Festivals and events rely on vendors to fill space, provide an attraction for attendees, add diversity to the event, and as an income stream. Learn more about the key components you need to think about when planning for and managing your food and commercial vendors, as well as how building vital relationships with vendors can improve your whole event.

Led by: Brandi Ebner (Deschutes County Expo Center/One Decision Management)

Brandi has had events in her blood since childhood. Starting at 6 years old stamping hands at a horse show, she has been involved with nearly every type you can think of since. Brandi owns One Decision Management, LLC, an association and event planning company, works full time at the Deschutes County Expo Center as the Vendor Coordinator, and has served on boards and committees for multiple event associations across Oregon. As a vendor herself, her goal is always to make events easier for her vendors as she believes ‘happy vendors help make a happy event!’

Join national speaker, author and sponsorship expert Teresa Stas, as she covers the current sponsorship activation trends that go beyond mere banners and logo soup, to create meaningful, deal-landing experiences. In this session she will share the secrets of crafting strategic assets that not only engage audiences but also pave the way for lucrative and enduring partnerships.

Key Highlights:

• Strategic Activation Planning: Learn to strategically plan activations that align with sponsors' objectives, seamlessly integrating their brand into the fabric of your event or initiative.
• Innovative Asset Creation: Dive into the creative process of developing assets that stand out in a crowded marketplace, From interactive exhibits to digital campaigns, explore innovative approaches to ensure your activation assets resonate with sponsors and their target audience.
• Case Studies and Success Stories: Delve into real-world case studies and success stories that showcase strategic sponsorship activations.

Led by: Teresa Stas (Green Cactus)

Teresa Stas is a national speaker, author, and CEO of Green Cactus Event Sponsorship Agency. Her book “Sell Your Event!” was named one of the best new sponsorship books to read in 2022 by BookAuthority, and landed #1 in three categories on the Amazon Bestsellers List upon its debut. Teresa holds a masters in Mega Event Management from Florida International University.

This session will compare two violent incidents that occurred at the same Fair and discuss how different preparations lead to different results. Join this session for a discussion of how emergency plans, incident command centers, communication and security skill level can influence the way an emergency unfolds, how the community perceives the incident, the impact on your staff and more.

Led by: Rachel Bivens (Iron Shield Security)

As of October 2023, Rachel Bivens became the Chief Operating Officer for Iron Shield Security. Prior to making this move Rachel was with the Lane Events Center and Lane County Fair for nearly 20 years. She started her career there as an as an Events Coordinator working with clients on their events and with commercial vendors and in the Fair office during Fair time. Rachel moved into the marketing role after about 4 years and added Assistant Fair Manager to her duties in 2013. Rachel has a true passion for events and the complexities that we all go through to follow them from inception to completion. She has a keen understanding of how critical relationships building, partnership, and excellent communication among all parties involved is to the overall success of events. Rachel’s education is in Business and Public Administration from the University of Puget Sound where she attended prior to returning to Oregon. She currently resides in Eugene with her husband, two sons and super sweet black Lab!

Join Protective Security Advisor Tom Wilder for a facilitated discussion covering personal security and signs of an escalating individual. Plus, learn techniques to calm the situation down and keep employees safe.

Led by: Tom Wilder (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency)

Wilder is the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Protective Security Advisor for the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area. His primary responsibility is to serve as a critical infrastructure security specialist and to assist with local efforts to protect critical assets. Mr. Wilder started with DHS/CISA in April, 2016. He has conducted numerous infrastructure security assessments and facilitated many active shooter and bomb threat preparedness trainings. Prior to his work with CISA, Mr. Wilder worked for the Federal Emergency Management Agency as an Emergency Response Planner. He was the lead federal planner for the Alaska Catastrophic Earthquake Response planning effort, deployed to six presidentially-declared disasters, and assisted the governments of Mongolia and Ukraine with disaster response and infrastructure resilience planning.

Join us with your questions and creativity for an engaging and dynamic open forum session that encourages active participation, open dialogues, and a free exchange of ideas. Let’s come together to share innovative solutions to the complex challenges facing our festivals and events.

Moderated by: Scott Ingalls (360 Events NW)

Join us for 'Boost Your Event's Reach: Mastering Social Media, Web, & Brand Consistency,' a dynamic session designed by K2 Creative. In today's digital world, standing out amidst a sea of events requires more than just a great concept, it demands a strategic blend of social media savvy, website optimization, and impeccable branding.

This session offers insights and actionable strategies tailored for festival and event organizers of all sizes. Learn how to harness the power of social media platforms to engage your audience effectively, transform your website into a magnet for event attendees, and ensure your branding resonates consistently across every medium - from online digital to your printed material.

Whether you're a seasoned organizer or new to the scene, this session will equip you with practical tools and tips to skyrocket your event's presence and attendance. Elevate your event promotion game with K2 Creative's expert guidance, and walk away with a comprehensive toolkit to turn your event into the talk of the town!

Led by: Kristie Klavinger (K2 Creative)

CEO of K2Creative, Kristie’s career spans over 20 years in the print industry. Specializing in design, brand merchandise, print production, marketing, and event activations, Kristie has worked with events such as Country Fan Fest, Hood to Coast, and the Oregon State Fair.

Every event organizer executes perfectly in some areas, while making huge mistakes in other areas. I've had unparalleled visibility across thousands of events as to what works and what doesn't. I'll share the best strategies (and biggest mistakes) I've seen & propose simple changes that create a big impact. This will help your attendee experience and retention, marketing, day-of execution, and ticketing strategy to increase your revenues year after year.

Led by: Ryan Kintz (Afton Ticketing)

Ryan Kintz is the founder of Afton Tickets & Afton Shows. Ryan has been in the live event industry for over 20 years with experience in producing concerts, booking artists, working with numerous venue owners, event organizers, and festivals - he is a leading expert in everything related to ticketing and optimizing an event’s success. Afton Tickets has helped fairs, festivals, concerts, and event organizers gain more control over their admissions, en-hance customer experience, and capture more revenues.

Step into the heart of operations with our panel of seasoned event professionals for a discussion about what goes on behind the curtain. Bring your questions and get an insider’s look at the world of event operations and what it takes to ensure seamless, memorable experiences.

Panel Members include: Brandi Ebner (Deschutes County Expo), Cindy Kerby (Lebanon Strawberry Festival), Scott Ingalls (360 Events NW, Marion County Fair)

Moderated by: Haley Hamilton (Home Builders Association of Marion & Polk Counties)

Haley has been in the event industry for what feels like forever but started out in high school planning school events. She continued into her adult life volunteering at and planning events which eventually led to a career. Currently she is the Director of Shows and Events for the Home Builders Association of Marion & Polk Counties and you might see her at random events throughout the area that she tends to get herself roped into. Haley is active in the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, sits on some non-profit boards, volunteers for most anything and has been a part of OFEA for about 15 years. In her spare time Haley enjoys “chicken farming”, golfing, being at the lake and is attempting to find the best wine in Oregon.