IFEA 71st Annual Convention & Expo

Coming out of our 70^th 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.

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.

Celebrating and recognizing the outstanding achievements of friends and peers, whose confidence and careers have expanded our own creative and professional horizons, is a big part of what makes the IFEA Annual Convention both valuable and memorable. Past, present, and future, we are confident that these exemplary individuals, organizations, and cities will continue to inspire and guide us all as we Step Forward together. 

Join us as we put a memorable cap on the first day of the convention with one of the most anticipated events of the year...the IFEA / Haas & Wilkerson Insurance Pinnacle Awards...paying tribute to both creativity and excellence in multiple categories, from marketing to merchandise; operations to sponsorship; education to volunteer programs; and many, many more; all leading up to the presentation of the coveted Grand Pinnacle Awards. This is the Academy Awards Ceremony for the festivals and events industry. The IFEA / Haas & Wilkerson Insurance Pinnacle Awards, recognizing festival and event excellence, have been proudly sponsored by Haas & Wilkerson Insurance for more than three decades! Don’t miss this unopposed special event as we all wait to hear… “And the Pinnacle Award goes to…”

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!

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.

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.