Our Agenda

Day 1

Wednesday, February 12th

12:00 - 1:00 pm

Registration

Please Check-In at the Registration tables located in the hotel lobby to collect your badge.

Let’s kick off Day 1 with FestForums Owner Laurie Kirby at the Fireside Room on the Main Stage!

*Lunch is not provided, please see here for local favorite eats

1:00 - 1:50 pm | PANEL

State of the Industry

  • With festivals in the news heralding cancellations, weather disasters, sponsorship dollars declining and more, it appears challenges are everywhere for organizers. Yet from film to music, food, beverages and more, festivals are the bedrock of so many communities. There may be challenges but there are many opportunities for organizers to innovate and do great things. Leaders need to understand what lies ahead for 2025 and beyond to continue to thrive.

    This captivating panel brings together industry leaders from diverse festivals to discuss advances in marketing, technology, programming trends with ideas of how to stay relevant. Get ready to be inspired by the stories of those who dared to dream big and change the festival industry forever!

Ryan Harrington

Jacob Burns Film Center

Don Kelly

Crew One Productions

John Lollo

Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival

Lamonia Deanne Brown

Essence Film Festival

Michael Barclay II

ESSENCE Communications, Inc.

Sarah Pancheri

Milwaukee Festival Inc. / Summerfest

2:00 - 2:50 pm | PANEL

Learning from Festivals around the World

  • Like so many things, festivals have a longer legacy in Europe so there are many valuable insights to be gleaned from them. Join these renowned European promoters (plus one from New Zealand!) as they discuss how festivals overseas have set the standard in areas such as artist curation, long-term sustainability, and community-building. By sharing insights, we will delve into how transatlantic collaborations and teaching moments can drive innovation and growth.

Hamish Pinkham

Rhythm and Vines

John Giddings

Isle of Wight

Tobi Olanihun

TEPS & Flytime Fest

Stephen Budd

Stephen Budd Music Ltd & the OneFest Festival

Nick Morgan

The Fair & We Group UK

2:00 - 2:50 pm | ROUNDTABLE

Presented by Totem

Data-Driven Event Management: Crowd Flow, Attendee Safety, and Measuring ROI

  • You can’t manage what you can’t measure! Join us for a round-table discussion about increasing the value of on-site data at festivals. Collaborate with industry experts on ways to improve layouts, keep attendees safe, boost retention, and track ROI for sponsors and performers with a data-driven mentality.

Chase Lemonds

Totem

Carter Fowler

Totem

3:00 - 3:50 pm | PANEL

Tune into Technology at Festivals

  • Technology takes center stage here. What's working and why? This panel will explain how to adopt new ways to increase sponsorships, AI, fan experience, revenue, and use of new technologies to manage POS, cashless payments, manage labor and harness analytics for producers & brand partners to improve the experience and management of your festival. Join us to learn more about the new advancing era of technology in festivals.

Mell Leis

Tappit

Dave Shalaby

WristCoin

Drew Burchfield

Aloompa

Justin Bankston

SXSW

Lise Brende

Danny Wimmer Presents

Shaun Verreault

Tradable Bits

3:00 - 3:50 pm | ROUNDTABLE

Focus on Film Festivals

  • This roundtable brings together renowned festival directors and film programmers, for an in-depth discussion on the current state of film festivals and where they are headed. The conversation will explore how festivals can remain relevant in an increasingly digital world, strategies for fostering greater diversity in both programming and participation, and how film festivals move forward.

Ron Truppa

Catalina Film Institute and Festival

Lisa Ogdie

Sundance Film Institute

Justin Wheelon

Southern City Film Festival

4:00 - 4:45 pm | KEYNOTE

Matthew Modine

  • Vincent Canby stated “Matthew Modine is one of the best, most adaptable film actors of his generation.” Matthew Modine’s iconic portrayals in films such as Alan Parker’s BIRDY, Louden Swain in VISION QUEST, Stanley Kubrick’s FULL METAL JACKET, Dr. Bush in Christopher Nolan’s OPPENHEIMER,  Mike Downey in Jonathan Demme's screwball comedy MARRIED TO THE MOB, and Dr. Martin “Papa” Brenner in Netflix’s global phenomenon STRANGER THINGS, to name a few,  have cemented Matthew’s legacy in the entertainment industry. 

    But Matthew is equally passionate behind the camera and as a social activist. Highlights include the provocative short JESUS WAS A COMMIE (2011), the hand-drawn feature CHEATIN’ (2013) directed by Oscar-nominated animator Bill Plympton, the Webby Award-winning political documentary THE BRAINWASHING OF MY DAD (2016), the FULL METAL JACKET DIARY iPad app and audiobook, and two comedy shorts: MERRY XMAS (2015) starring Dick Van Dyke and Valerie Harper, and SUPER SEX (2016) starring Kevin Nealon, Elizabeth Perkins, Ruby Modine, and Ed Asner and including some of  the docs he produced such as  'Ripple Effect' and 'SLUDGE: A PFAS UPRISING'.

    Matthew is also the Founder of Bicycle For A Day (BFAD), a global initiative bringing together people who choose to ride a bicycle rather than use gas-powered motor vehicles, immediately reducing their carbon footprint.

4:00 - 4:50 pm | ROUNDTABLE

Let’s Dive into Advanced Festival Issues

  • If you have been running a music festival or been involved in one for over ten years, this roundtable is for you. Seasoned industry professionals will tackle the most pressing issues in festival and event management today. Topics will include advanced logistical planning, risk management, evolving audience expectations, and the integration of new technologies. Attendees will gain actionable insights into addressing these complexities and ensuring the long-term success of their events.

Anastasia Palmer Johnson

Gila River Resorts & Casinos

Brad Sweet

Same Same But Different Festival

J. Kevin Swain

The 339 Company

5:00 - 6:30 pm

Cocktail Reception

Location | Pacific Ballroom

Please join us in the Exhibit Hall and other FestForums attendees for the cocktail reception!

Day 2

Thursday, February 13th

8:30 - 10:30 am

Registration & Breakfast

Please Check-In at the Registration tables located in the hotel lobby to collect your badge.

Location | Exhibit Hall

Enjoy Continental Breakfast and learn more about our partners.

9:00 - 9:50 am | PANEL

How’d it Go? Adventures of a First Year Festival

  • What’s harder than running a festival; starting a new festival! Join us for a fascinating look into the exhilarating journey of launching a first-year festival. Through a dynamic exchange of experiences, lessons learned, and valuable insights, our panelists will share their triumphs, challenges, and everything in between. From the initial concept to execution, this session delves into the nitty-gritty of organizing a successful festival. This panel promises to inspire, inform, and equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to start or expand your own festival.

Eddie Bernard

The Social Architects

Amanda Salazar

Vidiots Foundation

Wes Perry

Live Nation

Justin Wheelon

Southern City Film Festival

Candace Newman

Cousinz Festival

9:00 - 9:50 am | ROUNDTABLE

Presented by Martin & Zerfoss, Inc.

Case Study: Festival Cancellation Procedure

  • We are all very aware that festivals face a multitude of challenges that can lead to a festival cancellation.  In this case study we will review a real life example from the perspective of the festival director and his insurance partner of a festival cancellation and the procedures that were followed that lead to a safe and fan friendly cancellation.  These procedures also lead to a seamless cancellation insurance claim that allowed for quick ticket refunds and the insurance payout for the festival.

Taylor Shomaker

Martin & Zerfoss, Inc.

Joe Argabrite

Headliners Music Hall

10:00 - 10:50 am | PANEL

What’s in a Name? Artist Curated Festivals

  • When an artist is attached to festival curation it brings a fresh perspective, and let’s face it an easier road to talent curation and festival programming. This panel will explore the growing trend of artist-led festivals and how it reshapes traditional roles in talent buying, artist management, and production. Industry leaders and festival producers will discuss the advantages and challenges of artist-driven curation. 

Will Suter

All Things Go Festival

Brandon Pankey

Live Nation Urban

Bruce Flohr

Red Light Management

Stephen Chilton

8123 Fest / M3F

Catlin Whitington

ArtPrize

10:00 - 10:50 am | ROUNDTABLE

Mentoring Mini Bootcamp: Live Event Production

  • What does it take to produce extraordinary live events if you are new to the business and not sure where to start? FestForums bring you three of the industry's leading experts and they want to answer all of your questions. Come prepared to learn, engage and walk away ready to tackle your next event.

Tim Le

Goldenvoice

Kevin Lyman

Kevin Lyman Group

Eboni Gentry

Gentry Touring Inc.

11:00 - 11:50 am | PANEL

Operations & Production

  • Ironically, planning a festival is preparing for everything you haven't thought of already. How do we keep up with real time issues, quickly identify and solve impending crises, avoid catastrophes and create efficiencies? Let’s look at the technologies, dashboards and solutions that keep the festival organized and on track, particularly when much of the work is being done by gig workers and volunteers? 

Amy Scheller

Program Productions, Inc.

Brett Smiley

conCHAIRto

Kyle Newport

Sunset Jazz Festival

Michelle Smith

Rhino Staging

11:00 - 11:50 am | ROUNDTABLE

Savoring the Success of Food and Wine Festivals

  • Dive into the delicious world of food and wine festivals at this roundtable. Learn how these events blend gastronomic delights with vinous pleasures to create unforgettable experiences. Our seasoned pros will dish out tips on everything from snagging top chefs to uncorking sponsorships. Hear spicy anecdotes, juicy trends, and plenty of food for thought. Come hungry for inspiration and leave thirsty for success! Bon Appetit!

Charlie Adler

TasteUSA

Joel Martin

adFUZE

John Lollo

TFood Network New York Food & Wine Festival

12:00 - 1:15 pm

PuppiesPalooza

Location | Festival Plaza

PuppiesPalooza is back! Join Eventeny & SponsorPitch for a catered lunch and adorable puppies from a local shelter.

1:20 - 2:00 pm | PANEL

Unlocking Brand Partnerships

  • Festivals depend on brand partnerships to finance operations,  build credibility, and elevate the fan experience. Join us for an engaging discussion about how to think about brand partnerships before, during and after the event. This panel will bring together seasoned experts, innovative marketers, and industry leaders who have successfully harnessed the power of collaboration to create unforgettable festival experiences.

Doug Richter

Meritage Entertainment

Alex Durant

Durant Consulting

Olga Rodriguez Santini

a21

1:20 - 2:00 pm | ROUNDTABLE

Six Degrees of Kevin Lyman

  • From pioneering Warped Tour to founding other iconic festivals, Kevin's innovative vision and tireless dedication have not only revolutionized the music scene but also provided a platform for emerging artists and charitable initiatives. He has been an industry professional for 37 years, having worked his way up from throwing backyard concerts to producing festivals like Rockstar Mayhem, Country Throwdown, Sprite Liquid Mix, and It’s Not Dead, among numerous others. Explore the strategic genius, entrepreneurial spirit, and philanthropic endeavors that have made Kevin Lyman a trailblazer in the world of festivals, leaving an indelible mark on both the entertainment industry and the communities it serves. And guess what, now he’s back!

Maureen Valker-Barlow

Insomniac Events

Kevin Lyman

Kevin Lyman Group

2:00 - 2:50 pm | PANEL

Tomorrow’s Tickets Today

  • Ticketing at festivals is probably the hottest topic in the industry. Cloaked in secrecy, the backbone of the festival business consists of advances but surcharges and lack of transparency is wreaking havoc for festivals and fans. We are all seeing it and possibly feeling it in real time. Let’s see what’s on deck for the future from the ticketing experts on the reforms happening in real time and how it impacts festivals. Additionally, how do we increase ticket sales, choose a ticketing partner, price tickets and maximize profitability?

Jesse Lawrence

FanIQ

Andrew Goodwin

Easol

James Humpherson

Humanitix

Rebecca Throne

Burning Man / Art of Ticketing

Benjamin Oberman

Film Festival Flix

3:00 - 3:50 pm | PANEL

Risk Management

  • Explore the critical aspects of risk management in the festival industry with our panel. From insurance and permitting to ADA compliance, crowd control, safety protocols, and weather contingencies, explore the comprehensive strategies and best practices essential for safeguarding your event's success. Join us as we navigate the intricacies of event planning and execution, ensuring resilience in the face of potential challenges and uncertainty. 

Dan Fuld

Alliant

Charles Hinnant

Rave Me Away

Tim Fischer

ADA Lift Rentals of America

Nick Cavanaugh

Sensible Weather

3:00 - 3:50 pm | ROUNDTABLE

Legacy Nonprofit Festivals

  • Explore the powerful intersection of passion and purpose with our panel, where we shine a spotlight on legacy nonprofit festivals making a difference. These festivals walk the walk in supporting artists and communities in addition to having earned their stripes as legends in the festival world. What is the secret sauce that has allowed these festivals to thrive as festival icons and do good for the communities as well? 

EJ Encalarde

Festival Productions, Inc. of New Orleans

Darin Atwater

Monterey Jazz Festival

4:00 - 4:45 pm | KEYNOTE

Sophie B. Hawkins

  • Since the start of her musical journey, Grammy Award nominee Sophie B. Hawkins has shown an uncompromising devotion to her singular truth, endlessly transcending boundaries and offering up new ways of experiencing the world around us. A dynamic creative force known for a spellbinding live show that all but erases the divide between audience and performer, Sophie is involved in every facet of the musical experience with touring, records, musicals, acting (as Janis Joplin in Room 105) and more. She will speak and perform and is being FestForums Contributor to Music 2025.

5:00 - 6:30 pm

Cocktail Reception

Location | Terrace Ballroom

Please join us and other FestForums attendees for the cocktail reception.

8:00 - 10:00 pm

FestForums Award Ceremony

Location | SOhO Restaurant & Music Club (1221 State St STE 205 Santa Barbara, CA 93101)

Join us to announce the winners of the FestForums Best of the Fests Awards & enjoy musical performances by Sophie B. Hawkins and many more!

*Admission is included with FestForums pass, food + beverage is available for purchase.

*Access is limited to the first 350 attendees, so make sure to get there early!

Day 3

Friday, February 14th

9:00 - 10:00 am

Registration & Breakfast

Please Check-In at the Registration tables located in the hotel lobby to collect your badge.

Location | Exhibit Hall

Enjoy Continental Breakfast and learn more about our partners.

10:00 - 10:50 am | PANEL

The 10 R’s of Sustainability

  • Join us for a panel on alternative power and sustainable solutions as we delve into the future of eco-friendly festivals. Explore the integration of renewable energy, the implementation of resume, recycling, and composting programs, sustainable merchandise, and ESG reporting. Discover how these initiatives reduce environmental impact, minimize fuel consumption, and promote a greener festival landscape. Gain insights into the 10 R’s of sustainability: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle, Rethink, Replace, Reimagine, Rebalance, and Respect. 

10:00 - 10:50 am | ROUNDTABLE

Elevating Experiences Through Festival Collaborations

  • Collaborating between festivals and fostering strategic partnerships allows for the creation of elevated experiences that uniquely engage audiences. These collaborations open doors to distinctive opportunities, enabling festivals to offer diverse programming that resonates with a broader range of demographics. By leveraging shared resources and expertise, such partnerships enhance the cultural reach and impact of each event, enriching the experience for all attendees.

Merridee Book

Coronado Island Film Festival

Michelle Metter

Fast Forward Events

11:00 - 11:50 am | KEYNOTE

Keynote - TBD

11:00 - 11:50 am | ROUNDTABLE

Impact Concerts: How Free, Data-Driven Concerts Are Changing the World

  • #iVoted & Impact Concerts have directly contributed to statistically increasing voter turnout and making a positive impact on the climate by booking data-driven talent to target key demos for free concerts that fans take action to enter. Learn how you can seamlessly get involved to make a difference locally, nationally, and globally by partnering on an Impact Concert to positively contribute to an issue of your choice.

Emily White

#iVoted Concerts and Festival

Jon van Gelder

Grounded

12:00 - 12:50 pm | PANEL

Panel TBD

12:00 - 12:50 pm | ROUNDTABLE

The Marketing Playbook

  • The effective marketing of live events depends upon strategic use of social and traditional media, artist engagement, optimizing the festival's brand, use of retargeting, good ticket and sponsor partnerships and so much more! What does it take and how do you cater your event to the right target audience? These experts understand the metrics and tricks of the trade so listen up!

Leo Lavoro

Jensen Communications

12:50 - 1:00 pm

Closing

Join FestForums Owner Laurie Kirby in the Fireside Room on the Main Stage

1:00 - 2:00 pm

Valentine’s Day Event

More info to come soon!