Tourism Track: Festival Planning: How to Plan, Execute, and Deliver
October 17 @ 3:15 pm - 4:00 pm
$150 – $300Planning a successful festival goes beyond a compelling concept—it demands meticulous coordination, strategic partnerships, and flawless execution. This engaging session, featuring seasoned experts in festival planning, will guide attendees through every stage of the festival planning process, from initial concept development to post-event evaluation. Whether you’re a seasoned event planner or new to the world of festivals, you’ll walk away with practical strategies and actionable insights to make your next event a resounding success.
Featured Panelists:
- Joshua Ball (Moderator): Chief Operating Officer of SOAR and co-founder of the Country Music Highway Tribute Show.
- Bruce Carpenter: Executive Director of the Southern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and organizer of the iconic NIBROC Festival.
- Tiffany Finley: Executive Director of Master Musicians Festival, a celebrated event in the region.
- Julie Harris: President & Media Director of Master Musicians Festival.
- Tiffany Coleman: Director of Accounting & Special Events for the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, representing Hillbilly Days, one of Kentucky’s most beloved and enduring festivals.
What You’ll Learn:
- Event Logistics: Develop a comprehensive festival plan, from budgeting and logistics to programming, with guidance from experts who have successfully managed large-scale events.
- Vendor Management: Discover the best practices for coordinating with vendors to ensure a seamless and successful festival experience.
Marketing and Promotion: Learn how to effectively market your festival, secure sponsorships, and attract large crowds through strategic promotion. - Sponsorship Acquisition: Gain insights into acquiring and managing sponsorships that elevate your event’s profile and financial stability.
Troubleshooting Challenges: Master essential strategies for managing and troubleshooting challenges during the festival to ensure smooth operations from start to finish.
Ideal Audience:
- Festival organizers
- Local and regional tourism organizations
- Community organizers
- Community and economic development officials
- Local elected officials
Why Attend?
Whether you’re planning a small community festival or a large-scale event, this session offers essential knowledge and practical tools to help you deliver an unforgettable experience. Learn from the experts, network with peers, and leave with the confidence to take your festival planning to the next level.