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WFEA Spring Conference Returns to Suncadia Resort



WFEA SPRING CONFERENCE

March 24-26, 2025

Suncadia Resort, Cle Elum

Register Here


Book Your Spring Conference Stay at Suncadia Resort

(844) 950-0772

3600 Suncadia Trail

Cle Elum, WA 98922 

BOOK YOUR STAY BY CLICKING HERE

-OR- contact their reservation dept. at 866-904-6300, and say ‘I need to make a reservation.’ Reference the WA Festival and Events Association or G-i3a3 room block and a reservation agent will then be able to assist.

Full Conference Schedule:

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 Have people, and the world, changed so much that everything you thought you know was out of date?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

Main Conference

Monday, March 24


Keynote:

Emerging Sponsorship Trends

Monday, March 24

3:00 p.m.


Learn how you can increase your revenue from corporate partners from Dianna Craven, who has had a remarkable 28-year career at SunFest. She began as sponsorship manager and then rose to lead the organization, playing a pivotal role in sponsorship and ticket sales throughout her tenure. Learn the latest in what sponsors are looking for, which will lead to elevating your game.


Dianna Craven, CFEE, Recently Retired -Executive Director of SunFest (Palm Beach)

4:30 p.m.

Round Tables

 

5:30 p.m.

Opening Reception

Main Conference

Tuesday, March 25


Keynote:

The Future of the Festival and Event Industry

8:30 a.m.

Finding success in the festival and event industry was never easy, but in the post-pandemic era challenges seem to be greater each and every day. Concerns about revenues, security, insurance, sponsorship, attendance and countless other issues keep us awake at night. But yet, the industry endures. Why? People need events. This session will explore where we have been and where we are going and how we keep thriving in challenging times.


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

9:30 a.m.

Money Track:

Non-Sponsorship Revenue and How to Monetize Your Events

Are you 100 per cent efficient in capturing your event revenue? 

• The keys to maximizing efficiency and accountability are people, products and process. 

• Whether you’re just starting out in the industry, or you’ve been involved for years, this session will help keep you ahead of the curve.


Panel Participants:

Representing Large Market Events: Brenton Webster, Fast Bar

Small to Mid-Sized Market Events: Rose Thompson, Dungeness Crab Festival



Production Track:

The Importance of the Wow Factor

• What do you need to do to make your event special?

• Separating yourself from the clutter

• Making your event the best


Panel Participants:

Representing Large Market Events: Terry Morgan, Modern Enterprises, David Doxtater, The Workshop

Small Market to Mid-sized Market Events: George Sharp, Thurston County Economic Development Council

10:30 a.m.

Money Track:

Identifying Easy Wins: Strategies for Engaging Sponsors, Building Connections and Cultivating Relationships

• Opening the Door for Sponsorships: Effective strategies for securing face-to-face meetings with potential sponsors.

• The Power of Relationships: Understanding how long-term relationships are key to sustaining successful sponsorships


Panel Participants:

Large Market Events: Melissa Jurcan, Compass One at Amazon; Amy Lindsey, Riverfront Spokane

Small to Mid-Sized Market Events: Victoria Jones, North Olympic Discovery Marathon

 


Production Track:

Finding and Managing Volunteers

• How to recruit volunteers

• How to manage and keep them

• Volunteer training

• Volunteer appreciation


Panel Participants:

Large Events: Geng Weng, Civic Champs, Peggy Doering, Spokane Valleyfest

Small to Mid-sized Events: Lissy Andros, Forks Twilight Festival

Expo Speed Dating Networking Luncheon

11:30 – 1:30 p.m.

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

• 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

• 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.


Panel Participants:

Joe Muharsky, Teamatorium

2:30 p.m.

Money Track:

Trends for Fundraising Events

• 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 Track:

Event Risk Management

· 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

3:30 p.m.

Money Track:

How Effective Budgeting Can Save You Money

• 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

• 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

4:30 p.m.

Money Track:

Developing a Marketing Plan in the Digital Era

• 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

• 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

Dinner With An Expert

5:30 p.m.

You can sign up to go to dinner with a seasoned event professional who are adept a raising money, selling sponsorship, producing an event, etc. 

Main Conference

Wednesday, March 26

8:30 a.m.

Money Track:

Maximizing Your Food and Beverage Revenue

• Controlling inventory

• Training servers

• Price determination

• How to maximize beer garden results


Panel Participants:

Large Markets: Phil Megenhardt, Bold Hat Productions

Small to Mid-Sized Markets: Mark Hendrickson, Kent Parks and Recreation Department; David Wells, City of Bonney Lake



Production Track:

Selecting the Right Vendors and Suppliers

• The selection process

• Important to pick someone experienced in events

• How to treat your vendors


Panel Participants:

Representing All Markets: Scott Alexander, Alexander Party Rentals, Jon Bockstruck, VIP Production Northwest

9:30 a.m.

Money Track:

Grants – The Latest Updates and a New Checklist for Applicants

• The newest grants for festival and event organizers

• A checklist to keep you organized through the grant process


All Markets Presenter:

Wendy Tyner, Tyner & Associates



Production Track:

Growing Your Events

• Growth and change is important to your audience

• No one has grown events like the Puyallup Main Street Association

• Learn how you can do the same with your events


All Markets Presenter:

Kerry Yanasek, Puyallup Main Street Association

Special In Depth Sessions

10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

All Things Music

• The new world of booking entertainment

• The best times to book artists

• Taking care of artists


Panel Participants:

Large Markets: Stephen Ruffo, Bellevue Wintergrass; Bobby Akinboro, DJ Blast

Small to Mid-Sized Markets: Kari Chance, Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts; Emilie Baker, Olympic Music Festival

Effective Crowd Management 

When emergencies, or even perceived emergencies, happen in crowded conditions, people are much less likely to behave logically or safely. Trained and certified Crowd Managers may be the difference between life or death. Certified Crowd Managers are required by many local permitting authorities with events over 1,000 attendees. This tested two-hour training course focuses on the responsibilities during emergency events. This course meets the jurisdictional requirements for required crowd managers and complies with NFPA and IFC standards. Upon successful completion of the course and examination, you will receive a certificate valid for two years. The certificate test is online and requires access to the internet.


All Markets Presenters:

Frank Sebastian, Emergency Management Group; Mark Williams, Tri-City Water Follies

MEMBERSHIP:

We offer 3 different membership rate levels. For students, individuals and organizations - each based on annual budget.

$150 / $195 / $275


CALL US:

360-441-7190

ADDRESS:

1015 Georgiana St
Port Angeles, WA 98362

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