation can be as simple as sending a card, having a Board Member make a phone call, or sending them a t-shirt or tickets to your festival or event.

Avoid creating a situation where your funders feel that they only hear from you when you need money.

Fundraising Thrives on Teamwork!

Too often, the responsibility of raising funds is solely entrusted to one individual within an organization, leaving them burdened with the entire task. This individual could be the CEO, Executive Director, Development Officer, or Vice President of Sponsorships. However, to truly unlock the full potential of fundraising, it is essential to actively involve every member of the staff and volunteers. A highly successful fundraising organization recognizes the importance of engaging the entire team in the process.

Consider this: a potential donor may have an extraordinary interaction with one of your dedicated volunteers, creating a lasting positive impression of your event or cause. Moreover, one of your Board Members might possess valuable knowledge about a new local business that could be interested in a potential sponsorship opportunity. Additionally, someone on your office staff might possess exceptional skills in crafting beautiful handmade thank-you cards. These instances exemplify how each individual within the organization can contribute their unique talents, expertise, and connections to bolster the fundraising efforts.

By embracing a collaborative approach, the organization not only enhances its chances of success but also cultivates stronger relationships with potential donors. Recognizing that fundraising is a collective effort empowers the entire team to actively participate, share ideas, and leverage their networks, ultimately paving the way for greater fundraising achievements.

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It Is Essential to Begin with the End in Mind Start by sitting down and determining precisely what you need to raise funds for and the specific amount required.

Requesting funds for operating expenses differs significantly from seeking support for acquiring new equipment or constructing a new facility. Moreover, different funders have varying areas of interest, and it is your responsibility to align your request with the funder most likely to view it favorably. For instance, a Children’s Hospital might be interested in sponsoring the Children’s Area at your event, while a local foundation could be inclined towards one-time purchases of capital equipment like staging, lights, or safety gear. An event patron may prioritize the continuity of your event and offer an unrestricted contribution for operational expenses. The key is to understand your goals, the associated costs, and identify the most suitable potential donors.

Never Enter a Meeting EmptyHanded It is crucial to come prepared with a well-crafted, written document that persuasively presents an overview of your request. This document should contain background information about your organization, detail your specific needs, explain their significance, outline the desired outcomes resulting from the funding, and provide compelling reasons for donors to feel motivated to contribute. Commonly known as a “case for support,” this document ideally should be professionally designed, incorporating graphics, photographs, and clear contact information for further information. By presenting a visually appealing and well-structured document, you can capture the attention and engagement of potential donors, conveying the essence of your cause in a compelling and memorable manner.

People Often Don’t Give Simply Because They Haven’t Been Asked Research consistently shows that the primary reason for people not giving money is the absence of a direct request.

However, this doesn’t mean you should approach a stranger on the street and ask for a donation or sponsorship. Instead, it is important to target individuals who possess two crucial attributes: affinity and capacity.

In this context, affinity refers to individuals who know you, your festival, or event, and genuinely appreciate what you do.

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One of the most exciting aspects of fundraising is that there are people you already know who are likely to contribute to your event or festival.

Capacity, on the other hand, signifies their financial capability to provide a cash or in-kind contribution. It is worth noting that we should exercise caution when judging people’s capacity based solely on their outward lifestyle, as this can often lead to wrong assumptions that they are unable to give. As a fundraiser, your role is to extend invitations to individuals and allow them to decide for themselves whether they are willing and able to contribute. Embrace an inclusive mindset and remember that everyone has the potential to make a difference, regardless of appearances and lifestyle.

You Already Have Potential Donors Within Your Reach!

One of the most exciting aspects of fundraising is that there are people you already know who are likely to contribute to your event or festival. Keeping in mind the criteria of affinity and capacity, those who are most inclined to provide a donation or sponsorship are those who know you best.

These individuals include your dedicated volunteers, current and past Board Members, vendors, loyal attendees and sponsors who consistently support your event year after year, individuals on your email or mailing list, and those who have previously donated to your cause. By reaching out to individuals who already have a connection with your organization, you have a higher likelihood of securing their support.

Harness the Power of Technology to Enhance Your Fundraising Efforts!

Take advantage of social media, e-mail, online fundraising platforms like GoFundMe, and create an impressive website to expand your reach and streamline the donation process by accepting online payments.

Utilize these digital tools to their full potential.

Engage your audience with captivating videos, exclusive updates, and impactful photographs that showcase your organization’s important work. Use these visual elements to recruit new supporters, ignite enthusiasm among existing donors, and spread the word about the positive impact your organization is making.

By leveraging technology in this way, you can tap into a broader audience, facilitate seamless online donations, and effectively communicate the value of your 58

cause. Embrace these digital strategies to maximize your fundraising potential and elevate your organization’s visibility in the digital sphere.

Diversify Your Funding!

It is crucial to diversify your fundraising strategy in the event business. Relying solely on sponsorship dollars can be risky, as unforeseen circumstances can leave us scrambling to find replacements. Unfortunately, securing sponsorships is often challenging due to intense competition, shifting giving priorities, staff turnover, and other factors beyond our control. In fact, sponsorships only contribute to 5% of all charitable giving, while individuals account for 69%.

To optimize your fundraising potential and safeguard against unexpected challenges, it is vital to create a comprehensive fund development plan for your festival or event. This plan should encompass a range of diverse income sources, including grants, individual donations, corporate sponsorships, special fundraising events, crowdfunding, and online campaigns.

By diversifying your streams of income, you can fortify your financial stability and maintain a consistent flow of funds.

It Is Crucial to Adopt a LongTerm Perspective When it Comes to Fundraising One common pitfall is the lack of consistent and ongoing efforts over the years. For instance, an organization may experience a positive response from their initial direct mail solicitation, but then fail to follow up the next year due to being “too busy.” This mindset is flawed.

Instead, it is important to build upon the successes of each year. If a donor contributes one dollar in a given year, the goal should be to encourage them to donate an equal or greater amount the following year.

Remarkable transformations can occur over time. I have personally had an annual donation from one patron go from $100 to $100,000. It has taken eight years to reach this level, but it has been well worth the effort!

Therefore, it is crucial to play the long game in fundraising, maintaining consistent and persistent efforts, and capitalizing on previous successes to foster increased donor engagement and contributions.

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Treating Your Funders Like Your Closest Friends Is a Powerful Approach in Fundraising In today’s landscape, individuals, foundations, and businesses have numerous options for where they allocate their charitable resources. It is essential to position your organization as their top choice for giving.

One effective strategy is to consistently provide exceptional value and service to your funders, exceeding their expectations.

Adopting the mindset of “underpromising and overdelivering” will help establish a positive reputation and build strong relationships. By consistently delivering outstanding results and experiences, you can instill a sense of excitement in your funders, making them eager to support your organization year after year.

Expressing gratitude towards your funders is crucial, both publicly and privately. If a funder desires recognition, such as having their name on a plaque or being listed in a thank-you advertisement in the newspaper, it’s important to fulfill their wishes. On the other hand, if a funder prefers to remain anonymous, respecting their privacy is essential. Take the time to understand your funders’ preferences and tailor the acknowledgment of their contributions accordingly. By demonstrating genuine appreciation and honoring their preferences, you can strengthen the bond between your organization and its funders.

In summary, by treating your funders as cherished allies, going above and beyond expectations, and expressing gratitude in ways that align with their preferences, you can cultivate lasting and mutually beneficial relationships.

Elizabeth Grigsby, CFEE, CFRE, has been the Executive Director of the Lubbock Arts Alliance for 20 years. During her tenure, the organization has had a six-fold increase in its budget and its marquee project, the annual Lubbock Arts Festival, has tripled in attendance. The Arts Festival has received a “Grand Pinnacle” award from the International Festivals & Events Association and two consecutive “Best in Texas” awards from the Texas Festivals and Events Association for being the best overall event in its budget category. Grigsby is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and Certified Festival & Event Executive (CFEE).

Is Your Leadership Proactive or Reactive?

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A WeVow “Group” for your event includes: ■

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Contact Matt Pipkin at 208.830.3885 or matt@wevow.com for details.

EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHT

What year was your company established?

1996 How many employees does your company have?

18 What areas do you serve with your product/service?

United States, Canada and up to 30 different countries, worldwide.

How many festivals and events do you work with on an annual basis?

We work on over 2000+ events a year across multiple markets both large and small.

What is your ‘elevator pitch’ and/or slogan about your product/service?

At Degy Booking we are industry leading talent buyers and agents who provide resources and expertise to help save you time and book the entertainment you want for your events. Whether you are a novice or advanced in your experience with entertainment, we offer operational and logistical support every step of the way. Regardless of size, both small and large, we are client focused and our transparent process will guide you along every step of the way.

How/why did your company/ product/service get started?

Degy Booking International, Inc. (parent company) was started as an Artist management agency in 1996 (Degy Management Services). After several years of successful label signings, publishing deals and licensing agreements, Degy chose to enter the entertainment booking space. In September 2001, Degy Entertainment was launched as a booking arm of our parent company and quickly crew to a client base of nearly 100 music acts. In 2016, Degy created an operational branch of the company that was designed to assist clients with all logistical and operational aspects of their events booked through Degy.

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What new or improved product/service do you have to offer that IFEA audiences need to know about?

Along with our talent buying and roster of performers, we offer the World’s Largest Bounce House (10,000 ft2) called Big Bounce America. It can fit 200 people at once and has a live DJ inside while jumping.

Visit www.thebigbounceamerica.com for more details on all the oversized inflatable products available for your events today.

Our Headphone Disco – Silent Disco www. headphonedisco.com continues to be on the scene at many major festivals and with 10’s of thousands of headphones nationwide we can cover any size event.

What sets your product/service apart from your competitors?

Our commitment to our clients, versatility in the market, and knowledgeable operations staff. We work side by side with our clients to produce events that meet or exceed their expectations. We will guide and advise you every step of the way.

Don’t need the help? No problem, we can offer you as much or as little operational support as you want. It’s your event and we are happy to be a part of it.

What advice would you offer to festivals and events searching for your type of product/service?

Honesty is the best policy. Be open and transparent with what your expectations are because we can’t meet your expectations if we don’t know they exist.

What is your company’s customer service philosophy?

We know that when it comes to producing high profile events, the stakes are high.

Our goal is to exceed your expectations and build a solid relationship with your event so we can help contribute to its success. You don’t have to be an expert to buy entertainment, we are here to assist you and make sure you have all the tools and resources you need to make the best decision possible for your festival.

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Evan Schaefer, CSEP, CFEE Chief Operations Officer

Degy Booking International, Inc. Delray Beach, FL 33446 USA 732-818-9600 evan@degy.com degy.com How many years have you been with your company?

7 years What are your favorite festival foods?

Lo Mein Noodle Vendors, Fresh squeezed lemonade with a splash of Titos (for after work hours silly) and I’m a sucker for anything fried on a stick..except twinkies. Too rich.

What do you like to do to relax?

Prior to June 29, I always used to say that I have a hard time sitting down and not being active.

But, now, I enjoy spending time hanging out with my wife and newborn baby Hudson.

What is the name of the last business book you read?

Risk Management for Meetings and Events by Julia Rutherford Silver. I used it to study for my CSEP certification.

What is the name of the last movie you watched?

Transformers – Revenge of the Fallen

Good

Great

CFEE

An Important Step in the Career Track of Industry Leaders 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 CFEE FastTrack® Program, contact Cindy Lerick at cindy@ifea.com or call +1-314-614-7152.

The CFEE Professional Certification Program is Sponsored by

THE PR SHOP

WITH DAVE BULLARD

WRITE WITH POWER: GET SHORT, SHARP AND SIMPLE

I

taught broadcast newswriting a few times as an adjunct college instructor. On day one, my students arrived to find this on the whiteboard: “Short, Sharp & Simple.” It stayed there all semester.

That four-word mantra is my way of explaining how to write smart, powerful copy and it’s as good a guide for writing PR and marketing copy as it is for writing news stories.

Short: Use short words and short sentences. Commas can impair understanding by cutting a thought in half with a different thought between them. Semicolons are just two sentences jammed together and work just as well with a period between them. A long sentence is almost always a forced and unhappy marriage of two short sentences. Divorce them. There’s a small word that can take the place of a big word. Sometimes, it takes two or three words. Not everyone understands big words even though they look important in a news release or a statement. The whole purpose of “short” is to give everyone a chance to understand what you want to say.

Sharp: Use strong words to create sharp and unforgettable images in the minds of your readers. Start with strong verbs. The verbs “to be” and “to have” signal passive sentence construction. How many times have you written “the winner will be announced on Tuesday?”

There’s that pesky, passive form of “to be” for us to deal with. How about: “The festival announces the winner Tuesday.” Even better, use “picks” or “crowns” instead of “announces.” All three are much stronger verbs in an active, present-tense voice.

Simple: Tell a simple story. Don’t jump around in time – keep things in a simple, chronological order whenever possible. The fairy tales we heard as children always began with “once upon a time” and finished with “and they all lived happily ever after.” They started at the earliest point and finished at the latest point. It’s effective because that’s how the brain works. Its filing system is sequential.

A former colleague of mine once said that a story should be able to be summed up in one sentence. Anything that doesn’t fit with that sentence is out. I think this works whether we’re talking about a slide deck presentation to a potential sponsor, a memo to the boss, a press release, or a social media post. A simple story is simply more memorable and more powerful.

So how do you apply this principle to your everyday writing?

First, edit ruthlessly. Chop and chop again. William Strunk, Jr., in Strunk and White’s indispensable writing guide “The Elements of Style,” said, “Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and 62

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a machine no unnecessary parts. This requires not that the writer make all his sentences short, or that he avoid all detail and treat his subjects only in outline, but that every word tell.”

Start with qualifiers and modifiers. They are often the empty calories of content. Over, almost, barely, little, big, famous – these are some of the adjectives and adverbs that you can chop from your writing without harm. If the band you’ve booked is world-famous, tell me instead how many hits they’ve had and Grammys they’ve won. More words? Yes. But they’re better words – they show instead of tell.

Kill the prepositional phrase. “Following the race, the awards ceremony was held…” How many awards ceremonies happen before the race? “During the event, many volunteers came out to….” How many volunteers come after the event is over? We like to call something a signature event when we can explain why it’s so special. (PS: Nobody cares. If an element of your event is great, your customers will decide how great it is. If it’s truly as big as you think it is, they will tell you, not the other way ‘round.)

Once you’ve pruned as much dead weight as possible, you can think about what to put in. Use power words, like free, safe, easy and now to help guide people to make the purchase or put your event on their calendars. Stop and think about the reader: Their wants and needs are different from your event’s. Write from their point of view – the experience they will have, the ease of taking part, and most of all, the emotional benefit they will receive from being there.

These guidelines aren’t perfect. They are a way for you to start thinking about your writing in a way that will help you build better copy and spur you to continue your writing education. Everything we do in public relations, marketing and sponsorship begins with words (remember that images are just words in another language). We writers are mechanics. We need an intimate understanding of the tools in our toolbox to achieve the highest success.

Dave Bullard, CFEE is owner of FanFirst Events and Influence, consulting on production, public relations and marketing for events and festivals. He served for 10 years as PR and Marketing Manager of the Great New York State Fair, directing a $1 million marketing budget for the 1.3 million-attendance festival. Dave is available anytime to IFEA members to kick around ideas and brainstorm solutions. He also moderates the IFEA PR & Marketing Affinity Group. He’s at debullard@gmail.com and 315-575-6320.

THE VALUE OF PARTNERSHIPS – Through the generosity of our partners below, we are able to strengthen our support of the festivals and events industry and continue to provide high quality, educational programs, products and services to our members.

Help us thank them for their support, by first turning to those on this list for the opportunity to earn your business, whenever the need arises.

ASSOCIATION ENDORSED PARTNERS

ASSOCIATION & CONVENTION SPONSORS

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS & EVENTS ASSOCIATION

ASSOCIATION SUPPORTERS | BENEFIT PROVIDERS

Interested in sponsoring? Contact Carrie Ring, Director of Partnerships & Programs at (208) 433-0950 ext. 8120 or carrie@ifea.com

EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHT

What year was your company established?

1958 How many employees does your company have?

32 What areas do you serve with your product/service?

Most of our festival and event business is in the United States however, we do have several happy international customers.

How many festivals and events do you work with on an annual basis?

We work with hundreds (500+) festivals, fairs, and special events each year.

What is your ‘elevator pitch’ and/or slogan about your product/service?

We are a full-service team that brings your ideas from conception to completion while guaranteeing the best quality available.

We design, manufacture, and install breath-taking decorations. Our designers work closely with you to transform your dreams into creative and eye-catching decorations that not only beautify your event, but help tell your story. Through color, design, and movement, your event décor sends a message to your audience, your participants, and your volunteers about who you are and why you’ve gathered to celebrate. Our staff includes experienced and respected event professionals, talented artists, and skilled crafters, all dedicated to you and your festival or event’s success.

How/why did your company/ product/service get started?

DFEST ® was introduced to the festivals & events industry at the 2007 IFEA Convention in Atlanta. Those who had been doing business with us prior to the addition of DFEST ®, already appreciated Dixie Flag 64

and Banner Company’s lasting reputation for being an intrinsic asset for helping events succeed. With DFEST ®, we are not only reinforcing our commitment to the success of our customers, but we are also committing ourselves to improving the entire festival and events industry.

What new or improved product/ service do you have to offer that IFEA audiences need to know about?

Upon feedback from members of the special events industry, we have added a range of cost effective, free standing signage that is easy to set up, store and transport.

What sets your product/service apart from your competitors?

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 discarding and reprinting your banners each time an element changes, DFEST ® designed products allow variable information, like sponsors and dates, to be removed and added.

What advice would you offer to festivals and events searching for your type of product/service?

We have a strong belief that decor can directly affect the success of an event.

Whether your event is indoors or outdoors, decorations set the mood, attract attention, create excitement, enhance the event’s theme, and reinforce its uniqueness.

What is your company’s customer service philosophy?

Our commitment and dedication to providing great service and quality products has been the foundation for our long-lasting relationships in the events industry. We are not trying to be everything for everyone, just everything you, our customer, needs us to be. We are experts at helping our customers define their needs and then, and only then, executing a plan for success.

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Rudy Martinez Vice President

DFEST® San Antonio, TX 78208 USA 800-356-4085 rudy@dixieflag.com Dfest.net How many years have you been with your company?

22 years What are your favorite festival foods?

There are too many! Baked oysters, chicken-on-a-stick, strawberry shortcake, jalapeno cheese bratwurst, and BEER! What do you like to do to relax?

Kickboxing and fishing, but not at the same time.

What is the name of the last business book you read?

HBR’s 10 Must Reads for New Managers What is the name of the last movie you watched?

Avengers Endgame

Stay Connected When You Can’t Connect in Person Through IFEA’s Virtual Affinity Groups!

F

eaturing participant discussion between some of the top professionals in our industry today, IFEA’s Virtual Affinity Groups provide an online platform on ZOOM* to keep the connections, brainstorming and networking going. Join us to participate-in these valuable discussion groups and network with your peers. Be sure to come with questions and professional experiences to these valuable open-topic dialogue sessions taking place bimonthly as we’ll be discussing current trends, issues, challenges and opportunities.

IFEA SPONSORSHIP VIRTUAL AFFINITY GROUP Moderated by: Patrick Merna Vice President of Strategic Partnerships 500 Festival, Indianapolis, IN Moderated by: Josh Reichart Senior Manager, Partner Activation 500 Festival, Indianapolis, IN IFEA CITIES, CVB’S & TOURISM VIRTUAL AFFINITY GROUP Moderated by: Mandy Watson Special Events Manager Dept of Parks, Recreation & Tourism City of Greenville Moderated by: Wes Rhea, CDME Chief Executive Officer Visit Stockton IFEA VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS VIRTUAL AFFINITY GROUP Moderated by: Alex McNulty Manager, Member Services Pasadena Tournament of Roses Moderated by: Erin Jackson Marketing & Events Specialist Gravina, Smith, Matte and Arnold Marketing & PR Firm IFEA OPERATIONS VIRTUAL AFFINITY GROUP Moderated by: Becky Genoways, CFEE President Genoways Event Management Moderated by: Ira Rosen, CFEE IFEA Foundation Board Member Associate Professor / Director of the Event Leadership Executive Certificate Program Temple University

IFEA ART EVENTS VIRTUAL AFFINITY GROUP Moderated by: Stephen King, CFEE IFEA World Board Member Executive Director Des Moines Arts Festival IFEA MARKETING & PR VIRTUAL AFFINITY GROUPS Moderated by: Dave Bullard IFEA Foundation Board Member Public Relations and Marketing Manager The Great New York State Fair IFEA PARADES VIRTUAL AFFINITY GROUP Moderated by: Ed Bautista, CFEE Chief Creative and Strategic Officer Bautista Event Specialists Team IFEA DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION (DEI) VIRTUAL AFFINITY GROUP Moderated by: Steve Schmader, CFEE President / CEO International Festivals & Events Association IFEA CEO VIRTUAL AFFINITY GROUP Moderated by: Jazelle Jones IFEA World Board Member Deputy Managing Director / Director of Operation City of Philadelphia Office of Special Events IFEA’s Virtual Affinity Groups are available to current IFEA Members as one of the many valuable benefits for being a member of the IFEA. If you’re interested in networking and brainstorming with your peers in the virtual networking Affinity Groups, we encourage you to join the IFEA to participate, in addition to receiving many more great benefits.

LEARN MORE | REGISTER HERE www.ifea.com/p/resources/ifea-affinity-groups

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THREE IMPORTANT TAKEAWAYS TOWARD REDUCING TURNOVER

By Mike Jacquart

Having the specific skills for a particular job is important, but even the most qualified job applicant may not pan out if there is a poor “fit” between the position and the workplace. Whether one wants to call it job or corporate culture, work environment, or “fit,” it’s not just what you do for a living, but also where you work that can play a strong role in success.

And when someone suffers from a mental health challenge such as depression or an anxiety disorder, the right “fit” becomes even more important and potentially costly for the employer if overlooked. Take for example the case of Stanley Stringer. Stanley lost a number of jobs during his 35-year career as a reporter, writer, and editor. He was convinced that a poor fit between his personality and a fast-paced work environment-which depression and anxiety issues exacerbated-played a significant role in his terminations.

Stanley is far from alone. According to Forbes, untreated depression among employees cost employers $44 billion annually in lost workdays. This article will explain three main takeaways for managers to help ensure better “fits” for the employee and for management.

Never Underestimate How Many Employees Are in the Wrong Job Most employees seen by the manager of a corporate mental health program came in to see them because they were unhappy at work. “Nine times out of ten, their unhappiness was due to a very poor fit between the employee’s personality and the work environment,” wrote Marina London in Climbing out of Darkness: A Personal Journey into Mental Wellness. Marina found herself repeatedly

recommending those employees look for a more suitable position.

At a time when recruiting new hires is more competitive than ever, what company can afford excessive turnover, especially when it could have been avoided? While performance issues are obvious cause for concern, many signs of unhappy workers are more subtle. They include: • Becoming more withdrawn socially • Lacking energy and motivation • More easily distracted or stressed • More instances of anger than in the past • Showing changes in outward appearance.

Don’t Overlook Potential Solutions Every workplace has interruptions, but they were endless at one company our example Stanley worked at, a firm that he said was an otherwise pleasant place to work. The problem was it was a little too exuberant for him. Multitudes of coworkers would stop by his cubicle area each day.

“Cubicles were in close proximity, and with concentration issues, the continual disturbances were very difficult to cope with.” As Marina wrote, “when you are depressed, everything is an effort. That includes socializing.”

There were some slower, less stressful and quieter work environments at this firm, but when Stanley talked to HR about working elsewhere, he was told the company was not in the habit of providing “lateral transfers.” In other words, the new job had to be a promotion, not one that involved similar work. As a result of “staying put”, Stanley was terminated less than a year later, and the company lost an otherwise punctual, hardworking employee because they did not bend their rules and moved him elsewhere in the organization.

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Take the Time to Help Ensure a Good “Match” From the Start Determining whether the person can do the job is an important part of any job interview, but too often the discussion ends there. As in our example a reporter good at writing is not enough. If the individual is skilled at writing in-depth stories, he will be a poor fit at a newspaper where spontaneity to cover fires and accidents is stressed over lengthier essays. If the position requires working various work schedules, but the individual prefers steady, regular hours, the job is not likely to work out. Probing questions that go beyond the nuts and bolts of a resume or application can be very revealing. For starters, “What types of jobs have you enjoyed the most?”

“The least?” Taking extra time to screen an applicant is time well spent.

In conclusion, it’s true there is no perfect job. That said, when it comes to selecting a work environment, the more you know who you are, the better choices you can make. But job “fit” remains a two-way street. It is still vital for an employer to learn the person’s wants and needs, strengths, and weaknesses. Staff attrition is inevitable, but better understanding of job culture will go a long way toward reducing turnover.

Mike Jacquart Mike Jacquart was a longtime editor of the Journal of Employee Assistance for the Employee Assistance Professionals Association. He is currently involved in other writing and editing projects. His new book, Climbing out of Darkness: A Personal Journey into Mental Wellness (with Marina London, LCSW) can be found on Amazon.

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EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHT

What year was your company established?

2018 How many employees does your company have?

40 & counting!

What areas do you serve with your product/service?

Local, regional, national, & international.

How many festivals and events do you work with on an annual basis?

7,000 & counting What is your ‘elevator pitch’ and/or slogan about your product/service?

Did you know event planning is the 5th most stressful job in the world? We believe in an easier way, and so do 3,500+ events!

Event planning of any size doesn’t have to be stressful or burdensome. Everything is easier with user-friendly tools that help you streamline and manage your artists, vendors, exhibitors, volunteers, sponsors, tickets/ registration, on-site payment collection, interactive maps, schedules, and more!

How/why did your company/ product/service get started?

Eventeny was originally created for our founder’s sister, who was having a hard time effectively managing her events. At the time, there was no software on the market that could meet her event-specific needs, so Eventeny was built to help her plan easier events. During this build, we realized how many other event organizers were stressed out and struggling to effectively manage their events. Ever since, we’ve been dedicated to the mission of simplifying event planning by developing user-friendly tools for organizers to easily manage all their moving parts in one place. That level of familial support is still embedded into our company’s core as we know our mission to make event organizing easier cannot be fulfilled with just great technology but must be paired with unparalleled support as well!

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What new or improved product/service do you have to offer that IFEA audiences need to know about?

We have recently launched the ability to process on-site payments! Currently there are two ways to process your transactions on-site with Eventeny: using terminals, or contactless using our mobile app. Whether you choose to go with or without hardware, Eventeny’s on-site payment solution is an extension of your event management tool and opens the door to new analytics like vendor transaction insights and buyer behavior metrics.

What sets your product/ service apart from your competitors?

You can start for free! We have no set up, contract, or consultation fees. 100% 5-star Google Reviews level service. The platform is growing daily by adding new features that become instantly available to our customers at no additional cost. Plus, our customer service team is truly outstanding and goes above and beyond to ensure organizers feel supported and prepared for their events.

Just check our Google reviews!

What advice would you offer to festivals and events searching for your type of product/service?

If you’re searching for a similar product, make sure they prioritize the highest privacy and security standards, especially network and system security, service reliability and durability, product security, organizational information security, application security, and data privacy and portability.

What is your company’s customer service philosophy?

Our goal is to remove event organizers from being the 5th most stressful job in the world by supplying not only great technology, but also unparalleled helpfulness and guidance driven by our Community Engagement Specialist pairing program.

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Greg Wright Event Specialist

Eventeny Peachtree Corners, GA, 30010, USA 314-471-6079 greg@eventeny.com www.eventeny.com How many years have you been with your company?

1 What are your favorite festival foods?

Fried bologna sandwich.

What do you like to do to relax?

Listen to music, watch movies, and get some sleep!

What is the name of the last business book you read?

Mike Weinberg’s “New Sales Simplified” What is the name of the last movie you watched?

No movies recently, I’m finishing up the series, “Peaky Blinders.”

JANUARY 18 – 23, 2024

EVENT MANAGEMENT SCHOOL

A Comprehensive Training and Educational Experience for those producing and/or working closely with community events.

The Event Management School at Oglebay National Training Center in West Virginia is designed around the concept of bringing new and mid-career industry professionals together with some of the most highly-respected and experienced professionals in the field for a comprehensive educational and networking opportunity that will cover the critical basics of successful event management – from sponsorship/revenues to operations/risk management, media/marketing to volunteers/team building, business/budgeting to community/city partnerships and more – and then test your knowledge/skills/creativity against your peers. A two-year program, second year students will work closely with Event Management School expert advisors/instructors to design/create a complete event template to be presented as part of their final assessment project. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION AT WWW.IFEA.COM!

Presented by a Partnership For Excellence in Event Education.

For more information: www.IFEA.com +1. 208.433.0950

www.NRPA.org 800.626.NRPA (6772)

oglebay.com/NTC 800.624.6988, ext. 4126

THE INTENTIONAL LEADER

WITH ANNIE FRISOLI, CFEE

THE POWER OF TRUST

WITHIN TEAMS

A

s most leaders can attest, trust is essential for organizational success. In fact, trust is what creates a strong foundation for thriving workplaces, and serves as a catalyst for fostering growth, camaraderie, and a profound sense of belonging. As leaders, it’s our duty to cultivate trust within our teams, nurturing an environment where everyone can flourish.

Building Trust: Brick By Brick Trust isn’t an overnight miracle (I wish!); it results from a consistent effort and genuine intent. As leaders, it’s most important to understand that trust is earned and not imposed. But by leading with integrity, transparency, and authenticity, we’re able to lay the foundation for a culture built on trust. That way, when our teams witness how fiercely we align our actions with our words, they’re more likely to trust our judgment and decisions.

When it comes to building trust, we’ve all been told that communication is key. If building trust is your goal, then being intentional about communicating is one of the most effective first steps you can take. Encouraging open, honest dialogue helps to create a sense of safety, allowing ideas to flow more freely among and between teams. As a leader, you can promote vulnerability, active listening, valuing diverse perspectives, and providing constructive feedback to demonstrate respect for each other’s contributions. In doing so, you’ll contribute to a culture that celebrates learning and growth.

The Trust-Growth Connection Trust is the fuel that powers growth within organizations, and when team members trust their leaders, they feel more empowered to take risks, explore new solutions, and push the boundaries of their capabilities. In fact, when trust flourishes within an 70

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organization, collaboration and cooperation increase, which ultimately results in more productivity and better outcomes.

Without trust, you may find that your team is hesitant to share ideas or take creative risks. But when trust is prioritized, your team will feel supported and enabled to strive for their full potential. By leveraging trust as a leader, you actually have the power to unlock hidden talents, encourage continuous learning, and ignite a positive ripple effect across your organization.

Creating A Sense of Belonging By challenging leaders to actively foster a culture of inclusivity, respect, and empathy, I’ve been able to see great results. My favorite? An increased sense of community. When team members trust one another (and their leaders), they feel secure, accepted, and valued, which helps them comprehend that they are part of something bigger.

When everyone’s voice is heard and valued, we’ve successfully created a safe space for our teams to be their authentic selves. This sense of belonging ultimately sparks motivation, loyalty, and a deeper commitment to your organization’s mission and vision.

Annie Frisoli is Founder & CEO of Creating Community, LLC. She hosts leadership workshops for individuals and organizations, staff retreats to build cohesive teams, and strategic planning sessions for teams and board members.

She is a popular speaker and adds energy to any space she arrives. Annie (CFEE), is also a faculty member at the IFEA/NRPA Event Management School and serves on the IFEA Foundation Board. For more information: www.anniefrisoli.com

EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHT

What year was your company established?

1938 How many employees does your company have?

95 What areas do you serve with your product/service?

We serve events at the local, regional and national levels annually. Our clients include small town events up to 30 day national events.

How many festivals and events do you work with on an annual basis?

Over 500 Festivals and Events around the country. This includes some of the largest events in the IFEA organization.

What is your ‘elevator pitch’ and/or slogan about your product/service?

Haas & Wilkerson Insurance is a family-owned and operated, full service insurance agency that specializes in risk management solutions for individuals and middle market companies. We have decades of experience, which allows us to offer trusted guidance and appropriate, tailored, and cost-effective insurance solutions. For three generations, we have been insuring risks including amusement parks, carnivals, fun centers, water parks, trampoline parks, fairs, festivals, and rodeos.

How/why did your company/ product/service get started?

In 1929, Albert Haas opened up a general insurance agency. Throughout the years, he realized there was a need for specialized insurance programs and solutions, specifically for the carnival industry. Ralph Wilkerson Jr. joined Al and strengthened the efforts to focus on being 72

a provider for a niche class industry and Haas & Wilkerson Insurance was born.

Today, the business continues to run on the same philosophy and values as was instituted by its founders, being led by a third generation with siblings Ryan and Kimberly Wilkerson at the helm.

What sets your product/ service apart from your competitors?

Haas & Wilkerson Insurance is an independently owned insurance brokerage that provides expert, full-service insurance to organizations throughout North America. Known for specialty and niche insurance products in the family entertainment industry, we also offer expertise in standard commercial and personal insurance. Our services include risk management, third-party claims administration, and loss-control.

What advice would you offer to festivals and events searching for your type of product/service?

When approaching your risk management plan you should always start with an industry professional as your quarterback.

This person can make sure that you and your team get the best coverage available at the best price for your event. We all know that our industry is unique in the exposures each event poses, that is why you need to work with not only an agent that is knowledgeable but also a program that will be there when you need them.

What is your company’s customer service philosophy?

Our goal is to be a trusted business partner with each of our clients, delivering specialized, consultative risk-management advice to businesses within our community and areas of expertise. When our clients succeed, we succeed.

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Andrew Vandepopulier Producer

Haas & Wilkerson Insurance Fairway, KS 66205 913.432.4400 andrewv@hwins.com www.hwins.com How many years have you been with your company?

13 Years What are your favorite festival foods?

All things food truck. I love the variety based on the location or geography of the festival.

What do you like to do to relax?

Hang with my son and spend time just being dad.

What is the name of the last business book you read?

Make Your Bed- Admiral McRaven What is the name of the last movie you watched?

Top Gun

Remember the Helping Hands that Got You Where You are Today?

The IFEA Foundation “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! It allows the organization to keep pace with new and changing

technologies necessary to communicate with and serve our global industry and it supports a continued expansion of our services, resources, programming and outreach around the world. In a nutshell… it enables those who power celebration.

Pay It Forward.

Help Sustain the “Premier Association Supporting and Enabling Festival & Events Worldwide”

Give Today IFEA.com / Foundation / Ways to Give Questions? Contact Kaye Campbell, CFEE, Director of Finance

at kaye@ifea.com or +1-208-433-0950, ext. 8150

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NEW SHOES FOR YOUR DIGITAL IDENTITY: HOW TO REVAMP YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE AND STAND OUT!

By Ford Saeks In today’s digital world, your online presence is crucial to the success of your business. Are you struggling to stand out among the competition? Regardless of your type of business or organization, it may be time to give your digital footprint a fresh update. In the same way, you would buy new shoes to step up your style or your game; it’s time to step up your online presence with these five expert tips.

In this article, we will share how to optimize your website for search engines, create valuable content, leverage social media, use email marketing, and analyze your data to drive more traffic to your website and improve your online visibility.

Common Mistakes Businesses Make with Their Digital Footprint: • Believing that having a website is enough: A website is just one aspect of a business’s digital footprint.

It is important to have a presence on multiple platforms and actively engage with customers on social media.

• Ignoring mobile optimization: With more and more people accessing the internet on their mobile devices, it is crucial to ensure that your website is optimized for mobile viewing.

• Focusing solely on quantity over quality: Having a large number of followers or likes does not necessarily translate to success. It is essential to focus on building a dedicated and engaged audience.

• Believing that social media is a one-way street: Social media is not just about promoting your business, it is also about engaging with your audience and building relationships.

• Believing that paid advertising is the only way to reach a wider audience: Organic reach can be just as effective as paid advertising, by

creating valuable and engaging content, utilizing SEO, and building relationships on social media.

Step up your digital game with these 5 tips to improve your online presence: 1. Optimize Your Website for Search Engines and Voice Search Ensure that your website is optimized for search engines by using relevant keywords, meta descriptions, and alt tags. Additionally, consider optimizing for voice search by including long-tail keywords, conversational phrases and using natural language. This will help your website rank higher in search engine results, making it more likely that people will find your business when searching for relevant products or services.

2. Create High-Quality, Engaging Content Produce valuable and informative content that speaks to your target audience. This could be in the form of blog posts, infographics, videos, webinars, podcasts, and social media posts. The more value you provide, the more likely it is that people will return to your website and share your content with others.

3. Leverage Social Media and User-Generated Content Social media platforms are a great way to reach a wider audience and drive traffic to your website. Make sure to create a consistent brand voice and regularly post engaging content. Use social media ads and influencer marketing to reach even more people. Also, leverage user-generated content, like customer reviews, case studies, and testimonials, to build trust and credibility.

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Use Email Marketing and Automation Email marketing is still one of the most effective ways to reach your target audience and drive traffic to your website. Make sure to segment your email list and send targeted messages to different groups of customers. Additionally, use automation to streamline your marketing efforts, such as sending abandoned cart emails, welcome emails, and birthday emails.

4. Analyze Your Data and Optimize for Conversion Track your website’s traffic, bounce rate, and conversion rate using tools like Google Analytics. Use this data to see what’s working and what’s not, and make adjustments accordingly. Optimize your website for conversion by A/B testing different elements, like headlines, call-to-action buttons, and layout.

In conclusion, just like your shoes need an update to keep up with the latest technology, trends, and styles, your digital footprint needs fresh new strategies to stand out in today’s digital world. Building a strong online presence takes consistency, time, and effort. To gain the competitive edge you need to succeed, step up your game with an upgraded digital footprint and just like slipping on a new pair of runners, watch as your business takes off.

Susan Robertson Ford Saeks, the Business Growth Expert and Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker, is the go-to expert for organizations looking to take their growth to the next level. As host of The Business Growth Show Podcast, he shares a wealth of expertise on trends, innovation, and success. #Fordify #BusinessGrowth #Marketingtips and visit his website www.ProfitRichResults.com

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FESTIVALS WITHOUT BORDERS

WITH ROBERT BAIRD

THE DREADED

NEGATIVE GUEST EXPERIENCE

O

ne of the most dreaded factors at festivals is the Negative Guest Experience. I have capitalized this phrase because it tends to loom large in the minds of those responsible for running a festival and trying to ensure that every guest experience is positive. A positive guest experience is a plus for any organization – it can lead to glowing referrals and more business. On the other hand, a negative guest experience may have the opposite effect and, perish the thought; if it should go viral it will have serious consequences for any organization.

So, what are some of the Negative Guest Experiences that patrons abhor and produce great dissatisfaction with them?

The first and most dissatisfying Negative Guest Experience is rudeness, both in organizational staff or volunteers and other patrons.

If a guest encounters rudeness in a staff person or volunteer, that interaction tends to reflect badly on the whole organization.

Rudeness is generally defined as “a display of disrespect, a breaking of social norms or expectations, a breach of etiquette, or ignoring ‘accepted’ behavior.” It can also mean someone behaving inconsiderately, aggressively or deliberately offensively. We’ve all encountered people having a “bad day”, but in terms of staff and volunteers dealing with patrons, personal feelings must be subjugated to the need to treat every guest with respect and consideration. That old aphorism regarding customers is simply the best rule of thumb.

Rule number one: the customer is always right.

Rule number two: If the customer is wrong, please refer to rule number one. In other words, the customer will always be right, no matter what.

In terms of rudeness from other patrons, new sensitivities postCOVID seem to be operative. People are much more sensitive to the people around them and much less willing to tolerate rude behavior of any kind: talking at inappropriate times, exaggerated noises while eating or drinking, allowing cell phones to intrude by ringing or buzzing and annoying others – all of these can create a Negative Guest Experience.

Another factor contributing to the Negative Guest Experience relates to the physical organization of the festival. Is there 76

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adequate parking? Is it near the main event? Is it easy to access activities? Is it easy to get information either from customer service representatives or through available printed material on site? These are important considerations for people who are re-emerging from a time when going out was perhaps not easy or even possible. If we are going to leave the comfort of our homes to attend an event, we expect that every effort will be made to ensure that our experience is a positive one.

One final consideration for the Negative Guest Experience is that perceptions have changed in recent years. We no longer feel comfortable in large groups and we can feel crowded in smaller groups than before. What being crowded means has changed and organizations need to alter their spaces to provide more comfort for patrons who no longer wish to be surrounded by what they consider a “crowd” of people, even though their perception may be skewed.

Understanding changing perceptions for our patrons is important and underlines the indisputable fact that, if we want people to patronize our events, we need to enhance their satisfaction and do our utmost to prevent any and all Negative Guest Experiences.

After all, a completely satisfied customer typically believes that whoever excels in understanding and addressing his or her personal preferences, values, needs, or problems has created a positive experience. Let’s make every experience positive for our patrons and have as our goal no Negative Guest Experiences – ever.

Robert Baird is President of BAM! Baird Artists Management Consulting in Toronto, Canada and an acknowledged expert in international touring including visas, withholding and taxation.

He offers free advice to artists, agents, managers and venues and has an international clientele. He served for many years on the Executive Board of Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO) and is a former Vice-President of that organization. He can be reached at: P: 1-800-867-3281 E: robert@bairdartists.com or for more information go to: www.bairdartists.com

EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHT

What year was your company established?

1993 How many employees does your company have?

300 What areas do you serve with your product/service?

Direct guard services in the mid-Atlantic region; National event security consulting How many festivals and events do you work with on an annual basis?

Hundreds – We can count on two hands how many days per year we are not actively working an event. We service approx. 25 major events (over 30,000 attendees) per year What is your ‘elevator pitch’ and/or slogan about your product/service?

We’re passionate about events. Events and event venues make up 100% of our customers. We are customer-service focused and detail oriented. We don’t stay at 30,000 feet – we zoom in and make decisions that are guest centric. We’re small enough to give every customer the attention they deserve and large enough to be able to handle any size event.

How/why did your company/ product/service get started?

Imperial was started in 1993 in order to service events at the then-newly built Pennsylvania Convention Center. In 2002, our current owner purchased and grew

the company. In 2017, we rebranded and focused all our efforts on events only.

What new or improved product/service do you have to offer that IFEA audiences need to know about?

Single-source security guard management, high throughput weapons detection systems, self-sufficient mobile camera trailers What sets your product/ service apart from your competitors?

Real experience. We are active all 52 weeks of the year on all types of events – not just the fancy noteworthy ones. Our team has diverse experience that blends well on event planning and execution.

What advice would you offer to festivals and events searching for your type of product/service?

Every event security firm will tell you that they can handle your event. Ask them how.

Ask what they will expect from you (Radios? Food? Water?). How self-sufficient will they or won’t they be? Do they understand the nuances of your event and how will they fit within your existing team?

What is your company’s customer service philosophy?

The guest experience is everything. As security, we train our teams that we are the first and last impression of each event.

We can set a guest up to be wowed or we can clean up a less than desirable experience on the way out.

Fall 2023

Yousef Kassis

General Manager/Major Event Security Director Imperial Events Security Services 2501 Wharton Street, Unit I Philadelphia, PA 19146, USA 888-502-4377 yousef@iessevents.com Iessevents.com How many years have you been with your company?

12 years What are your favorite festival foods?

Nachos and funnel cake are my go to. I will also “inspect” every food truck for safety reasons of course.

What do you like to do to relax?

Float in a pool (lazy rivers are the best thing ever created and if I could figure out a way to make a portable one to rent to festivals, I’d be set), be a home body with my family.

What is the name of the last business book you read?

Surrounded by Idiots: The Four Types of Human Behavior (no offense to my team) What is the name of the last movie you watched?

Encanto for the 5,786th time

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EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHT

What year was your company established?

1917 What areas do you serve with your product/service?

International How many festivals and events do you work with on an annual basis?

750 What is your ‘elevator pitch’ and/or slogan about your product/service?

We insure the serious side of fun!

What sets your product/service apart from your competitors?

The “Kaliff Edge”. Event and Amusement Coverages are not simply a portion of a myriad of categories in the Kaliff portfolio of lines. It’s our sole business! Our clients have access to our experts 24/7/365 with a century of real world, “Boots on the Ground” industry experience. Every Kaliff client receives unrivaled customer service and response backed by over 100 years of success. We specialize in the specific risks and needs of each individual category of event and amusement insurance focusing on our client’s unique operations and specialized coverage requirements. We are a Coverholder for Lloyd’s of London, the strongest insurance organization in the world with over three centuries of uninterrupted coverage, and have customized relationships with Domestic Carriers.

Our relationships with you are dedicated and long-term. Our mission is to create a faster, simpler, friendlier and cost effective 78

approach for the protection of your organization and its officers.

How/why did your company/ product/service get started?

Founded by the current Chairman and CEO Mitchell Kallif’s grandfather, Morris H. Kaliff in 1917, Kaliff Insurance has served the risk management and insurance needs of the business and amusement industry for the past 100 years. In the early 1920’s, Morris H. Kaliff built a stellar reputation as a nationally recognized life insurance agent.

Mitchell is now the third-generation leader of Kaliff Insurance and those early experiences shaped the way he conducts business today. He and his team not only have a solid grasp on the one-of-a-kind technical and coverage needs of the amusement industry, they also understand the uniqueness of the people whose livelihood depends on the success of their carnivals, festivals, fairs, and events. It’s why Kaliff has become the most trusted name in the business.

What new or improved product/ service do you have to offer that IFEA audiences need to know about?

Contingency Programs/Event Cancellation/Weather and Acts of Violence What advice would you offer to festivals and events searching for your type of product/service?

Coverage, safety and service first without consideration of premium.

What is your company’s customer service philosophy?

Customer Service is the bedrock of our company.

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David Olivares Vice President of Sales and Marketing

Kaliff Insurance San Antonio, TX 78213 USA 210-829-7634 david@kaliff.com www.kaliff.com How many years have you been with your company?

11 years What are your favorite festival foods?

Chicken on a Stick, Elote (Mexican Street Corn) What do you like to do to relax?

Take an evening stroll in the neighborhood with the family.

What is the name of the last business book you read?

The Power of Zero – David McKnight What is the name of the last movie you watched?

Minions: The Rise of Gru (with my kids)

EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHT

What year was your company established?

July, 1987 How many employees does your company have?

Usually between between 5 and 9.

What areas do you serve with your product/service?

With everything we do as Video Ideas and our PointsMap Product we have done work nationally and some international.

How many festivals and events do you work with on an annual basis?

15+ Annually What is your ‘elevator pitch’ and/or slogan about your product/service?

The PointsMap app is the best app for your festival, event, city or county or anywhere where mapping and information is beneficial to their experience. Our newest version does not require downloading or installing. Your visitor can scan a QR code or simply type a URL into a browser and the app appears. The PointsMap app puts everything in the palm of your visitors’ hands. Visitors can use the GPS built into the app to find out exactly where they are and search categories and points to determine where they want to go and what they want to see. Every point can contain an unlimited description, multiple photos, links to websites and media, PDF documents, text boxes with information, and more. Vendors and performers also love it because visitors can find out everything they want to know about an act, product or service.

The app is easily and quickly built using our desktop interface. We offer do-it-yourself pricing where you build it yourself with our guidance and help, or a turnkey package where we do everything for you. Changes can be made instantly and are immediately reflected in the app so last-minute changes, even during the event, are easily made. Your PointsMap app can be available year-round for tourism development or multiple uses, or turned off after an event and turned on again the following year, with all the information saved.

How/why did your company/ product/service get started?

We are a full media development advertising agency and the PointsMap app was developed to offer a cost effective, easy to develop and easy to use solution to help your visitors navigate your festival or event.

What new or improved product/ service do you have to offer that IFEA audiences need to know about?

In the past, the PointsMap app had to be published into the App Store for Google and Apple. This took extra time and cost. The app has been rebuilt and now it does not have to be downloaded or installed on your phone and does not have to be published into the app stores. It’s automatic. You simply post QR codes around your event, visitors scan the code with their phone’s camera, and the app instantly opens in a browser on their phone. Users can save a shortcut from the browser to make it easy to open the app and use it repeatedly.

What sets your product/service apart from your competitors?

PointsMap is very affordable, easy to develop and instantly changeable without having to rely on a programmer to do the work for you. We teach you within an hour how to completely develop your app, and our software interface is simple and intuitive With PointsMap your information is always up-to-date, and thousands of festival goers and tourists have enjoyed using the app to navigate their way around events over the past 10 years.

What is your company’s customer service philosophy?

Customer Service is our number one most important service we offer. Thousands of customers over 35 years prove that we are successful in providing what they need and what they want at the most cost-effective prices… and our solutions work for them.

We have a history of excellent customer service. View the testimonials from our customers on the PointsMap.com website and on the parent company VideoIdeas. com website. Their words speak louder than our words.

Fall 2023

JERRY WADDELL President

VIDEO IDEAS / POINTSMAP Chattanooga, TN 37402 USA 423-894-2677 jerryw@videoideas.com Videoideas.com and PointsMap.com How many years have you been with your company?

36 years Video Ideas 12 years PointsMap What are your favorite festival foods?

Deep fried Oreos, french fries What do you like to do to relax?

I enjoy golf, video games, music and astronomy.

What is the name of the last business book you read?

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson What is the name of the last movie you watched?

Asteroid City

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WHY DIVERSITY

ARE EFFORTS

CRUCIAL 80

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Seven Considerations for Business Leaders

By Susanne Tedrick and Bertina Ceccarelli You’ve no doubt likely heard the term diversity, equity and inclusion (or DEI), given such an increased and intense focus on the subject in the last few years. DEI programs, often led by human resources departments, are seen as offering valuable education, interactions and adding to an organization’s moral and ethical “compass.” But DEI efforts are also viewed as measures that do not add to the financial bottom line. Nothing could be further from the truth.

This article will address how business leaders, from C-suite executives to HR and everyone around them, can offset this narrow view and more fully realize the business case for diversity.

Organizations with Strong DEI Initiatives are More Likely to: Meet or Exceed Financial Targets A comprehensive 2014-2019 study

by McKinsey & Company found that workplaces with strong gender and ethnic diversity are more likely to produce better financial results than less diverse competitors. The study found that in 2019 companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams were 25 percent more likely to have above-average profitability than companies in the bottom quartile. What’s more, in terms of ethnic and cultural diversity, top-quartile companies outperformed those in the bottom quartile by 36 percent in profitability that same year.

Have High-Performing Teams The business case for diversity goes beyond quarterly financial reports.

Competition for talent in the business world is often fierce, and organizations viewed as prioritizing DEI are in a better position to succeed. The job search engine Glassdoor reports that 67 percent of job seekers indicate that a diverse work environment was a key factor in their decision to work for an employer.

In addition to employees, the investment community is also prioritizing DEI criteria.

The Institutional Limited Partners Association’s (ILPA) Diversity in Action initiative

requires participants to track hiring and promotions by race and gender and report employee demographic data while raising funds. Private equity firms low in DEI indicators risk losing coveted investments from large-scale institutional investors.

Be Considered Agile and Innovative In today’s fast-moving corporate environment, agility and innovation are imperative to success. Business agility is the ability to adapt quickly and effectively in the market and the environment.

Agility embraces a people-centered, organization-wide capability that strongly encourages continuous improvement, trust, and collaboration. Agility empowers teams, individuals, and companies to satisfy customers’ changing needs and expectations, in turn driving innovation.

Barriers that impede agility and innovation include: • Lack of Prioritization A business may take its customers for granted, assuming they are satisfied with periodic product upgrades.

Such a firm may not invest enough in innovation, in turn neglecting customers’ needs and failing to reward the strong innovators on their team, some of whom may accept job positions elsewhere. In these cases, the organization will lose headway to competitors.

• Apathy Dampens Original Thinking “Success breeds success,” but it can also lead to complacency and initiate procedures more intent on protecting that success rather than ensuring its evolution or identifying the next big idea. There is no question that certain standardized systems and practices are important. The danger lies when an organization begins accepting only one right way of doing things.

• Humility is Overlooked and Undervalued Any organization needs confident, assertive leaders. But problems occur when they are not approached with humility, that is, an acknowledgment that others may have a piece of the puzzle that others have not discovered.

A lack of true empowerment can lead to Fall 2023

arrogance, stifling agility and innovation.

Achieve or Exceed Business Outcomes A 2018 study by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) found that companies with above-average diversity among their leadership ranks have a greater financial return on innovation and higher earnings before interest and tax margins. Moreover, BCG found that firms with above-average diversity on their management teams reported revenue that was 19-percentage points higher than organizations with less diverse management.

In conclusion, while important, business drivers should not be the only reason to act. There is a compelling moral and ethical case to pursue DEI programs, as all workers deserve the right to be treated with dignity and compensated equitably.

Bertina Ceccarelli, as the CEO of NPower, one of the most successful non-profits in North America, is committed to helping young adults and military-connected individuals launch tech careers and remove barriers to economic mobility. As a leader, she works to model an inclusive workplace, providing opportunities for growth at all levels. Bertina is a co-author of Innovating for Diversity: Lessons from Top Companies Achieving Business Success through Inclusivity (Wiley, 2023)

Susanne Tedrick is a writer and speaker who is dedicated to expanding the professional opportunities of women and people of color within the tech industry. She is a co-author of Innovating for Diversity, and author of Women of Color in Tech, A Blueprint for Inspiring and Mentoring the Next Generation of Technology Innovators (Wiley, 2020), Susanne has previously been featured in many influential tech and business media outlets including Worth Magazine, CompTIA, PECB Insights and CIO.com.

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THE UN-COMFORT ZONE

WITH ROBERT WILSON

DISRUPTION IS NOT

A DIRTY WORD

Innovation isn’t all about demolishing and rebuilding.

T

he other day I overheard this comment, “Why does innovation always have to be about disruption. That’s all I ever hear anymore ‘disruption, disruption, disruption,’ and it makes me uncomfortable.”

“Disruption” has become the current (and already overused) buzzword of the day. It seems for the moment, the Disruptor School of Thought has taken over the innovation conversation.

Disruption seems to imply disorder, confusion, disturbance, breakdown, disintegration, collapse, turmoil, upheaval, insurrection, riots, mutiny, violence, chaos, and revolution. All very scary things.

It’s true that disruption is all about shaking up the status quo.

And, often that is necessary. It’s exciting to see a new invention that improves our lives for the better. In my life, microwave ovens, personal computers, and smart phones, to name just a few, have done just that.

But, innovation doesn’t have to be game-changing, groundbreaking, or transformative, and most of it is NOT. Most innovation is incremental or what is also known as sustaining innovation. It is typically customer driven as feedback to companies on what is working for them and what is not. Consumers are concerned with their own needs and problems and look to leading companies to satisfy them. They want to know, “What’s in it for me?” Smart companies are regularly surveying their clients to learn where they are failing. Smarter companies try to learn where their competition is failing as well. Then armed with this knowledge seek to improve their offerings. The typical areas of incremental or sustaining innovation include: product development, branding and marketing, process improvement, and service and support.

In the early 1970s, Burger King listened to their customer’s feedback when their competition did not, and introduced their now famous “Have it Your Way” campaign. Customers said, “I don’t like your one-size-fits-all approach, and I want you to make mine the way I like it.” The other fast-food chains ignored this on-going appeal, but in 1973 Burger King gave in, and it was an immediate success. So much so, that it changed the entire fast-food market and all the competitors had to adapt.

To a lesser degree, innovation is employee driven, by workers who are intimate with the inner workings of a company and imagine more efficient methods of operation. I believe there would be more of this if only companies provided a way for employees to communicate their ideas.

Disruptive innovation is often driven by the looming specter of creative-destruction (creative-destruction refers to a new technology rendering an old technology obsolete). Change is constant and eventually it will affect every company in some way, often ending the business. The trick is knowing how and when to 82

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change with the changes. Forward looking companies are always on the lookout for emerging trends and directions, how it might affect their business, and how to prepare for it.

Part of the communication problem with the term “disruptive” started in 1995 when Clayton Christensen, a Harvard Business School professor, coined the term, Disruptive Innovation, which he describes as “a process by which a product or service takes root initially in simple applications at the bottom of a market and then relentlessly moves up market, eventually displacing established competitors.” I have noticed that many people are using Christensen’s term without really understanding it, referring to every kind of innovation as disruptive.

An example of Christensen’s disruptive innovation, is Aldi’s grocery stores. They are targeting the low end of the market, and have reduced costs by: placing stores in lower rent suburban areas; eliminating name brands; requiring customers to provide their own bags, and pay a deposit on carts; minimal floor space with no tall shelves so that the entire store is visible at a glance; products displayed in their shipping boxes; and fewer employees, each of whom is trained in all the necessary skill sets for running the store.

The savings customers receive has attracted a higher end customer, and the stores are taking market share from all of the big chains.

Many people believe that the automobile was a disruptive innovation, but in the beginning all cars were custom-built and so expensive that only the wealthy could own them. These cars were not a threat to horse-drawn conveyances. It was not until Henry Ford’s concept of standardizing parts and mass building cars on an assembly line that the cost of motorized travel became affordable to the average person, and in turn disrupted the transportation market.

When we understand the differences in the types of innovation, the concept of disruption becomes less frightening. We can prepare ourselves for innovation by becoming more comfortable with change. The easiest way to do that is by routinely exposing yourself to new things and experiences.

Robert Evans Wilson, Jr. is an innovation/change speaker, author, and consultant.He works with companies that want to be more competitive through innovation and with people who want to think more creatively. Rob is the author of ...and Never Coming Back, a psychological mystery-novel about a motion picture director; The Annoying Ghost Kid, a humorous children’s book about dealing with a bully; and the inspirational book: Wisdom in the Weirdest Places. For more information on Robert, please visit www.RobWilsonSpeaker.com.

EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHT

What year was your company established?

1998 How many employees does your company have?

70 What areas do you serve with your product/service?

All over the country! But many of our clients are in Texas, Florida and California.

How many festivals and events do you work with on an annual basis?

Over 700 festivals, fairs, rodeos, venues and events.

What is your ‘elevator pitch’ and/or slogan about your product/service?

Saffire empowers hundreds of events with the industry’s only fully integrated ticketing and website platform proven to increase revenue by 30-40%! Saffire offers beautiful, unique and engaging websites fully equipped with SaffireTix® to manage online, advance, and box office ticket sales with real-time reporting. Saffire’s Spark content management puts editing power in your hands, making website content and tickets easy to update with unlimited free help when you need it. We partner with some of the biggest festivals, fairs, rodeos and concerts across the country, to help put on the best lives events!

How/why did your company/ product/service get started?

Since 1998, we’ve done a lot of big things online. We’ve built ecommerce carts that have sold millions of pairs of shoes in multiple languages globally, designed addictive online advergames for Fortune 500 car companies and event named, branded and sold towns and homes online. But what does marketing shoes, cars and homes have to do with marketing events? It’s all about the challenge of

getting people to pull out their wallets while shopping online. We love turning a marketing website into a money-making machine – where your brand comes to life, and customers are inspired to take action.

What new or improved product/service do you have to offer that IFEA audiences need to know about?

Saffire is constantly updating our compatible equipment offerings to give customers more choices & better payment options. We are working on an integration with Clover to allow for things like Apple Pay, Google Pay & Tap to Pay, through an interface that many of our customers already use elsewhere on their grounds.

What sets your product/ service apart from your competitors?

Saffire is the industry’s only fully integrated ticketing and website platform. With Saffire, you have on vendor, one place to log in, one set of integrated data for events you market and sell. For us, the platform is just the mechanism; our value is in helping you actually sell more tickets, especially before your event even starts!

What advice would you offer to festivals and events searching for your type of product/service?

Managing your website & ticketing in one location can help save your sanity by offering two services through one great provider that you know and trust. Look for versatile technology and equipment that can be adjusted in multiple scenarios.

What is your company’s customer service philosophy?

Empowering People to feel smart and successful is our passion at Saffire. You will always have help at your fingertips, and our goal is to always answer questions within 15 minutes so clients can call, email or use our online system to get any issues solved.

Fall 2023

Cassie Roberts Dispenza VP of Strategic Partnerships Saffire 248 Addie Roy Rd. Ste. B106 Austin, TX 78746 USA 512-430-1123 casssie@saffire.com www.saffire.com How many years have you been with your company?

12 years What are your favorite festival foods?

Roasted Corn and Tacos What do you like to do to relax?

I walk my dog & listen to podcasts!

What is the name of the last business book you read?

Good to Great by Jim Collins What is the name of the last movie you watched?

Air

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EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHT

What year was your company established?

2012 How many employees does your company have?

5 What areas do you serve with your product/service?

National and International How many festivals and events do you work with on an annual basis?

20-25 What is your ‘elevator pitch’ and/or slogan about your product/service?

From outdoor festivals to weddings to sporting events, Shade Haven mobile shade systems are the perfect solution for movable shade…anytime, anywhere. No stakes, poles, ropes, or tools needed. Move it. Open it. Shade!

How/why did your company/ product/service get started?

The Shade Haven mobile shade system was first engineered to serve farmers and ranchers wanting to protect livestock from the hot summer sun. With temperature extremes created by climate change, we recognized the need for a quick, portable shade solution to protect human health.

Our team of engineers went to work modifying our existing Shade Haven design. We added hydraulic-controlled shade positioning, retractable bench 84

seating, and solar-powered lighting and misting options.

The health impacts of heat stress are severe. The team at Shade Haven is proud to produce a product that not only increases comfort and enjoyment, but also saves lives.

What new or improved product/service do you have to offer that IFEA audiences need to know about?

Our newest model is the SH1200p for 1200 sq. ft. of shade. We also offer a smaller SH600p for 650 sq. ft. of shade.

Each model is customizable with branding options available.

What sets your product/service apart from your competitors?

Shade Haven mobile shade systems are easily transported and set up in minutes to put shade exactly where you need it.

A Shade Haven can be used anywhere, anytime – even in spots where tents can’t be used.

What advice would you offer to festivals and events searching for your type of product/service?

Shade Haven is a new and innovative experience for your guests. Minimal set-up and take-down time increases efficiency. The portability of the Shade Haven enables you to place the shade exactly where you need it.

What is your company’s customer service philosophy?

We stand behind all our products and offer a 5-year shade-cloth warranty.

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Reed Doerr President

Shade Haven 1225 Railroad Ave Viroqua, WI 54665 USA 608-216-2948 reed@shadehaven.net Emergencyshade.com How many years have you been with your company?

11 years What are your favorite festival foods?

Hamburgers & Gyros. Real Wisconsin cheese curds.

What do you like to do to relax?

Biking and kayaking What is the name of the last business book you read?

Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki What is the name of the last movie you watched?

Barbie movie

Seven Realities for Video in the 21st Century

By Patrick McGowan

86

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…video is how you do business now. It’s a video-first market which should compel a video-first response. Video is a marketing function not operations There’s a gap in most digital content strategies. It is the how, what, and where to use video. Google is partly to blame since they don’t index videos for search—and some workarounds do exist.

But something else is going on.

First, all video is video content. You are likely producing video content daily in the form of video meetings, podcasts (with video), and livestreams. A comprehensive digital content strategy includes video across multiple channels—Zoom, YouTube, or LinkedIn. Second, video is how you do business now. It’s a video-first market which should compel a video-first response. Video is a marketing function not operations. You’ll be happier with the results once you make this shift in responsibility.

So, when it comes to producing video in the 21st Century, here are seven realities to guide you along the way.

1. It’s Not 2020 Anymore You can’t keep showing up like it’s the start of a pandemic. While we all got a free pass in 2020 and 2021, make the commitment and put in the work to show up like your videos matter.

Treat it like the opportunity it is rather than a curse. You may surprise yourself at the ripple effect of what a more professional video image can do.

2. Zoom™ Is More Than A Phone Call With Video Your video meeting is a point-of-sale.

It’s your job to leverage the medium for what it’s designed to do. It’s been said that a picture is worth 1000 words. Today, video is worth 1 Million Pictures. The value of your brand should not be defined by a cheap webcam.

3. Video Is An Intimate Medium Professional TV and film actors have known this truth for decades: The

camera doesn’t lie. Our faces are the epicenter of emotion, and the camera captures more than we want to admit.

We need to learn how to master this new medium and leverage its power.

Research in this area suggests investors are more likely to invest in entrepreneurs who convey credibility, competence, and confidence. And these entrepreneurs do this through facial expression, simple gestures, and posture. It’s these little cues which are signals to decision makers that we believe in our own ability to do the work.

4. Use Vanity As A Force For Good It’s a simple formula: When you know that you look better, you feel better. And when you feel better, you do better. Scientists call it enrobed cognition. For the rest of us we know it as: to dress for success.

What we experience when we see ourselves on video is a kind of cognitive dissonance. This dissonance results in discomfort because how we imagine we should look and how our webcam makes us look are sometimes a mile apart. Creating cognitive harmony translates into more confidence.

5. Command The Screen Public speakers and facilitators are taught to “Command the Stage” and “Command the Room.” Today, to Command the Screen is a skill, and it is learned over time. You need training and practice to become better.

All three venues demand greater presence. Presence is what you say before you say a word. Video presence is needed today to have more power, competence, and credibility across the lens.

Fall 2023

6. The Opposite Of Good Is Off The film director Steve Stockman said it a little differently. He said, “If it’s not good, it’s off.” It’s true for everything you post on social, how you show up on podcasts, and the impression you make on video meetings.

Your videos can’t be given an exception to the rule. All your digital content—and video is digital content— must reflect the standards of your company and your brand. Don’t lower them.

It’s all about earning people’s attention. But it’s challenging because the world is full of Dory’s from Finding Nemo, and they keep chanting to themselves, “Just keep scrolling. Just keep scrolling. Just keep scrolling.”

You need to be watchable because watchability is the first step to earning your prospect’s attention.

7. Better Video Is An Act Of Kindness Better video makes it easier for people to connect with you, your brand, and your message. It’s letting people know how much you care. Because in today’s world, caring is a differentiator.

Conclusion.

It’s a video-first market and all video is video content marketing. The path forward starts with realizing this truth: you can be just an influential on camera as you are in person.

Because video is how we do business now, do yourself a favor and elevate your video presence across all marketing channels.

Video is a terrific medium to amplify your brand when it persuasively conveys your story and the value of your services. It has the power to give you competitive edge when done right.

Patrick McGowan, MBA, consults, trains, and coaches business executives and teams to have more power, presence, and credibility on-camera in a video-first market. He pulls together three-decades in marketing, innovation, and leadership. McGowan started Punchn to address the challenges and insecurities we all face when on camera. He is the author of “Across the Lens: How Your Zoom Presence Will Make or Break Your Success.”

Please visit www.punchn.io.

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LEADERSHIP AT ALL LEVELS

WITH GAIL LOWNEY ALOFSIN

THE POWER

OF CHOICE!

7 Strategies to Enhance Your Resilience, Positivity, and Life! courses, read books, and engage in networking activities. Meet with people who have done what you would like to be doing.

How did they achieve their success? When you choose to invest in your growth, you equip yourself with valuable knowledge and experiences that enhance your career prospects. You will also increase your resilience to adapt to changing circumstances in your career or life.

L

ife is a journey paved with an abundance of choices - building blocks (sometimes met by roadblocks) influencing the outcomes.

The power of choice offers the opportunity to lead an exciting life, on our timeline. The best time to start your journey is NOW! YOU are the architect of YOUR destiny. Let’s explore seven strategies that influence your life choices.

1. Appreciating a Growth Mindset There is opportunity in the choices we make. There are also risks and repercussions. When we start a project, conversation, or a relationship, look through a lens of possibility versus lack.

Your skills and intelligence are developed through hard work; they are enhanced by dedication. View challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. Wake up with a mindset of possibility versus “chicken little” (the sky is falling).

2. Own Your Choices Own your decisions, whether they lead to success or failure.

The “blame game” and “woe is me” attitude is unattractive. Nor is it productive. Take responsibility for the consequences of your actions, learn from mistakes, make better choices in the future, and continue to develop resilience.

3. Focus on Positive Self-Talk When you wake up in the morning, spend time with YOU prior to opening your social media, emails, texts, or the news. Read positive articles and blogs. Listen to a podcast that interests you while you enjoy a morning walk or enjoy the nature that surrounds you. Think about five, actually let’s make it ten, great things about you. Add them to a journal or post to your bathroom mirror. Focus on what you do have, versus lack in your life. When you talk to yourself in a constructive manner, your world changes to a brighter one.

4. Seek Opportunities for Learning and Growth Continuous learning is a powerful tool. Seek opportunities for learning and skill development. Attend workshops, take online 88

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

Fall 2023

5. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences My grandmother used to profess “You become the sum of the five people you spend the most time with.” Think about it; the people we surround ourselves with significantly impact our mindset and choices. Bless and release negativity! Choose to surround yourself with individuals who uplift, inspire, and support you. Positive influences are invaluable during challenging times and provide valuable insights for career growth. Cultivate a network of mentors, colleagues, and friends who share your aspirations and values.

6. Embrace Adaptability and Change Life is dynamic, and change is inevitable. Embracing adaptability allows you to navigate through uncertainties and challenges. Instead of resisting change, choose to see it as an opportunity for growth and innovation. Adaptability positions you for continuous growth and increases your chances of achieving long-term career success.

7. Set Clear Goals and Prioritize Clear goals are crucial for providing direction and purpose in life. Take the time to define your career and life objectives. Outline the steps required to achieve them. Break down your goals into manageable tasks and prioritize them based on their significance and impact. When you prioritize effectively, you become more focused and efficient.

Are you ready?

Choices will shape your resilience, positivity, and career growth. Embracing a growth mindset, taking ownership of your choices, and focusing on positive self-talk empowers you to overcome challenges and setbacks.

As you journey through YOUR life, you hold the “power of choice” in your hands. As the architect of your life, build a skyscraper of resilience, productivity, positivity, and possibility.

The sky is, literally, the limit!

Gail Lowney Alofsin is the Director of Corporate Partnership & Community Relations for the Newport International Boat Show, a division of Newport Restaurant Group. An adjunct professor at the University of RI, Salve Regina University, Western Connecticut State University, author, speaker and board member (5 boards?), Gail lives in Newport, Rhode Island. Gail can be reached: gail@gailspeaks.com or 401-640-4418. For more information: gailspeaks.com or gailalofsin.com

EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHT

What year was your company established?

TicketSpice was established in 2008.

How many employees does your company have?

We currently have 70+ employees.

What areas do you serve with your product/service?

TicketSpice is primarily focused on serving North American markets, but also has customers in South America and the UK. How many festivals and events do you work with on an annual basis?

We work with several hundred festivals in North America, but we have over 60,000 customers in various markets and process over $1 Billion dollars per year in payment volume for our customers.

What is your ‘elevator pitch’ and/or slogan about your product/service?

TicketSpice is a modern online ticketing software that will help you increase revenue, save time, and elevate your customer experience. With robust ticketing pages you can build yourself or alongside your dedicated account manager, you’ll grow revenue with demand pricing, merchandise add ons, and additional sales opportunities throughout your festival.

TicketSpice’s full set of features, worldclass customer service, and account managers mean your unique needs will be implemented and streamlined to get you started and selling tickets quicker than ever.

How/why did your company/ product/service get started?

Our founders came from events backgrounds, hosting large events across the USA. Through the ticketing process they felt frustrated, limited, ripped off, and under appreciated by the solutions on the market.

They decided to build something themselves and created the most robust ticketing

solution on the market, with the clearest and most affordable pricing, and no contracts. It resulted in massive growth and the highest ratings for a ticketing company on 3rd party customer review platforms like Captera and G2. 4.8/5 stars across hundreds of reviews.

What new or improved product/service do you have to offer that IFEA audiences need to know about?

In the last few years, we’ve rolled out dozens of new features and services to better serve our customers. Features like event experience upsells, dynamic pricing, merchandise options, and timed ticketing have helped our customers become more profitable than ever. Additionally, through our new Attendee Support service, we save our customers endless hours and overhead expenses.

What sets your product/service apart from your competitors?

Overall I believe that we have one of the most robust platforms to help convert customers, operate your event, and grow your revenue. Every platform is different, and every event is different. While our technology is great, our customers rave about our support teams. They’re excellent at what they do, and they are great people.

What advice would you offer to festivals and events searching for your type of product/service?

We believe in long lasting partnerships.

We’d encourage festivals to look for a partner that fits your unique needs but who you get along with too. Make sure they are forward thinking enough to be continually developing their product to fix pain points.

What is your company’s customer service philosophy?

Ticketing and admissions can’t afford to go wrong. That’s why we offer full service customer support. Our solutions team is staffed to meet demand 7 days a week, offering rapid messaging support, and scheduled calls.

Shadi Hayek VP Sales

TicketSpice Sacramento, CA 95814 USA 916-400-0737 shadi@webconnex.com www.ticketspice.com How many years have you been with your company?

I started working for TicketSpice 5 ½ years ago.

What are your favorite festival foods?

If there are nachos available, I’m ordering them!

What do you like to do to relax?

There’s nothing like a workout or date night with my wife to get some needed R&R. My wife and I love going to new restaurants, and it’s a really good excuse to not cook. I’ve recently stumbled across a hidden gem called Pickleball…friends, drop what you’re doing right now, and go play this game! It’s a blast, and it’s fairly easy to pick up!

What is the name of the last business book you read? $100M Offers by Alex Hormozi.

He breaks the box of limitations we put on ourselves in this book. It was inspiring.

What is the name of the last movie you watched?

Father Stu with Mark Wahlberg.

Great movie, really heart warming in the end.

MARKETPLACE SEARCH MORE VENDORS AT EVENTRESOURCEMARKETPLACE.COM ATTRACTIONS

INFLATABLES

ARTIFICIAL ICE EVENTS / FALL FEST EVENTS - Unique Winter and Fall attractions for rent nationwide. Available for short-term or long-term needs. Synthetic ice rinks to haunted houses!

Contact: Michael Lawton | Peabody, MA USA | 800-275-0185 | m.lawton@ppentertainmentgroup.com | www.artificialiceevents.com

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 | Dearborn, MI USA | 800-411-6200 | steve@fabulousinflatables.com | www. fabulousinflatables.com

BANNERS/FLAGS DFEST ® – Designs and manufactures creative decor solutions for festivals and events. We specialize in custom flags, banners, directional signage, entryways, street banners, installation and hardware. Contact: Rudy

Martinez | San Antonio, TX USA | (800) 356-4085 | rudy@dixieflag.com | www.dixieflag.com CASH MANAGEMENT

FIRST DATA / CLOVER / FISERV – Cloud-based point of sale and full business solutions for cash or cashless events. Clover is uniquely designed to be customized to fit your business needs. Clover accepts all payment types - EMV/Chip, Card Swiped, Keyed and Apple Pay/Google Pay. Clover’s product line is available with WIFI, ethernet, or 4G/LTE data connectivity and can be leased, purchased or rented month-to-month. First Data has exclusive pricing for hardware and card processing for the festivals and events industry. Contact: Tina Hollis | Riverview, FL USA | 239-287-8221 | tina.hollis@firstdata.com | www.firstdata.com COSTUMES HISTORICAL EMPORIUM – Historical Emporium specializes in authentic, durable, high quality historical clothing and accessories.

Victorian, Edwardian, Old West and Steampunk for men and women. Since 2003. Contact: Noel Matyas | San Jose, CA USA | (800) 997-4311 | amusement@historicalemporium.com | www. historicalemporium.com ENTERTAINMENT DEGY BOOKING INTERNATIONAL – Degy Entertainment is your source for everything entertainment related. For 25+ years, we’ve built a reputation as one of the leading booking agencies and entertainment buyers in the world. Contact: Jeff Hyman | Delray Beach, FL 33446 USA | 732-818-9600 | jeff@degy.com | www.degy.com EVENT SOFTWARE / APPS 42CHAT - 42Chat is the leading provider of Conversational A.I. Solutions for organizations and events looking to enhance & protect their brand, gain & retain customers, and capture & act on insights.

Contact: Daly Elias | Draper, UT USA | 1-952-232-9699 | daly.elias@42chat.com | www.42chat.com EVENTENY – Eventeny was built to help festival & event organizers manage their vendors, artists, exhibitors, volunteers, and sponsors, all in one platform. You can create team workflows, applications, maps, schedules, surveys and so much more. From small community festivals to managing multi-day sci-fi conventions, to virtual events, we’ve got it all! Contact: Greg Wright | Address: Peachtree Corners, GA 30092-2936 USA | Phone: 314-471-6079 | Email: greg@eventeny.com | Website: www.eventeny.com 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 | Chattanooga, TN USA | 423-894-2677 | jerryw@videoideas.com | www.pointsmap.com

INSURANCE / RISK MANAGEMENT HAAS & WILKERSON INSURANCE – Celebrating over 80 years 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: Andrew Vandepopulier | Fairway, KS USA | 800-821-7703 | andrew.vandepopulier@hwins.com | 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: David Olivares | San Antonio, TX USA | 210-829-7634 | david@kaliff.com | 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 | Fort Wayne, IN USA | 1-866-554-4636 | mark.herberger@kandkinsurance.com | www.kandkinsurance.com SAFETY/SECURITY IMPERIAL EVENTS SECURITY SERVICES, LLC - Imperial Events Security Services (IESS) is a leading event security provider nationwide. Operating since 1993, IESS has decades of experience securing all types of events. Contact Yousef Kassis | Philadelphia, PA USA | 1-888-502-4377 | yousef@iessevents.com | www.iessevents.com WEVOW – Build a culture that elevates thinking above sexual misconduct.

Year-round and seasonal programs available for both staff and volunteers. Contact: Matt Pipkin | Boise, ID 83702 USA | 208-830-3885 | matt@wevow.com | www. wevow.com TICKETING SAFFIRE – Saffire empowers clients with beautiful, unique and engaging websites that are easy to manage, with integrated SaffireTix ticketing and unlimited help when you need it. Contact: Cassie Dispenza | Austin TX USA | 512-430-1123 sales@saffire.com | www.saffire.com TICKETSPICE – Instantly Increase Ticket Revenues!

TicketSpice is different, because you keep 100% of the ticketing fees and only pay 99 cents per ticket! It’s the only online ticketing platform that gives you total control of your ticketing... ticket options, pricing, convenience fees, branding, funding and more. We know what it feels like to be overcharged and under-appreciated. We think you deserve a successful event with a ticketing partner who puts you first. Contact: Shadi Hayek | Sacramento, CA USA | 916-400-0737 | shadi@webconnex.com | www.ticketspice.com TRAVEL PLANNING (by Groups) TRIPInfo.com – Since 1996, first online reference for all segments of group travel planners – website and weekly newsletter and subject-specific digital magazines – including festivals. IFEA Member organizations included online. Contact: Mark Browning | Johns Creek, GA USA | 770-825-0220 | mark@tripinfo.com | www.tripinfo.com WEBSITE DESIGN SAFFIRE – Saffire empowers clients with beautiful, unique and engaging websites that are easy to manage, with integrated SaffireTix ticketing and unlimited help when you need it. Contact: Cassie Dispenza | Austin TX USA | 512-430-1123 | sales@saffire.com | www.saffire.com

CONNECT Exclusive opportunities for vendors to

with top-tier festival & event professionals

VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES In an industry with an annual spend of 1 trillion in the United States, you need to reach industry buyers everyday wherever they go online. With these digital opportunities, you’ll be able to reach top-tier festival and event professionals through the IFEA Event Insider, Event Resource Marketplace, and IFEA website box ads, as they explore ways to improve their business.

IFEA EVENT INSIDER

EVENT RESOURCE MARKETPLACE

IFEA WEBSITE BOX AD

Reaching over 6,500 festival and event professionals, these premier placements will give your company the attention it deserves. The newsletter will focus on news and information that professionals need to run a successful business. That means your message will reach the decision-makers you’re looking to target.

More advertising opportunities designed to fit any marketing budget are within the Event Resource Marketplace. Festival and event professional buyers count on the guide to put them in touch with suppliers for all their project needs, and the ads help lead them to you.

Highlight your core message and drive traffic to your website with exlusive positions on the IFEA website. These box ads will occupy prime real estate to help sell your products and services to industry decision-makers. Retargeting opportunities are available as well, allowing your ad to be seen AFTER the festival and event professionals leave the association website.

Viewable online, 24/7

Digitally distributed each week

Event Insider

Viewable online, 24/7

Event Resource Marketplace

IFEA website box ad

IFEA has partnered with MultiView to provide these advertising opportunities.

For more information about them, contact salesinquiries@multiview.com or call 972-402-7000.

For more information about IFEA, email kaye@ifea.com or call 208-433-0950 ext: 1 POWERED BY

Partnership with the IFEA The IFEA Foundation provides an all-important source of support that allows the IFEA to confidently provide convention scholarships, host top-quality industry presenters, speakers and programming, and help raise the bar for everyone in our global industry. A very special thanks to all those who have contributed along the way, and we look forward to working with you towards the success of our industry for many years to come.

www.ifea.com/p/foundation