Join Us On...

Convention and Trade Show Program


 

A group of all time greats, such as Walt Disney World, Americans for Art, SeaWorld, BIZBASH, Florida State University, Orlando Citrus Bowl Parade, Winterfest Boat Parade, VISIT FLORIDA, Sausalito Arts Festival, Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, First Night International, Anheuser-Busch, and Orlando County Cultural Affairs have agreed to come together and create 32 educational sessions that will show you...

  • How sponsorships can generate much needed revenues
  • How to sell sponsorships in a soft economy
  • How in-kind donations can increase your bottom line
  • How to make money selling beverages
  • How important it is to create a brand
  • Florida’s tourism trends
  • How to incorporate the social medias into your marketing plan
  • How buzz marketing can create a stir
  • The latest and craziest event ideas
  • Hip, no cost entertainment ideas
  • Ways to revitalize your event to increase revenues and attendance
  • Cool art programs to add to your event

And... there are more players to throw in the mix... 50 trade show exhibitors showcasing their talents on the big floor! Add lots of socializing and networking and it promises to be a JAZZY event.

Program schedule is subject to change. If you are considering attending as a day delegate, please contact the FFEA Office by emailing ffea@bellsouth.net or calling 561-736-7071 to confirm the educational sessions listed below.

Wednesday, August 6th

Keep checking back often for program and social updates.


10:00 AM - 6:30 PM

REGISTRATION


1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

INTEREST GROUPS
These Interest Groups are included in the Convention and Trade Show registration fee.

MUNICIPALITIES INTEREST GROUP
Hosted by: City of Safety Harbor

The Municipalities Interest Group will discuss the different event application processes, availability of resources, and how different size municipalities handle everything from budgeting to security. There are as many different ways municipalities produce events as there are events themselves. Join us to share your ideas and take back a few that will make producing events and taking applications easier. If you have an application or any other printed materials you are encouraged to bring them and share them with the group. This is an open group discussion rather than a presentation.

This Interest Group is not limited to those people working in municipalities. If you produce events in different cities you may learn a lot about how the process works for particular events. You might even discover new resources that will help in the planning and logistics of producing an event. Vendors are also more than welcome to attend. It is a helpful way to learn how municipalities' bidding and awarding systems work.

For more information, please contact Joe Cooper, Municipality Interest Group Chair by phone at 727-724-1572 or by email at jcooper@cityofsafetyharbor.com.



ART FESTIVALS INTEREST GROUP
Hosted by: ArtFest Fort Myers

The Art Festivals Interest Group will discuss the event aspects that make art festivals unique. In these challenging economic times it is more important than ever to share ideas on everything from attracting quality artists to the online application process to creating an art buying audience. The agenda is participant driven. When you register for this Interest Group the chair will contact you to refine the agenda to meet participant's needs.

Florida is the home of many of the nation's finest art festivals. By sharing ideas we can create an even greater market for our festivals and the artists - helping us all through this time of declining disposal income for many of our festival attendees.

Join us to share your ideas and take back a few. Please bring printed materials with you and share them with the group. This is an open group discussion rather than a presentation.

For more information, please contact Sharon McAllister, Art Festivals Chair by phone at 239-768-3602 or by email at sharon.mcallister@artfestfortmyers.com.

 
s 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

HALF-DAY SEMINARS
(These half-day seminars are included in the Convention and Trade Show registration fee.)


BRANDING: IT’S NOT JUST FOR CATTLE
Presenter: Julie Peeler • Vice President, Arts & Business Programs for Arts & Business Council of Americans for the Arts (AFTA)

Branding is a process of creating a visual, emotional, rational, and cultural image for an organization. The key to successful branding is developing a brand identity that telegraphs the uniqueness of your event or organization. An event or organization does not build its image overnight, nor is branding the sole responsibility of any one person or team. After identifying the factors that set your event or organization apart, everyone in the organization must take responsibility to help build the value of the brand. This workshop covers the following to assure successful brand development: What is branding? What are its key components? How do events and organizations begin developing a strong brand identity for themselves? Is it too late to start? How do audiences fit into the equation? Participants learn simple and inexpensive ways to focus on their organization’s uniqueness in a manner that is relevant and motivating to new audiences.


SPONSORSHIPS...A WAY OF GENERATING REVENUES
Presenter: Sylvia Allen • President, Allen Consulting, Inc. 

More and more events are turning to sponsorship as a way of generating revenue. Sponsorships are a wonderful way for companies and businesses to reach people at the grassroots level. And, the process of sponsorship selling is not difficult... however, it is formulaic. What does that mean? To be successful, there are specific steps and processes that must be followed. Learn how the today’s economy is affecting sponsorships, the importance of creating partnerships with sponsors, what is selling, and last, but now least, why activation is so important.

 
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

OPENING KEYNOTE
SO YOU THINK YOU’VE GOT PROBLEMS? THINK BIG!
Motivational Speaker: Greg Rice

Greg Rice has a message for you: If he can do it, you can too. You need to think big! Greg will share his inspirational life story with you, along with words of advice, perseverance, and encouragement. Greg, and his twin brother John, were on record as the world’s shortest twins. Sadly, John died in 2005. Standing at only 2’10”, the Rice twins became international media personalities, appearing on countless network TV shows. Audiences have been enchanted by the Rice twins’ story of overcoming adversity; facing challenges from the time they were born, to become millionaires. Born with a diagnosis of dwarfism, their biological mother abandoned them just hours after birth. The twins were raised by a foster family which was very supportive and gave them encouragement to succeed. The twins thought big, starting in sales, then real estate, gaining national notoriety in TV spots, ad campaigns, and as motivational speakers. They were so successful, they were soon millionaires and created a multimillion-dollar motivational speaking company called Think Big!. The company organized seminars on creative problem solving. Greg continues to share his inspirational story throughout the world. His lessons of overcoming obstacles and of perseverance in the face of adversity are sure to inspire you.

 
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

OPENING RECEPTION
The Opening Reception is included in your registration fees. Food stations will be provided. Cash bar. Guest tickets available.


Sponsored by

   

 
10:00 PM - 12 MIDNIGHT

FFEA JAZZ CAFE
LATE NIGHT HOSPITALITY HOURS
Complimentary drinks and snacks.


Sponsored by 
       



Thursday, August 7th


8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

REGISTRATION

 
8:30 AM - 9:45 AM

MARKETING TO FAMILIES
Presenter: Julie Peeler • VP of Arts & Business Programs for Arts & Business Council, Americans for the Arts • Tarpon Springs, Florida

In recent years, much has been written on the potential positive impact of cultural experiences on children and young people. Festivals and fairs can engage, entertain, and challenge young people. While the majority of cultural presenters have traditionally been more successful at attracting audiences in the 45+ age group, many are now looking to develop family audiences. This session is designed for cultural presenters with programs and performances for children and families.


EXTREME MAKEOVER...EVENT EDITION
Presenter: Joseph Lillis • CEO of entertainmentmarketing.com • Sausalito, California

Give your event a facelift. Give your budget a tummy-tuck. Correct your vision with a dream of what branding can do to improve public perception. Maybe you start with a new wardrobe of banners or use your accessories to create a new look. Sell the improved you by luring back attendees with a new look. And, unlike the home edition of the TV show, it doesn’t have to be done all at once. The session will inspire you to discover what you want your future to look like and start you on a mission for a makeover.


USING THE INTERNET AS SOAPBOX TO RECRUIT VOLUNTEERS
Presenter: Kathy Cahill • Volunteer Services Coordinator, Lee County Parks & Recreation • Fort Myers, Florida

Today's decreasing budgets and diminishing resources create challenges for conducting "business as usual." But the Internet offers dynamic – and free – ways to attract volunteers to supplement your organizations and events. This course will offer ideas on recruiting volunteers via blogs, social networking pages, podcasts, yahoo groups, agency Web sites, and others. In this session, you will learn the value of a website, discover how easy it is to create Internet resources for recruiting, and explore options available to you.


THE WHO, HOW AND WHY OF SPONSORSHIPS
Presenter: Terry Cecil • President & CEO, International Sponsor Council Alpharetta • Georgia

It takes more than timing and luck to find a sponsor and develop a lasting and beneficial relationship. We'll discuss how to find potential sponsors using your event's assets, develop a compelling proposal that connects with the sponsor's objectives and understand why and how measurement is vital to the success of the sponsorship.

 
9:45 AM – 10:00 AM

BEVERAGE BREAK
Beverage breaks are included in your registration fees.



10:00 AM - 11:15 AM

SELLING IN A RECESSION
Presenter: Sylvia Allen • President, Allen Consulting, Inc. 

A philosopher by the name of Epictetus, 55-155 AD, said "What concerns me is not the way things are but, rather, the way people THINK things are." What is this funny economy we are in? If you look at the traditional indicators for a recession, we are not in a recession. However, we certainly aren't in a healthy economy! How can you sell during this time? What are the different ways you can package your information so you can get people to say "yes"? During this session, you will learn how much money is actually available for sponsorship (hint: LOTS!), how to get new sponsors, emerging categories and how to be creative in your sales process. In addition you will learn how to sell individual events, grouping events together or selling parts of an event... all the different ways that sponsors can be satisfied with the opportunities you are providing to them. Come prepared to learn AND have fun!


HOW MORE FLORIDA VISITORS CAN JAZZ UP YOUR EVENT
Presenter: J. William Seccombe • Chief Marketing Officer, VISIT FLORIDA • Tallahassee, Florida

How big is the Florida Tourism Industry and how important is it to your festival, event or fair? This session will provide you with a better understanding of Florida visitors and what VISIT FLORIDA is doing to bring more visitors to your event - and how you can use some of these innovative marketing techniques to generate new traffic and revenue.


CREATIVE FESTIVAL PROGRAMMING ON A SHOESTRING BUDGET
Presenter: Beth Marshall, Producing Artistic Director, Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival 

Learn how to think out of the box to add color to your festival with little to no budget. Get your talent base to work for the benefit of your festival in an affordable fashion. Explore programming ideas that will generate media/marketing attention. Learn how to take risks with programming while still speaking to the masses. Lastly, learn new fun and fabulous ideas for kick-off parties and gala events that are FREE!


VENDORS & CONCESSIONS - $UCCE$$ IS IN THE DETAILS
Presenter: Marla Calico • Director of Grants & Special Education, International Association of Fairs & Expositions • Springfield, Missouri

That's not a typo you see in the workshop title! Vendors and concessionaires are important partners in your successful event. Everyone wins (and puts more $$$$ into their bank account) when event producers understand what good vendors and concessionaires need for successful operations and when the building blocks of communication and details are implemented from the start of the process. From selecting vendors/concessionaires and booking space to insuring these partners have what it takes to do their job right – these tips and more for $ucce$$ will be covered in this session. 


 
11:15 AM – 12:15 PM

TRADE SHOW TOUR
Featuring FFEA's Trade Show


 
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM

TRADE SHOW LUNCH
The Trade Show Lunch is included in your registration fee.
Guest tickets available at registration area. 



1:30 PM - 2:45 PM

MAXIMIZING PARTNERSHIPS WITH SPONSORS
Presenter: Terry Cecil • President & CEO, International Sponsor Council Alpharetta • Georgia

Sponsors commit to properties that deliver strategic partnerships. Successful programs are driven by the property's understanding and commitment to servicing the needs of sponsors. We'll discuss how properties can develop and manage sponsorships that deliver unique value as well as how to avoid common pitfalls.


OVERALL PARADE PLANNING
Presenter: Amber Mundinger • Director, Orlando Citrus Parade • Orlando, Florida

Proper parade planning from start to finish is vital to a successful event.
This session will include:
  • Sponsorship (how to acquire sponsors and fulfill their expectations) 
  • Production and Broadcast (the planning process and best practices of syndication and production logistics) 
  • Entry Pursuit and Selection (how to you target potential entries, what is the selection process for entries, how to inform entries on if they are accepted or rejected and how to obtain quality entries) 
  • Entry Line-Up (how to you inform entries of their line up information and who coordinates the entry line up and staging instructions) 
  • Day of Entry Logistics and Operations (a comprehensive look at volunteers vs. hired staff, how entries are coordinated the morning of the event, and how event operations are divided)

INNOVATION 101: TIPS, TRICKS, AND TRAPS 
Presenter: Jim Barnes • Deputy Director of Operations, Village of Wellington • Wellington, Florida

Great ideas and viable solutions just do not rain down from above. Innovators are not necessarily born, they are made. Innovation is not only an outcome but also a process. Innovation is as much about attitude as it is about processes and systems. The most innovative agencies and companies have can-do must-do cultures that are high energy and seemingly infectious. If agencies and firms are to succeed in harnessing the power of innovation, they will have to work hard to create innovation cultures. To that end, this session will review the necessary ingredients to successful innovation. We will review the role innovators take in an organization in the Ten Faces of Innovation, obstacles to innovation in The Seven Deadly Sins, and how all efforts tie together in our lives in The Art of Innovation.


EFFECTIVELY EMPOWERING VOLUNTEERS
Presenter: Lorri Highet • Director, Heart of Florida United Way's Volunteer Resource Center

This session will focus on how to identify, train, and equip a key group of volunteers who you can empower – without fear – to manage other volunteers and key event tasks. Properly empowering volunteers allows you to increase your productivity and free up your time to deal with your most pressing matters. Additionally, this session will discuss the importance of identifying and dealing with "volunteers" who seem to only be in it for the fun. This session will be interactive, so come prepared to share!

 
2:45 PM - 3:00 PM

BEVERAGE BREAK
Beverage breaks are included in your registration fees.


 
3:00 PM - 4:15 PM

RENEWING YOUR PARTNERSHIP - THE SECRET TO YOUR SUCCESS IS IN YOUR "PROOF OF PERFORMANCE" REPORT
Presenter: Gail Lowney Alofsin • Director of Corporate Partnerships Newport Harbor Corporation • Newport, Rhode Island

This session will review preparing a perfect recap report for your event or venue with the objective of setting your property a part and renewing the partnerships that you worked diligently to procure. Documentation is the responsibility of the event or venue. A “POP report provides evidence of that you did what you said you were going to do. It can be as simple as a detailed thank you note, a photo album or a comprehensive report. Offering proof that you executed on the details of the contract, an organized and comprehensive report creates trust and confidence in the partnership investment and relationship. An excellent recap result in renewals and the profit, is in the renewal, in more ways than financial.


BUZZ MARKETING: GETTING PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT YOU
Presenter: Wendy Robbins • Principle Partner, Affari Edge Advertising • Tampa, Florida

This fun, practical, interactive workshop looks at the oldest and most effective form of advertising: Word of Mouth Marketing. Learn what "buzz marketing" is, why it’s even more important in today's marketplace and how to apply what the world’s most respected and profitable companies already know about getting their best customers for free. Whether an organization is for-profit, not-for-profit or non-profit, there are certain keys that are needed to open the door to successful buzz marketing. Discover these, along with specific topics including understanding how to use press releases, blogs, podcasting, viral marketing, and new social media, while maintaining the core values and credibility of your organization.


CREATIVE PROGRAMS FOR FUN AND EXTRA EXPOSURE
Presenter: Terry Olson • Director, Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs • Orlando, Florida

Add intrigue, educative results, and press-attracting events to your festival with fresh events that will strengthen your core mission and increase attendance. Learn about the Great Public Art Challenge, the Art & About Treasure Caches, the Can-a-thon, the silent rave, and more.


HOW TO HAVE A RESPONSIBLE AND SAFE EVENT 
Presenter: Mandy Llanes • Southeast Region Manager/CSR Anheuser-Busch, Inc.

Are you ready to learn how to make your great event even better and have a great time while doing it? See your event from the eyes of your Budweiser partner on how to serve responsibly. A to Z coverage of the "Sound Attitude" and "Who’s Your Bud?" Designated Driver Programs. You will experience the programs and win great Bud prizes by attending. See you at the Bud workshop!


 
6:30 PM - 10:00 PM
THURSDAY NIGHT SOCIAL – DINNER AND DANCING

The Thursday Night Social is included in your registration fee.
Guest tickets available at the registration area.
Dinner is provided. Cash Bar. 

     



 
10:00 PM - 12 MIDNIGHT

FFEA JAZZ CAFE
LATE NIGHT HOSPITALITY HOURS

Late Night Hospitality Hours are included in your registration fee.

Sponsored by 

      



Friday August 8th


8:00 AM - 1:30 PM

REGISTRATION


 
8:30 AM - 9:45 AM

STOP SELLING SPONSORSHIPS AND GET REAL
Presenter: Greta Schulz • President, ProActive Training & Consulting • West Palm Beach, Florida

Is your event challenged by how to sell sponsorships in this down economy? Why is it so difficult? Why do we feel we have to discount our assets? Why don’t we feel like we have any control over the selling process? Learn how to sell more effectively in today’s market. Learn the importance of "selling naked" and why the first meeting should be nothing more than an information gathering meeting. Learn to ask the right questions to help sponsorships "buy" from you and how to STOP SELLING. Sponsors love to buy: they hate to be "sold". And, lastly, learn that "NO" is okay.


CREATING A FIVE STAR INTERNSHIP
Presenter: Rosemary Prince • Event Management Certificate Program Coordinator, Florida State University • Tallahassee, Florida

This interactive session will guide you through the process of developing a five star internship for your agency, allowing you to tap into the energy and enthusiasm of today’s university students.


THE VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT CYCLE
Presenter: Rick Gallo • President, Verida Properties, LLC • Estero, Florida

Building effective and sustainable volunteer relationships can require a significant investment of staff time and resources. Most of us know the basics of recruiting and managing a volunteer base but through the hustle and bustle of our jobs we often neglect the simple things. This workshop will feature practical volunteer development strategies and resources for strengthening event committees and volunteers at all levels. Through our discussion of the seven stages of the volunteer management cycle you'll come away with a better understanding as to how to recruit, train and retain your volunteers.

 
9:45 AM – 10:00 AM

BEVERAGE BREAK
Beverage breaks are included in your registration fees.


 
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM

HOW TO MAKE LESS MONEY ON SPONSORSHIP
Presenter: Joseph Lillis • CEO of entertainmentmarketing.com  • Sausalito, California

It doesn't matter how much cash you earn in sponsorship. What matters is how sponsors affect your bottom line. This session will examine how you can raise your net profit by offsetting expenses with assets which sponsors are eager to share. How can you take sampling one step further? How can you provide services to your cash sponsors without paying for them? And, more importantly, how can you boost your cash sponsorships by leveraging in-kind contributions? Highlighting methods in negotiation which cut costs and boosted sponsorship income ten-fold at the Sausalito Art Festival, this workshop will teach you how to "think outside the cash box".


INTERNATIONAL MARKETING ON A SMALL TOWN BUDGET
Presenters:
Julie Mullen-Kaminski • Founder/President, Echo Point Marketing/Public Relations • Boynton Beach, Florida
Elizabeth Grace • Kelley-Grace Communications • Boca Raton, Florida

So what do you do when the Festival Committee tells you, "We expect worldwide visibility for this event and, by the way, your budget is non-existent." Upon recovering from the inevitable panic attack, you get to work. This session will provide examples of how the Palm Beach International Film Festival gained international attention and recognition on a dime (literally!) and how you can leverage your marketing and public relations connections to achieve the outcome your festival deserves!


REFRESHING YOUR EVENT – JAZZIN' IT UP 
Presenters:
Lisa Scott-Founds • President & CEO, Winterfest • Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Kathy Keleher • Marketing & Parade Director, Winterfest • Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Dawn Read • Event Director, Winterfest • Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Do you feel as though your event is in a rout yet you're afraid of change? Do you look at other events and wonder why did they change? This seminar is not to "re-invent your wheel but add some sparkle to it." This seminar is an overview with examples of national and regional events that have changed or enhanced themselves to gain media attention, sponsorship dollars, and attendance. There will be event highlights various regional events with an unusual twist to give ideas on how to refresh your unique experience in the eyes of your audience.


THEY'RE NOT DIFFICULT, JUST DIFFERENT
Presenter: Teri Ridler • Director, Human Resources, SeaWorld • Orlando, Florida

When we grew up affects much of how we view the world today. This session will examine how Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y differ in their approaches to work, leisure, family, and their view of the future. By learning about these groups that attend our events, we can plan our methods of communication and motivation to match.



11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

TRADE SHOW TOUR
Featuring FFEA's Trade Show



12:15 PM - 2:00 PM


SUNSATIONAL AWARDS LUNCHEON...RECONIZING FFEA’S GREATS
Great Jazz requires innovation, individuality, and creative collaboration. Great innovation, individuality, and creative collaboration should be recognized. And, FFEA promises to do just that.

The Awards Luncheon is included in your registration fees.
Guest tickets available at the registration area.

Sponsored by


 
2:15 PM - 3:30 PM

HOW TO PRICE YOUR SPONSORSHIP
Presenter: Sylvia Allen • President, Allen Consulting, Inc. 

Pricing your sponsorship is not a matter of setting up a dart board and seeing where the dart lands! Rather, it is a process whereby everything has value; you attach the value to the elements of your sponsorships and then determine how to charge for your title, presenting, and/or associate sponsorships. In addition, you will be provided with a different way of selling your sponsorships ... not packages, but with a sponsorship inventory sheet that will help your sponsor select exactly what they want so you can then customize the sponsorship offering for them. This process has been used successfully around the world and the pricing exercise will help you be more comfortable when presenting your sponsorship offerings because you will know that they are priced fairly and that the pricing can be justified. You can be assured you will walk away from this session with the information you need to price your sponsorship accurately.


TRADITIONAL MARKETING – NOT A GOOD FIT FOR THE YOUNGER AUDIENCES
Presenters:
Megan Clementi  • Senior  • University of Central Florida  • Orlando, Florida
Donna Bostwick • Graduate Student • Florida State University • Tallahassee, Florida
Alice Hicks • Graduate Student  • University of Central Florida • Orlando, Florida
Michael Repass • Graduate Student • University of Central Florida • Orlando, Florida
Victoria Shalom • Junior • Florida State University

Moderator: Rita De Mier • Director of Marketing & Creative Services, South Florida Fair and Exposition

Dazed and confused about using Social Media for Marketing? The popularity of social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace and YouTube has exploded over recent years, especially among teens. Featured students from FSU and UCF will spend the afternoon as a focus group answering questions. This panel will give you access to the views of students in higher education and recent graduates. Find out what teens want and need! Their answers will help you understand new advertising concepts such as "street teams," FaceBook event pages, "Guitar Hero" contests, and more. Bring your questions!


DISNEY: THE MAGIC BEHIND DISNEY EVENTS
Presenter: Tony Gebbia • Event Manager, Disney Parks, LLC Walt Disney World • Orlando, Florida

Disney will share insights on the magic behind their signature events, including Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, ESPN The Weekend, and many more. Participate in a fun and engaging presentation on how Disney creates these events, their planning processes, and why they are so successful. You’ll be sure to walk away with a few magical ideas to incorporate into your event.


LET’S GET PHYSICAL
Presenter: Jo Ellen Keller MS •  Director, On the Ropes at Calusa

Building a team that includes volunteers, staff, and board members takes time and presents challenges. But you don't have a lot of time, so learning effective team building techniques that are quick and create lasting results is imperative. Its been said that you can learn more about a team in about one hour of play than you can in eight hours of training. Come discover how you can create the team of your dreams. This training will have you up and moving and excited about your event.



 
3:30 PM – 3:45 PM

BEVERAGE BREAK
Beverage breaks are included in your registration fees.



3:45 PM - 5:00 PM

MAXIMIZING THE VALUE OF PARTNERSHIPS
Presenter: Gail Lowney Alofsin • Director of Corporate Partnerships Newport Harbor Corporation • Newport, Rhode Island

In addition to increasing the bottom line, partnerships can enhance an organization's clout and influence. Discover the newest practices for building the value of your partnerships and learn how to look for spheres of influence and hidden assets that can create authority and opportunities not normally accessible to an event, property or destination. Hear fresh perspectives on traditional and unconventional partnerships that can be duplicated to ensure success for your event!


CREATIVE IDEAS THAT WILL MAKE YOUR EVENT STAND OUT
Presenter: D. Channing Muller • Editor, BizBash Florida magazine • North Miami, Florida

In attending this session you will learn the latest, cutting-edge and creative ideas to really make your event stand out from the pack. From noteworthy ticketing and check-in processes to unconventional entertainment and decor (yes, you can have decor at an outdoor event), there is something for everyone to take away from this session and put into practice. Additionally, we will also be discussing new ways to get big sponsorships, how to choose the right one for your event, and increase visibility of those sponsors all while keeping your guests happy and engaged. Numerous ideas will be presented, both orally and in photos, so be prepared to take notes and learn the tools to have your guests talking long after the event is over!


CONSIDERING ALCOHOL SALES (PROFIT$) AT YOUR EVENT?
Presenter: Joe Shipes • Executive Vice-President Leesburg Partnership, Inc., Leesburg, Florida

The Leesburg Partnership promotes two major events annually---the Leesburg Mardi Gras and the Annual Leesburg Bikefest. Sales of alcoholic beverages sales exceeded $430,000 during their 2008 event season, realizing a net profit of over $350,000 with little to no public opposition or participant open container issues. During this session you will learn all about event enhancement through alcohol beverage sales, State alcohol beverage licensing requirements, insurance, sales tax, profit margins, security, staging, equipment, and venue staffing.


ARE YOU READY FOR THE LONG RUN?
Presenter: Marla Calico • Director of Grants & Special Education, International Association of Fairs & Expositions • Springfield, Missouri

As event managers we can find ourselves losing focus on our goals, beset by a myriad of pressing matters to handle simultaneously, and "running out of steam" at critical moments in the time leading up to or during the big event. Drawing upon her experience of not only managing one of the top 150 fairs in the US but also training to run (and complete) two marathons, Ms. Calico will give you "training" ideas on how to get ready (and complete) that "long run" you do – your special event. This session is about you and your personal growth.


 
6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
FRIDAY NIGHT SOCIAL...FOUR OPTIONS...ALL AT UNIVERSAL

Jazz celebrates life. FFEA wants you to celebrate life the way you want. FFEA is providing the transportation and you are choosing what you want to do...at Universal!

Friday Night's Social is not included in the registration fees.
Complimentary transportation is included in the registration fees.

Attendees may choose to purchase one of the following: 
  • CityWalk Party Pass (purchase from FFEA on your registration record) 
  • Blue Man Group Ticket (purchase from FFEA on your registration record), inc. same day admission to CityWalk clubs 
  • After 2pm Ticket to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure (purchase from FFEA on your registration record), inc. same day admission to CityWalk clubs 
  • CityWalk Meal and Movie Deal Pass (purchase available only at Universal)
More details are available by clicking here.


 
10:00 PM - 12 MIDNIGHT

FFEA JAZZ CAFE
LATE NIGHT HOSPITALITY HOURS
Late Night Hospitality Hours are included in your registration fee.


Sponsored by 

      


Subject to change. Please check back often for program and social updates.