IFEA 71st Annual Convention & Expo

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.