Board Success Through Guidance and Onboarding

Tina Andersen, Polk County Fairgrounds

Strong, effective boards are the backbone of successful events, but keeping everyone on the same page can sometimes feel like herding cattle! This session will guide you through best practices for board management, including effective onboarding, clear communication, and setting shared goals. It’s perfect for those looking to inspire engaged, collaborative board members who contribute positively to the organization’s mission. From welcoming new board members to working through different perspectives, you’ll gain strategies to help your board become a powerful asset for every event.

Own Your Relationship and Engage your Traveler Per Cap (TPC) with Each Event Announcement and On-Sale

Jampack Team

In this session, learn the importance of data-driven event marketing and revenue strategy with a focus on T.P.C. (Travel Per Cap) metrics. Discover new methods to announce and launch on-sales, maximize audience capture, and connect with “super fans” in ways that drive attendance and enhance travel revenue. The Jampack team will also discuss how partnerships with City Visitor Bureaus (CVBs) can support your data strategy and strengthen event marketing. This session is essential for event professionals looking to understand the power of data and increase and capture the incremental revenue you’re driving.

Partnering with Food Vendors for Festival Success

moderated by Brandi Ebner, Deschutes County Expo Center

Join a panel of seasoned food vendors as they share their perspectives on the festival experience. Gain insights into their biggest challenges, discover ways you, as a producer, can support their success, and hear their thoughts on the future of food vending.

Building Big Success in Small Communities

Bart Platt, Jefferson County Fair

Learn how to create impactful events in small communities by fostering local engagement and collaborating with businesses and agencies in your area. This session will explore practical approaches to building relationships, mobilizing resources, and promoting your event to draw in attendees. Whether you're launching a new event or looking to grow an existing one, you'll gain actionable insights on enhancing community ties, expanding your reach, and setting the foundation for long-term success.

Emergency Essentials for Event Professionals: Hands-Only Adult CPR and AED Training

Cody Nichols, Maltese Medical

Enhance your emergency preparedness with this engaging and concise, hands-on session is tailored for professionals like you who want to learn vital life-saving skills in an interactive environment. You'll master the essentials of hands-only CPR and the proper use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Our expert instructors will guide you through practical techniques in a supportive atmosphere, ensuring you leave with the confidence to respond effectively to a cardiac arrest. Don’t miss this opportunity to boost your skill set and enhance safety at your events.

Navigating the Future of Ticketing: Enhancing Operations and Mitigating Chargebacks

Ryan Kintz, Afton Tickets

As ticketing technology evolves, so do the challenges and opportunities it presents. This session dives into the latest trends in ticketing, offering practical insights to streamline your operations and improve customer experiences. Learn how to implement tools and strategies that simplify ticket sales, prevent fraud, and enhance accessibility. We’ll also tackle the growing issue of chargebacks, exploring proactive measures to reduce disputes and protect your bottom line. Whether you’re managing online ticketing platforms or on-site sales, this session will provide actionable takeaways to help you navigate the future of ticketing with confidence and success.

You Can’t Park There! Navigating Event & Festival Parking Challenges

Jill Ingalls, 360 Events NW

Parking can make or break an attendee’s experience at your event. This session will explore practical solutions to common space challenges, including options like Park and Ride, shuttles, and incentives to encourage walking, biking, carpooling, or even taking the train. Learn how to effectively manage traffic flow, optimize available space, and enhance guest satisfaction through strategic planning and communication. We’ll also dive into key considerations such as gate fees vs. parking fees (or both), calculating the number of spaces you need, and how the length of stay impacts your parking strategy. Discover why conducting an inventory of spaces is crucial and how it aligns with attendee arrival patterns and lingering times.

Whether you’re managing a small community event or a large festival, you’ll leave with actionable insights to create seamless parking operations that improve accessibility, reduce congestion, and keep your event running smoothly.

What to Know Before You Drone

Nate Mortensen, Open Sky Productions

Drone shows are revolutionizing the entertainment industry, offering a unique and eco-friendly alternative to traditional fireworks. But before you take to the skies, there’s a lot to consider! This session will cover the key aspects of planning and executing a successful drone show, including permitting, safety regulations, budgeting, logistics, and working with drone providers. Learn how to create a captivating aerial display while ensuring compliance with FAA guidelines and local regulations. Whether you’re considering adding drones to your event for the first time or looking to improve your existing show, this session will provide essential insights to help you navigate the exciting world of drone entertainment.