Pre-Conference*

Administration, Management and Operations

Monday, March 24

9:00 – 3:00 p.m.

*Requires Separate Registration

Leadership Development

Leadership and management are two common terms in any organization, but do we really understand their similarities and differences? Additionally, successful leadership development programs can build continuity in our organizations and enhance how we build effective leadership now and in the future. This session will explore the importance of understanding leadership within our organizations and how to build strategic leadership training into everything we do.

Ira Rosen, Ira L Rosen, LLC Festival and Event Consulting

Hiring and Managing Staff

Because most events are understaffed, it’s important to hire people who are passionate and efficient. Learn best hiring practices and how to manage and retain employees.

Phil Megenhardt, Bold Hat Productions

Managing for the Future

How much will management change and what will the future hold? Have people, and the world, changed so much that everything you thought you know was out of date? While these questions could generate dozens of discussions, this session will offer ideas on how to navigate today.

Emily Cantrell, Seattle Seafair

All Sessions Hosted in the Miller Room

Expo Speed Dating Networking Luncheon 11:30 – 1:30 p.m. Rialto B/C Room

Discover the latest trends in our industry. Each table at the lunch will be hosted by a vendor/exhibitor, who will distribute materials and discuss the merits of their product with fellow table members. During the lunch, each table will be visited by all of the different suppliers.

1:30 p.m. Money Track: The Key to Sponsorship Sales Five Ideas on How You Can Increase Your Sponsorship Revenue Rialto B/C Room • How to get in the door to see your prospective sponsor • Creating a strong benefits package • “Under Promise” and “Over Deliver” Panel Participants: Dianna Craven, CFEE, Recently Retired -Executive Director of SunFest (Palm Beach), Bruce Skinner, WFEA Production Track: Practical AI Today Rialto A Room • Where is AI going, what can it do for me today? • AI is transforming event management, with rapid advancements and new tools reshaping the landscape • Session will feature live demonstrations of cutting-edge AI applications, showcasing real-world use cases and practical solutions for event planners • Attendees will also have the opportunity to request demos tailored to their interests, ensuring a hands-on and engaging experience. Presenter: Joe Muharsky, Teamatorium City Event Professional Track: Street Closure Regulations Bairch Room Panel Participants: Kiah Patzkowsky, City of Seattle Festival of Trees Track: How to Make the Most Out of Your Gala Masterson Room

2:30 p.m.

Money Track:

Trends for Fundraising Events

Rialto B/C Room

• What are the latest new fundraising event ideas

• How to raise more money at your next auction

• What can we expect in the future?

Panel Participants:

Large Market: Deci Evans, Kind+Co

Small to Mid-sized Markets: Liz McLaughlin, Tri-Cities Boys and Girls Clubs; Christy Smith, United Way

Production and City Event Professionals:

Event Risk Management

Rialto A Room

· Should be a central part of any event’s planning cycle

· Operational and “duty of care” requirement. What is it?

· Methodically addressing the risks associated with event activities

· Treating or mitigating those risks which may have an adverse impact (financial, practical suggestions about how to build and enhance your risk management strategies.

All Markets Presenter:

Ira Rosen, Ira Rosen Consulting

Festival of Trees Track:

If It Ain’t Broke, Break It -- How to Make Changes to Your Event

Masterson Room

3:30 p.m.

Money Track:

How Effective Budgeting Can Save You Money

Rialto B/C Room

• Budgets tell a story

• The importance of forecasting

• Conservative budgeting

• Developing a process

• Who’s accountable

Panel Participants:

Large Market: Jon Stone, Jon Stone Consulting

Small to Mid-Sized, Darci Christoferson, Washington State Apple Blossom Festival

Production Track:

Why Do I Need Legal Advice? An IP Attorney’s Perspective

Rialto A Room

• How to keep yourself out of trouble

• The importance of contracts

• Trademarks and copyrights

• Trends that to look out for

All Markets Presenter:

Winfield B. Martin, Perkins Coie

City Event Professional Track:

Budgeting: Doing More With Less

Bairch Room

Panel Participants:

Ashley Young, City of Tacoma

Festival of Trees Track:

What’s New in the Way of Auction Items

Masterson Room

4:30 p.m. Money Track: Developing a Marketing Plan in the Digital Era Rialto B/C Room • Creating an effective plan • Focus on proven metrics of engagement and attendance growth • Developing a social media strategy • Using traditional and non-traditional media Panel Participants: Large Market: Cari Dixon, Washington State Fair Small to Mid-Sized Markets: Meredith McIlmoyle; Sacha Sanguinetti Production Track: Sustainability: Six Ways on How You Can Make a Difference at Your Event Rialto A Room • How events are dealing with climate change • Changing the world one step at a time • Steps you can take to make your event greener All Markets Presenter: Eddie Redman, Grand Event Rentals City Event Professional Track: The New World of Insurance Bairch Room Presenter: Will Green, Insurance Office of America Festival of Trees Track: How to Grow Your Sponsorship Masterson Room