“THE PREMIER GATHERING FOR FESTIVAL LEADERS.”
FestForums 2026 in the Books!
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Santa Barbara for our 9th FestForums! Let’s relive the highlights, the energy, and the moments that made this year so special.
Shot by Brandon LeBaron
IG: @brandon_lebaron
LinkedIn: Brandon LeBaron
What is FestForums?
FestForums® is the B2B live gathering for festival producers, organizers, and industry leaders to learn and network all in one place. The conference includes various panels, exhibitors, awards, concerts and parties galore presented in a relaxing convivial environment. We discuss technology, sustainability, safety, wellness, marketing, operations, and many more topics with mixers and a trade show designed to cultivate networking in beautiful Santa Barbara.
Did You Know?
“Festivals now account for over 30% of the global event tourism economy & flagship festivals regularly attract 400,000+ attendees.”
- Festival Market Insights, Inc. & GITNUX 2026 Reports
Interested in Sponsorships?
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The diversity of the attendees is the key to the success of FestForums. It seems the attendees are as well curated as the panels.”
Kevin Lyman
Founder of Vans Warped Tour, FestForums Advisory Board Member
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“FestForums annual event is one of the most exciting events we have each year in Santa Barbara. It recognizes and honors those who infuse our community with enthusiasm for artistic endeavor and cultural awareness."
Michael McDonald
5 time Grammy award winner, Hall of Fame Recording Artist, and FestForums Advisory Board Member
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“A wonderful environment for experienced festival professionals to share news, flesh out ideas and explore market trends.”
Danny Hayes
Former CEO of Danny Wimmer Presents
FestForums is the B2B live gathering with panels, exhibits, networking, and parties galore to discuss the festival industry. Meet 100’s of festivals in one idyllic place!
Festivals have included SXSW, Sundance, Burning Man, Isle of Wight, Lollapalooza, Coachella, Life is Beautiful, Bonnaroo, Global Citizen, Woodstock, Summerfest, Austin City Limits, Ultra Festival, Vans Warped Tour, Tribeca Film Festival, Glastonbury, EDC, Essence Fest, Toronto Film Festival, South Beach Food & Wine, Bourbon & Beyond, Harlem EatUp, Governors Ball, and hundreds more.
Our speakers have included Jeff Bridges, Taj Mahal, Quentin Tarantino, T. Bone Burnett, Matthew Modine, Dave Mason, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Christopher Guest, Penelope Spheeris, Alice Cooper, Jack Johnson, Harry Shearer, Bruce Dern, Rita Coolidge, Mary Wilson, Cat Cora, Dennis Quaid, Chuck Leavell, Shep Gordon, The Coen Brothers, Jon Anderson, Nia Peeples, Ray Parker Junior, Frances Fisher and many more.
Interested in learning more? Explore the Event
