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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.
Type: Education clear filter
Monday, October 5
 

8:30am PDT

IFEA 71st Annual Convention Open: Step Forward
Monday October 5, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am PDT
Room - Turquoise Ballroom
Coming out of our 70th Anniversary celebration last year, and looking ahead, we do so with a renewed passion and appreciation for the critically important role that the festivals, events, and global industry that we have the privilege of being a part of, continue to play in holding our world together; in laying out the welcome mat for our respective communities, cities, and countries, when they are at their best; and in creating magical milestones and memories for so many. Come join us as we Step Forward and continue our remarkable journey together. A journey of memories and milestones; of challenges and triumphs; of strength, durability, and endurance; of friends gained and friends lost; of innovation, inspiration, and imagination; of joy, confidence and authenticity. A journey that has bonded families, friends, communities, and our world closer together. A journey that continues as we look to the future.

Come Step Forward. The future of festivals and events starts here.


Speakers
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 →
avatar for Jessica Kaminskas

Jessica Kaminskas

Chief Operating Officer, The Parade Company

avatar for Vanessa Van de Putte

Vanessa Van de Putte

President & CEO, dfest
Artists
avatar for Larry Redhouse

Larry Redhouse

Jazz Pianist, Bandleader, Composer, Independent Contractor, Native American Dancer, Flutist
Larry Redhouse is an accomplished Jazz Pianist, composer, multi-instrumentalist, Native American dancer and flautist. He is a member of the Diné (Navajo)  Nation. He has shared his musical talents nationally and internationally: At the Museum for the American Indian- Smithsonian... Read More →
Sponsors
avatar for Atomic
avatar for atVenu
avatar for AVmedia
avatar for Elsberg Studios
Monday October 5, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am PDT
Room - Turquoise Ballroom
  Education, CFEE Elective

9:30am PDT

Opening Keynote: The Joy Audit...Your First Step Forward
Monday October 5, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am PDT
Room - Turquoise Ballroom
As we look to the future, we do so in a world of many challenges – some never remotely imagined - but also many new opportunities and possibilities. Whether your challenges seem daunting, or your opportunities seem endless, we encourage everyone to – as Walt Disney noted as his secret to success - always ‘Step Forward’ into the future. Whether it is a small step, or a giant leap, step forward with one new idea; one new sponsor; one new volunteer; one new event improvement; one new, unexpected piece of creativity that will bring your attendees joy and that one special moment that they will remember and talk about for years to come. That ability to step forward begins with a revisitation within ourselves, to find and reignite the joy and the passion that we had when we first started in this magical industry. Ryan Campbell will help us all search for, remember, and rediscover your joy and your passion, and then to share that joy with your friends, peers, and those around you. Come join us for a Joy Audit™...Your First Step Forward...as we set the stage for the IFEA 71st Annual Convention & Expo presented by atVenu. Come (re)find your pink Cadillac.
Speakers
avatar for Ryan Campbell

Ryan Campbell

Author, Explorer, Speaker, Survivor, Record Breaker, and Proud Owner of an Elvis-inspired 1960 Pink Cadillac

Sponsors
avatar for IFEA Foundation
Monday October 5, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am PDT
Room - Turquoise Ballroom
  Education, CFEE Elective

10:45am PDT

Building a Culture of Success, with Legacy Results
Monday October 5, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am PDT
Room - Joshua Tree
Working in the festival and event business is deeply meaningful. As rewarding as your days can be, they can also be demanding, emotional and exhausting. Even the most dedicated professionals can feel stretched thin.
In this energizing and deeply relatable session, you will be inspired to reconnect with why you do what you do, rediscover your personal and professional purpose and re-ignite the positivity that fuels outstanding care!
Through relatable stories, practical mindset shifts and uplifting insights, you will be reminded that how YOU show up everyday matters - to your customers, families and colleagues. The bottom line? When YOU lead with purpose, manage your energy with intention, and choose positivity – you build a culture of success, and leave a legacy of results.
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 →
Monday October 5, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am PDT
Room - Joshua Tree
  Education, CFEE Elective

10:45am PDT

Centerpiece Celebrations: Philadelphia's Role at the Heart of America's Semiquincentennial & FIFA Events
Monday October 5, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am PDT
Room - Agave

Speakers
avatar for Michael Delbene

Michael Delbene

Executive Producer, FIFA World Cup 26 Philadelphia Fan Fest
Michael DelBene is a visionary leader at the forefront of large-scale, city-defining public events. As a rare hybrid of both CEO and Executive Producer, Michael brings a distinctive blend of strategic oversight and creative execution to some of the most ambitious and inclusive festivals... Read More →
Monday October 5, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am PDT
Room - Agave
  Education, CFEE Elective

10:45am PDT

Festival Law 101
Monday October 5, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am PDT
Room - White Dove
In a quickly changing and challenging world, we often find ourselves in situations where it would be helpful to have that law degree we never got! Thanks to Steven Adelman, head of the Adelman Law Group, PLLC, co-founder of the Event Safety Alliance, and IFEA’s new Director of Event Safety, we are pleased to offer this special extended session to give us all a leg up. This three-hour session will teach you the legal concepts every event professional should understand to do business in our industry. We will discuss the few legal issues that arise in contracts that are deal breakers, and why most issues are business decisions, not hills to die on.  We will explain the law surrounding common operational issues, such as the rare instances of personal liability for employees and how the First Amendment works on event sites.  We will dip a toe into the murky waters of litigation.  And we will teach you key vocabulary so you sound smart.  You already know a lot of this – this session will explain the legal reasons so you are more confident going forward.  Topics to be addressed will include:
 The elements of a contract and the “legal mullet”
 Employees versus independent contractors
 Cancellation and force majeure
 The elements of a negligence claim
 “Reasonable foreseeability”
 Indemnification
 Limitation of liability
 Agency law and personal liability
 Evidence and the importance of documentation
 The First Amendment and the constitutional limits on “speech”
Led by Steven Adelman, head of the Adelman Law Group, PLLC and Taylor Collins, associate at McCarter & English, LLP, both with extensive experience working with and representing festivals and live events, you’ll gain valuable insights that bring both competency and comfort to your world. Don’t miss this special opportunity to raise your bar.
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 Taylor Collins, Esq.

Taylor Collins, Esq.

Associate, McCarter & English, LLP
Taylor Collins is an associate at McCarter & English, LLP. She represents individuals and entities across a wide range of industries in state and federal courts in disputes involving breach of contract, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, tortious interference, and negligence claims... Read More →
Monday October 5, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am PDT
Room - White Dove
  Education, CFEE Elective

10:45am PDT

How Cities are Using Data to Analyze the Impact of Mega-Events
Monday October 5, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am PDT
Room - Coronado II

Speakers
avatar for Melissa Scott, MBA

Melissa Scott, MBA

Chief Information Officer, City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Monday October 5, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am PDT
Room - Coronado II
  Education, CFEE Elective

10:45am PDT

Keeping Up with Social Media
Monday October 5, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am PDT
Room - Coronado I

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 →
Monday October 5, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am PDT
Room - Coronado I
  Education, CFEE Elective

2:00pm PDT

Event Management Systems: Building Consistency and Capacity Across Large-Format Events
Monday October 5, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room - Agave
This session explores how event professionals can modernize and streamline their event operations by pairing effective systems and creative leadership strategies. Participants will leave with resources and tools they can implement immediately.
Participants will be able to:
· Identify the core components of effective event management and how these core principals support consistency, risk    reduction, and organizational memory.
· Understand how high-performing teams’ function within a singular event or across seasons and multiple events,           clarity of roles, communication structures, and decision-making pathways.
· Evaluate existing event frameworks and pinpoint opportunities to strengthen workflows, documentation, and cross       team alignment.
· Apply practical tools and templates to improve planning, execution, and post-event evaluation across multiple event types.
· Explore examples of how system level improvements lead to stronger participant experiences, smoother operations, and more resilient teams.
Speakers
avatar for Laura Blake, CFEE

Laura Blake, CFEE

Senior Director of Events & Operations, Music for All
Laura Blake is the Senior Director of Events and Operations for Music for All, where she oversees large‑scale event operations, team development, and organizational workflow strategy. With more than 20 years of experience, Laura has led complex, multi‑site event programs and cross‑departmental... Read More →
Monday October 5, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room - Agave
  Education, CFEE Elective

2:00pm PDT

Everything Insurance: Contracts to Cyber; Liquor to Liability
Monday October 5, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room - Coronado II

Speakers
avatar for Andrew Vandepopulier

Andrew Vandepopulier

Producer, Haas & Wilkerson Insurance
After graduating from the University of Central Missouri with a degree in Business and Education Andrew began working in the disaster and catastrophe claims field for Farmers Insurance. He spent 3 years working around the Midwest handling all types of claims from hail to wildfires... Read More →
Monday October 5, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room - Coronado II
  Education, CFEE Elective

2:00pm PDT

Festival Law 101 (Con't.)
Monday October 5, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room - White Dove
See 10:45AM for Session Description.
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 Taylor Collins, Esq.

Taylor Collins, Esq.

Associate, McCarter & English, LLP
Taylor Collins is an associate at McCarter & English, LLP. She represents individuals and entities across a wide range of industries in state and federal courts in disputes involving breach of contract, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, tortious interference, and negligence claims... Read More →
Monday October 5, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room - White Dove
  Education, CFEE Elective

2:00pm PDT

Planning for a Crisis and Managing One
Monday October 5, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room - Joshua Tree
From increasingly harsh weather to major equipment failures to criminal acts, we're forced to confront the risks of holding our festivals and events. You'll learn how to identify the risks to your events, how to make a plan for dealing with them, what to do when a crisis occurs, and how to recover quickly. You'll walk away with a checklist of actions you can take as soon as you get home.
Speakers
avatar for Dave Bullard, CFEE

Dave Bullard, CFEE

Owner, FanFirst
Monday October 5, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room - Joshua Tree
  Education, CFEE Elective

2:00pm PDT

Taking Back Control: Bringing Food & Beverage Operations In-House at Festivals
Monday October 5, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room - Coronado I
More festivals are bringing food and beverage operations in-house, but what does that actually involve? Hear from operators who’ve made the shift as they walk through planning, vendor management, execution, and settlements. Learn where the revenue upside is and how to evaluate if it’s the right move.
Speakers
avatar for Colette Ingalls

Colette Ingalls

Associate Director, Marketing, atVenu
Monday October 5, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room - Coronado I
  Education, CFEE Elective

3:15pm PDT

Building Sustainable Events: Practical Steps | Common Challenges | Telling Your Story
Monday October 5, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Room - Joshua Tree
Sustainability can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. This interactive session explores what sustainability is - and what it isn't - through the lens of real-world event operations. We'll discuss practical, achievable steps that events of any size can take, common challenges organizers face, and simple ways to measure and communicate results.
Speakers
avatar for Jen Marhenke

Jen Marhenke

Director of Sustainability, Rico Solutions
With more than 25 years of experience in event production, Jen Marhenke brings deep operational expertise and a practical, boots-on-the-ground approach to sustainability in sports and live events. Over the past decade, she has led efforts to integrate environmental responsibility... Read More →
Monday October 5, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Room - Joshua Tree
  Education, CFEE Elective

3:15pm PDT

Family-Friendly Doesn't Mean Boring: Entertainment For All Ages
Monday October 5, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Room - Coronado II
Festival and event buyers will walk away from this session with a proven framework for programming entertainment that engages every generation in the crowd — from Gen Alpha to Boomers — simultaneously. Drawing on research from IFEA and leading consumer behavior studies, this session challenges the traditional "kids zone" model and introduces a 3-layer programming approach that extends dwell time, increases per-capita spend, and drives repeat attendance. Attendees will explore the full family entertainment toolkit — from Silent Disco and live music to variety acts, outdoor cinema, and interactive participatory experiences — and leave with a practical planning checklist and ROI measurement criteria ready to apply to their next event.
Speakers
avatar for Jeff Hyman

Jeff Hyman

Vice President, Degy Entertainment
Jeff Hyman has been in the Entertainment Industry for over 30 years. Starting as a College programmer, Jeff has been working with College and University Clients, Festivals and Fairs, Park and Recreation, Performing Arts Centers, Corporations and Theaters all around the World, booking... Read More →
Monday October 5, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Room - Coronado II
  Education, CFEE Elective

3:15pm PDT

Festival Law 101 (Con't.)
Monday October 5, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Room - White Dove
See 10:45AM for Session Description.
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 Taylor Collins, Esq.

Taylor Collins, Esq.

Associate, McCarter & English, LLP
Taylor Collins is an associate at McCarter & English, LLP. She represents individuals and entities across a wide range of industries in state and federal courts in disputes involving breach of contract, fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, tortious interference, and negligence claims... Read More →
Monday October 5, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Room - White Dove
  Education, CFEE Elective

3:15pm PDT

From Community to Currency: Why Your Volunteers Are Your Strongest Brand Asset
Monday October 5, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Room - Agave
Volunteer programs are more than extra hands on event day. They are one of the most powerful, and often overlooked, connections between an event, its community, and its brand partners. This session will explore how to transform volunteers into community ambassadors, storytellers, and strategic assets, while creating volunteer experiences that sponsors genuinely want to support. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for building volunteer programs that strengthen community loyalty, create measurable impact, and open the door to meaningful sponsorship opportunities.
Speakers
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 →
Monday October 5, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Room - Agave
  Education, CFEE Elective

3:15pm PDT

Inbox to Income: Using Email Marketing to Increase Event Revenue
Monday October 5, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Room - Coronado I
Your email list is one of your most valuable assets. Discover how leading events use email marketing to sell more tickets, encourage repeat attendance, promote upgrades and add-ons, and build year-round loyalty. We'll explore campaign strategies, automation, segmentation, subject lines that get opened, and performance metrics that matter—so you can turn more subscribers into paying attendees.
Speakers
avatar for Cassie Roberts Dispenza, CFEE

Cassie Roberts Dispenza, CFEE

Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Saffire
Cassie has extensive experience with ticketing, online marketing and event planning. She began her career in live entertainment by producing high profile events  with the Austin Sports Commission and the United States Olympic Committee. She started working with Saffire in 2011... Read More →
Monday October 5, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Room - Coronado I
  Education, CFEE Elective
 
Tuesday, October 6
 

8:00am PDT

Inside the Industry General Session - Moving Forward...All Together
Tuesday October 6, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
Room - Turquoise Ballroom
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
avatar for Ascension Wheelchair LIfts
avatar for IFEA Foundation
Tuesday October 6, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
Room - Turquoise Ballroom
  Education, CFEE Elective

9:15am PDT

Arts Affinity Group
Tuesday October 6, 2026 9:15am - 10:45am PDT
Room - White Dove
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
  Education, CFEE Elective

9:15am PDT

CEO Affinity Group
Tuesday October 6, 2026 9:15am - 10:45am PDT
Room - Agave
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
  Education, CFEE Elective

9:15am PDT

Marketing & PR Affinity Group
Tuesday October 6, 2026 9:15am - 10:45am PDT
Room - Coronado II
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
  Education, CFEE Elective

9:15am PDT

Operations & Risk Management Affinity Group
Tuesday October 6, 2026 9:15am - 10:45am PDT
Room - Coronado I
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
  Education, CFEE Elective

9:15am PDT

Volunteer Management Affinity Group
Tuesday October 6, 2026 9:15am - 10:45am PDT
Room - Joshua Tree
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
  Education, CFEE Elective

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
Room - Joshua Tree
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
  Education, CFEE Elective

11:00am PDT

How Events Ignite Growth, Build Local Economies, and Create Community Connection
Tuesday October 6, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room - Agave
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
  Education, CFEE Elective

11:00am PDT

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

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
  Education, CFEE Elective

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
Room - Coronado I

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
  Education, CFEE Elective

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
Room - Turquoise Ballroom
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
  Education, CFEE Elective

3:30pm PDT

Cities, CVB's and Tourism Affinity Group
Tuesday October 6, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room - Coronado I
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
  Education, CFEE Elective

3:30pm PDT

Fly Forward - A 'Backstage Pass' to a Successful Drone Show
Tuesday October 6, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room - Agave
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
  Education, CFEE Elective

3:30pm PDT

Parades Affinity Group
Tuesday October 6, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room - Joshua Tree
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
  Education, CFEE Elective

3:30pm PDT

Sponsorship Affinity Group
Tuesday October 6, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room - White Dove
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
  Education, CFEE Elective

3:30pm PDT

Step Forward Prepared: CPR & Stop the Bleed Training
Tuesday October 6, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room - Turquoise Ballroom
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
  Education, CFEE Elective
 
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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