IFEA 71st Annual Convention & Expo

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.

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.

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.

 
 

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.

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.