IE Volume 37 Issue 3

the business of international events

Emergency Management at Large-Scale Events Why Immersive Entertainment Will Define the Next Decade Ten Cybersecurity Checks for Event Organizations

Can a “Return to Normal” Happen in 2021?

the business of international events

Emergency Management at Large-Scale Events Why Immersive Entertainment Will Define the Next Decade Ten Cybersecurity Checks for Event Organizations

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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

celebration.

Advertising Carrie Ring, CFEE, Director of Partnerships & Programs Art Director Craig Sarton, Creative Director Contributing Writers Jeffrey Baldwin, CFEE, ChatGPT, Jeff English, CFEE, Bruce L. Erley, APR, CFEE, Joe Goldblatt, Jessica Hodges, Gail Lowney Alofsin, Jen Marhenke, Anita Micoli-Falcone, S. David Ramirez, CFEE, Susan Robertson, Amanda Weckbacher, Melissa Willis, Robert Wilson, Kate Zabriskie Photography Jeffrey Baldwin, CFEE, Gail Lowney Alofsin, Amanda Weckbacher, CLARK Material Handling Company, Norfolk Festevents

For association or publication information: IFEA World Headquarters 10400 Overland Rd. #356 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.

Boise, ID 83709, U.S.A. +1.208.433.0950 Fax +1.208.433.9812

http://www.ifea.com 6

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

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ON DEMAND AT IFEA.COM Beyond the Event: Year-Round Community Engagement That Fuels Festivals

More You, Less Robot: Building Authentic Marketing Content while using AI

Using AI to Up Your Sponsorship Game

Why Sustainability Matters: Meeting the Expectations of Consumers, Sponsors & Communities

TaKeyia Dickens, CFEE Community Curator and Community Partnerships Specialist Lady T the Connector Washington, D.C.

Bruce Erley, APR, CFEE Founder & Principal IFEA World Board Member Creative Strategies Group Denver, CO

S. David Ramirez, CFEE Founder / Principal Consultant IFEA Foundation Borad Member SDMRamirez San Antonio, TX

Jen Marhenke Sustainability Program Manager Rico Solutions Fort Myers, FL

Show Up, Stand Out, Stay Connected: Networking Strategies that Build Authentic Relationships

Playbook for Your Organization’s Future: Succession Planning

Event Statistics - A Look at the Festivals & Events Industry in 2025, As You Prepare for 2026

From Gate to Great: Ticketing Trends for Today’s Live Events

The Evolution of a City - Event Partnership: Coachella and Indio, California

The New American National Standard About Zone Ex

Gail Alofsin President & Founder of Leadership at ALL Levels Associate Director of Corporate Partnerships at the University of Rhode Island Newport, RI

Collette Ingalls Associate Director, Marketing atVenu San Clemente, CA

Jim Curtis, CFEE Community Services Manager City of Indio, California Indio, CA

Stephen King, CFEE Executive Director Des Moines Arts Festival Des Moines, IA

Jessica Bybee-Dziedzic Vice President, Client Operations IFEA Association Endorsed Partner and Webinar Sponsor Saffire Austin, TX

Steve Adelman Principal - Adelman Law Group, PLLC Founder/Former Vice President - Event Safety Alliance Norwalk, CT

LEARN MORE Webinars On Demand are accessible to IFEA Members as part of your many Member Benefits.

the business of international events

Emergency Management at Large-Scale Events

F E AT U R E S

Why Immersive Entertainment Will Define the Next Decade Ten Cybersecurity Checks for Event Organizations

On the Cover: From June 19–23, 2026, Norfolk, Virginia, took center stage for a convergence of monumental events—Sail250® Virginia, Juneteenth Norfolk Celebration, and the 50th Annual Norfolk Harborfest—all unfolding across five unforgettable days along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront. Read their Event Profile on page 16.

DEPARTMENTS

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30 38

10 IFEA President’s Letter 12 IFEA World Board 14 IFEA Foundation Board

46

16 Event Profile 24 The Un-Comfort Zone 32 Built to Last

54

40 Events Interface 48 The Sponsor Doc 58 What Does ChatGPT Have to Say?

90 Marketplace Fall 2026, Volume 37, 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.

The Deliberate Manager Seven Steps to Scheduling Yourself for Success

By Kate Zabriskie What Happens When a Forklift Company Gives Thunder a Lift?

By Jeff English, CFEE Stop Blaming the Economy: Five Ways Smart Business Owners Control in Any Market

By Melissa Willis Pressure Creates Progress: Every Challenge Leaves Something Behind

By Amanda Weckbacher

64

From Spectators to Storymakers: Why Immersive Entertainment Will Define the Next Decade Jeffrey Baldwin, CFEE

76

The Secrets of Visionary Leaders

By Susan Robertson

82

What is the Future of Parades?

Professor Joe Goldblatt

86

Did Everyone Get Home Safely?

Professor Joe Goldblatt

70 From URL to IRL 78 Leadership At All Levels

Command, Coordination, and Community Safety: Emergency Management at Large-Scale Events

By Anita Micoli-Falcone

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IFEA PRESIDENT’S LETTER

BY STEVEN WOOD SCHMADER, CFEE

STEPPING FORWARD WITH JOY,

E

CONFIDENCE, AND AUTHENTICITY

ach year, as we plan and prepare for our upcoming IFEA Convention & Expo presented by atVenu (this year in Tucson, Arizona, USA, October 5-7), much of my days are filled with conversations and communications with industry professionals (and friends) around the world...speakers; sponsors; vendors; property contacts; Board members; association partners; cities; award entrants, recipients, and judges; attendees; global affiliate representatives; and many more, often including IFEA ‘alumni’, who still feel the warmth and bonds of their IFEA ‘family’. It is a chance to plan and to catch up. To talk about life and the current state-of-affairs in each of our respective worlds. To share our challenges and opportunities, and memories of so many good friends and good times. So many great and talented people, each with their own remarkable circle of influence – local and global - who have touched (and continue to touch) so many others, across the planet, throughout their careers. Who have used (and continue to use) their influence and creativity to make our industry and world a better place. And who, most importantly, have chosen to share both their successes and their mistakes, along the journey, with their peers and friends.

Together, for more than seven decades, we have helped to celebrate so many local, national, and global milestones; created so many 10

memorable events, that have touched the lives of virtually every person on the planet in some way; and strengthened so many communities, while changing the world for the better.

This year provided an especially large constellation of major events, including the Milano-Cortina (Italy) Winter Olympic Games; the FIFA World Cup; and America’s Semiquincentennial; together with the normal annual roster of spectacular global events that bring us all together.

Throughout my conversations with so many of you, we have talked about our successes and our challenges.

And much like the constellation of events lined up this year, the constellation of challenges also seemed to make themselves known.

As an industry, we have dealt with and talked about the direct impact of politics (local, national, and global); economics; weather; travel concerns; wildfires; war; disease; targeted terrorism; ICE; DEI (arguably the foundation and mission of all events in some form or fashion); community growth and development; AI and technology; legal concerns; staffing/ volunteers; and more.

While overwhelming on some days, those same conversations have driven home to me some important basic needs and reminders to us all: • Take time to stop and remember the joy that got us all into this business in the first place. The people we work with; the people

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

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we touch (often unknown to us); the impact we have (also often unknown to us); and the lasting memories that we create. The joy of producing life’s highlights, that most people save up their time and resources to enjoy as a special treat, and cherish for a lifetime.

• Have confidence in your abilities and in the support base that you enjoy through the IFEA and your professional peers around the world. Abilities and experience that you have worked hard to develop, and peers who are there to help all of us get though even the greatest of challenges.

And, • Remember to be authentic in who you are. While navigating the hurdles and maximizing your leadership and management skills, don’t let outside sources change or sway who you, your organization, and your community are, when you are at your individual and collective best. We are an industry that holds our world together, celebrating our differences, and welcoming everyone. Let’s not forget that.

I invite each and all of you to join us for our IFEA 71st Annual Convention & Expo, presented by atVenu, as we provide and celebrate the resources to help us all Step Forward together.

A place where joy, confidence, and authenticity will surround you.

71 Annual IFEA Convention & Expo st

October 5-7, 2026

R E T S I REG !

N OW

El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Hotel Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A. CFEE Days: October 2-4, 2026 Presented by

IFEA WORLD BOARD

BY VANESSA VAN DE PUTTE

EVERY STEP FORWARD

STRENGTHENS US ALL

E

ven though our events take place in different countries, cultures, and communities, the people behind them often share many of the same experiences. We celebrate similar victories, face many of the same challenges, and understand the unique responsibility that comes with creating moments that bring people together. While every festival and event team is unique, one thing has become increasingly clear to me throughout my career: none of us succeeds alone.

The true value of belonging to the IFEA cannot be measured in dollars or listed on a balance sheet. It is found in the network of people who stand beside you; the professionals who understand your challenges because they have faced many of the same ones themselves.

We are leading events in a world that continues to evolve at an incredible pace. Economic uncertainty, changing audience expectations, workforce challenges, public safety considerations, new technologies, sponsorship shifts, and unpredictable weather have become part of our everyday conversations. The pace of change can sometimes feel relentless.

The good news is that none of us must navigate those changes alone.

What I have always appreciated most about the International Festivals & Events Association is the willingness of its members to share. Whether through a conversation at the Annual Convention, an Affinity Group discussion, a phone call, an email, or a chance introduction between colleagues across the globe, our members consistently demonstrate that this profession is built on collaboration rather than competition.

When one member discovers a better way to solve a problem, others benefit. When one community develops a creative programming idea, it often inspires another. When one event faces an unexpected challenge, there is usually someone within our network who has already experienced it and is willing to help.

That spirit of generosity is one of the defining characteristics of the IFEA, and it is something I believe makes our association truly special. It is also one of the reasons so many lifelong friendships and professional partnerships begin here.

As individual members grow stronger through professional development, so do the organizations they serve. New ideas improve operations. Shared best practices strengthen safety, sustainability, marketing, volunteer engagement, and community partnerships. Leaders become more confident because they know they have trusted colleagues they can call upon.

The impact extends far beyond our own organizations. Stronger professionals create stronger festivals and events. Stronger events enrich our communities, strengthen local economies, and create meaningful experiences for millions of people each year. As more organizations embrace continuous improvement and share what they learn, our entire industry becomes more resilient, more creative, and better prepared for whatever the future may bring.

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That is the remarkable ripple effect of membership. Every new connection expands what is possible—not only for one individual, but for all of us.

As I reflect on my own journey with the IFEA, I am grateful for the mentors, colleagues, and friends this association has introduced into my life. They have challenged my thinking, encouraged me through difficult moments, and reminded me that our industry is filled with extraordinary people who genuinely want to see one another succeed.

That is a gift. It is also a responsibility.

Each of us can help strengthen this network by inviting others into it. Chances are you already know someone who would benefit from becoming part of the IFEA: a neighboring festival director, an emerging event professional, a municipal event coordinator, a supplier, or community partner who understands the power of celebration.

Imagine the ideas they could contribute. Imagine the relationships they could build. Imagine how much stronger our industry becomes when more voices, experiences, and perspectives are brought to the table.

That is why I encourage every member to take advantage of the IFEA Member Referral Program. When you refer a new member, they receive a 10% discount on their first year of membership, making it even easier for them to join our global community. In return, you earn a 10% discount on an IFEA product for each successful referral, whether that’s membership renewal, Annual Convention registration, CFEE FastTrack registration, or another eligible IFEA offering. The more members you refer, the greater your savings while helping expand the network that benefits us all.

Growing the IFEA has never simply been about increasing membership numbers. It is about strengthening the community that supports every one of us. Every new member brings fresh ideas, new perspectives, valuable experience, and future friendships that enrich our profession.

Together, we are building more than an association. We are building a global community of professionals committed to learning from one another, supporting one another, and ensuring that festivals and events continue to inspire the communities we serve for generations to come.

As we prepare to gather this October for the 71st Annual IFEA Convention & Expo, presented by atVenu, in Tucson, Arizona, I encourage you to make the most of what has always been one of the IFEA’s greatest strengths: our people. From October 5–7, you’ll have the opportunity to reconnect with longtime colleagues, meet new professionals from around the world, exchange ideas, and build relationships that will continue long after the convention ends. Whether you’re attending for the first time or returning as a longtime member, I hope you’ll arrive ready to learn, to share, and to invest in the network that makes our association stronger every year.

Continued on Page 88

2026

IFEA World Board of Directors

CHAIR 2025 - 2026 VANESSA VAN DE PUTTE DFEST ® San Antonio, TX

SECRETARY / CHAIR-ELECT DAVID EADS Pasadena Tournament of Roses Pasadena, CA

IFEA WORLD BOARD SECRETARY BILL O’TOOLE, CFEE Event Project Management System Pty., Ltd. Bondi Beach, NSW Australia

WARWICK HALL, CFEE IFEA WORLD BOARD GLOBAL OFFICER Safety Set Consulting Section 646 Taupo, New Zealand

RANDY DEWITZ, CFEE FANFARE ATTRACTIONS, LLC MINNEAPOLIS, MN

BRUCE ERLEY, APR, CFEE Creative Strategies Group Denver, CO

MATT GIBSON Kentucky Derby Festival Louisville, KY

NAN KRUSHINSKI, CFEE City of Port St. Lucie Port St. Lucie, FL

SAM LEMHENEY, CFEE Creative Event Solutions Philadelphia, PA

KELI O’NEILL WENZEL, CFEE O’Neill Events & Marketing Management Kansas City, MO

STEVE ROSENAUER, CFEE Fiesta San Antonio Commission San Antonio, TX

JESSICA KAMINSKAS Chair - IFEA Foundation Board of Directors The Parade Company Detroit, MI

STEVEN WOOD SCHMADER, CFEE IFEA World Boise, ID

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 JESSICA KAMINSKAS

DONATE AN AUCTION ITEM.

INVEST IN THE FUTURE. Howdy Friends!

The countdown is on! Before we know it, we’ll be gathering in beautiful Tucson, Arizona, October 5–7, for the 71st Annual IFEA Convention & Expo presented by atVenu, I hope you’re making plans to join us for what promises to be an incredible few days of learning, networking, inspiration, and celebrating the amazing work our industry does every day.

As we prepare for Convention, I have one important request: please support the IFEA Foundation by donating an auction item or an Ultimate Experience!

Our auctions are among the Foundation’s biggest fundraising opportunities, and every donation helps create life-changing educational opportunities through scholarships for the next generation of festival and event professionals.

Do you have: • A unique destination experience?

• VIP tickets or backstage access?

• A weekend getaway?

• A one-of-a-kind event package?

• Sports, entertainment, dining, or travel experiences?

• Specialty merchandise or gift baskets?

If so, we’d love your support! The more exciting and diverse our auction offerings, the more successful our fundraising efforts will be. Every bid placed is an investment in someone’s future.

Please remember: September 21 is the deadline to ship auction items to the Boise office. The online auction officially opens on September 29, with final bidding concluding at 9:00 p.m. on October 6. We hope you’ll donate, bid often, and help us make this year’s auction our most successful yet!

And while we’re talking about fun...be sure to mark your calendar for one of the highlights of Convention!

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IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

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IFEA Foundation Party Two-Step Under Western Skies Monday, October 6 7:00 – 10:30 p.m.

The Last Territory at El Conquistador Dust off your western duds and join us for an unforgettable evening of fun, friends, and fundraising. Break out the denim, cowboy hats, boots, and bandanas as we celebrate together under the Arizona skies while supporting a cause that continues to strengthen our industry.

The Foundation Party is always one of Convention’s most memorable evenings, not just because of the entertainment and camaraderie, but because of what it represents. The money raised helps provide scholarships and travel stipends that allow emerging leaders to attend educational programs, develop professionally, and become the future of festivals and events.

Together, we can make this year’s fundraising our most successful yet and help open doors for even more future scholarship recipients.

Thank you for your generosity, your enthusiasm, and your continued commitment to the IFEA Foundation. I can’t wait to see everyone in Tucson as we celebrate, connect, and invest in tomorrow’s industry leaders!

See you under the western skies!

Jessica Kaminskas IFEA Foundation Board Chair Chief Operating Officer The Parade Company Detroit, Michigan

2026

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS & EVENTS ASSOCIATION

IFEA Foundation Board of Directors

IFEA FOUNDATION BOARD CHAIR JESSICA KAMINSKAS The Parade Company Detroit, MI

CHAIR-ELECT ALEX MCNULTY, CFEE Pasadena Tournament of Roses Pasadena, CA

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR KAT PAYE, CFEE National Cherry Festival Traverse City, MI

SECRETARY Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MI

DAVE BULLARD, CFEE FanFirst Events & Influence Fulton, NY

LUANN CHAPMAN The Gatts Group Grapevine, TX

CASSIE DISPENZA, CFEE Saffire Austin, TX

ZACH FISHER, CFEE Kentucky Derby Festival Louisville, KY

CARINA JIMENEZ, CFEE CITY OF MCALLEN MCALLEN, TX

DAVID KNUTSON City Of Santa Clarita Santa Clarita, CA

HAYDEN KRAMER, CFEE Town of Indian Trail Parks and Recreation Indian Trail, NC

COLLEEN MURPHY, CFEE Des Moines Arts Festival Des Moines, IA

DAVID OLIVARES, CFEE Kaliff Insurance San Antonio, TX

MAIRIN PETRONE, CFEE Pittsburgh Irish Festival Pittsburgh, PA

DAVID RAMIREZ, CFEE SDMRamirez San Antonio, TX

VANESSA VAN DE PUTTE Chair - IFEA World Board Of Directors DFEST ® San Antonio, TX

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.

SARAH UMLAUF, CFEE Saint Louis Art Festival Saint Louis, MO

STEVEN WOOD SCHMADER, CFEE IFEA World Boise, ID

EVENT PROFILE Norfolk Festevents Norfolk, VA United States +1-757-441-2345 www.festevents.org

Event Name: Juneteenth Norfolk, Sail250® Virginia, Norfolk, Host City and Norfolk Harborfest Festival Weekend DATES: June 19-23, 2026 ATTENDANCE: 415,000 BUDGET: $500,000 - $1.5 Million NUMBER AND TYPES OF EVENTS: In 2026, we are producing 13 events at Town Point Park, including a variety of music festivals, food and wine festivals, cultural celebrations and more.

NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS: 75-100 NUMBER OF STAFF: 10-15 MAJOR REVENUE SOURCES: • Corporate Sponsorships • Bar Sales/Alcohol • Retail and Food Vendor Fees MAJOR EXPENSES BY PERCENT: • Entertainment • Advertising & Marketing • Production & Operations TYPE OF GOVERNANCE: 501 (c) 3 • Board of Directors Yes • Number of Directors: 40 • Independent Board of Directors No

A Brief History From June 19–23, 2026, Norfolk, Virginia, took center stage for a convergence of monumental events—Sail250® Virginia, Juneteenth Norfolk Celebration, and the 50th Annual Norfolk Harborfest—all unfolding across five unforgettable days along the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront. This historic alignment marked the first time these three significant celebrations would share the same stage, creating a unique moment of reflection, unity, and celebration for our city, our region, and our nation.

The world fleet returned! As part of America’s Semiquincentennial, Norfolk was honored to host Sail250® Virginia, welcoming more than 60 tall ships, naval vessels, and traditional watercraft from around the globe. This once-in-a-generation international gathering symbolized centuries of maritime tradition, diplomacy, and global connection.

The presence of Juneteenth during this landmark weekend added depth, meaning, and perspective to the broader commemorations along the waterfront, while Harborfest, celebrating its 50th year in 2026, served as the connective tissue—bringing energy, entertainment, and opportunities for community, storytelling, and celebration.

The festival weekend was FREE & open to the public.

Other Interesting Details About Your Event The festival weekend featured TWO fireworks shows on Friday & Saturday in celebration of the Juneteenth National Holiday and Sail250/Harborfest, plus main stage performances by Patti LaBelle, Sister Sledge, and JJ Grey & Mofro. Patti LaBelle and the Friday of Festival Weekend brought the largest crowd size the park has ever seen.

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IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

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El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Hotel October 6 & 7, 2026 Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A. Connect with buyers in person and keep your company’s name top of mind when it comes time for them to spend.

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EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHT

What year was your company established?

1996 How many employees does your company have?

32 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, a good portion of festivals are in that total!

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 entertainment buying, 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 to a successful event!

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

Founded in 1996, Degy Entertainment is a leading North American booking agency and event producer, serving thousands of clients each year. A proud IFEA supporter, Degy provides top-tier talent, full-service booking, event planning, and logistical expertise for festivals and fairs of every size.

From national headliners to complete event management, we help producers create memorable, financially successful events that strengthen communities and bring festivals and fairs to life.

18

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 (over 10,000 ft2) called The Big Bounce America. It can fit over 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. We have just announced new additions to the festival roster as well as a new DJ division. Meeting our clients’ needs is essential to our business.

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. Also, work with someone you can trust will get the job done with you and with full transparency.

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.

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

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Evan Schaefer Chief Operations Officer

Degy Entertainment 9826 Montpellier Drive Delray Beach, FL 33446 USA 732-818-9600 x 106 Evan@degy.com www.degy.com How many years have you been with your company?

10 What are your favorite festival foods?

Island noodles, walking tacos, cold beer. Nothing beats a cold beer on a hot, summer day.

What do you like to do to relax?

When I’m not producing events, you’ll find me spending time with my wife Elizabeth and our son Hudson, grilling on the patio, watching movies, or tackling the occasional puzzle (rare but probable). I also enjoy cheering on Iowa and ASU athletics along with finding new places to explore with my family.

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

There are business books and not just toddler books in existence? #LarryDon’tPushTheButton What is the name of the last movie you watched?

Cars 1, Cars 3, Cars 3, Cars 1, Cars 2 – Whatever my 4 yr old wants.

Fall 2026

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COMMAND, COORDINATION, AND COMMUNITY SAFETY: Emergency Management at Large-Scale Events

By Anita Micoli-Falcone

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I

n the City of Vaughan, festivals and events are more than entertainment— they are essential community experiences that bring residents, businesses, and visitors together in meaningful ways. From vibrant cultural festivals and seasonal celebrations to large-scale outdoor concerts and civic gatherings, these events reflect the diversity, energy, and growth of the city.

They also play a significant role in strengthening community identity, supporting local economies, and activating public spaces. However, behind every successful and seamless event is a sophisticated, highly coordinated system focused on one priority above all else: public safety.

While attendees experience the excitement, atmosphere, and celebration, an extensive network of professionals works behind the scenes to anticipate risk, manage operations, and respond to incidents in real time. As events in Vaughan continue to increase in size, complexity, and public visibility, the City’s approach to emergency command structures has evolved into a model rooted in proactive planning, cross-agency collaboration, and operational excellence.

A Municipal Approach to Event Safety Large-scale events are, in many ways, temporary cities. They bring together thousands of people into a defined footprint supported by temporary infrastructure, dynamic programming, and high volumes of activity over a condensed period of time. Unlike permanent facilities, these environments must be designed, built, and operationalized quickly—often within days or weeks—while still meeting the same expectations for safety, accessibility, and emergency readiness.

This reality requires a coordinated municipal approach that integrates multiple partners, including: • Event organizers and production teams • Police Services and private security providers • Fire and Rescue Services • Emergency Medical Services • Municipal departments such as Recreation Services, Public Works, By-Law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services, Communications, Marketing and Engagement, and Economic Development Each partner operates within its own mandate, governed by distinct regulations, procedures, responsibilities and policies.

However, effective event delivery depends not on the separation of these roles,

but on their integration within a unified operational framework.

Central to this framework is a comprehensive event emergency management plan. This plan establishes the overall structure for emergency response and provides clear, actionable guidance for everyone involved—from senior leadership and emergency responders to event staff, contractors, and volunteers.

A large-scale event should be supported by a formally endorsed Emergency Management Plan that provides a clear, structured framework for incident prevention, response, and coordination. This plan establishes defined roles and responsibilities, outlines communication and escalation protocols, and integrates the efforts of event organizers, municipal departments, and emergency services under a unified command approach.

By incorporating scenario-based procedures—such as severe weather response, medical emergencies, and security incidents, the plan ensures that all personnel are prepared to act decisively and consistently.

Ultimately, an endorsed emergency plan strengthens operational readiness, mitigates risk, and reinforces the collective commitment to safeguarding attendees, staff, and the broader community.

A strong emergency plan includes: • Defined roles and responsibilities across all teams • Standardized procedures for incident response • Clear escalation pathways • Coordination protocols with emergency services • Guidance for staff and volunteers working across various event zones Importantly, while the events team and various departments operate collaboratively, emergency services always respond in accordance with their own governing procedures and legislation. The role of the event command structure is to ensure alignment, coordination, and effective support within that broader response.

From Planning to Practice Emergency command structures at events are not abstract concepts—they are operational systems deliberately tailored to function within a live, high-density environment. Their effectiveness depends on how well they translate planning into practice. A core component of this system is the establishment of a Command Post: a secure, centralized location where senior operational staff and emergency service representatives monitor and direct event activity. From this location, teams oversee weather conditions, radio communications, Fall 2026

incident reports, and surveillance systems to maintain a comprehensive and real-time understanding of the environment.

Equally critical are clear reporting channels across the entire event footprint.

Every individual, whether a volunteer, vendor, contractor, or staff member, must understand: • Who they report to • How to escalate concerns • When and how to contact command This clarity is essential. Without it, even minor incidents can be delayed, miscommunicated, or mismanaged. With it, issues are addressed quickly and efficiently, reaching the appropriate level of decision-making without unnecessary delay.

Supporting these structures are pre-established emergency protocols for a wide range of scenarios, including: • Severe weather response, including shelter-in-place and evacuation procedures • Medical emergencies, ranging from routine first aid to high acuity response • Missing child and lost person protocols • Suspicious activity or security-related incidents • Mental health and vulnerable person support situations These protocols are integrated into the command system so they can be activated seamlessly. A strong command structure ensures that when an incident occurs, teams are not reacting from scratch—they are executing a plan.

Ultimately, this coordination reduces risk, prevents escalation, and helps manage both safety outcomes and public perception and reputation.

Unified Command in Practice At the heart of Vaughan’s event safety model is a unified command approach.

This model recognizes that no single agency has full authority over all aspects of a large-scale event. Instead, it brings multiple leaders together to operate within a shared command structure.

Event leadership typically includes: • Senior event operations personnel • City representatives across multiple departments • Emergency services leadership, including fire, police, and paramedics.

In the event of an incident, an Incident Commander is designated based on jurisdiction and the nature of the situation.

For example, law enforcement-related incidents may fall under police command, while fire or life safety issues may be

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led by fire services. Regardless of who assumes the command role, decisions are made within a collaborative framework that ensures alignment across all partners.

This model enables: • Coordinated and efficient operational responses • Clear and consistent escalation processes • Rapid, well-informed decision-making • A unified focus on life safety and risk mitigation.

In dynamic event environments where conditions can change quickly, this level of coordination is not just beneficial, it is essential.

Planning Through Partnership One of the defining strengths of Vaughan’s approach is its emphasis on planning through partnership. Emergency command structures do not begin on event day—they are developed months in advance through detailed coordination and preparation. This includes: • Cross-departmental and multi-agency planning meetings • Site inspections, walkthroughs, and hazard identification • Development and review of eventspecific emergency management plans • Traffic/parking plans • Testing of communication systems and contingencies • Alignment of staffing plans, roles, and operational responsibilities.

These activities create more than a plan—they create shared understanding.

Each stakeholder gains clarity not only on their own role but also on how their work connects with others. This process builds trust between agencies, open and transparent communication which is critical when decisions must be made quickly and collaboratively under pressure.

Individual Operational Plans developed

by Police, Fire, Paramedic Services, and Security may remain internal or confidential; however, their existence and availability constitute an integral component of the overall Emergency Management Plan.

The Command Post During live events, the Command Post becomes the operational nucleus. It is staffed by senior representatives from across the City and partner agencies, providing a centralized point for monitoring and coordination. From this location, command teams: • Track weather and environmental risks in real time 22

• Manage radio communication across multiple channels • Receive and evaluate incident reports from the field • Monitor crowd activity and movement patterns • Coordinate resource deployment and response strategies.

The ability to bring all this information into one location allows for situational awareness at a systems level. Rather than operating in silos, teams can see the full picture and respond accordingly.

This centralized oversight is what enables the command structure to shift from proactive to reactive operations, to anticipating risks before they escalate.

It’s essentially a mobile EOC (Emergency Operations Centre).

Structured Communication Communication is one of the most critical—and most vulnerable—components of emergency management. Vaughan’s event operations place a strong emphasis on structured communication systems designed to ensure clarity, speed, and consistency.

Internal Communication Systems Internal communication includes: • Two-way radio systems organized by operational function (e.g., security, logistics, medical) • Standardized terminology and reporting formats • Clear escalation protocols • Regular briefings for command and operational teams • Established communication pathways between field staff and command.

These systems help prevent miscommunication, reduce radio congestion, and ensure that critical information flows efficiently.

Public Communication and Messaging Public communication is equally important. In the event of an emergency or operational disruption, messaging must be: • Timely and accurate • Consistent across all channels • Delivered through designated communication leads.

Whether issuing weather advisories, safety instructions, or event updates, Vaughan prioritizes calm, clear, and coordinated messaging that supports public understanding and cooperation.

Effective communication not only supports

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response—it builds confidence and trust among operational teams and attendees.

Preparedness for Real-World Scenarios Preparedness is not theoretical, it is practical, detailed, and scenario based.

Event planning in Vaughan includes protocols for a wide range of potential incidents, including: • Severe weather events, with clearly defined thresholds for action • Medical emergencies, including coordination with on-site and off-site care providers • Missing persons or child reunification processes • Security incidents, including suspicious activity and threat escalation • Situations involving vulnerable individuals or mental health needs.

These protocols are embedded within the command structure and supported by training, briefings, and operational alignment.

The goal is simple: when something happens, the response is immediate, coordinated, and effective.

The Evolution of Hostile Vehicle Mitigation Hostile Vehicle Mitigation (HVM) has undergone significant evolution over the past several decades, transitioning from a largely reactive security approach to a proactive, risk-informed discipline grounded in prevention, design integration, and multi-agency coordination. Initially developed in response to vehicular attacks targeting critical and vulnerable infrastructure including government facilities, places of worship, etc. HVM strategies have expanded considerably to address threats to public spaces, civic events, transportation hubs, and pedestrianized urban environments.

Early HVM measures in North America were predominantly characterized by hardened physical security interventions— such as concrete barriers, bollards, and perimeter restrictions—installed in response to specific incidents. However, as vehicle-based threats became more frequent and diversified, particularly with the rise of vehicle-ramming attacks in densely populated areas, authorities began to recognize the need for a more comprehensive and anticipatory framework. This shift has led to the adoption of layered security models that combine physical infrastructure, urban design principles, operational planning, and real-time intelligence.

Emergency Command Structure Example

PLANNING Emergency Planning

VIP’s

Transit SAFETY By-Law and Compliance and Security

PUBLIC INFORMATION Communications

Transportation

UNIFIED COMMAND Fire, Police, Paramedics

LOGISTICS (event site)

EVENT OPERATIONS Event Organizer

Rides

Stage, Sound

Vendors and Displays EMERGENCY RESPONSE OPERATIONS Fire, Police, Paramedics

Real-Time Decision-Making During live events, decision-making is continuous. Command teams must assess information, evaluate risk, and determine appropriate action—often within seconds.

To do this effectively, they rely on multiple inputs, including: • Live weather monitoring systems • Incident and medical reports • Crowd density and movement observations • Direct communication from field personnel.

This information is used to answer critical questions: • What is happening?

• Who is affected?

• How significant is the risk?

• What resources are required?

• How urgently must action be taken?

The strength of the command structure ensures that decisions are not only made quickly—but communicated and implemented efficiently across all operational teams.

Continuous Improvement and Accountability A commitment to continuous improvement is central to Vaughan’s

Activities

approach. After each event, structured post-event debriefs are conducted with all partners, including: • Emergency services • City departments • Event team • Security, medical, and contracted partners.

These sessions review: • Successes – what worked well • Incident response outcomes • Communication effectiveness • Coordination strengths and challenges • Opportunities for improvement.

This process transforms real-world experience into actionable insights, strengthening planning and enhancing future readiness. It also reinforces accountability—ensuring that event operations continue to evolve in alignment with best practices and community expectations.

A Commitment to Safe, Successful Events For the City of Vaughan, emergency command structures represent more than operational processes—they reflect a broader commitment to community safety, collaboration, and excellence in public service.

They are the systems that support confident decision-making, coordinated response, Fall 2026

and consistent communication. They are the frameworks that allow multiple agencies to operate as one. And they are the reason that complex, high-density events can be delivered safely and successfully. Events are not successful because emergencies never occur. They are successful because there is a clear, well-practiced, and unified approach in place to manage them when they do.

Through strong partnerships, proactive planning, and robust command structures, Vaughan continues to lead in creating event environments where people can gather, celebrate, and connect—with confidence that safety is not an afterthought, but a foundation.

Anita Micoli-Falcone is a municipal leader with extensive experience in event operations, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration. She currently serves as the Recreation Manager, Events, Theatre & Studio Operations for the City of Vaughan, Ontario, where she provides leadership in the planning and delivery of city-wide events and cultural programming.

Anita began her career with the City of Vaughan in 2003, supporting Council Offices and the Office of the City Manager, where she developed a strong foundation in municipal governance and administration. In 2017, she transitioned into Recreation Services, joining the Events division and contributing to the growth and evolution of Vaughan’s event portfolio.

Recognized as a collaborative and outcomes-driven leader, Anita is committed to building high-performing teams and fostering strong partnerships across Recreation Services, the broader Community Services portfolio, and multiple municipal departments. Her work aligns closely with the City’s Term of Council Strategic Priorities, supporting the delivery of safe, inclusive, and high-quality experiences that enrich the community.

Anita holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree and is currently pursuing her Certified Festivals and Events Executive (CFEE) designation, further strengthening her expertise in event management and industry best practices.

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THE UN-COMFORT ZONE

WITH ROBERT WILSON

WHAT’S IN THAT FINE PRINT

YOU DIDN’T READ?

Just because the fine print isn’t visible, doesn’t mean it’s not there.

There’s a saying, “The LARGE PRINT GIVETH, and the small print taketh away.” We usually associate this concept with the big bold promise of benefits in an advertisement for a product or service we want. But, nearly hidden in the body copy is an asterisk (*) indicating a footnote which reveals in fine print - the caveat emptor (what the buyer should beware).

Dear Reader, read the fine print! There was a time when I didn’t and I ended up in the hospital for seven days and couldn’t walk for two months.

My doctor prescribed an antibiotic for an infection that developed from a bicycling injury. He asked, “Have you taken this antibiotic successfully before?” I replied, “Yes, thirteen years ago.”

That was good enough for him, and he wrote me the prescription. I then took it to my pharmacy. The pharmacist asked me, “Have you ever taken this antibiotic?” Again, I replied, “Yes, thirteen years ago.” She handed me my prescription with a drug information sheet stapled to the bag.

Five days later my legs started to swell, and that’s when I finally decided to read the drug information sheet on the antibiotic - two full pages of fine print - and learned that people my current age were more likely to suffer adverse reactions to it. I immediately stopped taking it, but the damage was done. For the next two months I was bedridden and nearly helpless. Lesson learned always read the drug info sheet.

It’s Long and Tedious for a Reason But, what about those long User Agreements and Terms and Conditions for the software and apps we use on our computers and phones? They come with miles of fine print (that go on and on like a George R. R. Martin novel, but not nearly as interesting).

I sometimes think they are exhaustingly long so that we won’t be inclined to read them and discover what the true costs are.

Then there are those radio ads that have some guy at the end speed talking legalese that no one can understand, but hey, that’s the fine print! Similarly, there are those TV commercials for pharmaceuticals, where they read off a list of scary adverse reactions.

Processed foods will have a Nutrition Facts/Calorie Chart and an Ingredients List, read those carefully - that’s the fine print - which will warn you about chemical components that aren’t actually food - but preservatives, color enhancers, and artificial flavorings instead.

It is said that we live in a litigious society, and because of that we are inundated with fine print, but just because we don’t believe we’ll ever sue someone doesn’t mean we should ignore the fine print.

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Read to Learn the Limitations and Exceptions Credit card applications, insurance policies, warranties and guarantees all carry loads of fine print: what’s covered, what’s not, what the limitations are, and what the exceptions are (which is the real fine print).

Then there are the weasel words like these (that spell out the caveats if you read far enough): “Automatically Renews,” “Early Termination Fees,” “Restocking Fee,” “Liability Waiver,” “Void the Warranty,” and “Opt Out” among dozens of others all of which taketh something away (often your rights).

People complain that life doesn’t come with an instruction book, but it does if we’re willing to find it. My primary point in writing this article is to note that there is fine print everywhere, but sometimes we have to look for it. We need to use our critical thinking skills to discern what is best for us.

News Sources Have a Bias - That IS the Fine Print!

For example, humorous news sites like Babylon Bee (whose motto is Fake News You Can Trust) and The Onion warn their readers upfront that their content is satire. On the other hand, however, the supposed legitimate news sites don’t even offer their audiences any fine print. You have to seek it out on your own by researching the ownership, learning who the people behind it are, and what they value. Or you can carefully read the stories and look for the slant - oftentimes the bias is subtle, but other times it’s glaring.

There’s even fine print in relationships. We call them red flags, but you have to look out for them. My cousin once told me, “Whatever will end a relationship was perceptible on the first date, but it is only through hindsight that we can finally see it.”

Don’t learn by hindsight that you should’ve read the fine print.

Read it now... you’ll thank me later.

Robert Evans Wilson, Jr.is a personal empowerment author and speaker. He works with companies that want to be more competitive and with people who want to get more out of life via creative-thinking, critical-thinking, as well as, the ability to deal with change and fear. 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 Rob, please visit www.RobWilsonSpeaker.com.

VIRTUAL GROUPS 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: Sally Croker President & CEO Innovative Sponsorships

IFEA OPERATIONS VIRTUAL AFFINITY GROUP Moderated by: Becky Genoways, CFEE Program Specialist Genoways Event Management

Moderated by: Colleen Murphy, CFEE Director of Community Relations Des Moines Arts Festival

Moderated by: Ira Rosen, MA, CFEE, CED President & CEO ILR, LLC, Festival and Event Consulting

IFEA CITIES, CVB’S & TOURISM VIRTUAL AFFINITY GROUP Moderated by: Tammy Dooley, CFEE Director City of Granbury CVB

IFEA ARTS EVENTS VIRTUAL AFFINITY GROUP Moderated by: Stephen King, CFEE Executive Director Des Moines Arts Festival

Moderated by: Rebecca Phillips Recreation Program Super Richmond Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities

IFEA MARKETING & PR VIRTUAL AFFINITY GROUP Moderated by: Dave Bullard, CFEE Owner FanFirst

IFEA VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS VIRTUAL AFFINITY GROUP Moderated by: TaKeyia Dickens, CFEE Community Partnerships Specialist The Connector’s Lab

Moderated by: S. David Ramirez, CFEE Principal Consultant SDMRamirez, LLC

Moderated by: Samantha Mulvihill Volunteers Specialist, Shows The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

IFEA PARADES VIRTUAL AFFINITY GROUP Moderated by: Ed Bautista, CFEE Chief Creative and Strategic Officer Bautista Event Specialists Team

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.

IFEA GENERAL SESSION VIRTUAL AFFINITY GROUP Moderated by: Steve Schmader, CFEE President / CEO International Festivals & Events Association IFEA CEOs & SENIOR LEADERSHIP VIRTUAL AFFINITY GROUP Moderated by: Randy Dewitz, CFEE Owner Fanfare Attractions LLC

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

Nobody handles live event payroll better than us Successful payroll, workers’ comp, and employment support built for festivals, touring, and live events

We handle the paperwork. You handle the show.

Cast & Crew is the most trusted Employer of Record (EOR) in live entertainment. We manage payroll, workers’ compensation, and employment on your behalf, so your organization stays focused on what’s in front of the audience. Proud to deliver continued support to the community as a returning IFEA sponsor.

Proven Employer of Record

Seamless Payroll & Timekeeping

Full EOR services for live events, tours, and sports productions nationwide

Multi-state payroll, digital timecards, and year-end documents, all included

Comprehensive Workers’ Comp

Dedicated Experts

Every crew member fully covered, with claims handled by in-house live event experts

Real people who know your industry and your timelines

See why more festivals trust Cast & Crew. Talk to T.J. Sagen.

T.J. Sagen Director of Sports & Live Entertainment Sales

about.castandcrew.com/live-entertainment

EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHT

What year was your company established?

1962 How many employees does your company have?

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

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

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

A TURN KEY Parade content provider – Floats, balloons, costumes, specialty units.

Largest rental inventory In the industry. We can bring everything but the band!

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

Dynamic Displays Studios started in 1962 as a creative endeavor for James Thomson. Jim and his team designed, built and installed window displays for department stores and large outdoor decorations for cities and malls.

Over the past 6+ decades, Dynamic Displays has grown to become one of the world’s premiere providers of inflatable props for parades, amusement, stage sets and motion pictures.

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

Parade in a Box – a new way to lower or eliminate helium and staff cost What sets your product/ service apart from your competitors?

Better designs, Better Characters, Better Staff What advice would you offer to festivals and events searching for your type of product/service?

Give us a call. We are happy to brainstorm with you to find the best fit to help bring your event to the next level.

What is your company’s customer service philosophy?

At Fabulous Inflatables/ Dynamic Displays, we elevate community celebrations by delivering show-stopping parade balloons backed by seamless, stress-free service.

Uncompromising Quality: We provide flawlessly maintained, vibrant inflatables and Character balloons that command attention from the starting line to the final wave.

Exceptional Value: We maximize your investment by pairing premium products with complete, turnkey logistics - so you get the greatest impact for your budget.

Our Promise: To make spectacular events easy, reliable, and unforgettable.

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Stephen Thomson President

Fabulous Inflatables/ Dynamic Displays 6470 Wyoming Unit 2024 Dearborn, MI 48126 313-212-1298 steve@fabulousinflatables.com www.fabulousinflatables.com How many years have you been with your company?

36 Years What are your favorite festival foods?

Polish Sausage on a bun What do you like to do to relax?

Hang out with my 10 kids What is the name of the last business book you read?

A Tale of Three Kings

by Gene Edwards

THE DELIBERATE

MANAGER Seven Steps to Scheduling Yourself for Success

By Kate Zabriskie

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Most of us become managers because we excelled at our previous jobs, not because we had a grand vision for leadership. One day we’re individual contributors, and the next we’re juggling endless meetings, urgent emails, and last-minute crises while trying to develop our teams in whatever slivers of time we can find. Sound familiar?

Here’s the hard truth: great management doesn’t happen in the margins of your day. It requires deliberate time and attention. But here’s the good news — you don’t need a management degree to get it right. With a few practical steps, you can carve out the time to lead effectively and still keep your sanity.

Step One: Figure Out Where Your Time Actually Goes Before you can fix anything, you need to know what’s broken. Start by tracking your time for one week — every single thing you do, from impromptu hallway chats to late-night email marathons. Look honestly at how much time is going toward reactive firefighting, how much is lost to email and admin work, how much of your meeting time is actually productive, and how much of your day is spent in real, meaningful conversations with your team.

The results might be sobering. Many managers discover they’re dedicating little to no time to actual leadership. That’s okay.

This exercise isn’t about guilt; it’s about identifying the problem so you can fix it.

Ask yourself: Where am I spending time that doesn’t align with my priorities as a manager?

Step Two: Block Your Calendar Like You Mean It Once you know where your time is going, it’s time to reclaim it. Treat management time as non-negotiable, just like a critical client meeting or a project deadline. That means blocking time for weekly planning (30 to 60 minutes to review priorities and get organized), brief daily check-ins with yourself each morning, regular one-on-ones with each team member, and dedicated space for team development.

One-on-ones in particular deserve a standing spot on your calendar, not just a slot you fill when something goes wrong.

The same goes for team development, whether that’s a workshop, a group discussion, or time to share skills across the team.

Ask yourself: Is my calendar reflecting my role as a leader, or am I letting other priorities take over?

Step Three: Learn to Let Go You can’t do it all, and you shouldn’t try.

Delegation isn’t about offloading work you don’t want to do. It’s about empowering your team while freeing up your own time to focus on higher-level priorities. Before you delegate, think through a few things: What tasks are you currently doing that someone else could handle? Who on your team is ready for more responsibility?

Are you providing clear instructions and expectations? And how will you check progress without micromanaging?

Done well, delegation is one of the most powerful tools in a manager’s toolkit. It builds capability on your team and gives you back the time you need to lead.

Ask yourself: Am I delegating effectively, or am I holding on to tasks my team could manage?

Step Four: Stop Playing Whacka-Mole with Problems Reactive management is a time and energy drain. It’s like bailing water out of a boat without plugging the leak — you stay busy but never make real progress.

The antidote is proactive management: looking for patterns in recurring problems, building systems or processes to prevent issues from arising in the first place, and fostering a culture where team members feel safe raising concerns early, before they become crises.

This shift takes time to build, but it pays dividends. Every fire you prevent is time you get to spend actually leading.

Ask yourself: Am I spending more time fixing problems or preventing them?

Step Five: Make Development Conversations Count Conversations about growth aren’t just nice to have. They’re essential for your team’s success and, over time, for reducing your own workload. When your team is developing their skills, fewer fires land on your desk.

Come to one-on-ones prepared. Review recent work, know your team members’ goals, and ask about their aspirations and challenges. Set clear, actionable next steps and follow up on them — show that these conversations aren’t just lip service.

Fall 2026

At the team level, encourage peer learning, share skills across the group, and give stretch assignments that challenge people without overwhelming them.

Ask yourself: Am I dedicating enough time to helping my team grow?

Step Six: Guard Your Time Your time is one of your most valuable resources, and it’s your job to protect it.

Let your team know when you’re available and when you need uninterrupted focus time. Clearly define what counts as an emergency, set boundaries for interruptions, and train your team to handle certain situations on their own.

This isn’t about being inaccessible.

It’s about being intentional so that when you are present, you can give your full attention to what matters most.

Ask yourself: Am I setting and enforcing boundaries that allow me to focus on high-priority work?

Step Seven: Check Your Progress Regularly Management is a constant learning process, and regular self-assessment is essential. Schedule time to reflect on what’s working, what isn’t, and what needs to change. Are you consistently holding to your management time? Is your team performing better? Do you feel more in control, or are you still overwhelmed?

These questions don’t have permanent answers — check in on them often.

The Last Idea Becoming a better manager isn’t about working more hours or saying yes to everything. It’s about being intentional with your time and energy. Start small. Block time for one-on-ones. Carve out 30 minutes each week for planning. Build from there.

Your team doesn’t need another firefighter. They need a leader who knows how to manage time, build trust, and drive progress. The first step is deciding to be deliberate about it.

Ask yourself: What’s the first thing you’re going to block time for this week?

Kate Zabriskie is the president of Business Training Works, Inc., a Virginia-based talent development firm. She and her team provide onsite, virtual, and online soft-skills training courses and workshops to clients in the United States and internationally. For more information, visit www.businesstrainingworks.com.

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BUILT TO LAST: SMARTER EVENT SUSTAINABILITY THE EVENTS THAT WILL LAST

(AND THE ONES THAT WON’T)

I

f you’ve been in events long enough, you know—there’s always something to solve. Budgets, logistics, weather, staffing… the list goes on.

What we’re seeing across the industry now is a shift in what events are being asked to solve for. It’s not just “can we produce a great event?” It’s “can we do it efficiently, responsibly, and in a way that keeps people—attendees, sponsors, and the community—wanting us back?”

The good news? You don’t have to be the biggest event on the calendar to get this right.

A Changing Definition of “Success” For a long time, success in events was measured by attendance, ticket sales, and sponsor revenue. Those things still matter—they always will.

But now, there are additional expectations layered in: • Attendees expect a smooth, thoughtful experience • Sponsors want meaningful engagement and measurable impact • Communities expect events to operate responsibly within their spaces This isn’t about trends. It’s about how events continue to operate in a landscape where expectations—and costs—are shifting.

Across the industry, producers are already feeling it: • Rising hauling and disposal costs • Pressure to reduce waste and clean up faster • Sponsors asking for more than logo placement • Communities paying closer attention to noise, traffic, and impact These aren’t separate challenges. They’re connected. And how events respond to them will define which ones continue to grow—and which ones struggle to keep up.

It’s Not About Size—It’s About Decisions Let’s be clear—large festivals and events will continue to dominate in many ways. Scale brings advantages. But scale doesn’t automatically mean efficiency. And it doesn’t guarantee a better experience.

What the industry continues to show is this: The events that operate well—consistently—are the ones making thoughtful decisions about how things run behind the scenes.

That includes: • How materials are purchased, used, and disposed of • How water and energy are managed on site • How vendors are selected and supported • How the event shows up in the community These decisions don’t require a massive budget. They require clarity, planning, and alignment. And when they’re done well, they create something every event is looking for: • Smoother operations • Stronger sponsor alignment • Better attendee experience • More positive relationship with the host community 32

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Where Sustainability Fits In (Without Overcomplicating It) Sustainability can feel like a big, loaded word. But at its core, it’s simply a way of thinking about how events operate—through the lens of people, planet, and profit - not as separate initiatives, but as part of everyday decisions.

• People: Creating an experience that is accessible, welcoming, and beneficial to the community • Planet: Managing materials, water, and energy in a way that reduces unnecessary impact • Profit: Making smart choices that support financial stability, sponsor value, and long-term viability.

When you look at it this way, sustainability stops being an “extra” and becomes part of how a well-run event functions.

From the Field It’s common to attend or hear about events where sustainability is technically “included”—recycling bins are in place, signage is posted, and composting may even be available. And still, at the end of the day, everything ends up in the trash. Not because people don’t care. Because the system doesn’t work.

Bins aren’t placed where people naturally stop, signage isn’t clear and there’s no one around to ask “what goes where?”.

Vendors are using materials that don’t match what the hauler accepts and align with the event’s goals.

That’s not a sustainability failure, it’s an operational one.

Why This Matters Now Events don’t operate in a vacuum. They rely on: • Public spaces • Local infrastructure • Community support • Sponsor investment When operations are thoughtful—when waste is managed well, when energy use is intentional, when community impact is considered—it shows. Cleaner grounds. Shorter lines. Better flow. Less friction.

Attendees notice. Sponsors notice. Communities notice. And those impressions matter when it comes to: • Ticket sales • Renewals • Permits • Partnerships, and • Long-term growth One Smart Move If you’re not sure where to start, don’t start with everything.

Start with one area that is both: • Visible to your attendees, and • Manageable for your team to execute well This is what we often call “low-hanging fruit”—simple, high-impact changes that improve operations and give you something you can build on.

WITH JEN MARHENKE

The goal isn’t to get it perfect the first time. It’s to start with something you can implement, learn from, and refine over time to drive ongoing improvements.

What This Looks Like One event looking to improve waste diversion didn’t overhaul their entire operation—they focused on people.

They built a “Green Team” of volunteers, working alongside sponsors and community members who were passionate about the event’s zero waste goals. These volunteers staffed waste stations, interacted with attendees, and helped guide behavior in real time—all while being part of the festival atmosphere.

The result: • Cleaner waste streams • Better attendee participation • Stronger sponsor alignment, and • An engaged volunteer experience And the primary cost? A t-shirt and admission.

Their waste hauling partner was also integral—confirming accepted materials, supporting the system design, and helping track results. It’s a good reminder that partnerships and alignment matter just as much as the plan itself.

Built to Last The events that will last aren’t necessarily the biggest or the most resourced. They’re the ones paying attention. The

ones making intentional choices about how they operate. The ones willing to adjust, test, and improve. The ones thinking not just about this year—but about what makes the event stronger over time.

That’s what “built to last” really means.

Looking Ahead In the next column, we’ll take a closer look at what smart events are doing differently—and how small, practical changes in areas like waste, water, energy, and partnerships can make a measurable difference without overcomplicating your operation.

Jen Marhenke is the Director of Sustainability with Rico Solutions, working with event producers across the country to develop practical, scalable approaches to sustainability. With over 20 years in event production, she specializes in helping events improve operations, align with sponsors, and create measurable impact through realistic, data-informed strategies. For more information about Rico Solutions, go to: https://ricosolutions.com/. To contact Jen directly, Email: jen@ricosolutions.com.

Fall 2026

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

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OPERATIONS & RISK MANAGEMENT FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (MDT) Presented by: Ira L. Rosen, MA, CFEE, CED - CEO Ira L. Rosen, LLC, Festival & Event Consulting IFEA Foundation Board Member Philadelphia, PA, USA

NON-SPONSORSHIP REVENUE PROGRAMS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (MDT) Presented by: Becky Genoways, CFEE President Genoways Events Rockford, IL, USA

PROJECT MANAGEMENT Sunday, October 4, 2026 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (MDT) Presented by: Ira L. Rosen, MA, CFEE, CED - CEO Ira L. Rosen, LLC, Festival & Event Consulting IFEA Foundation Board Member Philadelphia, PA, 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 & Sponsor Service; Marketing & Media Relations; Administration & Management; Administration & Management;

and Marketing & Media Relations; 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, cfee@ifea.com

• Decades of event security experience • Proven event production partners • Event security management nationwide • Full event security resource provider • Security staff & event staff • Weapons screening technology • Camera trailers • Traffic & crowd control resources

EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHT

What year was your company established?

Established in 2012.

How many employees does your company have?

We have between 80-100 employees.

What areas do you serve with your product/service? atVenu powers live event commerce for festivals, venues, stadiums, arenas, amphitheaters, performing arts centers, fairs, and special events across North America, Europe, Latin America, and other international markets.

How many festivals and events do you work with on an annual basis? atVenu powers more than 150,000 live events annually, supporting 500+ festivals, 785+ venues, and 41,000+ artists and sports teams around the world.

What is your ‘elevator pitch’ and/or slogan about your product/service? atVenu is an enterprise commerce platform built for live events, combining POS, inventory, analytics, settlements, and mobile ordering in one flexible solution designed for festivals, venues, stadiums, and tours.

Powering 150,000+ events annually, atVenu helps organizers increase revenue, improve efficiency, and deliver better experiences.

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

Founded in 2012 by Ben Brannen, Derek Ball, and James Seigel, atVenu created the first purpose-built platform for live event merchandising and settlements.

Today, atVenu powers 150,000+ events annually, processing over $2 billion in transactions for artists, venues, and festivals worldwide.

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What new or improved product/service do you have to offer that IFEA audiences need to know about? atVenu gives event organizers real-time visibility into sales, inventory, and performance from a single dashboard, helping them make faster operational decisions during live events.

Automated settlements, POS tools, and reporting simplify reconciliation, reduce manual work, and improve transparency for organizers, vendors, artists, and attendees.

What sets your product/ service apart from your competitors? atVenu is built for live events, allowing organizers to scale hardware and software needs from small events to large productions without unnecessary costs.

Real-time insights, automated settlements, and centralized management help teams streamline operations, improve transparency, and enhance fan experiences.

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

Don’t choose a platform based solely on price or processing rates. Evaluate the total operational value it provides.

The right event platform should replace multiple tools, provide real-time visibility, simplify reconciliation, and create new revenue opportunities. The best investment is the one that delivers the greatest return across your operation.

What is your company’s customer service philosophy?

Live events don’t have second chances.

Our customer success team provides expert support before, during, and after every event, helping troubleshoot issues, optimize workflows, and keep operations running smoothly.

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Collette Ingalls Head of Marketing

atVenu 927 Calle Negocio, Suite J San Clemente, CA 92673 USA 206-375-0284 collette@atvenu.com www.atvenu.com How many years have you been with your company?

7 years What are your favorite festival foods?

Corn dogs, fresh homemade lemonade, kettle corn, and soft serve ice cream!

What do you like to do to relax?

Walks with my family, movie nights, & lounging What is the name of the last business book you read?

It Starts With Why What is the name of the last movie you watched?

Shrek (obviously not for the first time)

www.ricosolutions.com

Event Planning for a Better Tomorrow KNOWLEDGEABLE & RELIABLE Rico Solutions collaborates with event producers to elevate their operations with a clear focus on sustainability, reducing environmental impact and optimizing efficiency at every step.

Our Sustainable Impact

Community Boost

Smart Spending:

Brand Reputation

Future-Proofing

We enjoy working with local organizations that support under-represented groups.

Cutting waste often means cutting costs. It's a win-win for your budget and the planet.

Consumers care about sustainability.

Show them you do, too, and watch your brand value grow.

As regulations tighten, events working towards sustainability are ahead of the curve.

Innovation Driver

Employee Engagement

Resource Optimization

Eco-Leadership

Sustainability challenges spark creative solutions. Your event could pioneer the next big idea in event production.

People want to work for companies that care. Sustainable events can boost staff morale and attract top talent.

Efficient resource management cuts costs, reduces impact, and supports sustainable event delivery.

Position your event as a leader in sustainability. Inspire others to adopt green practices and set the standard for the industry.

Who Can We Help?

Sporting Events Cultural Festivals Corporate and Civic Events

How Can We Help?

If you're hosting and event and want to make it count, we can help.

info@ricosolutions.com

What Happens When a Forklift Company Gives Thunder a Lift?

By Jeff English, CFEE

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I received an email that both surprised and confused me.

“KDF needs 30 forklifts.”

The email came from April Zik, Vice President of Events at the Kentucky Derby Festival. April and I worked together for years when I served as Senior Vice President of Administration and General Counsel at KDF from 2007 to 2020.

Today, I’m General Counsel for CLARK Material Handling Company, the company that invented the forklift in 1917.

My response was immediate.

“The U.S. Army doesn’t need 30 forklifts.”

As it turns out, KDF really did.

For those unfamiliar with Thunder Over Louisville, the Second Street Bridge isn’t just another launch location. It’s part of the show’s identity. When fireworks race across the bridge, creating a wall of light over the Ohio River, it produces one of the most recognizable images in the event industry.

Without the bridge, Thunder is still a great fireworks show.

With the bridge, Thunder becomes Thunder.

This year, that signature effect was in jeopardy. The eastern sidewalk of the Second Street Bridge is closed to pedestrian traffic and is not intended to support additional weight. Unfortunately, that’s exactly where the fireworks needed to be

positioned to create the bridge effect. What followed was a lesson in collaboration.

CLARK hosted a meeting at our Louisville facility that brought together representatives from KDF, CLARK, Zambelli Fireworks, Millennium Events, Suburban Towing, and C&H Audio Visual. Led by Zach Fischer, KDF’s Vice President of Events, the group tackled a challenge that had been discussed for more than a year: how do we safely place fireworks over a sidewalk that can’t support the equipment needed to launch them? The meeting gave us an opportunity to test and refine the leading concept.

CLARK would position 30 forklifts on the roadway portion of the bridge, with specially designed platforms extending over the closed sidewalk. The platforms would allow the fireworks launch equipment to effectively hover over the area without placing weight directly on the sidewalk itself. We spent the day reviewing the design, walking through the logistics, and evaluating the operational and safety considerations. By the end of the meeting, we had confidence that the plan could work.

And on show night, it did.

The bridge lit up. Fireworks raced across the span. The iconic Thunder image was preserved. Hundreds of thousands of attendees enjoyed the experience they had come to expect, and most never knew a fleet of forklifts was

quietly helping make it happen.

That’s probably the highest compliment an event professional can receive.

The bridge project also reinforced something I learned during my years at KDF: the best sponsorship activations aren’t really sponsorships at all.

In addition to the bridge project, CLARK purchased 50 tickets to the They’re Off! Luncheon, hosted two suites at the Galt House during Thunder, and spent the weekend hosting customers, dealers, and partners. Guests experienced Thunder firsthand while seeing how CLARK equipment had become part of the show itself. The activation extended well beyond the event site. A single behind-the-scenes CLARK TikTok featuring the bridge project generated more than 765,000 impressions, while Thunder-related content produced more than 1.1 million views across CLARK’s social media platforms!

But the real success wasn’t measured in views. It was measured in partnership. A forklift manufacturer, a fireworks company, an event organizer, production vendors, towing company, and community partners came together to solve a problem and preserve a tradition. In many ways, that’s the spirit of the Kentucky Derby Festival at its best.

At the 71st Annual IFEA Convention & Expo, I’ll share more about this project and discuss how sponsors and event organizers can build activations that go beyond logos and signage. Because sometimes the best activation starts with an email that leaves you scratching your head.

“KDF needs 30 forklifts.”

Jeff English, CFEE is the General Counsel at CLARK Material Handling Company and former Senior Vice President of Administration and General Counsel at the Kentucky Derby Festival.

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EVENTS INTERFACE

WITH S. DAVID RAMIREZ, CFEE

CYBER RISK IS EVENT RISK:

A

TEN CYBERSECURITY CHECKS FOR EVENT ORGANIZATIONS

I has changed the threat landscape in a fundamental way. Anyone with bad intentions and an internet connection can now execute a cyberattack. Technical expertise is no longer a barrier to entry. The question is no longer whether your organization is a target. It is whether you have made yourself a harder one than the next organization on the list.

Organizations in our own industry have been phished. Not small, disorganized operations. Well-run shops with experienced staff who clicked something that looked legitimate. One credential. One moment of distraction. That is all it takes.

Most cyberattacks succeed because of basic, preventable failures. These 10 action items address the most common ones.

storing them in a spreadsheet or notes app. There have been instances where people have broken into offices and, in addition to stealing items, also gained access to software.

Implementing an organization-wide password management tool solves a lot of headaches. These tools will generate strong unique passwords, store them securely, and allow passwords to be shared safely among team members. There’s always some inertia in implementing a tool like this, but the goal is to have lower friction and higher security with your passwords.

Introductory tools like Bitwarden have free tiers and scale relatively inexpensively. 1Password and LastPass have stronger centralized control for bigger teams.

You should also encourage staff to use a password manager in their day-to-day life. People frequently use the same password across professional and personal accounts. Someone gaining access to your work email should also not be given access to your water bill. Some of these password tools allow for a personal folder and a professional folder, which means you can also increase the security of your staff outside of the office.

1. Phishing Training Phishing is a type of social engineering attack that we’ve increasingly seen target event organizations. Criminals will impersonate trusted organizations or individuals to trick victims into clicking on links, revealing sensitive information, or providing direct access to systems and credentials. This type of attack can be hard to protect against because it relies on human trust rather than the exploitation of technical vulnerabilities.

There are multiple types of common phishing tactics including email phishing where an operator sends fraudulent emails with malicious links or attachments, smishing where the activities are conducted by SMS or text message, vishing where attackers call people directly, or spear phishing where a specific high-value target like an executive director receives customized messaging to gain access to their credentials or systems.

There are simple ways to protect yourself: always verify an email’s sender, never click links without ensuring they go to expected URLs, and turn on multifactor authentication. At an organizational level, phishing training should happen annually if not quarterly.

There are free and low-cost starting points like Google’s phishing quiz. If you have budget to allocate to this, KnowBe4 and Proofpoint (or similar products) can be deployed across an organization.

Larger-scale municipalities and organizations may want to explore products like Ninjio for more intensive training and tracking.

IT departments may also want to send out test emails to see if people are clicking or downloading things that they are not supposed to. This shouldn’t be for a gotcha moment. This is about building muscle memory around cybersecurity resilience.

3. Two-Factor Authentication and Multifactor Authentication (2FA/MFA) Multifactor authentication adds an additional step to gain access to a system. Most of us are familiar with two-factor authentication that uses a text message code. There are also authenticator apps, like Google Authenticator, which can be faster and more secure than text messages, especially if teams are remote and may not have consistent access to SMS messages.

Larger organizations may want to look into something like Duo, which is a phone app that sends a push notification as the second factor. That push notification is also logged centrally, so an administrator could see if a push approval is routed through a location where that staff member is not actually present.

Any tool containing personally identifiable information, or any tool whose loss of access would be majorly disruptive, should be the first place to implement 2FA. This includes email, financial platforms, registration and ticketing systems, CRMs, and anything touching payment or attendee data.

MFA/2FA is an additional step that can sometimes be inconvenient. But that inconvenience is minor compared to a data breach.

2. Password Management I get it. Events require an entire constellation of software systems and tools to effectively operate. Each one of them has a separate login and password. Some require monthly password updates and keeping all those passwords in your head feels like an impossible task. But effective password management is vital when so much of our operational capacity is tied to the use of these tools.

Password hygiene is important. Teams should not be reusing passwords, storing them on sticky notes or in notebooks, or

4. Vendor Access and Offboarding Event organizations often share access with a rotating cast of contractors, volunteers, and vendors. That is a normal part of the current event staffing landscape. The danger happens when these organizations do not manage who retains access to systems after the event ends.

An access audit should be conducted annually, if not after every major event. Create a list of everyone with login credentials to your systems and determine whether they still need them. If you

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have a long-term contract with an agency or vendor, it may be fine for them to maintain access for review or planning purposes in the off-season. In some cases, you may want to downgrade some of these year-round vendors to viewer-only or analyst-only access.

Build offboarding into your standard post-event wrap-up.

Revoking access should be as commonplace as managing equipment returns. Unmanaged access is a vulnerable surface because dormant credentials are rarely top of mind.

5. Access Controls Continuing the theme of access control, not everyone on your team needs access to everything. Access should be segmented by role and intentionally used to limit exposure. Admin-level access should be given to as few people as possible and those accounts should have the highest security requirements.

When staff roles change, or if someone leaves, access should be updated on the same day. This needs to be written into staff and volunteer offboarding processes. This is the same security hygiene that you would have about giving people keys to an office.

6. Data Handling (Including AI) Event organizations collect massive amounts of data: payment information, attendee data, volunteer details, donor records.

Organizations should know where data lives, who can access it, and what various software systems actually do with the data. Can a CRM use your data without your permission, perhaps as part of an opt-in that you didn’t read in the end-user licensing agreement?

This is particularly important given the amount of AI that is being incorporated into daily workflows. Many teams are feeding attendee lists, budgets, and internal documents into ChatGPT without realizing that this data may be used for model training or stored externally.

This is where an organizational license to tools like Claude or ChatGPT is important. Setting security standards at an administrative level provides a greater degree of protection than relying on staff and volunteers to manage their usage. Organizational licenses also mean your data is not used for model training, which is not guaranteed under individual plans.

The minimum standard should be that you would not put anything into a free or low-cost AI tool that you would not post publicly on social media.

7. Backup and Recovery Nonprofits and civic organizations are being targeted with ransomware. Ransomware is malicious software that locks down computer systems, rendering them unusable until ransom is paid.

This attack strategy is most effective against organizations that have no backup to restore from. Events are especially susceptible since during our peak planning season, we’re often too busy to run major backups. The time sensitivity of an event puts pressure on organizations to pay out and regain access.

Cybersecurity experts recommend a 3-2-1 rule. There should be three copies of your data on two different types of media with one stored off-site or off-cloud. For example, you may have data stored on a physical shared drive, in the cloud, and on an individual device, which would satisfy this rule.

You should be conducting an annual test of backups. Data may be backed up, but do you know what a full restoration requires when you are locked out of systems? You should not be figuring out how to do that restoration in the middle of an event. Have a plan.

Many cloud platforms like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 have backup options built in as part of organizational subscriptions. These must be configured and are often not turned on by default. Check with staff to ensure they are

using these backup systems. This will help protect against something as dramatic as a cyberattack, and something as mundane as someone spilling a soda on a computer, which can have an equally disruptive outcome if that data is not saved off-device somewhere.

8. Device Care and Hygiene Sometimes cybersecurity reviews focus exclusively on software, when physical devices are an equally vulnerable attack vector. Basic device hygiene can be extremely effective in deterring bad actors and reducing risk. Regularly restarting computers and pushing software updates immediately are simple and no-cost ways to make devices more secure.

Devices of all types should have lock screens and auto-lock timeouts, especially at events where they could be easily accessed by the public. Using enhanced passcodes like Face ID or fingerprint unlock can also strengthen security without adding one more password to the mix.

USB devices and cables continue to be popular methods for attack. Staff and volunteers should be briefed and have annual training about their dangers. Never accept USBs or cables from strangers. Never plug unknown USBs or cables into computers or phones. Some organizations have gone as far as to put in moratoriums on accepting USBs or charging devices from trade show exhibitors.

9. Public Wi-Fi and VPNs Event operations run on venue Wi-Fi, which is often public and unencrypted. Any device processing payments, accessing donor records, or logging into organizational accounts should not be doing so on a public Wi-Fi system without protection. Use of a virtual private network (VPN) encrypts the connection even when on open, vulnerable networks. There is a myriad of VPN tools available for free or at low cost. NordVPN and ExpressVPN are popular consumer products.

Even outside of event day, staff should be mindful of what networks they are connecting to. They should be using a VPN when working from coffee shops or airports. A layer of protection should be used anytime systems are accessed on a public network. In some cases, issuing a mobile hotspot or encouraging hotspotting from a phone can be a better default than using public Wi-Fi for sensitive operations.

10. Cybersecurity Insurance Events carry all sorts of insurance coverage: rain insurance, fireworks insurance, drone insurance, pig racing insurance. Is cybersecurity insurance in that mix? A good cyber insurance plan covers the costs related to a breach, including the response, legal notification requirements, recovery, and in some cases ransom payments. These incidents are generally not covered by your general liability insurance.

Event organizers should speak with their insurance agents to review whether their existing policy covers any cyber incidents and where there are gaps that may need to be filled. Insurance underwriters are increasingly requiring basic hygiene practices and may audit whether there has been a minimum amount of training, backups, and multifactor authentication before making a payout.

Implementing these practices may also reduce the cost of a plan.

Everyone Is Vulnerable to Cyber Risk Event organizations getting breached aren’t negligent. They’re understaffed and running at capacity, which is the normal operating state for most of us in peak season. Cybercriminals Continued on Page 88

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EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHT

What year was your company established?

Established in Calgary in 2014 How many employees does your company have?

Approximately 100 employees today What areas do you serve with your product/service?

Showpass serves event organizers nationally across Canada and internationally, with a growing presence in the US and beyond, supporting over 30,000 organizers worldwide.

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

Showpass partners with tens of thousands of events annually, from intimate local shows to large-scale music festivals, sports events, food and drink festivals, and performing arts.

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

Showpass is the operating system for independent live events, giving organizers one platform to manage ticketing, marketing, operations, analytics, and onsite experiences.

At SumoFest, Showpass powered a sold-out event with 10,000+ attendees by streamlining ticketing, managing capacity, and providing real-time insights that helped a lean team deliver an exceptional fan experience.

More than software, Showpass is a trusted partner helping organizers create successful, unforgettable events.

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

Founded in 2014 in Calgary, Alberta, Showpass has grown from a local ticketing platform into a leading event technology company serving independent organizers across North America. With more than 175 million tickets issued, Showpass provides integrated solutions for ticketing, market44

ing, operations, analytics, and financing, and has been recognized by Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50 and The Globe and Mail’s Canada’s Top Growing Companies.

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

Showpass introduces Showsense and Showire, two tools helping organizers book smarter and grow stronger events.

Showsense provides artist insights, audience data, and market trends to improve booking decisions, while Showire offers upfront funding for event expenses with repayment through ticket sales.

Together, they give organizers the intelligence and financial flexibility to create more successful events.

What sets your product/ service apart from your competitors?

Showpass is built for organizers, not buyers.

Our platform helps independent events manage ticketing, reporting, fan experience, and smarter booking decisions with Showsense. As an independent company, we build quickly and put organizers first.

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

Choose a partner, not just a platform. Look beyond the demo: how does the team respond when things go wrong on event day? Talk to organizers who have used it under real pressure. The technology matters, but the people behind it matter just as much.

What is your company’s customer service philosophy?

We don’t believe in ticket-and-forget. Our team stays with you before the on-sale, through the campaign, and on event day.

When something comes up, you reach someone who knows your account. That’s how we work.

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

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Laura MacFarlane Marketing & Communications Coordinator

Showpass 8500 Macleod Trl Unit 350N Calgary, Alberta, T2H 2N1, Canada 403-470-3212 laura.macfarlane@showpass.com showpass.com How many years have you been with your company?

Fourteen years, and still building.

What are your favorite festival foods?

Anything handheld, messy, and worth lining up for: tacos, nachos, or poutine.

What do you like to do to relax?

I like being outside, usually gardening or mowing the lawn. It sounds boring, but that’s kind of the point.

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

Take It Personal: How to Succeed

by Building Relationships and Playing the Long Game Book by David Grutman What is the name of the last movie you watched?

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

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Stop Blaming the Economy: Five Ways Smart Business Owners Control in Any Market

By Melissa Willis

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IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

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Smart business owners focus on what they CAN control rather than worrying about what they CAN’T control. No amount of pacing and handwringing will change the current economy nor the pace of inflation. While it might be tempting to keep lamenting about what’s not working, business owners whose doors will stay open will be putting on blinders and tracking ways to win.

Here are five ways you can take control of key areas in your business without spending ANY additional money on staffing, marketing, or advertising.

1. Take Control of Pricing and Stop Discounting Everywhere you turn, prices are going up. The cost of supplies rises almost daily.

When small businesses are talking about raising prices, it invokes the type of fear you felt as a child when you thought there were monsters under the bed.

If a business hasn’t raised its prices in two or more years, it is past time. More importantly, there should never be an apology with a price increase. No grocery store on the planet puts a little note next to the butter saying, “Sorry about that extra 50 cents, we had no choice.” You noticed it, and you put it in the basket anyway.

Now, about that discounting that business owners think “gets people in the door.” Stop doing that. Instead of a discount, what can you offer that has a high perceived value and goes with the purchase? Think cosmetic companies with their crowd-pleasing “gift with purchase” or a caterer offering a free dessert with the purchase of a family meal pack. Low cost, high value. Scrap those discounts and add value. Everyone likes “free.”

2. Expense Clarity Tough markets don’t create inefficiencies; they shine an interrogation light on them.

This is the time to put your P & L under a microscope. Where can you make some changes? Here are some areas to consider: employee redundancy, cost of supplies, shop your insurance, shop other services like internet, cell phone, and other regular expenses. Negotiate with your vendors. Ask if they would be willing to offer you better pricing if you sign a yearlong contract instead of a month-to-month agreement. This will take a bit of time,

but it could add up to big savings. One final note about expenses: many business owners use Amazon to purchase supplies, and they also veer off into other areas when they need personal items, too. “We need printer paper, and I also need paper towels for the house.” Keep personal and professional purchases separate by using different cards to pay for them.

3. There’s More Business in Your Existing Customer Base If you have a business with 1,000 customers and you add on a new product or service that costs $50, with only half of your customers taking advantage of this new offer, you’ve added $25,000 in revenue.

Who better to make an offer to than the folks who already know, like, and trust you?

The point here is that many businesses offer multiple services, but the majority of their customers only use one or two of them. How many times do you “make the sale” and stop asking if the customer needs or wants anything else? 34% of customers will spend more money at checkout time IF ASKED. Most business owners and sales professionals don’t ask.

Take a good, long look at your current customers or clients. What else can you offer them to be of service and give more value, and at the same time, make more money for yourself? The same fear that keeps business owners from raising prices also keeps business owners and sales professionals from asking, “Would you like fries with that?” We may not be offering fries, but you get the idea. Upsell and cross-sell. You’ll thank yourself later.

4. Follow-up and Conversion are Grossly Underutilized How many businesses go to the trouble of preparing a quote or a proposal for a prospect and then never follow up? Over 50% never follow up at all. The fortune is in the follow-up. That is an uncomfortable Fall 2026

truth. Money is left on the proverbial table more often than it is picked up. Without a system in place for follow-ups, they will likely never happen. Create a system that makes all those proposals turn into closed deals.

Studies show that it takes 8-12 contacts to even have a meaningful conversation with a prospect, much less close a sale. You might be surprised to learn how often people say, “I tried to call twice and then gave up.” You never know what is going on with a prospect behind the scenes. There could be someone who really needs you, and you gave up. Don’t give up.

5. Know Your Numbers Business owners often leave the numbers to the bookkeeper and the accountant. Business owners must know their numbers. How can one track growth or address issues without knowing the numbers? While it is often said by many an accountant, “Let us worry about your numbers so you can run your business,” that often leaves the business owner in the dark, and problems become unwanted surprises. Consider monthly meetings with the bookkeeper and/or the accountant.

The numbers are a clear indicator of how the business is running, and the owner should be up to speed in all aspects of the business. An unexpected benefit of knowing the numbers is the confidence that comes with it. A business owner will feel more in control of the business when there is financial visibility.

The bottom line here is that focusing on what you can control versus worrying about what you can’t control will put your business on a path to success and prosperity. Making small changes every day will lead to big improvements in every business and will diminish the overcast economic conditions.

Melissa Willis is a coach and consultant who has helped owners and sales professionals over her career. Melissa can shine a light on the areas that need the most work while acknowledging what has been successful. Specializing in profit acceleration and communication styles, Melissa helps businesses make more money and keep more of it. If you’d like a complimentary 15-minute profit acceleration call with Melissa, reach out here: https:// melissawilliscoaching.com/

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

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THE SPONSOR DOC

WITH BRUCE L. ERLEY, APR, CFEE

DON’T LET SOMEONE ELSE’S CONTROVERSY

BECOME YOUR SPONSOR’S PROBLEM Dear Sponsor Doc: It seems like every week another company, entertainer, athlete, or public figure is making headlines because of something they posted, reposted, attended, or said.

As festival and event organizers, we’re surrounded by performers, volunteers, board members, vendors, sponsors, and community partners who all have their own opinions and social media presence. We don’t want to police personal beliefs, but we also don’t want our event—or our sponsors—drawn into someone else’s controversy. How do we protect our partnerships while remaining authentic?

– Concerned About Protecting Our Brand Dear Concerned:

One of the greatest values festivals and events provide is something that’s becoming increasingly uncommon: they bring people together.

People attend your event to celebrate music, food, culture, heritage, sport, art, or community. Sponsors invest for exactly the same reason. They want their brands associated with joy, connection, shared experiences, and community pride, not the latest social media controversy.

Today, however, sponsorship extends far beyond banners, booths, and stage announcements. Increasingly, sponsors view your social media channels as an important part of the sponsorship package. They want to tell stories, celebrate volunteers, highlight community impact, showcase memorable moments, and connect their brand with the mission and spirit of your event.

In many cases, those digital impressions have become just as valuable as the onsite exposure itself.

That makes your social media presence part of your sponsorship inventory.

Unfortunately, it also creates new risks.

Your event’s reputation is no longer shaped only by what happens during the festival. It can be influenced by a performer’s Instagram story, a volunteer’s Facebook post, an emcee’s comments, a board member’s repost, or an organization sharing someone else’s political opinion. Whether fair or not, the public often connects those actions to the event, and by extension, to the sponsors supporting it.

One of the best philosophies I can offer is simple: Be Switzerland.

Every event eventually gets invited into someone else’s controversy. A performer makes headlines. A sponsor faces criticism.

A local issue divides the community. Social media pressures 48

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everyone to “pick a side.”

Unless the issue directly affects public safety, your attendees, or your organization’s mission, resist the temptation.

Neutrality isn’t weakness. It’s leadership.

Your role is to create common ground, not another battleground.

Here are a few practical ways to protect both your event and your sponsorship program: • Keep official channels mission-focused. Your event’s social media should celebrate sponsors, attendees, volunteers, performers, and the experience itself. Ask whether every post reinforces your mission or distracts from it.

• Establish expectations before opening day. Staff, volunteers, board members, contractors, entertainers, and anyone posting on behalf of the event should understand your communications philosophy. You’re not asking people to change their beliefs.

You’re asking them to recognize when they are representing the event.

• Think before you repost. Sharing someone else’s content can easily be interpreted as an endorsement. Before clicking “share,” ask yourself whether the content advances your event’s mission or simply inserts your organization into someone else’s debate.

• Create a response plan. Not every controversy deserves a public statement. Decide in advance who speaks for the organization, when it’s appropriate to respond, and when silence is the better strategy.

Remember your sponsors are buying association, not just visibility. Every post, photograph, video, and story either strengthens or weakens the emotional connection your sponsors hope to build with your audience.

Continued on Page 88

MEMBER BENEFIT EXCITING NEWS! We are thrilled to unveil the latest initiative aimed at providing even greater value to our members by introducing our partnership with Oracle NetSuite!

NetSuite serves tens of thousands of customers to help satisfy omnichannel shoppers with a unified financial system covering inventory and order management, ecommerce, CRM and marketing, and more!

Our partnership provides the IFEA community with the chance to secure preferred pricing on NetSuite SaaS licensing.

ASSOCIATION ENDORSED PARTNER

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, CFEE, Director of Partnerships & Programs (208) 433-0950 x8120 or partnerships@ifea.com

EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHT

What year was your company established?

1938 How many employees does your company have?

90 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 52

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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Christina Ramirez Producer

Haas & Wilkerson Insurance 4300 Shawnee Mission Parkway Fairway, KS 66205 913.676.9345 christina.ramirez@hwins.com www.hwins.com How many years have you been with your company?

20 Years What are your favorite festival foods?

Funnel Cake What do you like to do to relax?

Watch my chickens frolic What is the name of the last business book you read?

Successful Women Think Differently What is the name of the last movie you watched?

To Kill a Mockingbird (I love some TCM)

PRESSURE Creates Progress: Every Challenge Leaves Something Behind

By Amanda Weckbacher

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In municipal event planning, challenges are not the exception, they are the rule.

Unlike private events, city festivals and community celebrations operate in a uniquely complex environment. Municipal planners work within public budgets, coordinate across multiple departments, answer to elected officials, and serve communities with diverse expectations.

Every decision is visible, every outcome matters, and timelines rarely shift simply because a challenge appears.

Because of this, one of the most valuable mindsets a municipal event planner can develop is the ability to recognize opportunity within pressure. Challenges force creativity. Unexpected changes often reveal better solutions and more often than not, every obstacle leaves something valuable behind.

In my experience working in municipal events in Temple, Texas, the moments that feel the most uncertain often lead to the most meaningful progress. What initially feels like disruption can ultimately become the catalyst for something better than what existed before.

One of the clearest examples of this lesson came during a time that initially felt far more stressful than exciting: a departmental transition that occurred right in the middle of planning the holiday season.

At the time, it felt like the ground was shifting beneath our feet. Looking back now, it created one of our city’s fastest-growing holiday traditions, and it all started with a question about Christmas.

In municipal event planning, moments like this can feel especially heavy because of the public nature of our work. When a change is proposed, it is not just an internal adjustment for staff; it is something the entire community will experience. Traditions hold meaning for people, and planners often feel a deep responsibility to protect those moments while also finding ways to evolve them.

For our team, the question of separating the lighting from the parade brought a mix of reactions. There was excitement about the potential to do something new, but there was also a very real awareness of the expectations that had been built over many years. When families show up downtown expecting a familiar tradition, you want to honor that experience.

At the same time, moments of transition can open doors that might otherwise stay closed. As the conversation continued, we began to realize that the challenge in front of us might also be an opportunity to rethink what our holiday programming could become.

When Change Arrives at the Worst Possible Time Anyone who works in events understands that timing matters. Certain parts of the year are dedicated to planning, while others are focused entirely on execution.

By the time late fall arrives, most municipal event planners are deep in operational mode. Vendor contracts are finalized, marketing campaigns are underway, permits have been issued, and production timelines are already moving forward.

That is why the timing of our departmental transition felt especially daunting.

Our events team moved from the Parks and Recreation Department into the City of Temple’s Communications & Destination Services Department. While organizational changes are common in local government, they often bring new leadership perspectives and fresh ideas about how events can better serve the community.

In many cases, those changes are exciting. However, when they occur in the middle of preparing for the busiest season of the year, they can also introduce a sense of uncertainty.

At the time, Temple’s Christmas programming included a long-standing community tradition. The annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony took place just before the city’s Christmas parade, serving as a kickoff to the evening’s festivities.

Families would gather downtown, enjoy the lighting of the tree, and then stay to watch the parade that followed. It was familiar, well-loved, and something the community had come to expect. Then a new idea entered the conversation.

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What if the tree lighting became its own standalone event instead of being tied directly to the parade? At first, the concept felt intimidating. Separating the lighting from the parade meant asking the community to show up for two distinct holiday experiences rather than one combined tradition.

For municipalities, changing long-standing traditions can feel risky. Traditions carry emotional significance, and planners must carefully balance innovation with respect for what the community already values.

But the question also sparked an important realization. If the tree lighting was going to stand on its own, it needed to become something more than a quick ceremonial moment. It needed to be an experience people would come specifically to see, and we had about two months to make that happen.

Choosing Between Comfortable and Bold In event planning, there are moments where a clear decision must be made.

One option is to stay with what is familiar and comfortable. The other is to embrace uncertainty and pursue something more ambitious.

When the decision was made to separate the tree lighting from the parade, our team had two options. We could keep the ceremony simple and hope the community embraced the change, or we could transform it into something memorable enough to immediately feel like a new tradition.

Our team chose the second option, we are “Special” events after all!

If the lighting was going to become its own event, we wanted it to feel like a

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destination experience rather than a brief countdown followed by the flip of a switch.

We began researching how other cities across the country were elevating their holiday celebrations. Some had begun incorporating synchronized lighting displays, music, and pyrotechnic elements to transform simple ceremonies into immersive holiday shows.

The question quickly became clear: what if our tree lighting was not just a moment, but a show?

That shift in thinking changed the entire conversation. Instead of planning a brief ceremonial moment, we started imagining the lighting as a full experience that could draw families downtown on its own.

We explored how music, lighting, and pyrotechnics could work together to build anticipation and create a moment that felt larger than a simple switch being flipped.

Of course, with only two months before the holidays, every decision had to move quickly. Conversations that might normally take weeks happened in a matter of days.

Vendors were contacted, concepts were reviewed, and internal teams worked together to determine what was possible within both our timeline and our resources.

In many ways, the compressed timeline forced us to focus on what mattered most.

The goal was not simply to make the event bigger, but to make it memorable. If the community was going to embrace the tree lighting as its own event, we wanted the experience to feel special from the moment families arrived downtown. Of course, the challenge was that we did not have a year to develop the concept.

We had two months.

Creativity Under Pressure There is something remarkable about what happens to event planners when timelines compress and expectations rise.

Creativity accelerates. Teams begin asking questions they might not normally consider, exploring vendors they have never worked with before or pushing current ones to also grow, and challenging assumptions about what can realistically be accomplished within a limited timeframe.

Our team began reaching out to production partners capable of creating a large-scale lighting and pyrotechnic experience. We explored how music synchronization and visual effects could transform the lighting of the tree into a multi-sensory moment for the entire plaza.

Equally important was the collaboration that occurred across departments.

Municipal events rely on the coordination of numerous teams, police, fire, parks, communications, public works, and city 56

leadership, all working together to ensure that an event is both safe and memorable.

What initially felt like a stressful departmental shift began to reveal unexpected benefits. Being part of the Communications & Destination Services Department encouraged us to think about the event from a broader perspective, considering not only logistics but also storytelling, audience experience, and visual impact and also unveiled new support and expedited channels to answers needed to proceed in already compact timeline.

The lighting of the tree became the centerpiece of a fully produced holiday show. Instead of simply turning on the lights, the moment became part of a coordinated display of music, lighting, and pyrotechnics that filled the plaza with excitement and anticipation. What began as a challenge was quickly becoming an opportunity.

it had always been done. Not because the traditional format was ineffective, but because it was familiar. Sometimes it takes disruption to reveal new possibilities.

When a Challenge Becomes a Catalyst The response from the community was immediate. Families gathered downtown to experience the show, and the atmosphere was electric. What had once been a brief ceremonial moment evolved into an event that people stayed for, talked about, and shared with others. The lighting event did more than succeed, it began to grow.

What stood out most in that first year was the reaction from the community. Families lingered longer in the plaza, children watched with wide eyes as the lights and music filled the space, and people began sharing the experience with friends and neighbors.

Moments like that remind municipal planners why we do this work in the first place.

Community events are more than entertainment, they are opportunities for people to gather, celebrate, and feel connected to the place they call home. When an idea resonates with residents, it quickly becomes something larger than the event itself.

From its inception this event from year to year continues to change and develop.

Attendance grew, excitement built, and the event began attracting visitors from surrounding communities. What once felt like a risky change had quietly transformed into a new holiday tradition for Temple.

After that first show, attendance doubled, and the production has evolved to meet the excitement surrounding it. What began as a bold response to a planning challenge has quickly become one of the city’s most anticipated holiday experiences. Looking back now, it is clear that the moment that felt most uncertain ended up creating something much larger than we originally imagined.

If the tree lighting had remained tied to the parade, we likely would have continued producing the ceremony the same way

Looking Beyond the Challenge Event planners operate in a space that requires both resilience and optimism. Unlike private event production, city events become part of a community’s identity. They shape traditions, bring residents together, and contribute to the cultural life of the city.

That responsibility can create pressure, but it also creates extraordinary opportunities.

The transformation of Temple’s tree lighting began as a moment of uncertainty during a busy holiday planning season. It ultimately became a reminder that some of the best ideas emerge when teams are pushed outside their comfort zones.

Today, when families gather in the plaza to watch the holiday show, they are experiencing a tradition that did not exist just a few years ago. For many of them, it likely feels like something that has always been part of the celebration.

They see the experience. The planners remember the pressure that created it and more often than not, that pressure is exactly what moves the work and our ideas forward.

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The Hidden Value of Disruption Municipal event planners encounter disruption regularly. Budgets change, leadership evolves, community expectations shift, and operational realities often require adjustments along the way. In the moment, these disruptions can feel overwhelming. Yet over time, they often leave behind improvements that would not have happened otherwise.

A departmental change may lead to stronger collaboration. A tighter timeline may spark creative solutions. A challenge may inspire an idea that becomes a new tradition.

When viewed through this lens, pressure often becomes the catalyst for progress.

Amanda Weckbacher is a Special Events Manager for the City of Temple, Texas, where she leads the planning and execution of large-scale community events and citywide activations. With a background in municipal operations and a passion for community engagement, she specializes in sponsorship development, event strategy, and creating experiences that drive economic impact. Amanda is a Certified Festival & Event Associate (CFEA) and was recognized as a Rising Star by the Texas Festival & Events Association.

We take fun seriously K&K Insurance—the choice for festival and event coverage.

With over 70 years of event and recreation insurance experience, K&K helps protect festivals and events with insurance solutions designed for your unique requirements. And when claims occur, our colleagues are here to help when you need them the most.

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WHAT DOES CHATGPT HAVE TO SAY? DOING MORE WITH LESS

WITHOUT SETTLING FOR LESS For years, conversations about the future of festivals and events have centered on growth. Bigger attendance. More entertainment. More vendors. More experiences. More technology.

More social media content. More sponsors. More expectations.

Today, however, many organizations are asking a different question. How do we continue delivering exceptional experiences when our budgets haven’t kept pace with inflation, our teams are smaller than they once were, and every new expectation seems to arrive without additional resources?

If you’ve found yourself wondering how much more your team can realistically take on, you’re certainly not alone. Across the industry, organizations of every size are balancing rising costs with increasing demands from attendees, sponsors, boards, elected officials, artists, vendors, volunteers, and community partners. Success is still expected. Resources simply look different than they did five years ago.

At first glance, that may sound like a recipe for doing less.

Yet something interesting is happening across the festivals and events industry. Many of the organizations finding the greatest success aren’t necessarily those with the largest budgets.

They’re the ones becoming more intentional about where they invest their time, energy, and creativity. That shift may ultimately reshape the industry in ways that are far more significant than another round of budget increases ever could.

One of the most common assumptions is that tighter budgets inevitably lead to smaller events. While that may be true in some cases, another trend is emerging. Organizations are becoming remarkably creative at expanding capacity without expanding payroll.

Consider the growing number of regional collaborations taking shape. Rather than viewing neighboring events as competitors, many communities are beginning to share equipment, staging, fencing, lighting, security contracts, portable restrooms, and even specialized staff. Instead of each organization investing independently in assets that sit unused for much of the year, they’re building partnerships that reduce costs for everyone involved. The concept isn’t entirely new, but economic pressures are accelerating its adoption.

Some events are also exploring cooperative purchasing agreements for everything from printing and waste management to temporary staffing and insurance. Individually, those savings may seem modest. Collectively, they can represent thousands of dollars that can be redirected toward programming and audience experience.

The same collaborative mindset is extending beyond operational resources. Sponsors increasingly want year-round relationships instead of one-time logo placements. Communities are looking for partnerships that demonstrate measurable impact.

Tourism organizations are investing in events that support broader destination strategies. Universities are seeking experiential learning opportunities for students. Local businesses are searching for meaningful ways to connect with their communities. Viewed individually, each represents a potential partnership. Viewed collectively, they represent an ecosystem.

Perhaps one of the biggest opportunities for festival organizations isn’t finding another sponsor. It’s becoming better at recognizing organizations whose goals already align with their 58

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own. That requires a subtle but important shift in thinking. Instead of asking, “Who can help fund our event?” successful organizations are increasingly asking, “Whose mission becomes stronger if our event succeeds?” Those are very different conversations.

Another assumption worth challenging is that growth must always happen all at once. Many organizations still feel pressure to launch every new idea immediately. A new children’s area.

Expanded entertainment. Additional food vendors. Enhanced décor.

A larger footprint. More programming. Yet some of the healthiest organizations are intentionally embracing phased growth.

Rather than introducing five new initiatives in a single year, they’re selecting one or two that can be executed exceptionally well, evaluating the results, refining the process, and then building from there. That approach often feels slower. Ironically, it can produce faster long-term growth because it avoids overwhelming staff, volunteers, and financial resources. It also creates something that is becoming increasingly valuable: organizational confidence.

Every successful project strengthens institutional knowledge.

Every measured expansion builds systems that make future growth easier. The alternative is often a cycle familiar to many event professionals. Launch too much. Exhaust the team.

Scale back the following year. Repeat. Sustainable growth may not generate headlines, but it frequently produces stronger organizations.

Of course, budgets are only one side of the equation. The other is people. Across the industry, one quiet reality continues to surface in conversations with event professionals. Many organizations never fully rebuilt their staffing after the pandemic.

Some positions were eliminated permanently. Others became increasingly difficult to fill. At the same time, expectations for communication, social media, sponsorship reporting, accessibility, sustainability, safety planning, data collection, and attendee engagement have continued to grow. The result is a paradox familiar to many IFEA members.

Teams are accomplishing more work than ever before, yet often feel like they’re falling behind. This raises an uncomfortable question. Is the solution always finding ways to work faster? Or should organizations become more comfortable deciding what no longer deserves their time?

For decades, efficiency has largely been defined by adding more productivity. Perhaps the next evolution of event leadership will be measured by subtraction. Not every report needs to be produced. Not every meeting needs to occur. Not every tradition needs to continue indefinitely simply because it always has.

Successful leaders are increasingly distinguishing between activities that create measurable value and those that merely consume organizational capacity. That kind of prioritization requires courage. It is often easier to add another project than to explain why an existing one no longer aligns with strategic goals.

Technology can certainly help. Artificial intelligence, automated scheduling, volunteer management platforms, sponsor reporting software, customer relationship management systems, and

WITH CHATGPT

workflow automation are allowing organizations to eliminate countless administrative hours. McKinsey & Company estimates that generative AI could automate a meaningful share of repetitive knowledge work, allowing employees to spend more time on higher value activities. (McKinsey & Company) Yet automation alone is not the answer. Technology should remove routine tasks so people can focus on the work only people can do. Building relationships. Leading volunteers. Managing crises. Creating unforgettable experiences. Strengthening community partnerships. Those responsibilities cannot be automated. If anything, they become even more important as technology advances.

Outsourcing presents another interesting opportunity, although not always in the ways organizations traditionally think about it. Many festivals automatically consider outsourcing large operational functions such as security or production. Increasingly, however, organizations are outsourcing highly specialized, lower-hour responsibilities that once absorbed disproportionate amounts of staff time.

• Graphic design.

• Grant writing.

• Photography.

• Video editing.

• Social media advertising.

• Database management.

• Website maintenance.

These are often areas where a skilled specialist can accomplish in a few hours what might take an already stretched staff member several days. The objective isn’t replacing employees. It’s allowing talented employees to spend their time where they provide the greatest value.

Perhaps the most overlooked resource, however, isn’t financial at all. It’s leadership capacity. When teams become smaller, leadership becomes exponentially more important. Not because leaders need to do more. Because they need to make better decisions about what their organizations should stop doing. That may be one of the hardest lessons facing the industry.

For years, success was often associated with saying yes. Today, resilience may depend on knowing when to say no. That doesn’t mean lowering expectations. It means protecting the people responsible for achieving them.

Burnout rarely arrives overnight. It develops gradually through months and years of accumulated responsibilities, constant urgency, and the belief that every task carries equal importance.

The organizations best positioned for long-term success are increasingly treating staff sustainability as an operational strategy rather than a human resources issue. Healthy teams make better decisions. They build stronger partnerships. They retain institutional knowledge. They create better guest experiences. That investment ultimately becomes a competitive advantage.

Looking ahead, one prediction seems increasingly likely. The festivals that thrive over the next decade may not be those with the biggest budgets or the largest staffs. They may be the organizations that become the most adaptable. Those willing to collaborate instead of compete. Those comfortable growing deliberately rather than rapidly. Those willing to replace tradition

with innovation when appropriate. Those who recognize that every dollar and every hour represent strategic investments rather than unlimited resources.

Perhaps most importantly, they will understand that creativity has never been solely about entertainment, décor, or programming. It is equally about how organizations solve problems, build partnerships, develop people, and reimagine what’s possible.

The festivals and events industry has always been remarkably resilient. Time and again, it has demonstrated an ability to adapt to economic uncertainty, changing audience expectations, evolving technology, and unforeseen challenges. The current environment is simply asking us to apply that same creativity inward, examining not only what we produce, but how we produce it.

Doing more with less has become a familiar phrase throughout our industry. But perhaps that shouldn’t be the goal. Perhaps the real opportunity is learning how to accomplish what matters most with greater intention. Because when organizations become more focused, more collaborative, and more strategic, they often discover something unexpected.

Less can become the catalyst for something even better.

Sources: McKinsey & Company research on generative AI and productivity; Event Manager Blog industry research and trends; PCMA Convene resources and research; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Producer Price Index data.

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! If you have a topic you’d like ChatGPT’s to address in an upcoming column, please contact Nia Hovde, CFEE, Vice President/ Director of Marketing & Communications at nia@ifea.com.

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EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHT

What year was your company established?

Our company, NLC Consulting Group was established in 2003.

How many employees does your company have?

We currently have 14 employees.

What areas do you serve with your product/service?

We serve international clients with our innovative products for the event industry.

We ourselves are organizers of events, festivals.

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

We work with 20-25 festivals&events on average during a year.

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

We provide the ultimate rain protection for open-air festivals, concerts, sports events: RAINRAVER™ - The Festiponchooh! - an innovative bio-degradable, disposable rain poncho. In 2025 we were part of the Official Selection of sustainable solutions for the Earth at the CHANGENOW International Summit in Paris. Our ponchos were present at the FIA Formula races in 2026 around the world, and several festivals in Europe.

How/why did your Company / Product/Service get started The idea for our product came from a rainy festival, where thousands of guests used disposable ponchos that became plastic waste just 30 minutes later. We discovered 90% of disposable raincoats are used only once and 85% are made from non-degradable plastic. That inspired RAINRAVER™—a biodegradable rain poncho made from bioplastics for festivals and events.

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

RAINRAVER™ rain ponchos are made from a proprietary blend of compostable bioplastics certified for home composting under the OK Compost Home standard.

Made from renewable resources like corn starch and sugarcane, they provide durable, lightweight, water-resistant performance.

Unlike most compostable ponchos that require industrial facilities, RAINRAVER™ composts at home, offering a more sustainable solution for events and festivals.

What sets your product/ service apart from your competitors?

85% of disposable raincoats are made from non-degradable plastics that pollute the environment for decades. Our eco-friendly, plant-based ponchos reduce event waste while delivering superior comfort and performance. Unlike cheap plastic ponchos, they feature full wrist-length coverage, wrist closures, an adjustable hood, multiple sizes, and breathable, odor-free material that won’t trap heat.

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

It has to be our mutual goal, that single use traditional plastics shall be reduced, and eventually totally banned for events.

As good practices have arrived by the use of reusable cups, degradable cutlery, plates, it is now time to find a better solution for disposable rain ponchos.

What is your company’s customer service philosophy?

Our philosophy is built on empathy, responsiveness, and long term relations.

We believe every customer interaction is an opportunity to build trust. We listen actively, solve problems efficiently, and go the extra mile to create a positive experience.

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Tamas Badacsonyi Managing Partner

RAINRAVER™ - The Festiponchooh!

30 N Gould St Ste R Sheridan, Wyoming, 82801, USA +36-20-9252-723 info@rainraver.com www.rainraver.com How many years have you been with your company?

23 years What are your favorite festival foods?

Tacos, shrimps and although rare at festivals, but all quantities of sushi.

What do you like to do to relax?

I love reading in nature, hiking, biking.

We live on an estate with more than 60 of our own deer, and it is a routine to walk around their area with my dog, each evening before sunset. When I have a chance I love swimming in the sea and of course: scuba diving!

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

Michio Kaku: Quantum Supremacy What is the name of the last movie you watched?

It has been a long time since I saw a really good movie. Maybe in the 90s: HEAT with Al Pacino and Robert de Niro. Some favourite series nowadays: “Why Women Kill?”, “White Lotus” “Big Little Lies”

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, CFEE, Director of Partnerships & Programs at (208) 433-0950 ext. 8120 or sponsorship@ifea.com

FROM SPECTATORS TO

STORYMAKERS Why Immersive Entertainment Will Define the Next Decade

By Jeffrey Baldwin

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A

small band of children—three or four of them—hovered at the edge of a street performance, half curious, unsure whether they were allowed to step closer. They lingered just outside the invisible boundary that separates audience from action, drawn in but not yet invited.

One of the performers noticed them immediately and, without breaking character, stepped forward, lowered his voice, and declared that the village was in desperate need of brave defenders.

In an instant, the children were handed soft sculpted swords and given simple instructions: guard the gate, watch for spies, protect the Queen’s road.

The transformation was immediate and unmistakable.

Moments earlier, they had been spectators at the edge of the crowd, uncertain of their place. Now they stood as knights, sworn to the safety of the realm.

Performers acknowledged them as they passed—bowing, offering warnings, asking whether the road ahead was secure.

Adults joined in without hesitation, thanking the young “guards” for their service.

Within minutes, the entire corner of the festival shifted—not from one show to another, but from observation into participation.

What made the moment remarkable was not its scale, but its persistence.

Those children did not simply observe the experience and move on; they carried it with them. They moved through the lanes with purpose—checking gates, warning villagers, greeting strangers who instinctively accepted the premise. Their posture changed. Their energy changed.

Their relationship to the environment changed.

The festival had not just entertained them. It had reassigned them. They were no longer spectators. They were part of the world.

That shift is not a moment. It is the future of entertainment.

The Shift Interactive and immersive entertainment is no longer an enhancement. It is rapidly becoming the baseline expectation.

Festivals, live events, museums, theatres, and cultural attractions are increasingly defined not by what they present, but by how deeply they invite people inside. The measure of success is no longer attendance alone—it is participation, agency, and emotional investment.

This is not speculation. It is a pattern.

Across decades of building large-scale

immersive environments, the pattern has remained consistent. Guests lean forward, search for entry points, hesitate at the edge—and, when invited, step inside.

People no longer want to stand outside the story. They want to enter it.

Interaction vs. Immersion Understanding this shift requires a clear distinction.

Interactive experiences ask the guest to do something—press a button, answer a question, complete an action. They provide engagement but remain transactional.

Immersive environments go further.

They respond—creating the sense that the guest exists within a system that notices them, reacts to them, and evolves because of them.

Interaction is an action.

Immersion is a relationship.

If a guest can walk away unchanged, the experience was interactive. If they leave feeling altered—if their presence had consequence—then it was immersive.

The goal is not to give people something to do. It is to give them something to become.

A Pattern Across Industries This shift is already reshaping how audiences engage across industries.

In museums, institutions like Meow Wolf have redefined what an exhibition can be.

Visitors do not follow a prescribed path—they discover one. Even more traditional institutions such as the Smithsonian Institution are evolving toward narrative-driven, participatory engagement. At the same time, collectives like teamLab are building environments that respond directly to presence.

In theatre, companies like Punchdrunk Fall 2026

have removed the boundary between stage and audience. Productions such as Then She Fell by Third Rail Projects demonstrate immersion built on intimacy.

Experiences created by Secret Cinema extend this model further by assigning identity before entry.

My experience at Then She Fell was unlike anyone else’s that night.

In a quiet, unexpected moment, the actress portraying Alice drew me into a private exchange about love at first sight. It was not presented outward as performance. It was directed—entirely, unmistakably—at me.

In that moment, without instruction or announcement, my place within the world became clear. I was no longer observing the story.

I had been placed inside it—as Lewis Carroll.

Nothing about that interaction was generic. It did not exist for the audience as a whole. It existed because I was there, and it could not have unfolded in the same way for anyone else. The environment did not simply present a narrative.

It recognized me. It responded to me.

It assigned me a role within it. That is the distinction.

Not participation as activity, but participation as identity. Not interaction, but transformation.

That moment was not something I was given to do. It was something I was allowed to become.

Scaling the Experience In sports, organizations like the Golden State Warriors have transformed live events into layered experiences beyond the game itself.

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can show our guests. It is how we invite them in.

The future of entertainment will not be built around audiences. It will be built around participants.

Somewhere, a guest steps across an invisible line—and realizes they are no longer watching.

They are inside.

And from that moment on, they are not simply changed. They are reassigned.

Retail environments reflect the same shift. Brands such as Nike now design spaces that invite engagement rather than simple transactions.

At events like the State Fair of Texas and Burning Man, participation defines the experience. Environments like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge demonstrate that immersion can scale.

Even conferences such as South by Southwest and the Consumer Electronics Show reflect this shift. Digital platforms like Fortnite further prove that participation drives engagement at scale.

Designing for Participation This does not happen by accident. It is built.

It requires alignment—performers trained to respond in real time, systems

designed to support guest pathways, and environments built to adapt without breaking the illusion.

In practice, this means designing layered entry points, mapping guest journeys from observation into participation, and equipping performers to recognize and elevate those moments. It means creating systems that allow variation while maintaining cohesion.

From the guest’s perspective, the experience feels effortless. From the production side, it requires precision.

This is not improvisation.

It is immersion by design.

Events that fail to make this shift will not feel traditional. They will feel incomplete.

The Future At its core, this shift is conceptual.

The question is no longer what we

Jeffrey Baldwin, CFEE, is a producer, performer, and immersive entertainment designer with more than four decades of experience creating interactive experiences for festivals, theatre, and cultural attractions. His career spans leadership roles,including General Manager, Producer, Director, Graphic Artist, and Marketing Director at the Texas Renaissance Festival - one of the largest and longest- running Renaissance festivals in the United States.

His work focuses on blending storytelling, performance, and environment to transform audiences from passive spectators into active participants, with a lifelong belief that the most powerful entertainment is not simply watched—it is lived.

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!

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2026 IFEA

2026

Stephen M. King, MA, CFEE Executive Director Des Moines Arts Festival / ARTSwork Des Moines, IA, USA We are pleased to announce the induction of Stephen M. King, MA, CFEE, Executive Director of the Des Moines Arts Festival, into the IFEA Hall of Fame, recognizing one of the festival and event industry’s most accomplished and respected professionals.

For decades, Stephen has been a trusted leader, mentor, and advocate for excellence, helping elevate both the Des Moines Arts Festival and the festivals and events profession as a whole.

As the association’s most prestigious honor, the IFEA Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose exceptional leadership, innovation, and lifelong contributions have made a lasting impact on the festivals and events industry and the communities they serve. Induction into the Hall of Fame represents the highest honor bestowed by the International Festivals & Events Association.

Selected by a panel of his industry peers, Stephen King joins an esteemed group of Hall of Fame recipients whose vision, dedication, and leadership have helped shape and advance the global festivals and events industry for generations.

Please join us in congratulating our 2026 IFEA Hall of Fame inductee, Stephen, M. King, MA, CFEE. LEARN MORE Fall 2026

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2026 IFEA

sponsored by SecurEvent Solutions

Sponsored by

2026

Terry Madigan Nominated by The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Pasadena, CA, USA We are pleased to announce Terry Madigan as the recipient of the 2026 IFEA Volunteer of the Year Award, sponsored by SecurEvent Solutions, honoring his decades of passion, generosity, and unwavering support of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses.

Terry’s enthusiasm and dedication have touched countless volunteers, participants, and community members while helping create one of the world’s most celebrated events.

The IFEA Volunteer of the Year Award, sponsored

by SecurEvent Solutions, recognizes outstanding event volunteers whose selfless commitment, leadership, and service have made a significant difference to an IFEA member festival or event and the community it serves. The award celebrates those individuals whose passion and dedication exemplify the very best of our industry.

Terry joins an esteemed group of Volunteer of the Year recipients whose generosity, commitment, and tireless efforts continue to strengthen festivals, events, and communities around the world.

As this year’s winner, Terry will be the guest of the IFEA at the 71st Annual IFEA Convention & Expo, presented by atVenu, October 5-7, 2026 in Tucson, Arizona, USA where he will be recognized and presented with his award during the IFEA Awards Luncheon on Monday, October 5, 2026.

Please join us in congratulating our 2026 IFEA Volunteer of the Year, Terry Madigan.

LEARN MORE 68

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“Connect & Collect” Networking Pin Exchange

Join your fellow attendees on DAY TWO in the EXPO Hall for this fun new networking tradition! Bring your city, festival, destination, or event pins and trade stories, make connections, and collect commemorative pins from participating exhibitors and sponsors throughout the EXPO. Visit booths, scan QR codes, and grow your collection one connection at a time.

Bring your pins.

Make connections.

Collect memories.

FROM URL TO IRL

WITH JESSICA HODGES, MBA, CFEE

THE COST

I

OF CASH

bet if I asked you what your credit card processing rate was, you could probably tell me off the top of your head. But what if I asked you what it costs your event to accept cash at the gate?

That question is harder to answer.

Credit card fees are easy to see. They show up clearly on statements and reports. There is a rate, a fee, and a line item. Cash, on the other hand, can feel free because there is no percentage automatically deducted from the transaction. A guest hands over a $20 bill, receives a ticket, and the event appears to keep the full $20.

But cash is not free.

This issue’s column is not an argument that every event should go cashless. That is not realistic or even desirable for many fairs, festivals, and community events. Cash remains important for accessibility, guest preference, and the realities of serving a broad audience. The goal is not to eliminate cash. The goal is to understand that cash has a cost too, and that cost should be considered when developing your ticketing and pricing strategy.

We see it all the time: businesses pass along a credit card fee to the customer or offer a lower price for cash. That model assumes that the card transaction is the only one with a cost. But for events, especially high-volume events with multiple gates, cash comes with its own expenses, risks, and operational demands.

The challenge is that those costs are harder to calculate.

Start with labor. Every dollar that comes through the gate is touched multiple times. It is accepted by a cashier, used to make change, counted during drawer checks, balanced at the end of a shift, reviewed by a supervisor, prepared for deposit, transported to the bank, and reconciled later by accounting. If a drawer is short or over, additional time is spent researching what happened.

That time matters. Whether you are paying seasonal staff, relying on volunteers, or using year-round employees to manage the process, cash handling requires people hours. Those hours may not show up as “cash processing fees,” but they are still part of the true cost of accepting cash.

Then there is liability. Humans make mistakes. A cashier may give incorrect change. A supervisor may miscount a drawer. A deposit may be misplaced. A report may not match the actual cash on hand.

These issues are not always dramatic, but they create stress, delay, and additional administrative work.

And unfortunately, not every cash issue is accidental. Cash creates opportunities for skimming, theft, and fraud. Events also have to consider outside risks such as counterfeit bills or, in extreme cases, robbery. Even if those things never happen at your event, the possibility of them shapes your procedures, staffing, and security planning.

Security itself is another cost. Accepting cash may require safes, lock bags, controlled access areas, cameras, armored transport, police presence, or additional security staff. It may also require written cash handling policies, internal controls, audits, and extra oversight from leadership. These safeguards exist for a reason, and they are not free.

Training is another piece of the equation. Staff and volunteers need to understand how to handle cash properly, make change, identify 70

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counterfeit bills, balance a drawer, and follow the event’s procedures.

They also carry the pressure of being responsible for that drawer.

Even when a shortage is an honest mistake, it can create stress for the person working the window and for the team trying to resolve it.

There is also the guest experience to consider. Cash transactions can take longer. Guests are counting bills, cashiers are making change, and lines can move more slowly. A few extra seconds per transaction may not seem like much, but at scale, it adds up. Longer lines can mean frustrated guests, delayed entry, and more pressure on your gate staff.

This is where pricing strategy becomes important.

If online ticket sales reduce labor, improve planning, create better communication opportunities, and lower operational risk, then it makes sense to encourage guests to buy online in advance. That does not mean you are punishing guests who buy at the gate. It means you are recognizing that different purchasing methods create different operational costs.

Online sales can help events forecast attendance more accurately. Better forecasting can impact staffing, parking, security, food and beverage planning, ticket scanning lanes, and overall guest flow.

Advance sales can also improve cash flow before the event begins and create opportunities for upsells such as parking, VIP upgrades, carnival wristbands, reserved seating, merchandise, or donations.

Just as importantly, online sales give you customer data. A cash transaction at the gate usually ends when the guest walks away. An online transaction can support pre-event communication, weather updates, post-event surveys, future marketing, and long-term customer relationships.

That has value.

The point is not that cash is bad. The point is that cash should not automatically be treated as the cheapest option simply because it does not come with a visible processing fee. Credit card fees are easy to identify because they are listed clearly. Cash costs are spread across labor, training, security, reconciliation, supplies, risk, and management time.

So the next time your organization reviews ticket pricing, gate pricing, or online service fees, ask a different question. Not just, “What does it cost us to accept credit cards?” but also, “What does it cost us to accept cash?”

The answer may not be simple, but it is worth understanding.

Because cash is not free. It is just harder to see the receipt.

Jessica Hodges, MBA, CFEE, is a Senior Ticketing Account Manager at Saffire who helps events turn complicated ticketing setups into smooth, successful experiences. With a background in event production and years of hands-on work with fairs and festivals, she knows what works—and what breaks—both online and at the gate. Jessica is known for cutting through the noise, simplifying systems, and helping clients create better buying journeys for their attendees. In From URL to IRL, she shares practical insights, real-world lessons, and smart strategies to help events run better from the first click to the final scan.

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

Lend yours through a gift to the IFEA Foundation – IFEA’s key partner in helping to support and enable festivals and events worldwide. Every dollar adds to our ability to improve and expand on the resources and services available through

the IFEA – from convention scholarships, to hosting top-quality industry presenters and programming, to online education, access and more – all designed to raise the bar for everyone in our global industry, no matter how big or small.

Pay It Forward.

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

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

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

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EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHT

What year was your company established?

Video Ideas in 1987, PointsMap, LLC in 2010 How many employees does your company have?

It varies from 3 to 8 plus independent contractors What areas do you serve with your product/service?

We have done projects in over 42 states and internationally.

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

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

PointsMap is an Interactive Online Progressive Web App (PWA) that allows users to Quickly Populate their Unique Map with Points of Interest from their Administrative Desktop.

Everything your visitors want to FIND, SEE, NAVIGATE TO and DO … All in the PALM of Their Hands!

Create Categories of Points in the App. Every Point can have Multiple Photos, Links to Websites, Play Videos and Audio Files, Have a Unlimited Detailed Description, and can Even Have INSIDE MAPS with their own Categories and Points.

Whether you are looking for a Festival or Event App, OR for a Year-Round Tourism Development App, PointsMap is the BEST SOLUTION. PointsMap includes a Desktop Interface (for ease of development and Embedding in Your Website as well as the PointsMap APP. PointsMap Does NOT have to be Downloaded 74

or Installed on Your Device! It instantly launches with a QR Code. PointsMapuses Google Maps with all Google’s functions and benefits for the Mapping in the App. PointsMap is EASY TO BUILD, INTUITIVE TO USE, QUICK TO MODIFY AND UPDATE and AFFORDABLE! How/why did your company/ product/service get started?

Paper Maps are instantly outdated as soon as they are printed and are difficult to use.

Our PointsMap App uses the GPS to show you where you are and makes it easy to Navigate to wherever you want to go using Google Directions.

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

The PointsMap App not includes a Customizable Opening Splash Screen when the App is Launched allowing initial information for the visitors and even how to use the App. What sets your product/service apart from your competitors?

PointsMap has more Features and Benefits than any other Wayfinding App on the Market. It’s Quick and Easy to Update Instantly to keep the details up to the minute.

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

Check our our website and visit our Booth at IFEA. Schedule an Online Demo and learn more about PointsMap, What is your company’s customer service philosophy?

We are HERE to Help and Provide You and Your Visitors with an Incredible Tool that is Easy to Use and Intuitive.

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

Fall 2026

JERRY WADDELL President

VIDEO IDEAS / POINTSMAP 4295 Cromwell Rd, Suite 309 Chattanooga, TN 37421 USA 423-488-9262 jerryw@videoideas.com cms.pointsmap.com How many years have you been with your company?

I started the company from the beginning 39 years ago for Video Ideas and 16 years ago for PointsMap. What are your favorite festival foods?

Sorry to admit it … but I love the desserts and snacks!

What do you like to do to relax?

Play Golf and Enjoy my Meta Quest 3 VR. What is the name of the last business book you read?

Fiction, Thrillers …

“The Handmaiden” What is the name of the last movie you watched?

The Handmaiden

J O I N T H E IF E A T O D AY !

WHAT DOES MEMBERSHIP WITH THE IFEA PROVIDE YOU?

Membership in the IFEA provides value from all directions, including invaluable contacts and savings worth many times the membership investment. The more you use them, the higher your return. In addition to “ie” The Business of International Events, membership with the IFEA provides you . . .

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If you’re not a member of the IFEA, join now at www.ifea.com, or contact Scott Schmader, Director of Membership, at membership@ifea.com.

THE SECRETS OF VISIONARY LEADERS: Who Create Cultures That Invite Possibility If you only reward the right answers, you’ll never unlock the right questions.

By Susan Robertson

In some organizations, possibility feels like a luxury. Something you talk about at offsites. Something you reference in mission statements. Something you save for after the real work is done.

But in visionary organizations, possibility is the work.

Visionary leaders understand that possibility isn’t about ungrounded optimism or brainstorming with sticky notes. It’s a strategic mindset. One that must be designed into the culture, not left to chance.

And it starts with what your culture rewards — and what it shuts down.

If your team is praised for always having the answer, they’ll stop asking better questions. If your processes value efficiency over inquiry, you’ll execute the wrong ideas faster. If your meetings celebrate alignment more than insight, you’ll get consensus — but not originality.

Here’s what visionary leaders do differently: 1. They Reward Exploration — Not Just Execution In many cultures, performance is measured by output. How much got done.

What moved forward. What closed.

But execution without exploration is just inertia. Movement, not momentum.

Visionary leaders understand that the way something is achieved matters just as much as whether it’s achieved.

They celebrate the question that reframed the challenge. The insight that came from asking “why?” one more time.

The person who slowed down to rethink what everyone else rushed past.

They build systems where early-stage thinking is tracked and rewarded, not just final deliverables. Recognition isn’t reserved for the person who closed the loop — it’s shared with the one who cracked it open.

They also coach teams to distinguish between action and traction. Just because something is moving doesn’t mean it’s moving in the right direction.

Possibility isn’t the opposite of productivity — it’s the source of it.

2. They Make it Safe to Wonder Out Loud Nothing kills possibility faster than fear. Fear of being wrong. Fear of being seen as naïve. Fear of asking the “dumb” question.

Visionary leaders dismantle that fear by making inquiry normal. They ask the unasked questions. They challenge the obvious. They make it okay to say “I don’t know” — because those three words are often the doorway to real insight.

They also reshape team norms: replacing “What’s the answer?” with “What are we noticing?” and “Who else sees it differently?” This creates space for slow thinking and deeper reflection — critical ingredients for complex problem solving.

And they reward follow-up questions, not just first reactions. This reinforces the idea that thoughtfulness is more valuable than speed.

When leaders model curiosity, they make it contagious.

3. They Design Meetings Around Thinking, Not Just Updates Most meetings are structured around what’s known. The agenda is a list of answers: status updates, project checkpoints, metrics.

But possibility doesn’t live in the known.

It lives in the unspoken, the unclear, the unresolved.

Visionary leaders rewire meetings to surface possibility. They intentionally carve out time for questions that don’t have answers yet. They leave room for challenge and exploration.

They ask: • “What aren’t we seeing?”

• “What assumptions are we making?”

• “What feels off, even if we can’t explain why?”

They also pause before alignment is forced, allowing tension to surface while

ideas are still fragile — when possibility still has a chance to shape direction.

Possibility doesn’t just need more airtime — it needs more intentional airtime.

Not extra minutes on the calendar, but higher-quality space in the conversation.

4. They Promote Signal Seekers Some people are naturally tuned to the faint signals of emerging ideas. They notice what others miss. They question before others do.

Visionary leaders find those people — and amplify them. They build teams that elevate intuition and pattern recognition, not just certainty. They reward those who surface tension early, not just those who resolve it later.

They also provide language to support this behavior. In cultures that favor speed and clarity, signal seekers often get sidelined as blockers. But visionary leaders reframe them as scouts — the ones who sense shifts early and expand what’s possible.

They don’t ask these people to tone it down. They ask everyone else to tune in.

A culture that invites possibility is a culture that knows how to listen.

5. They Don’t Confuse Alignment with Safety Too many leaders believe that alignment equals health. But forced alignment can smother the very signals that possibility needs.

Visionary leaders create space for divergence. They allow competing hypotheses. They make disagreement productive — not political.

They clarify the difference between unity and uniformity. Teams aligned on purpose don’t need to agree on every tactic. In fact, too much agreement too early is often a red flag.

And they teach their teams that voicing an uncomfortable truth is not disloyal — it’s responsible.

Possibility needs room to breathe before it can scale.

6. They Recognize That Culture is Built in the Small Moments Cultural transformation isn’t a campaign.

It’s a series of micro-signals: who gets recognized, what gets repeated, what gets ignored.

Visionary leaders don’t just talk about possibility in annual meetings. They build it into daily habits. They turn moments of friction into invitations for reflection. They name when a question shifted the room.

Continued on Page 88

Fall 2026

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LEADERSHIP AT ALL LEVELS

WITH GAIL LOWNEY ALOFSIN

WHAT’S YOUR

BLACK NAPKIN?

The Extraordinary Impact of Making People Feel Seen

O

ver a decade ago, I was enjoying lunch with a client at Hemenway’s Restaurant in Providence, Rhode Island.

Our server approached our table, greeted us warmly, handed us our menus, and did something “simple.”

She removed the white linen napkin from my place setting and replaced it with a black one. At first, I was perplexed; then realized she noticed I was wearing a black skirt.

How many times have you left a restaurant covered with white lint from a white cloth napkin? The server anticipated a potential “problem” before it ever became one. She did not ask if I preferred a black napkin, nor draw attention to what she was doing. She “simply” noticed, quietly replaced the white napkin with a black one, and continued serving our table. A small gesture that took seconds, yet years later, I still share this story.

It’s inspired what I call “The Black Napkin Theory.”

The Black Napkin Theory poses the question: “What do you automatically do to make another person’s experience with you, or the business you represent, a little bit better and memorable?” Something you do when your manager is not watching.

It is not in the employee handbook; it is in YOU. Extraordinary experiences can be created with ordinary gestures. They are also created when we choose to notice, care, and act with intention.

The black napkin is not about the napkin. It focuses on how you make another person feel seen. These are the moments that exceptional customer service and exceptional leadership are built on. A few thoughts to consider: 1) There Are No “little” Things From small businesses to corporations, millions of dollars are spent on improving customer experience and the customer journey. Websites are redesigned, loyalty programs are created, technology is enhanced - all these things matter. Yet what many people remember is not the most expensive initiative. They recall the thoughtful gestures. The barista who knows your name and order, the receptionist who looks up and smiles prior to asking how he can help, the dentist who kneels before an anxious child, the teacher (or better yet another student) who notices a student sitting alone in the dining hall and joins them. Black napkin theory? It is rooted in kindness.

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2) The Best Leaders Notice What Others Miss This idea is not limited to hospitality. The most impactful leaders practice the Black Napkin philosophy every day. They notice an unusually quiet employee. They thank you for your work on a project and recognize the effort that went into it. They remember birthdays, work anniversaries, and important milestones. They ask questions and listen to “Black napkin opportunities are all around us. your thoughts.

The difference between an ordinary and They anticipate extraordinary experience is… needs before someone asks.

YOUR choice to be aware and take action.”

Great leaders know people - GLA want to feel valued, not simply managed. Most opportunities to create memorable experiences do not arrive with great fanfare; they are right in front of us.

3) What’s YOUR Black Napkin?

Every person and organization has an opportunity to create their own “black napkin” culture. It can be as “simple” as returning phone calls and email before the end of the day, walking a customer to the right department or aisle versus pointing, or writing a handwritten card each week. It’s following up after you delivered • What do people remember about interacting a Professional with me?

Development • What do I do that makes people feel valued? workshop to ask how the • What thoughtful action can become my application signature? is going. The action itself isn’t nearly as important as the intention behind it.

What thoughtful action have you practiced so consistently that it now happens automatically? If you do not have one, you can start today, beginning with an extra smile!’

Gail Lowney Alofsin serves as the Associate Director of Corporate Partnerships, Office of Strategic Initiatives, at the University of Rhode Island. She believes that creating a corporate culture and unforgettable employee and guest experiences starts with our own personal mindset and actions.

She has spent over 30 years teaching and speaking on Customer Experience, Sales, Leadership and Productivity.

For more information: gailalofsin@uri.edu or 401-640-4418.

CONNECT VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES In an industry with an annual spend of 1 trillion in the United States, you need to reach industry buyers 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 professionals, these premier placements will give your company

to run a successful business. That means your message will reach the decision-makers you’re looking to target.

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EXHIBITOR SPOTLIGHT similar stress and challenges. Since then, we’ve helped event organizers plan over 20,000+ events by creating user-friendly tools that allow organizers to manage all aspects of their events in one place.

What year was your company established?

2018 How many employees does your company have?

56 & counting!

What areas do you serve with your product/service?

Local, regional, national, & international (Canada).

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

20,000 events on our platform and growing!

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

In a world where event planning ranks as the 5th most stressful job, Eventeny is here to ignite a revolution! Outfox chaos with our all-in-one platform that eliminates manual planning, stress, and inefficient processes. Our user-friendly tools enable you to plan easier and live better, creating incredible events of any size. Join us to revolutionize event planning and enjoy seamless, stress-free experiences.

With Eventeny, everything is easier. Our platform (which hosts over 1.2 million users) helps you streamline and manage artists, vendors, exhibitors, volunteers, sponsors, tickets, on-site payments, interactive maps, schedules, and more. Over 20,000 events have already discovered the benefits of our innovative tools. Event planners report a decrease in admin work by 4 months and a 90% reduction in line time. Event planning doesn’t have to be stressful.

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

Eventeny was born out of necessity when our founder’s sister struggled to manage her events effectively. No software on the market met her specific needs, so Eventeny was created to help her plan easier events. During this development, we realized many other event organizers faced 80

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

We’ve added many new features, including dynamic date pricing, evProtect (refund protection), conditional logic for volunteers, admin ability to assign seats, payment installments, and more. Most recently, we also added evCover to our platform, an easy way for your vendors to get event insurance!

But that’s not all! Program management—a highly sought-after feature for managing celebrities, speakers, and talent—is 2025’s biggest release. This seamless integration enhances your guest management workflow, making event planning smarter, easier, and more profitable.

What sets your product/ service apart from your competitors?

You can start for free! We have no setup, contract, or consultation fees. Our service boasts 4.9-stars on Google reviews. The platform is constantly growing, with new features added daily and instantly available to our customers at no additional cost. Our customer service team is exceptional, going 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 looking into a similar product, make sure it meets the highest standards for privacy and security. That means strong network and system protection, reliable and durable service, secure products, strict organizational safeguards, robust application security, and full control over your data, including privacy and portability.

What is your company’s customer service philosophy?

Our goal is to alleviate the stress of event organizers, ranked as the 5th most stressful job worldwide, by providing excellent technology and unparalleled support.

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

Fall 2026

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?

4.5 glorious years What are your favorite festival foods?

Fried Bologna Sandwich, Pizza by the slice, kettle corn, and a cold adult beverage.

What do you like to do to relax?

Listen to music, read, hang out by the pool, stream the latest shows, and sleep.

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

The Thinking Machine by Stephen Witt What is the name of the last movie you watched?

Project Hail Mary

WHAT IS THE

FUTURE

OF PARADES?

By Professor Joe Goldblatt

82

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

Fall 2026

Many years ago, I had the privilege of dining with the person I believe will also eternally be fondly remembered as the Queen Mother and international champion of parades, the late Jean MacFaddin (1942 – 2018).

For nearly 25 years Jean revitalised the design of and creatively produced the world-famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. About ten years ago I asked Jean if she believed that civic and neighbourhood parades were under threat due to rising costs and competition from events such as fun runs, marathons, protest marches, and other civic events.

Almost immediately, her left eyebrow rose almost to touch the ceiling of the posh restaurant where we were dining, smoke appeared to pour forth from both of her ears, she squinted her usually wide and animated eyes and said “Nonsense!

There will always be a parade!”

I wish I could ask Jean about her views today. The reason for my curiosity is recently I attended one of the many ubiquitous music festivals held every summer in Scotland and throughout the United Kingdom. These festivals range in size from the iconic Glastonbury Festival in England to small village galas (annual fetes) in Scotland.

The event I attended was celebrating a special significant anniversary and decided to mark this milestone by hosting a parade on the closing day of the event.

The parade would take place upon the main street of the town that was part of a community of 20,000 citizens.

The usual reason for postponing or cancelling a parade is weather as evidenced by the cancellation of the USA Fourth of July Parade in Washington DC due to the extreme heat wave. However, in the small town where I was looking forward to the attending parade, I heard a brief announcement on the radio programme that promotes local events.

“We are sorry to announce that today’s parade has been cancelled and postponed to next year due to non - participation.”

I was shocked. This event had been planned for many months in advance.

I immediately tried to analyse why this historic parade would be cancelled on such short notice without severe weather conditions.

Upon interviewing local residents some believed that the lack of participation was

due to the timing of the parade at the same time as the end of the school term which may have limited engagement by students. Others simply shrugged their shoulders and confidentially told me “It is a sign of the times. People do not participate the same way they did many years ago.”

I decided to investigate further and my research revealed that the decreased participation in neighbourhood parades is a global phenomenon and threat to civic cohesion.

According to the Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods (ICON) February 2026 report, in the United Kingdom, “Parades are an anchoring site supporting local capital development in neighbourhoods: they carry out civic and social roles that distinguish them from town centres as crucial hyperlocal hubs.

However, the core social function we see being fulfilled on the local parades of more affluent areas is unrecognizable in the most deprived areas.”

The local community where my parade was cancelled / postponed is not categorised as a deprived area. There is 90% employment in this town and very few empty store fronts awaiting future development.

In 2025 this community conducted a major sport festival and there was significant local community involvement.

Therefore, I wondered why their parade struggled the following year?

Although it remains a mystery to me as to why there was a lack of participation in this year’s parade, I do believe the three macroeconomic and microeconomic issues identified by ICON may have contributed to this decision.

First and foremost, many citizens have less and less leisure time to participate in community activities. How they use this leisure time may be shifting from communal activities to individualised engagement such as personal recreational programmes to accommodate flexible schedules.

Second, the global pandemic traumatised many citizens about engaging in communal events and this post traumatic stress continues to prevent or may be Fall 2026

used to exclude communal activities with large numbers of strangers.

Third and finally, the overall costs of producing large programmes such as parades has increased exponentially in the past two decades and therefore some organisers find it is a greater cost / benefit ratio to simply cancel these larger events in order to reduce their overall operating budget and minimise risk.

If the Queen Mother of Parades was able to advise me today about how to protect and in fact grow future parades including those in economically deprived areas, I have no doubt that she would strongly advocate three strategies.

She would insist that all parades need to be continually refreshed, reinvented, and revitalised to insure they are relevant to the local residents they wish to engage.

One example of this is the rapid growth of LGTBQ+ Pride parades throughout the world and another are the increased participation in ethnic and national patriotic parades.

She would also remind parade organisers and their elected officials of the social, cultural, economic, and health benefits of parades and encourage more studies to be collected to support the evidence of their positive impacts within local communities.

Finally, she would remind all of us, from elected officials to those who walk in step within a marching band, that the mental health benefits of the joy of a parade in a local community whilst often immeasurable are in fact essential to creating and maintaining more cohesive, tolerant, empathetic, and collaborative communities.

I hope that the next time someone thinks of cancelling or postponing a parade they will pause and consider the strategies one of the world’s greatest parade champions might have employed rather than silencing the joyful noises coming from the high street at a time when we need them more than ever.

Professor Joe Goldblatt is Emeritus Professor of Planned Events at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, Scotland. His views are his own. For more information about his views visit www.joegoldblatt.scot

Sources Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods (ICON) February 2026, viewed July 2026: www.neighbourhoodscommission.org. uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/11269ICON-Pride-in-Parades-1.pdf

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

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Congratulations INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS & EVENTS ASSOCIATION

ifea.com/p/foundation

TO OUR

2026 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS!

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KATHERINE KING Des Moines, IA USA

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2027 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION DEADLINE: MAY 20, 2027

S kies K

ick up your boots for a night of fun at the I FEA Foundation event, where a western backdrop sets the stage for great company, lively energy, and a memorable evening you won’t want to miss – all included as part of your convention registration!

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INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS & EVENTS ASSOCIATION

OCT. 6, 2026 7-10:30 PM

Thank You To Our Sponsors

Presents DJ Munition

DID EVERYONE

GET HOME

SAFELY?

By Professor Joe Goldblatt

86

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

Fall 2026

W

hen former President Ronald Regan stood before Berlin, Germany’s Brandenburg Gate nearly 40 years ago in June 1987 he turned to the Russian people (then the Soviet Union) and shouted at their leader, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” Soon, through the use of soft diplomacy by Reagan and Gorbachev who privately discussed their future hopes for peace for their grandchildren, Mr. Gorbachev eventually did indeed tear down the Berlin Wall and reunited Germany.

As I watched with horror yet another major event in Germany disrupted by senseless violence, I began to wonder if now was the time for the global festival and events industry to work even more closely together to tear down the wall of violence at events.

The recent event I was watching occurred on Saturday, 25 July 2026, in Berlin during the annual Berlin Pride Festival (better known as the Christopher Street Day Parade) that is an annual celebration of love and peace in Germany’s historic capital city. During the festival, a German citizen described by police as an extremist, drove his vehicle into a crowd and killed one woman and seriously injured 29 others.

This type of occurrence is the reason why risk assessment, management, and control is such an important element within the planning process of all events.

It is also why this element has grown in importance in recent years due to extremist groups and mentally ill persons who wish to use public events as a megaphone to broadcast terror to the masses.

When planning your event of any size it is important that you remember that there is never a 100% guarantee you will prevent violence from occurring during your event. However, what you do before, during, and after your event can help mitigate the long-term reputational damage to your event property.

It is your responsibility to create a safety frame work to insure the safest possible conditions for your guests. The frame has four sides.

Appoint Incident Command (IC) Before the event, it is important for you to appoint an Incident Commander (IC) who will conduct a thorough risk assessment and work closely with official agencies such as police, fire, ambulance services to insure you have considered as many vulnerabilities as possible and have planned for a disruption. The IC will also be the events primary contact in case of an incident.

When I was an expert witness for a case in one of the USA Western States, I was surprised to learn that the event organisers did not plan for the potential of a mass casualty situation. As a result, when a team of horses ran through a crowd of thousands of people, there was immediate panic and delays in providing first aid and transport of the victims. As a result of this poor planning, the case was settled for millions of dollars, the event organisers lost their business, and the event never reoccurred.

Provide First Aid on Site During every event the organiser must have adequate first aid on site or within proximity and must also liaise with local trauma centers to insure there is a seamless transfer of victims in case of injury or illness. For example, one of the events I produced was for a prestigious guest list of 100 Dean’s of Medical Schools. I recommended having a registered nurse (RN) on duty during the event given the advanced age of my all male guests. The client resisted due to cost and I paid for the nurse out of my profit from the event.

After dinner, one of the guests had a massive heart attack and the quick action by the nurse and immediate transport to a trauma center, saved his life. It also saved the reputation of the client and my company. The client commended me by also reminding me that the loss of a senior Dean meant the loss of decades of medical knowledge, experience, and skill.

Pre-Establish a Media Plan Following an incident at your event it is important to pre-establish a media and family and friends reception areas and insure they are positioned far apart from one another.

Dring the emotion of a major catastrophe it will only increase your troubles to have grieving or worried friends and family giving emotional interviews to media.

You should also set up and announce a regular schedule of updates that your incident commander will provide for news media. Make certain these briefings are delivered in front of a neutral background rather than in front of your event logo, as these clips will be played over and over again on television and appear in many newspapers and on the internet.

Next, it is important to prepare in advance an official statement, approved by your key stakeholders that will include your sympathy for those who were injured and their family and friends and then explain what you are doing to manage the incident.

The person delivering this message should be your incident commander and he or she

should be surrounded by other key officials from police, fire, and rescue services.

The Incident Report The final part of the frame is the incident report where you must report in detail the date, time, cause, number and type of injuries and other factors resulting from the incident. This must be distributed to all key stakeholders including the owners of the event.

While we often hope for the best outcomes from all events we must also plan for the worst. Regrettably the worst appears to be on the rise world wide at events of all size and scale.

Following the catastrophic disaster in the USA after September 11, 2001, I was asked to give a talk in Sydney, Australia. I decided to include within my talk the growth in global events and invite all event planners to commit to creating a personal charter for each event to help promote peace and safety for the world through their actions.

Midway through my talk, several demonstrators who were planted in the front row, rose up, shouted at me, and screamed “Americans are terrorists!” Then they threw their anti-American leaflets at me and made a quick exit.

I remained silent until they had vacated the room and I then asked the audience if they were happy for me to continue and their loud applause confirmed what I had hoped would be their positive response.

After the talk, the organiser who had invited me to fly 15,000 miles to give this talk, apologised for the behaviour of the protestors. I told her that freedom of speech is a sacred human right, however, I was of course worried that their protests might have become violent. The organiser then told me that in fact she had planned for this disruption and security was standing by to protect the audience and to remove the protesters if required. I finally took a deep breath and relaxed realising that the organiser was actually practicing what I had been preaching.

In another international meeting, protesters wearing Baklava style clothing suddenly abseiled from above the head table and unfurled a banner announcing their environmental messages. The organiser told me that he quickly conferred with security officials and they agreed to let the protesters make their announcement and to stand by to intervene if needed. No intervention was required as the protesters left the building and the meeting continued without further disruption. However, if security had intervened too soon, the outcome may have been injurious to both Continued on Page 95

Fall 2026

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

87

Continued from IFEA World Board Page 12

I look forward to seeing many of you in Tucson and to continuing the conversations that inspire an even brighter future for our industry. Until then, thank you for being part of our community. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, your creativity, and your passion. And thank you for helping to grow the network that continues to make the IFEA stronger with every new connection.

With gratitude and optimism,

Vanessa Van de Putte

IFEA World Board Chair President & CEO DFEST® San Antonio, Texas

Continued from Events Interface Page 41

know this. They cast wide nets and only need one hit to get paid.

None of this works if it stays on one person’s plate. Cybersecurity needs a designated owner, a place on the leadership agenda, and a calendar reminder to revisit it annually. Don’t be that hit.

S. David Ramirez, CFEE, is an award-winning marketer and technologist. He is the founder of SDMRamirez, a San Antonio-based agency working with events, entrepreneurs, and ecosystems. He is a sought-after speaker, presenting at dozens of events and conferences each year. He serves on the boards of the International Festivals and Events Association Foundation and the Texas Festivals and Events Association. Mostly, he’s a nerd. Talk to him about anime, craft beers, and science fiction.

Continued from The Sponsor Doc Page 48

One final thought.

The best festivals and events create something increasingly rare in today’s world. They become places where people with different backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives gather to enjoy a common experience. That’s one of your greatest community contributions…and one of your strongest sponsorship assets.

Protect it.

Because sponsors don’t invest in controversy.

They invest in trust.

And in today’s environment, protecting that trust may be one of the most valuable benefits your event can deliver.

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

Continued from The Secrets of Visionary Leaders Page 77

They ask follow-up questions even when the answer feels sufficient.

They don’t wait for culture change.

They wade into it — every time they pause before deciding, ask instead of answer, or create space for someone to speak who otherwise wouldn’t.

Possibility doesn’t live in values statements. It lives in behavioral patterns.

Visionary leadership isn’t about having a bold idea — it’s about building a culture where bold ideas can live.

Possibility doesn’t happen by accident.

It happens when leaders intentionally 88

reward it, model it, and protect it. Not just in big moments, but in small ones: the question asked, the challenge tolerated, the pause before the decision.

If your culture values only the answer, don’t be surprised when people stop asking better questions.

The future belongs to the leaders who make space for possibility — and signal to everyone around them that it’s safe, it’s welcome, and it matters.

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

Fall 2026

Susan Robertson empowers individuals, teams, and organizations to Live in Possibility™ so they can more nimbly navigate change. She is a creative thinking expert with over 20 years of experience speaking, consulting, and coaching in Fortune 500 companies. As an instructor on applied creativity at Harvard, Susan brings a scientific foundation to enhancing human creativity. To learn more, please go to: www.SusanRobertsonSpeaker.com.

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

MARKETPLACE

SEARCH MORE VENDORS AT EVENTRESOURCEMARKETPLACE.COM ATTRACTIONS

CASH MANAGEMENT

ARTIFICIAL ICE EVENTS – Unique Winter attractions for rent nationwide. Available for short term or long term needs. Synthetic ice rinks, winter slides, winter mazes, giant snow globes and snow much more! Contact: Michael Lawton Peabody, MA 01960 USA | (800) 275-0185 m.lawton@ ppentertainmentgroup.com | artificialiceevents.com

atVenu – atVenu is a leading platform that specializes in live event sales. They offer a range of comprehensive solutions, including point-of-sale, inventory management, real-time reporting, digital food vendor settlements, and more.

With feature sets specifically designed to meet the unique needs of live events, it is a trusted partner for hundreds of festivals, sporting events, concert venues, fairs, and more. atVenu’s point-of-sale system is quick and easy to set up, manage, and deploy, making it ideal for small teams and events big and small alike. The platform is built to save you time, ensure faster-moving lines, and be reliable when your connectivity isn’t so you never lose out on sales. | www.atvenu.com

RIDE WORX AKA KISSEL ENTERTAINMENT – Ride Worx is your ultimate amusement ride rental company. We provide best-in-class rides with unparalleled service and safety records to fit every amusement requirement, event, and budget. Observation Wheels, Carousels and Coasters too. And everything in between in amusement rides. Ride Worx is a division of Kissel Entertainment.

Contact: Eric German | P.O. Box 2340, Clanton, AL 35046 USA | Phone: (216) 410-5262 eric@germangrp.com | www.rentrideworx.com NORTH POLE PRODUCTIONS - From enchanting light shows to interactive Santa’s Villages, North Pole Productions transforms events into magical experiences. Discover how we can illuminate your event with our dazzling displays and entertainment options. Contact: Tammy Peters | PO Box 74 North Adams, MA 01247 | (800) 377-4625 | nppshows@gmail.com | www.nppshows.com/

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: Derrick Daoust | Senior Business Consultant | (202) 819-6539 | derrick.daoust@fiserv.com | www.firstdata.com COMMUNICATIONS

YOUR-TYPE – 3D event letters and shapes are your communities best selfie spot. Made with high-quality aluminum, they provide unmatched durability. We specialize in Colleges, Tourism Destinations, Special Events, Campgrounds and Route 66 Activations. Available for purchase or rent. Contact: Todd Hoffman | 4970 Service Dr. Unit 2, Winona, MN 55987 | (507) 961-6784 | contact@your-type.com | www.your-type.com

VOZZI – VOZZI is a SMS/MMS company changing the way brands interact with their audience. Tried and trusted in the Sports & Entertainment industry, our all-in-one texting solution empowers brands to modernize their fan engagement strategy and boost revenue. Contact: Ben Young, CEO | Holladay, UT USA | (801) 842-6737 ben@getvozzi.com | site.getvozzi.com

BANNERS/FLAGS

CONSULTANTS

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

Rico Solutions – We specialize in impactful signage, smart sustainability, and flawless logistics—blending deep experience with innovation to exceed client expectations and elevate every event experience. *IFEA Sustainability Partner. Contact: Rico Tesio | 3809 McKinley Ave | Fort Myers, FL 33901 | (831) 717-7485 rico@ricosolutions.com | www.ricosolutions.com

BARRIERS / FENCING NATIONAL EVENT SERVICES - RENT-A-FENCE – National Event Services has been the preferred supplier of temporary fence, barricades, portable toilets, and restroom trailers to the event industry for almost 60 years. Contact: Scott Barley 15319 Chatsworth St. | Mission Hills, CA 91345 USA | (800) 352-5675 | www.rentnational.com

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MARKETPLACE DÉCOR/DISPLAYS/BACKDROPS AIRDD - For over 30 years, AirDD has been the live-event industry’s trusted source for illuminated decorative inflatables. We offer a broad, ever-expanding line of innovative designs that instantly transform any space. Our award-winning products have appeared at high-profile events worldwide, from the Olympics to television productions. From large-scale productions to intimate gatherings, AirDD is committed to making every event “Stand-Out!” Contact: Zeev Weissman | Sun Valley, CA, USA | (818) 765-8100 | zeev@airdd.com | www.airdd.com ATOMIC - We set the stage for maximum effect through production, design services, custom set construction and modular systems. Contact: Rob Barber Lititz, PA USA | (717) 626-4408 | rob.barber@atomicdesign.tv | www.atomicdesign.tv NORTH POLE PRODUCTIONS - From enchanting light shows to interactive Santa’s Villages, North Pole Productions transforms events into magical experiences. Discover how we can illuminate your event with our dazzling displays and entertainment options. Contact: Tammy Peters | PO Box 74 | North Adams, MA 01247 | (800) 377-4625 | nppshows@gmail.com | www.nppshows.com/ YOUR-TYPE – 3D event letters and shapes are your communities best selfie spot. Made with high-quality aluminum, they provide unmatched durability. We specialize in Colleges, Tourism Destinations, Special Events, Campgrounds and Route 66 Activations. Available for purchase or rent. Contact: Todd Hoffman | 4970 Service Dr. Unit 2, Winona, MN 55987 | (507) 961-6784 | contact@ your-type.com | www.your-type.com DRONE SHOWS Sky Elements Drone Shows – Sky Elements Is The Largest Drone Light Show Provider In The United States. At our heart we are a production company focusing on creating turn-key drone light shows for a variety of clients. Contact: Kyle Pivnick, Vice President | Texas, USA | (214) 986-0878 kyle@skyelementsdrones.com | SkyElementsDrones.com EVENT EQUIPMENT AIRDD - For over 30 years, AirDD has been the live-event industry’s trusted source for illuminated decorative inflatables. We offer a broad, ever-expanding line of innovative designs that instantly transform any space. Our award-winning products have appeared at high-profile events worldwide, from the Olympics to television productions. From large-scale productions to intimate gatherings, AirDD is committed to making every event “Stand-Out!” Contact: Zeev Weissman | Sun Valley, CA, USA | (818) 765-8100 | zeev@airdd.com | www.airdd.com NATIONAL EVENT SERVICES - RENT-A-FENCE – National Event Services has been the preferred supplier of temporary fence, barricades, portable toilets, and restroom trailers to the event industry for almost 60 years. Contact: Scott Barley 15319 Chatsworth St. | Mission Hills, CA 91345 USA | (800) 352-5675 | www.rentnational.com YOUR-TYPE – 3D event letters and shapes are your communities best selfie spot. Made with high-quality aluminum, they provide

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unmatched durability. We specialize in Colleges, Tourism Destinations, Special Events, Campgrounds and Route 66 Activations. Available for purchase or rent. Contact: Todd Hoffman | 4970 Service Dr. Unit 2, Winona, MN 55987 | (507) 961-6784 | contact@ your-type.com | www.your-type.com EVENT SOFTWARE / APPS AUGUSTHR – Managing an attraction business is hard. Bring everything you need to do under one roof with August—the employee management software built for businesses like yours. Contact: Kyle Andelin | 550 Pamlar Ave | San Jose, CA 95128, USA | (650) 257-2733 | Kyle@augusthr.com | Augusthr.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 | Peachtree Corners, GA 30092-2936 USA | Phone: (314) 471-6079 | greg@eventeny.com 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 SCHED - Easy-to-use event scheduling and management software that helps event planners organize, schedule, promote, and execute excellent in-person, online, and hybrid meetings, conferences, festivals and other events. Taylor McKnight | St. Petersburg, FL USA | (727) 798-6898 | support@sched.org | sched.com/ SHOWPASS is the operating system for independent live events, bringing ticketing, marketing, operations, analytics, and financing into one platform. With 175 million tickets issued across North America, we power music, sports, festivals, venues, and more. Independently owned and one of North America’s fastest-growing event technology companies, recognized by Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50. Contact: Christine Lee | 8500 Macleod Tr | Calgary, AB T2H 2N1, Canada | (403) 988-9203 | christine.lee@showpass.com | www.showpass.com/ VOZZI – VOZZI is a SMS/MMS company changing the way brands interact with their audience. Tried and trusted in the Sports & Entertainment industry, our all-in-one texting solution empowers brands to modernize their fan engagement strategy and boost revenue. Contact: Ben Young, CEO | Holladay, UT USA | (801) 842-6737 ben@getvozzi.com | site.getvozzi.com ZAPPlication - WHERE ARTISTS & ART FESTIVALS CONNECT (ZAPP) provides art fair and festival administrators with a suite of tools to digitally collect and jury applications, manage booth payments, and communicate with applicants all in one easy-to-use

digital platform. Artists can apply to hundreds of shows nationwide through a central website.

With over 100K registered artists, ZAPP is the top choice for art events! Contact: Ken Cho Denver, CO, USA | (303) 629-1166 | zappsales@wearecreativewest.org | www.zapplication.org/ INFLATABLES AIRDD- For over 30 years, AirDD has been the live-event industry’s trusted source for illuminated decorative inflatables. We offer a broad, ever-expanding line of innovative designs that instantly transform any space. Our award-winning products have appeared at high-profile events worldwide, from the Olympics to television productions. From large-scale productions to intimate gatherings, AirDD is committed to making every event “Stand-Out!” Contact: Zeev Weissman | Sun Valley, CA, USA | (818) 765-8100 | zeev@airdd.com | www.airdd.com BIG EVENTS - Rents and sells giant helium and cold-air inflatables for parades and special events. Huge inventory of quality, one-of-a-kind balloons.

Experienced and dependable full-service company. Charles Trimble | Oceanside, CA USA | (760) 477-2655 | charles@bigeventsonline.com | www.bigeventsonline.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 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 K&K INSURANCE GROUP, INC. – With decades of experience in insuring festivals and events, K&K understands the unique risks you face.

Let us help safeguard your event’s success. To learn more about our festival and event insurance options please visit www.kandkinsurance.com. Contact: Lorena Hatfield | 1712 Magnavox Wy, Fort Wayne, IN USA (800) 553-8368 | lorena.hatfield@kandkinsurance. com | www.kandkinsurance.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 MARKETING

VOZZI – VOZZI is a SMS/MMS company changing the way brands interact with their audience. Tried and trusted in the Sports & Entertainment industry, our all-in-one texting solution empowers brands to modernize their fan engagement strategy and boost revenue. Contact: Ben Young, CEO | Holladay, UT USA | (801) 842-6737 ben@getvozzi.com | site.getvozzi.com YOUR-TYPE – 3D event letters and shapes are your communities best selfie spot. Made with high-quality aluminum, they provide unmatched durability. We specialize in Colleges, Tourism Destinations, Special Events, Campgrounds and Route 66 Activations. Available for purchase or rent. Contact: Todd Hoffman | 4970 Service Dr. Unit 2, Winona, MN 55987 | (507) 961-6784 | contact@your-type.com | www.your-type.com MERCHANDISING SHOWPASS is the operating system for independent live events, bringing ticketing, marketing, operations, analytics, and financing into one platform. With 175 million tickets issued across North America, we power music, sports, festivals, venues, and more. Independently owned and one of North America’s fastest-growing event technology companies, recognized by Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50. Contact: Christine Lee | 8500 Macleod Tr | Calgary, AB T2H 2N1, Canada | (403) 988-9203 | christine.lee@showpass.com | www.showpass.com/ PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS PROMOKING SAN ANTONIO – PromoKing San Antonio is a promotional products, screen printing and embroidery shop serving the festival and event industry across the USA. Contact: Casey Watts 11825 West Ave Ste 109 | San Antonio, TX 78216 USA | (210) 440-6970 | mypromoking@ gmail.com | www.mypromoking.com/ PAYROLL CAST & CREW SPORTS & LIVE ENTERTAINMENT – Cast & Crew is an employer of record payroll provider exclusively for the sports and live entertainment industry. Contact: T.J. Sagen | 2214 E. Ida St | Tampa, FL 33610 USA | (708)362-8585 | tj.sagen@castandcrew.com | www.castandcrew.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

PROMOKING SAN ANTONIO – PromoKing San Antonio is a promotional products, screen printing and embroidery shop serving the festival and event industry across the USA. Contact: Casey Watts | 11825 West Ave Ste 109 | San Antonio, TX 78216 USA | (210) 440-6970 | mypromoking@gmail. com | www.mypromoking.com/

Fall 2026

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

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YOUR BRAND + OUR MISSION

Reach festival and event leaders in a memorable and lasting way by aligning your brand with an organization at the heart of what fuels their professional focus – The Premier Association Supporting and Enabling Festival & Event Professionals Worldwide.

EXCLUSIVE BENEFITS OFFERED We’d be delighted to create a custom Sponsorship Package for you.

Call or email Carrie Ring, CFEE, Director of Partnerships & Programs (208) 433-0950 ext. 8120 or, sponsorship@ifea.com

Learn More at ifea.com

MARKETPLACE SECUREVENT SOLUTIONS – At SecurEvent Solutions we believe your event is as unique as you are. Carefully blending and merging operations, sales, experience, culture, to curate lasting memories. We call this your Event DNA. Understanding your Event DNA allows SecurEvent Solutions to build security operations that will integrate with all event areas. Contact: Joshua Field | Ft. Lauderdale, FL USA (763) 226-4162 | jfield@secureventsolutions.com | www.secureventsolutions.com/

TICKETING

SIGNAGE / DECALS

SHOWPASS is the operating system for independent live events, bringing ticketing, marketing, operations, analytics, and financing into one platform. With 175 million tickets issued across North America, we power music, sports, festivals, venues, and more. Independently owned and one of North America’s fastest-growing event technology companies, recognized by Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50. Contact: Christine Lee | 8500 Macleod Tr | Calgary, AB T2H 2N1, Canada | (403) 988-9203 | christine.lee@showpass.com | www.showpass.com/

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 Rico Solutions – We specialize in impactful signage, smart sustainability, and flawless logistics—blending deep experience with innovation to exceed client expectations and elevate every event experience. *IFEA Sustainability Partner.

Contact: Rico Tesio | 3809 McKinley Ave | Fort Myers, FL 33901 | (831) 717-7485 rico@ricosolutions.com | www.ricosolutions.com SUSTAINABILITY Rico Solutions – We specialize in impactful signage, smart sustainability, and flawless logistics—blending deep experience with innovation to exceed client expectations and elevate every event experience. *IFEA Sustainability Partner. Contact: Rico Tesio | 3809 McKinley Ave | Fort Myers, FL 33901 (831) 717-7485 | rico@ricosolutions.com | www.ricosolutions.com TALENT DEGY ENTERTAINMENT – Degy Entertainment is your source for everything event related. For over 25 years, we’ve built a reputation as one of the leading entertainment buyers in the world. We book and execute nearly 3,000 events each year in 30 countries around the globe. Contact: Evan Schaefer | 9826 Montpellier Drive | Delray Beach, FL 33446 USA | 732-818-9600 x 106 | Evan@ degy.com | www.degy.com

Continued from Did Everyone Get Home Safely? Page 87

the protesters and the audience.

Therefore, in addition to planning for ways to mitigate the outcome of these disasters, I believe the global events industry must also stand firmly together to demonstrate through our improved risk assessment, planning, management, and control systems, that we shall not tolerate these disruptions and also that providing a safe and secure event

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

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: Eric Cunningham | 8735 Dunwoody Place STE N | Atlanta, GA, 30350, USA info@TRIPinfo.com | www.tripinfo.com VIDEO PRODUCTION ELSBERG STUDIOS - Visual storytelling changes lives. We believe images are powerful; sometimes more powerful than words. With them we identify, we connect, we feel, we act. When necessary we use words; words that speak of mission and vision and transformation. Let us tell your story. Brad Elsberg Nampa, ID USA | (208) 989-5664 | brad@elsbergonline.com | elsbergonline.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 SHOWPASS is the operating system for independent live events, bringing ticketing, marketing, operations, analytics, and financing into one platform. With 175 million tickets issued across North America, we power music, sports, festivals, venues, and more. Independently owned and one of North America’s fastest-growing event technology companies, recognized by Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50. Contact: Christine Lee | 8500 Macleod Tr | Calgary, AB T2H 2N1, Canada | (403) 988-9203 | christine.lee@showpass.com | www.showpass.com/

environment is our foremost responsibility.

As one of my colleagues who produced events with thousands of people said to me one evening as the last car was pulling out of the parking lot from his event, “I ultimately judge my success by asking one simple question. ‘Did everyone get home safely?’”

Professor Joe Goldblatt is Emeritus Professor of Planned Events at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, Scotland. His views are his own. To learn more about his views visit www. joegoldblatt.scot

Rising to New Heights Together The IFEA Foundation provides a source of support that allows the IFEA to confidently provide convention scholarships, host top-quality industry presenters and programming, and to 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