This premier gathering of festival and event professionals, suppliers, and industry partners from around the world offers unparalleled opportunities for education, inspiration, and meaningful connection. From those taking their first steps toward a new event, to those advancing long-standing, globally recognized experiences, there is something for everyone as we explore emerging trends, address real-world challenges, and identify new opportunities. Mark your calendar. Step Forward. The future of festivals and events starts here.
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Despite the magic that we all get to produce and share every day, many have still never experienced, first-hand, the joyful moments that make up many of our events. With a special thank you to IFEA friend and member Lighter Than Air America, producer of the ‘Scott Spencer Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic,’ and the ‘Walla Walla Balloon Stampede’, as well as the operations of both round and special-shape corporate aircraft for iconic brands such as Disney, Coca Cola, Kellogg’s, ReMax and countless others, we hope to bring some of that joy to the IFEA Convention. Early each morning of the IFEA Convention, before the start of programming for the day, we will be providing brief tether ride experiences in the spectacular ‘Dawn Treader’ balloon, originally created for the movie premiere of Disney’s ‘Oz the Great and Powerful’. Sign-ups for this opportunity will be available at the Registration Desk, to help us maximize the estimated/limited ride slots available.
Whether you're looking for a fun and relaxing getaway; gifts for yourself, family and friends; or a must-have product or service that helps your festival/event, the IFEA Silent Auction is sure to have a wide variety of unique and useful packages to choose from. All funds enable the IFEA Foundation to continue their critical support of the IFEA's many educational programs, speakers, publications, and convention scholarships, so bid high and bid often!
“Connections Café,” sponsored by Eventeny, is the center of IFEA daytime gatherings and conversations. Located near the heart of the convention sessions and activities, “Connections Café” is open every day throughout the convention, providing coffee and a relaxing atmosphere conducive to doing business one-on-one or simply catching up with friends. Promoting human connections – while cyber ones are accessible too - this popular venue is always a favorite hang-out, providing the perfect setting for strengthening those personal connections that are so important to everyone’s success.
The perfect opportunity to join up with your IFEA friends and professional peers for an evening of dining and networking in one of Tucson's great local restaurants, on-site or off. The El Conquistadoe will provide free shuttle service within a 3 to 5 mile radius.
Monday October 5, 2026 6:00pm - Tuesday October 6, 2026 12:00am PDT On Own
The DFEST® Hospitality Suite, sponsored by long-time IFEA supporter DFEST®, is as much a part of the IFEA Convention as our breakout sessions, and we look forward to extending a warm Tucson welcome to everyone! Open Monday night, October 5th (beginning at 9:00 p.m.) to meet up with old friends and new, the DFEST® Hospitality Suite (Casita Suite 1576) provides convention attendees with a time and a place to unwind, relax and connect outside of scheduled sessions and functions. For more than 35 years the DFEST ® Hospitality Suite has been recognized as the hub of the IFEA’s convention networking system.
