IFEA 71st Annual Convention & Expo

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.

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!

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.