Cindy Lerick is an educator, consultant, and event industry leader with a passion for creating meaningful experiences and inspiring future professionals. As an instructor in the Department of Hospitality Management at Kansas State University, Cindy brings decades of hands-on experience and leadership to the classroom, helping students gain the skills and confidence to thrive in the events industry.
Cindy’s career began with a bold step into entrepreneurship when she launched a road race production and timing company. As one of the few women in road racing at the time, she broke barriers in a male-dominated industry, proving that determination and creativity could overcome any obstacle. This early experience sparked a lifelong love for event management and community-building and laid the foundation for her transition into nonprofit leadership.
Over the years, Cindy has held several influential roles, including Executive Director of the Uptown Association and Uptown Art Fair, Executive Director of the Minnesota Distance Running Association, and Executive Director of the Saint Louis Art Fair. In these roles, she not only managed iconic events but also fostered vibrant communities, bringing people together through arts, culture, and shared experiences.
As President of Art of Events LLC, Cindy has worked with celebrated festivals and organizations, helping them adapt, grow, and succeed. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she demonstrated her innovative spirit by producing the Irish Fair Porch Party, a hybrid event that kept communities connected in a challenging time. More recently, in 2024, she co-led the Singapore Garden Festival Economic Impact Study, showcasing the transformative role events play in supporting local economies and cultural engagement.
Throughout her career, Cindy has collaborated with renowned organizations, including the Saint Louis Art Fair, Coconut Grove Art Festival, Lubbock Arts Festival, Southern Highland Craft Guild, and the Philadelphia Flower Show. She’s also led beloved events like the Main Street Fort Worth Arts Festival, Parade of Lights, Sausalito Art Festival, and the Twin Cities Marathon.
Cindy’s expertise extends beyond large-scale festivals. She has organized conferences and one-day workshops, providing professional development and networking opportunities for countless individuals. Her ability to design and execute events of all scales demonstrates her versatility and dedication to advancing the industry.
In January 2025, Cindy will become a Certified Event Designer through the Event Design Canvas framework, a milestone that reflects her dedication to creating events that align with stakeholder goals and drive meaningful outcomes
Cindy’s contributions to the industry go beyond her professional roles. She is committed to giving back and exemplifies leadership through volunteering. She serves as the Program Director and Coordinator for the CFEE Program with IFEA and has held the roles of Chair of the IFEA World Board and Foundation Board. She is also a NAIA Board Member and a Steering Committee Member for Visit Manhattan Kansas. For Cindy, leadership is not just about personal success—it’s about supporting the growth of others and the strength of the industry as a whole.
Cindy holds a Master of Arts in Creative Events Management from Falmouth University in the UK, blending academic knowledge with her wealth of real-world experience. In the classroom, she thrives on connecting with her students, sharing stories from her career, and creating a learning environment that is both practical and inspiring.
At the heart of Cindy’s work is her belief in the power of events to bring people together, spark joy, and create lasting change.
In 2025 Cindy was inducted into the IFEA Hall of Fame.
