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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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Tuesday, October 6
 

7:00am PDT

Hot-Air Balloon Tether Ride Experience
Tuesday October 6, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am PDT
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.
Tuesday October 6, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am PDT
Last Territory Parking Lot

7:00am PDT

IFEA Foundation Silent Auction
Tuesday October 6, 2026 7:00am - 3:15pm PDT
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!
Sponsors
Tuesday October 6, 2026 7:00am - 3:15pm PDT
Presidio Ballroom Foyer

7:00am PDT

IFEA Registration Desk Open
Tuesday October 6, 2026 7:00am - 6:00pm PDT
The IFEA Staff and Volunteers are here to make your convention experience an easy and rewarding one. Stop by the Registration Desk to check in, ask questions, or locate/contact selected staff members.
Tuesday October 6, 2026 7:00am - 6:00pm PDT
Turquoise Ballroom Foyer

7:00am PDT

Giant Inflatable Displays
Tuesday October 6, 2026 7:00am - 10:30pm PDT
The giant parade and decorative inflatables displayed outside and around the El Conquistador Tucson Resort grounds add the same fun and eye-catching ambiance to our event as they can to your own! Stop by the Expo or contact our IFEA friends at Fabulous Inflatables/Dynamic Displays and Big Events for more information!
Tuesday October 6, 2026 7:00am - 10:30pm PDT
El Conquistador Resort Grounds

7:00am PDT

Tucson Rodeo Parade & Museum Wagon Display
Tuesday October 6, 2026 7:00am - 10:30pm PDT
Come enjoy a display of classic western wagons, that you may remember from a variety of iconic television shows and movies, courtesy of our friends at the Tucson Rodeo Parade and the Tucson Wagon & History Museum. 
Tuesday October 6, 2026 7:00am - 10:30pm PDT
Last Territory Roadway

8:00am PDT

Inside the Industry General Session - Moving Forward...All Together
Tuesday October 6, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
Passionate and relentless in her advocacy, Maayan Ziv is reshaping how the world – and events - think about accessibility. Her lived experience with muscular dystrophy and recognition with Canada’s Meritorious Service Cross reflect a lifelong commitment to advancing access for all. Maayan Ziv is an entrepreneur and disability activist dedicated to creating a more accessible world. As the Founder and CEO of AccessNow, and AccessFest - a first-of-its-kind, open-to-all celebration of inclusion, she leads a mission-driven organization that not only maps accessibility but also educates and advocates for inclusive practices globally, empowering communities – and events - through information and innovation. Come join your global peers and help us all take a big step forward with an important inside perspective and clearer understanding of inclusion.
Speakers
avatar for Maayan Ziv

Maayan Ziv

Founder & CEO, AccessNow and AccessFest
Passionate and relentless in her advocacy, Maayan Ziv is reshaping how the world – and events - think about accessibility. Her lived experience with muscular dystrophy and recognition with Canada’s Meritorious Service Cross reflect a lifelong commitment to advancing access for... Read More →
Sponsors
Tuesday October 6, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
Room - Turquoise Ballroom

8:00am PDT

Connections Café (coffee served all day)
Tuesday October 6, 2026 8:00am - 4:00pm PDT
“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.
Sponsors
Tuesday October 6, 2026 8:00am - 4:00pm PDT
Turquoise Ballroom Foyer

9:15am PDT

Arts Affinity Group
Tuesday October 6, 2026 9:15am - 10:45am PDT
IFEA convention attendees have a unique opportunity to share "common ground” with professional peers while discussing current trends and issues during our popular "Affinity Group” Sessions, which many of you have been participating in virtually throughout the year. Now come meet your professional friends in person! Bring your questions and input to these valuable open-topic exchange sessions and let the conversation begin. Each Affinity Group has been assigned a Moderator(s) to help keep the discussions flowing smoothly.
Moderators
avatar for Stephen King, MA, CFEE

Stephen King, MA, CFEE

Executive Director, Des Moines Arts Festival
Stephen King has spent his life engaged with the arts. Originally from Houston, Texas, Stephen began his professional career directing, acting, and managing live theatre productions throughout the Houston area. In 1995, he turned this passion for the arts toward non-profit arts administration... Read More →
Tuesday October 6, 2026 9:15am - 10:45am PDT
Room - White Dove

9:15am PDT

CEO Affinity Group
Tuesday October 6, 2026 9:15am - 10:45am PDT
IFEA convention attendees have a unique opportunity to share "common ground” with professional peers while discussing current trends and issues during our popular "Affinity Group” Sessions, which many of you have been participating in virtually throughout the year. Now come meet your professional friends in person! Bring your questions and input to these valuable open-topic exchange sessions and let the conversation begin. Each Affinity Group has been assigned a Moderator(s) to help keep the discussions flowing smoothly.
Moderators
avatar for Randy Dewitz, CFEE, CFM

Randy Dewitz, CFEE, CFM

Owner, Fanfare Attractions, LLC
Randy L. Dewitz, Owner, Fanfare Attractions started the Company in September, 1994.  As an Event Producer, he has managed services for the Festivals and Events industry for over 43 years.  Randy received his Certified Festival & Event Executive (CFEE) designation in September 2016... Read More →
Tuesday October 6, 2026 9:15am - 10:45am PDT
Room - Agave

9:15am PDT

Marketing & PR Affinity Group
Tuesday October 6, 2026 9:15am - 10:45am PDT
IFEA convention attendees have a unique opportunity to share "common ground” with professional peers while discussing current trends and issues during our popular "Affinity Group” Sessions, which many of you have been participating in virtually throughout the year. Now come meet your professional friends in person! Bring your questions and input to these valuable open-topic exchange sessions and let the conversation begin. Each Affinity Group has been assigned a Moderator(s) to help keep the discussions flowing smoothly.
Moderators
avatar for Dave Bullard, CFEE

Dave Bullard, CFEE

Owner, FanFirst
avatar for S. David Ramirez, CFEE

S. David Ramirez, CFEE

Principal Consultant, SDMRamirez, LLC
S. David Ramirez, CFEE, is an award-winning marketing and communications professional from San Antonio, Texas. He is the founder and principal consultant of SDMRamirez, LLC, a marketing and technology strategies agency. He is a faculty member of the IFEA/NRPA Event Management School... Read More →
Tuesday October 6, 2026 9:15am - 10:45am PDT
Room - Coronado II

9:15am PDT

Operations & Risk Management Affinity Group
Tuesday October 6, 2026 9:15am - 10:45am PDT
IFEA convention attendees have a unique opportunity to share "common ground” with professional peers while discussing current trends and issues during our popular "Affinity Group” Sessions, which many of you have been participating in virtually throughout the year. Now come meet your professional friends in person! Bring your questions and input to these valuable open-topic exchange sessions and let the conversation begin. Each Affinity Group has been assigned a Moderator(s) to help keep the discussions flowing smoothly.
Moderators
avatar for Becky Genoways, CFEE

Becky Genoways, CFEE

CEO, Genoways Events

avatar for Ira Rosen, MA, CFEE, CED

Ira Rosen, MA, CFEE, CED

CEO, Ira L. Rosen, LLC, Festival and Event Consulting
Ira L. Rosen is the President and CEO of Ira L Rosen, LLC, a consulting firm providing strategic services to the worldwide festival and event industry. He is a highly regarded global leader whose decades of experience specialize in core areas of event risk assessment, creative event... Read More →
Tuesday October 6, 2026 9:15am - 10:45am PDT
Room - Coronado I

9:15am PDT

Volunteer Management Affinity Group
Tuesday October 6, 2026 9:15am - 10:45am PDT
IFEA convention attendees have a unique opportunity to share "common ground” with professional peers while discussing current trends and issues during our popular "Affinity Group” Sessions, which many of you have been participating in virtually throughout the year. Now come meet your professional friends in person! Bring your questions and input to these valuable open-topic exchange sessions and let the conversation begin. Each Affinity Group has been assigned a Moderator(s) to help keep the discussions flowing smoothly.
Moderators
avatar for TaKeyia Dickens, MBA, CFEE

TaKeyia Dickens, MBA, CFEE

Community Curator and Community Partnerships Specialist, The Connector's Lab
TaKeyia M. Dickens, MBA, CFEE, is a dynamic community engagement strategist, speaker, and founder of The Connector’s Lab, a creative think space focused on designing community-first strategies, volunteer programs, and partnerships that create real connection and measurable impact... Read More →
avatar for Samantha Mulvihill

Samantha Mulvihill

Volunteers Specialist, Shows, The Pennsylvania Horticulture Sociaty

Tuesday October 6, 2026 9:15am - 10:45am PDT
Room - Joshua Tree

11:00am PDT

From Forklifts to Fireworks: How CLARK Gave Thunder Over Louisville a Lift—and Became Part of the Show
Tuesday October 6, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
When a major logistical challenge threatened Thunder Over Louisville, the Kentucky Derby Festival and CLARK Material Handling Company found an unexpected solution—and turned it into a unique sponsorship opportunity. This session tells the story of how CLARK went from providing the equipment that helped make Thunder possible to building a sponsorship activation around the partnership through customer and employee engagement, hospitality, media and social content. It’s a real-world example of what can happen when a sponsor becomes more than a logo and becomes part of the event itself.
Speakers
avatar for Jeff English, CFEE

Jeff English, CFEE

General Counsel, CLARK Material Handling Company
Jeff English, CFEE is General Counsel for CLARK Material Handling Company and previously spent 13 years as Senior Vice President of Administration and General Counsel for the Kentucky Derby Festival. Having worked on both the festival and corporate sides of major sponsorships and... Read More →
Tuesday October 6, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room - Joshua Tree

11:00am PDT

How Events Ignite Growth, Build Local Economies, and Create Community Connection
Tuesday October 6, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Events are more than a gathering—they are powerful economic and community development tools. This session explores how festivals, street fairs, cultural events, and community activations can drive local business growth, attract visitors, generate economic impact, and create meaningful connections between residents, businesses, and organizations.
Speakers
avatar for Casey Anderson, BA, CTA

Casey Anderson, BA, CTA

Consultant / Executive Director, Historic Fourth Aveneue Merchants Association
Casey Anderson is a strategic, innovative business leader with more than 20 years of experience as a business owner, nonprofit executive, and consultant. Serving a dual role as Consultant and Executive Director of The Fourth Avenue Merchants Association (FAMA), Casey has spent many... Read More →
Tuesday October 6, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room - Agave

11:00am PDT

Prep & Response: Dealing with ICE Issues (Real & Perceived)
Tuesday October 6, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

Moderators
avatar for Randy Dewitz, CFEE, CFM

Randy Dewitz, CFEE, CFM

Owner, Fanfare Attractions, LLC
Randy L. Dewitz, Owner, Fanfare Attractions started the Company in September, 1994.  As an Event Producer, he has managed services for the Festivals and Events industry for over 43 years.  Randy received his Certified Festival & Event Executive (CFEE) designation in September 2016... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Steven Adelman

Steven Adelman

IFEA Director of Event Safety, Adelman Law Group, PLLC / Principal
Steven Adelman is the head of Adelman Law Group, PLLC and IFEA’s Director of Event Safety. He represents event industry clients with their business issues, creates safety plans, provides crowd manager training, and serves as an event safety expert in significant lawsuits, including... Read More →
avatar for Steve Rosenhauer, CFEE

Steve Rosenhauer, CFEE

Executive Director, Fiesta San Antonio

Tuesday October 6, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room - White Dove

11:00am PDT

Preparation & Prevention: The Most Common Insurance Claims and Concerns of the Last Year
Tuesday October 6, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

Speakers
avatar for David Olivares, CFEE

David Olivares, CFEE

Unit Manager, Kaliff Insurance
David G. Olivares is the Director of Sales at Kaliff Insurance. His area of expertise are Festivals and Events and is responsible for guiding the company’s focus on Outdoor Music and Entertainment Events and venues. David’s professional background, infused with his passion for... Read More →
Tuesday October 6, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room - Coronado I

11:00am PDT

What Fans Are Actually Spending in 2026 and What It Means for Your Event Stepping Forward
Tuesday October 6, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
What are fans spending at festivals, and how is it changing in 2026? Using data across thousands of events, this session breaks down trends in merchandise, food, and beverage. We’ll cover what’s up, what’s flat, and how teams are adapting to drive more revenue and improve the fan experience. For the 3rd year in a row we are sharing industry trends! We will be sending out a survey or open-ended question beforehand to ensure we answer people's specific questions in our presentation!
Speakers
avatar for Colette Ingalls

Colette Ingalls

Associate Director, Marketing, atVenu
Tuesday October 6, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room - Turquoise Ballroom

12:15pm PDT

IFEA Expo & Lunch
Tuesday October 6, 2026 12:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
The IFEA Expo, sponsored by Imperial Events Security Services, will be open from 12:15 to 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday and 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday and is unopposed by any other sessions or activities, ensuring that you have the quality time you need to explore that next great idea and negotiate your best deals with the industry's top suppliers! • Lunch will be served and available in the Expo until 1:30p.m. • SPECIAL INCENTIVE: Get $100 off your 2027 IFEA Convention Registration when you spend $100 or more in NEW business with an IFEA exhibitor! Maximum discount credit of $500 per organization. Offer is good through 3/31/2027.
Tuesday October 6, 2026 12:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
Room - Presidio Ballroom

3:30pm PDT

Cities, CVB's and Tourism Affinity Group
Tuesday October 6, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT
IFEA convention attendees have a unique opportunity to share "common ground” with professional peers while discussing current trends and issues during our popular "Affinity Group” Sessions, which many of you have been participating in virtually throughout the year. Now come meet your professional friends in person! Bring your questions and input to these valuable open-topic exchange sessions and let the conversation begin. Each Affinity Group has been assigned a Moderator(s) to help keep the discussions flowing smoothly.
Moderators
avatar for Tammy Dooley, CFEE

Tammy Dooley, CFEE

Director of Community Relations, City of Granbury CVB
avatar for Rebecca Phillips

Rebecca Phillips

Recreation Program Super, Richmond Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities

Tuesday October 6, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room - Coronado I

3:30pm PDT

Fly Forward - A 'Backstage Pass' to a Successful Drone Show
Tuesday October 6, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT
Valued IFEA partner Sky Elements will be presenting a special drone show on Tuesday evening, October 6th, as a cap to the IFEA Foundation’s “Two-Step Under Western Skies” Party & Auction. Prior to that, they will be doing a ‘Backstage Pass’ session, with a visit to their onsite launch site, for an inside look at the creation of the show. A session sure to spark your imagination and creativity. (Stop by their Expo booth on Tuesday and Wednesday to thank them for the show, and to see how you might use their expertise and services.)
Speakers
avatar for Kyle Pivnick

Kyle Pivnick

Vice President, Sky Elements
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. From your local city's 4th of July celebration to companies looking to advertise their next big campaign - we are the go-to solution in the industry for drone light shows... Read More →
Tuesday October 6, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room - Agave

3:30pm PDT

Parades Affinity Group
Tuesday October 6, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT
IFEA convention attendees have a unique opportunity to share "common ground” with professional peers while discussing current trends and issues during our popular "Affinity Group” Sessions, which many of you have been participating in virtually throughout the year. Now come meet your professional friends in person! Bring your questions and input to these valuable open-topic exchange sessions and let the conversation begin. Each Affinity Group has been assigned a Moderator(s) to help keep the discussions flowing smoothly.
Moderators
avatar for Ed Bautista, CFEE

Ed Bautista, CFEE

Chief Creative and Strategic Officer, Bautista Event Specialists Team
Ed Bautista has been in the festival and events industry for over 25 years in various capacities. A long-time employee of the city of San Jose, Ed is also a member of the Chicago Festival Association's Board of Directors and the Chief Creative & Strategic Officer with the Bautista... Read More →
Tuesday October 6, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room - Joshua Tree

3:30pm PDT

Sponsorship Affinity Group
Tuesday October 6, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT
IFEA convention attendees have a unique opportunity to share "common ground” with professional peers while discussing current trends and issues during our popular "Affinity Group” Sessions, which many of you have been participating in virtually throughout the year. Now come meet your professional friends in person! Bring your questions and input to these valuable open-topic exchange sessions and let the conversation begin. Each Affinity Group has been assigned a Moderator(s) to help keep the discussions flowing smoothly.
Moderators
avatar for Sally Croker

Sally Croker

President & CEO, Innovative Sponsorships
avatar for Colleen Murphy, CFEE

Colleen Murphy, CFEE

Director of Community Relations, Des Moines Arts Festival
Colleen Murphy, CFEE is the Director of Community Relations for the Des Moines Arts Festival. In this role, she is responsible for the development, execution, and management of fundraising initiatives and marketing/PR efforts to advance the organization.  Prior to the Des Moines... Read More →
Tuesday October 6, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room - White Dove

3:30pm PDT

Step Forward Prepared: CPR & Stop the Bleed Training
Tuesday October 6, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT
In an industry where emergencies can happen, we should be prepared for anything. CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and Stop the Bleed are two critical, life-saving training programs designed to empower bystanders to intervene during medical emergencies. While CPR addresses cardiac arrest, Stop the Bleed focuses on controlling severe, life-threatening hemorrhages. Most of us know we should have these skills. This is your chance to actually get them. In an important first for the IFEA, to allow everyone to step forward prepared, we are using this special gathering of event professionals to offer a 90-minute hands-on session that will cover Hands-Only CPR and Stop the Bleed — the two interventions bystanders are most likely to need before EMS arrives. Participants will work with training mannequins and bleed control supplies and leave with a course completion certificate. No prior training is required. Better yet, IFEA is covering the cost of your certification. Don’t miss this opportunity to step forward and perhaps save a life.
Speakers
avatar for Sotero G. Ramirez, III, MBA, EMT-P

Sotero G. Ramirez, III, MBA, EMT-P

Texas Certified EMS Instructor, El Paso Community College
Sotero G. Ramirez III, MBA, EMT-P, Texas Certified EMS Instructor, is a full-time instructor in the Emergency Medical Services Paramedic Program at El Paso Community College, where he has trained EMTs, paramedics, and U.S. Army soldiers since 1981. His career spans the full breadth... Read More →
Tuesday October 6, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room - Turquoise Ballroom

7:00pm PDT

IFEA Foundation 'Two-Step Under Western Skies' Party & Auction
Tuesday October 6, 2026 7:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Kick up your boots for a night of fun at the IFEA 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 a part of your convention registration! With plenty of reasons to stay awhile, it's the perfect way to celebrate, connect, and support the Foundation's work to provide scholarships, professional development, and ongoing resources that strengthen the industry through the IFEA.
Artists
avatar for DJ Munition

DJ Munition

DJ
DJ Munition is the stage name of Tyler Sherman, an open-format special event and corporate DJ known for high-energy mashups and cinematic live production. He is based in Arizona and operates through Engage Entertainment
... Read More →
Sponsors
Tuesday October 6, 2026 7:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Last Territory

10:30pm PDT

DFEST® Hospitality Suite
Tuesday October 6, 2026 10:30pm - Wednesday October 7, 2026 2:00am PDT
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 Tuesday night, October 6th (beginning at 10:00 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.
Sponsors
Tuesday October 6, 2026 10:30pm - Wednesday October 7, 2026 2:00am PDT
Casita Suite 1576
 
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