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• Learn About AI and Washington State’s New Liquor Laws and How They Will Affect Events: Includes Complimentary Lunch Fair Admission and Fair Tour

  • When
    September 23, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    State Fair Room, Central Washington State Fair

  Register

  A seminar you won’t want to miss!

  Learn About AI and Washington State’s New
  Liquor Laws and How They Will Affect Events

  Complimentary Lunch Fair Admission and Fair Tour

  
  

  Tuesday, September 23,

  State Fair Room, Central Washington State Fair

  
  

  
  

  10:00 —11:45 a.m.

  5 Ways AI Can Transform Your Day
  

  It's a new way to search, it helps you be a researcher, it helps you be an expert, it helps you be an analyst, and it helps you be a designer.

  
  

  In this talk, you’ll discover five ways AI can help your daily activities: it reimagines how you search for information, enhances your abilities as a researcher and subject-matter expert, and empowers you with advanced analytical insights. You’ll also see how AI streamlines creative workflows, turning design challenges into intuitive, data-driven solutions that save time and spark innovation.

  
  

  Joe Allan Muharsky, Teamatorium

  
  

  
  

  12:00 – 12:45 p.m.

  The New Liquor Laws, and how HB 1515 Will Affect Events
  

  HB 1515 empowers local governments to request expanded outdoor and indoor alcohol service for liquor licensees until December 31, 2027. It also allows for shared service areas among multiple licensees and mandating safety measures such as law enforcement presence.

  
  

  Beth Lehmann, Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Control Board

  
  

  
  

  1:00 p.m.

  A Behind the Scenes Look of the Central Washington State Fair

  Get a tour from Central Washington Fair representatives, and witness first-hand how they execute their food and beverage plan recognize sponsors, and conduct many other aspects of the fair.

  
  

  Instructions Upon Arrival:

  At State Fair Park enter off South Fair Avenue into the gate with sign that says “ Ticket Office” proceed to the Gold Lot Parking and let attendant know you are here for the WFEA meeting.

  Proceed across the parking lot to the SunDome Ticket Office (yellow canopy) and you will see the entrance door to State Fair Room.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  This program is supported, in part, by a grant from the Washington State Arts Commission.

  
  

  

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• Greater Spokane Seminar: Learn About AI for Event Organizers, New Liquor Laws and Discuss the City of Spokane’s Event Policies

  • When
    September 24, 2025
  •  
    11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Location
    GESA Credit Union Pavilion, Riverfront Spokane

  Register

  A seminar you won’t want to miss!

  Learn About AI for Event Organizers, New Liquor Laws and Discuss the City of Spokane’s Event Policies

  
  

  Wednesday, September 24,

  GESA Credit Union Pavilion, Riverfront Spokane

  
  

  
  

  11:30 a.m. —12:30 p.m.

  5 Ways AI Can Transform Your Day
  

  It's a new way to search, it helps you be a researcher, it helps you be an expert, it helps you be an analyst, and it helps you be a designer.

  
  

  In this talk, you’ll discover five ways AI can help your daily activities: it reimagines how you search for information, enhances your abilities as a researcher and subject-matter expert, and empowers you with advanced analytical insights. You’ll also see how AI streamlines creative workflows, turning design challenges into intuitive, data-driven solutions that save time and spark innovation.

  
  

  Joe Allan Muharsky, Teamatorium

  
  

  
  

  12:30 – 1:15 p.m.

  Luncheon

  A Discussion With Steve MacDonald of the City of Spokane

  Hear from the person who oversees the city's economic development efforts, planning, and development services. Hear him speak to the following subects, followed by questions of your own.

  • Events are important as part of the tourism mix for the area

  • Events celebrate the soul of the city and what’s good in Spokane

  • Hear why the Mayor and the City have limited fee increases for events

  • Receive input from city officials on what event organizers can do help them with permitting and other processes.

  • Discussion from organizers on what the city might do to help them stage their events

  
  

  Steve MacDonald, City of Spokane

  
  

  
  

  1:15 – 2:00 p.m.

  The New Liquor Laws, and how HB 1515 Will Affect Events
  

  HB 1515 empowers local governments to request expanded outdoor and indoor alcohol service for liquor licensees until December 31, 2027. It also allows for shared service areas among multiple licensees and mandating safety measures such as law enforcement presence.

  
  

  Beth Lehmann, Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Control Board

  
  

  
  

  
  

  This program is supported, in part, by a grant from the Washington State Arts Commission.

  
  

  

  Show details
• 2025 Pacific Northwest Summit Awards

  • When
    September 30, 2025
  •  
    11:59 PM
  • Location
    WFEA Annual Conference, Bellevue

  Register

  Announcing a Call for Entries!

  Pacific Northwest Summit Awards

  Presented by Honey Bucket

  Here’s your opportunity to receive statewide recognition. WFEA will once again recognize outstanding creative, promotional and community outreach programs and materials produced by events and festivals from Washington at its annual conference on Thursday, October 30th at 5 p.m. in Bellevue. To learn more about the WFEA Educational Conference click here:

  Conference Information

  
  

  Take a look at the application form – you will find many categories!

  Applications due September 30!

  
  

  To register select the "Register" button in the left side column. 

  We are going to present two additional major awards in 2024 (you need not apply for them; we will select from your entries that have already been submitted)

  Best in Show

  Represents the best single entry in each budget category.

  Grand Summit

  The Grand Summit is the highest award given by WFEA in recognition of those Festival and Events who have a balance of all the elements necessary to ensure a successful event.

  Award winners in each budget category will be selected based on the overall excellence of a festival and event as presented in their entries in all the other Summit Award categories.

  Organizations must submit an entry in each of the three categories in order to be eligible

  1. Collateral/printed materials

  2. Marketing

  3. Programming

  
  

  Budget Categories

  Events of all sizes are encouraged to submit entries. You will be judged among your peers in the same event budget category so you are competing with festivals with similar budgets. There are three event budget categories:

  • $149,999 and under
  • $150,000 and over

  Please submit each entry in one of these event budget categories. Budgets should include the entire budget for the event that you are entering, including all in-kind services.

  Applications deadline extended to October 2nd!

  
  

  To enter please follow these steps:

  Step 1. Fill out the online application form. Select the "Register" button in the upper left side column. 

  Step 2. Pay for your entries

  Step 3. Submit your digital copy to jeremy@wfea.org.

  
  

  For all other questions please reference the official rules:

  RULES

  Category	Judging Criteria	Submission Requirements
  Printed Materials Brochure / Postcard / Direct Mail Piece Promotional Poster Program / Event Guide Tickets & Invitations Event Recap / Annual Report Newspaper Tabloid	Is the item’s message informative, clear, concise, compelling enough to engage the audience, easy to understand, possess exceptional design features and is it original? Judging done online	Submit a digital PDF or JPEG of the item.
  Outdoor Advertisement Examples of outdoor advertising include, but are not limited to, over the-street signage, street pole banners, bus signs, vehicle wraps/signs, sidewalk signage, billboards, trash can wraps, etc.	Is the message informative, clear, concise, compelling enough to engage the audience, easy to read, have visual impact, and original? Judging done online.	Submit a digital PDF or JPEG image of advertisement.
  PR / Media Campaign Includes Press Kit, Overall Media Campaign, Press Conferences, Publicity Stunts	Is the content creative and well organized with a clear message? Judging done online	Submit a digital PDF.
  Programming • Logistical Achievement • Sponsorship Proposal • Food & Beverage Program • Volunteer Program • Green Program • Educational Program • Multi-Agency Collaborative Program • Community Outreach • Best Programming • Sponsor Partnership Entry should highlight a specific sponsor that stands out above all others. • Social Media Ad Campaign (What did you do that was unique or creative?) • Lifestyle Event (Either virtual or in-person) • Best Fundraising Event	Does the program serve a purpose or objective, involve and benefit all partners, produce measurable results and is it an original idea? Judging done online.	Submit required documents online. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION: • Introduction & Background of main event and program • Effectiveness of Program • Partner Involvement SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION: • Printed Materials • Promotional / Marketing • Media Materials • Supporting Photographs • Measurable Results
  Photo (Black & White or Color)	Does the photo have original and exceptional composition, use of light and color, and evoke an emotion or leave an impression? Judging done online	Submit a digital jpeg of the photo image
  Promotional Item Examples of promotional items include, but not limited to, souvenirs, hats, mugs, pins, volunteer / sponsor recognition items	Is the promotional item original, have visual impact, and serve a purpose for its target market? Judging done in person	Submit a digital jpeg of the production.
  T-Shirt Collared shirts should be entered under Promotional Items. Examples include promotional shirts for sale and not for sale and volunteer shirts.	Does the tee-shirt display good use of design and originality? Judging done in person.	Submit a digital jpeg of front and back of t-shirt
  Broadcast Media • Television Program, Ad, PSA or YouTube Promotion Video • Radio Program, Ad or PSA	Is the message informative, clear, concise, compelling enough to engage the audience, original, and have impact? Judging done online.	Submit YouTube link to video or upload to online application.
  Multimedia Marketing • Website • Mobile App • Social Media Pages – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram – Other	Is the website/page/app informative, clear, concise, compelling enough to engage the audience, easy to navigate, have visual impact and does it possess exceptional design features and display originality? Judging done online.	For Website, Mobile App and Social Media Pages: Submit link to webpage, social media site or app download link. For Social Media Ad Campaign: Submit supporting documentation showing ad results.

  
  

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• CLEP Certification Program

  • When
    October 29, 2025

  Register

  The Washington Festivals and Events Association has established a certification program that will offer the ultimate educational and achievement experience for WFEA members. The Association will offer it at its annual conference in Cle Elum and Bellevue.

  Registrants next opportunity will be at the all-day pre-convention sponsorship workshop on Monday, March 24th to earn CLEP credit.

  The CLEP program will offer all-day, in-depth educational sessions and hands-on experience at festivals and events that will provide event professionals knowledge at the highest level of their field. Upon completion of requirements, graduates will earn the title of Certified Live Event Planner (CLEP).

  “It will also offer recognition to people who have gone the extra step to learn about the festivals and events industry,” said WFEA Executive Director Bruce Skinner. “With it will come increased professional status and potentially compensation.”

  The WFEA Certification program is overseen by the WFEA Professional Education Board of Managers, a body appointed and made up of top industry professionals and educators. The Board establishes the curriculum, engages faculty, provides expertise, and monitors progress by students seeking certification.

  To achieve certification, candidates must complete items on the CLEP check list:

  CLEP Certification Checklist.pdf

  
  

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