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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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Wednesday, October 7
 

8:30am PDT

Inside the Industry General Session - ‘IE’ Live: 20/20 Vision: A Look Back at Lessons Learned from 2026's Mega Events
Wednesday October 7, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am PDT
Room - Turquoise Ballroom
2026 has been a year filled with mega-events. Many that have been in the planning for years. Many that encompassed multiple communities; states; and countries. Most that depended upon often critical elements not always in the control of the organizers. Events with global, national, and emotional ties for attendees, participants, and other stakeholders. Some that are/were once-in-a-lifetime events and celebrations - for individuals; host communities; and host countries. And all on a national / global stage for everyone, with the power to bring the world together. Recognizing that (with a broader goal of sustaining our common successes, across our global industry, as we look to ‘Step Forward’) we have a unique opportunity to look back, together, with 20/20 vision, at this unique constellation of mega-events, and to explore what worked; what didn’t; what we learned; and how we can use those lessons to lay valuable new foundations for the future, we created this session. Using our assembled convention brain-trust, moderated and focused by selected industry leaders, together we will identify, discuss, and define a strategic list of best practices/cautionary tips to be referenced and remembered in the decades ahead, in your own communities/events and around the world.
Moderators
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 →
Speakers
avatar for IE 20/20 Vision Panel
Sponsors
avatar for Atomic
avatar for atVenu
avatar for AVmedia
avatar for Elsberg Studios
Wednesday October 7, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am PDT
Room - Turquoise Ballroom
  Education, CFEE Elective

9:45am PDT

Fenced In: What Location Data Knows About Your Audience
Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
Room - Coronado I
Where location data comes from, what it can tell you about your audience, and how to use it to sell tickets and buy talent. No technical background required.
Speakers
avatar for Robert Brecht, PhD

Robert Brecht, PhD

Managing Partner, TSE Entertainment, LLC
Doctor Bob brings a diverse background in production, marketing, and business management to his position as Managing Partner of TSE Entertainment. His responsibilities include overseeing TSE’s services other than talent booking. He also manages the marketing and business operations... Read More →
Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
Room - Coronado I
  Education, CFEE Elective

9:45am PDT

How to Know When Your Event Is Under Attack by Resellers
Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
Room - Joshua Tree
In the festivals and events world, resale activity is becoming a broader industry issue across the board. Come join us for this important session as we share warning signs, practical controls, and best practices used across different industries, along with lessons learned from tested methods, including what has worked, what may create too much friction, and what (definitely) isn't feasible to scale.
Speakers
avatar for Lucas McCarthy

Lucas McCarthy

CEO & Founder, Showpass
In a field dominated by a small number of big players, Lucas McCarthy has built one of North America’s fastest-growing ticketing and event technology companies out of Calgary, Alberta. A major player in Western Canada and growing across the country, Showpass handles thousands of... Read More →
Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
Room - Joshua Tree
  Education, CFEE Elective

9:45am PDT

Reconciliation in Action: Planning Your Event in Collaboration with Indigenous Communities
Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
Room - Coronado II
This session will discuss how meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities can lead to more authentic and inclusive events. Using the annual Canada Together event held in Vancouver, British Columbia as a case study, it shows how collaboration with local First Nations has shaped programming and storytelling for the event.
The session offers practical ways to build respectful relationships and ensure Indigenous voices are meaningfully reflected throughout the planning process.

 
 
Speakers
avatar for Frans Hancke

Frans Hancke

Lead Planner, Canada Place Corporation
Frans Hancke began his career in the live entertainment industry at the age of 16, gaining foundational experience by producing shows for independent bands. Since then, he has built an extensive portfolio managing a wide variety of large-scale productions, including major comedy and... Read More →
avatar for Kaitlan Lay, MA

Kaitlan Lay, MA

Indigenous Relations Advisor, Canada Place Corporation / Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
Kaitlan Lay has over thirteen years of experience in the field of Indigenous relations, building collaborative partnerships with First Nations communities, leading consultation and engagement processes, and advancing reconciliation initiatives. Kaitlan has been involved with the Canada... Read More →
Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
Room - Coronado II
  Education, CFEE Elective

9:45am PDT

Step Forward with a Look Back: Lessons Learned from a Career in Festivals & Events
Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
Room - White Dove
Stephen’s favorite question is “what’s next?” Never one to rest and always willing to take calculated risks, Stephen has experienced many challenges and celebrated many wins. In this interactive session, Stephen will share lessons learned over a three-decade career.
Speakers
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 →
Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
Room - White Dove
  Education, CFEE Elective

9:45am PDT

Using AI to Up Your Sponsorship Game
Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
Room - Agave
For festival and event organizers navigating the complex landscape of sponsorship acquisition, Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force. AI isn't just another tool; it's becoming an indispensable collaborator that will enhance every aspect of your sponsorship program, providing you with a virtual research assistant and creative collaborator. This hands-on session will demonstrate the transformative ways you can use AI in your sponsorship efforts, including:

• Getting Your Ducks in a Row – Property Preparation
• Prospect Identification and Qualification
• Proposal Development and Personalization
• Creative Activation Concepts
• Creating Agreements and MOUs
Speakers
avatar for Bruce Erley, CFEE, APR

Bruce Erley, CFEE, APR

Founder & Principal, Creative Strategies Group
Bruce L. Erley is the President of Creative Strategies Group, (CSG), a sponsorship and event marketing agency based in Denver, Colorado which he founded in September 1995.In January 2023, Erley sold off the sales representation, promotional activation, and account management services... Read More →
Wednesday October 7, 2026 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
Room - Agave
  Education, CFEE Elective

11:00am PDT

Adaptive Sports & Community Inclusion: A Blueprint for Integration
Wednesday October 7, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room - Joshua Tree
Sport unites communities across age, race, & ability, yet adaptive athletes are too often excluded from mainstream events. This session highlights how Team Access creates partnerships with nonprofits like Southern Arizona Adaptive Sports, businesses, donors, and community event leaders to build a blueprint for inclusion. Using our collaboration with El Tour de Tucson - an iconic event with 10,000 cyclists - we'll share strategies for integrating adaptive athletes into existing events through intentional engagement. Participants will leave with these tools: a barrier-identification checklist, a solution-based partnership model, and a framework for lasting cultural shifts toward inclusive community sports and events.
Speakers
avatar for Mia Hansen

Mia Hansen

Executive Director, Southern Arizona Adaptive Sports
Mia Hansen brings 30 years of passion and experience in festival & event management, cultural exchange initiatives and non-profit management to every project. She is a director/producer/consultant with a degree in Dance / Recreation & Park Management from the University of Oregon... Read More →
avatar for TJ Juskiewicz

TJ Juskiewicz

Executive Director, El Tour de Tucson

avatar for Amber Russell

Amber Russell

Vice President, Team Access
Amber channels her passion for people, purpose, and possibility into meaningful action. At AGM Container Controls, she serves as Community Development Lead, driving strategic initiatives and operational excellence across the organization.A relationship-driven leader, Amber is dedicated... Read More →
avatar for Paul Davis

Paul Davis

Division Manager, Access & Mobility, AGM Container Controls / Team Access
Paul Davis serves as the Director of Access and Mobility at AGM Container Controls, where he oversees the Ascension Wheelchair Lifts and Omeo America product groups. Before stepping into his current role, Paul led AGM’s marketing organization as Marketing Director, helping shape the company’s... Read More →
Wednesday October 7, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room - Joshua Tree
  Education, CFEE Elective

11:00am PDT

From Planning to Impact: Building Events That Strengthen Community and Culture
Wednesday October 7, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room - Coronado II
This session explores how municipal event teams can move beyond logistics to intentionally design experiences that build culture, strengthen community, and create lasting impact. Using real examples from the City of Mobile, Alabama, attendees will learn how to align strategy, operations, and marketing to deliver meaningful and memorable events. The presentation will highlight cross-department collaboration, vendor coordination, and real-time problem solving that drive successful execution. Attendees will walk away with practical tools for planning, measuring impact, and creating events that attendees will return to year after year. This session is ideal for event professionals looking to elevate their approach from execution to experience.
Speakers
avatar for JeNyia Rocker

JeNyia Rocker

Events Manager, City of Mobile. Alabama
As the City Events Manager for the City of Mobile, JeNyia Rocker oversees the planning and execution of the City’s signature events while leading the Event Services Division. She provides strategic direction for event programming and departmental operations, while overseeing event... Read More →
Wednesday October 7, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room - Coronado II
  Education, CFEE Elective

11:00am PDT

Inside the International World of Festivals & Events
Wednesday October 7, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room - White Dove
The 'I' in 'IFEA' is an important part of who we are as a global industry. In addition to widening your network of global friends and peers, you'll find that creativity, new ideas, challenges, and our common desire to bond our communities, countries, and world together, do not stop at any border, and are not limited by any language. Come join a gathering of our international friends for a fascinating (and informal) insight and dialogue, as we take a look inside the international world of festivals and events.  
Moderators
avatar for Steven Wood Schmader, CFEE

Steven Wood Schmader, CFEE

President & CEO, International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA World)
Steven Wood Schmader, CFEE, is the President & CEO of the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA World), which celebrates 71 years as the “Premiere Association Supporting and Enabling Festival & Event Professionals Worldwide” in 2026. The IFEA operates with a visi... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Professor Gang Hoan Jeong, CFEE

Professor Gang Hoan Jeong, CFEE

President, IFEA Asia / Korea
avatar for Daniel Baldacci, CFEE

Daniel Baldacci, CFEE

President, IFEA Latin America
Besides running IFEA Latin America, Daniel Baldacci is president of DB Events and director of the White Pavilion Event Center at Wet 'n Wild Brazil.

Baldacci has been involved for many years with the Carnaval of Salvador, the biggest street party in the world according to the Guinness book, but also created and produced his own music festivals which together had more than 450 shows launching new talents that nowadays are top stars... Read More →
avatar for Kulwadee (May) Pattamas

Kulwadee (May) Pattamas

Manager – Mega Event and World Festival Department, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau

avatar for Tamas Badacsonyi

Tamas Badacsonyi

Managing Partner / Festival Director, Örvényesvölgy Festival - Vertigo Valley, Hungary
Tamas Badacsonyi is from Europe, Hungary. He is the creator of a premium "boutique" festival: ORVENYESVOLGY, hosted on his private estate in countryside Hungary.
Tamas has a legal background, has finished law school in Budapest, previously he has spent a year in the US with a scholarship in Ohio, where he learned about television production and this is when he first got closer to the entertainment industry. After finishing university he was
... Read More →
Wednesday October 7, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room - White Dove
  Education, CFEE Elective

11:00am PDT

Keeping Your Sponsors from Becoming Someone Else’s! Strategies to Renew and Strengthen Your Partnerships
Wednesday October 7, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room - Coronado I
In today’s competitive environment, sponsorships are no longer about logos, signage, or one-time visibility — they are about relationships, relevance, and results. Organizations that retain sponsors successfully understand that partnership stewardship must happen all year long, not just during renewal season.
This engaging and action-oriented session explores practical strategies to strengthen sponsor loyalty, deepen communication, increase value, and create experiences that sponsors remember. Participants will learn how to move from transactional conversations to trusted partnerships that inspire long-term commitment and mutual growth.
Join us for this valuable session and learn to:
• Identify the key drivers that influence sponsor retention and renewal decisions.
• Develop strategies to create meaningful, year-round sponsor engagement.
• Communicate measurable value and partnership impact effectively.
• Discover techniques to strengthen trust, visibility, and long-term loyalty.

Speakers
avatar for Gail Lowney Alofsin

Gail Lowney Alofsin

Author, Speaker, Professor, University of Rhode Island
Gail Lowney Alofsin is the Associate Director Corporate Partnerships for the Office of Strategic Initiatives at the University of Rhode Island. Gail has been speaking at the IFEA Conference for over 25 years and also serves on the IFEA's Presidents Council.
Gail is a national keyn... Read More →
Wednesday October 7, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room - Coronado I
  Education, CFEE Elective

11:00am PDT

Stepping Forward with Your Vendor Partners
Wednesday October 7, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room - Agave

Speakers
avatar for Rey O' Day

Rey O' Day

Executive Director, National Independent Concessionaires Association
Rey O'Day is the Executive Director of the National Independent Concessionaires Association (NICA), a prominent industry leader, and a NICA Hall of Fame inductee. She co-founded the NICA West Council in 2007 and serves as faculty for the Institute of Fair Management. 
Career and Leadership HistoryCo-founded the West Council at the LA County Fair in 2007.Served as NICA’s Executive Manager of Councils, managing regional activities.Inducted into the NICA Hall of Fame in 2016.Appointed Executive Director of NICA in October 2019.Teaches courses for... Read More →
Wednesday October 7, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room - Agave
  Education, CFEE Elective

2:00pm PDT

Beyond the Game...50+ Years of Community Engagement
Wednesday October 7, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room - Agave

Speakers
avatar for TBA

TBA

Fiesta Sports Foundation

Wednesday October 7, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room - Agave
  Education, CFEE Elective

2:00pm PDT

If I Got Hit By a Bus
Wednesday October 7, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room - Coronado II
We’ve all had the thought, “What would they do without me?” But have you actually planned for it? Join me as we explore how to plan your events as if you won’t be there to oversee them. We’ll focus on creating clear processes, empowering your team, and building confidence in their ability to execute. By the end, you’ll have strategies to ensure your events run smoothly—even when you’re not in the room.
Speakers
avatar for Emily Linares, CFEE, CPC

Emily Linares, CFEE, CPC

Special Event Superintendent, Parks & Recreation, Grand Prairie, Texas
Emily Linares has been the City of Grand Prairie Special Events Superintendent since 2023, and hosts over 60 events annually, with a budget of over 2.5 million dollars. In previous roles, she has served as both a special events, and communications team member. She has degrees from... Read More →
Wednesday October 7, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room - Coronado II
  Education, CFEE Elective

2:00pm PDT

Layout and Event Mapping: Optimizing Opportunities and Minimizing Safety Concerns
Wednesday October 7, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room - Joshua Tree

Speakers
avatar for Michael Bleau

Michael Bleau

CEO, eventhub

Wednesday October 7, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room - Joshua Tree
  Education, CFEE Elective

2:00pm PDT

More You, Less Robot: Building Authentic Marketing Content While Using AI
Wednesday October 7, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room - Coronado I
Marketing tools evolve quickly, and AI is at the center of it. You can generate a dozen posts in seconds, but are they good or just adequate? This session is for festival and event pros who want to build better content faster while still holding onto their brand voice. Don't be another "AI Slop" post or email. Be better. We'll explore specific settings and nuances of tools like ChatGPT and Gemini that make your content feel real and human. We'll look at popular tools with built-in AI and discuss when to use them and when to use an external tool. We'll also talk about the biggest tells that you're using AI and how simple tweaks can make your content sound more like you.
Speakers
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 →
Wednesday October 7, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room - Coronado I
  Education, CFEE Elective

2:00pm PDT

New Trends in Sponsorship
Wednesday October 7, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room - White Dove

Moderators
avatar for Paula Beadle

Paula Beadle

Founder, Sponsorship Marketing Association
Paula Beadle is a partnership marketing thought leader and sponsorship industry trailblazer. Over her 30+ year career in sports, entertainment and life-style events, she has worked with global brands and iconic festivals and events. Paula has been recognized as a transformative leader... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Kevin Grothe, CFEE

Kevin Grothe, CFEE

Executive Vice President, Memphis in May International Festival
Kevin Grothe has more than 25 years of sales, marketing and fund raising experience in the event industry. Known for developing long-term business relationships, he has successfully increased department revenues for several event organizations and institutions of higher learning... Read More →
avatar for Bruce Erley, CFEE, APR

Bruce Erley, CFEE, APR

Founder & Principal, Creative Strategies Group
Bruce L. Erley is the President of Creative Strategies Group, (CSG), a sponsorship and event marketing agency based in Denver, Colorado which he founded in September 1995.In January 2023, Erley sold off the sales representation, promotional activation, and account management services... Read More →
avatar for Gail Lowney Alofsin

Gail Lowney Alofsin

Author, Speaker, Professor, University of Rhode Island
Gail Lowney Alofsin is the Associate Director Corporate Partnerships for the Office of Strategic Initiatives at the University of Rhode Island. Gail has been speaking at the IFEA Conference for over 25 years and also serves on the IFEA's Presidents Council.
Gail is a national keyn... Read More →
avatar for David Eads

David Eads

Executive Director & CEO, Pasadena Tournament of Roses
David Eads has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® since February 2017, leading one of the nation’s most iconic and beloved New Year celebrations—the Rose Parade® and Rose Bowl Game®. At the helm of this non-profit, volunteer-driven organization... Read More →
Wednesday October 7, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room - White Dove
  Education, CFEE Elective

3:15pm PDT

Closing Keynote: Stepping Forward into the Future of Live Events
Wednesday October 7, 2026 3:15pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room - Turquoise Ballroom
In an increasingly competitive live entertainment landscape, legacy organizations must evolve and continue stepping forward to stay relevant. This special session will explore how Summerfest (The World’s Largest Music Festival®) is adapting its model - expanding programming, enhancing the guest experience, and embracing new platforms - to engage modern audiences while maintaining its accessibility and impact. The session will also highlight Milwaukee World Festival’s vision for Henry Maier Festival Park, focused on year-round activation and elevated placemaking to create a more dynamic and connected destination. Come join us as we all step forward toward the future.
Speakers
avatar for Sarah Pancheri

Sarah Pancheri

Prezsident & CEO, Milwaukee World Festival, Inc. / Summerfest

Sponsors
avatar for Atomic
avatar for atVenu
avatar for AVmedia
avatar for Elsberg Studios
Wednesday October 7, 2026 3:15pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room - Turquoise Ballroom
  Education, CFEE Elective
 

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