WFEA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
HOW TO INCREASE
BOTTOM
REVENUE
When
event
a lot of other ways to increase
the costs of these areas can increase
bottom
the
from
a newcomer to the industry who learned on the job during the past festival season.
Music and Your Event
Whether you’re a small event
a large
there have
when it comes to booking
what is important to look out
as events
the last
preparing for 2023
by Jon Stone
JASON LAJEUNESSE, CAPITOL HILL BLOCK PARTY, KYLE LEMAIRE, JUAN DE FUCA FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS, ERIKA OLSEN, WINTHROP RHYTHM AND BLUES FESTIVAL PETER DAMMAN, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, PORTLAND WATERFRONT BLUES FESTIVAL
How to Produce an Amazing Live Event That Makes Everybody Talk
Live events exist in the marketing space, and are a blend of creativity that touch both the physical and digital world (often referred to as “experiential marketing.”) Behind every delectable bite of finger food and every stunning electrical display, there is thought, creativity and ingenuity happening on the back end to pull it all together The leader of The Workshop will explain what goes into making an event a great one that makes everybody talk.
DOXTATER, THE
3:15
Seattle is home to 7 professional sports teams and soon to be a host city of numerous premier sporting events including the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Regionals, 2023 MLB All Star Week, 2025 NCAA Mens Basketball Regionals and 2026 FIFA World Cup to name a few Hear how the Seattle Sports Commission is using sports as the “connective tissue” to engage the community, create economic impact, bring vibrancy to the region and position Seattle on a global stage
BETH KNOX, SEATTLE SPORTS COMMISSION
4:15
These sessions are held for professionals on a specific
Attendees can pick their topic and ask questions in an informal setting. It’s a great opportunity to get to know people in your area of expertise. You will have the opportunity to visit three of these tables during this time period.
Sponsorship
Led by Lori Lancaster, Benton/Franklin County Fair Cities and Parks and Recreation Departments
Led by Chuck Denney, Tumwater Parks and Recreation Department
Fundraising Events
Led by Gazala Uradnik, GSF Events Event Production
Led by Jon Stone, Gigs4U Festivals
Led by Alby Allen, Ballard Seafood Festival
Chambers of Commerce
Led by Amy McGuffin, Kittitas Chamber of Commerce
Performing and Visual Arts Events
Led by Wendy Tyner, Wintergrass
SESSIONS
Sponsors
Event
CRAIG
Restaurants,
PACIFIC RIM TALENT
and
NATALIE MAITLAND, FORT WORDEN, PORT TOWNSEND
Ideas That Will Wow Your Audience
Too
URADNIK, GSF
the
Often that leads to
to learn a
bring
that easier. Joule Case is providing batteries to provide power, while r.Cup is
Events
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Best Practices for Increasing Attendance From Outside Your Area
A few events like the Winthrop Rhythm and Blues Festival have been successful in attracting audiences from the I 5 corridor. Learn how they and others have done it, and how you can develop a social media campaign to put you over the top.
AMY MAXWELL, TICKET TOMATO; ERIKA OLSEN, WINTHROP RHYTHM AND BLUES; JOSHUA DIRKS, PROJECT BIONIC
Building Collaborative Partnerships
So many things about the current event environment require that for events to be successful, they must create mutually beneficial, collaborative partnerships For budgetary, marketing, staffing or community relations reasons, these relationships are growing increasingly important. Whether this is new territory for you or you have already established partnerships, come explore all the ways that you can develop and enhance new, strategic relationships to help your event and your organization grow.
CINDY VERGE, SKAGIT VALLEY TULIP FESTIVAL; MEREDITH MCILMOYLE, ANACORTES ARTS FESTIVAL; BARB HANNA, CITY OF SEQUIM
Things You Should Know Before You Book a Supplier
Hear from four of the top vendor/suppliers in the business, who will guide you through ordering/booking items for events in 2023 and beyond. There have been a lot of changes during COVID, and here’s how you can stay ahead of the game.
EDDIE REDMAN, GRAND EVENT RENTALS; STEVE BOYCE, MORGAN SOUND; TIM MEDVED, U COOL ANTHONY ZAVADA, STAGES NORTHWEST
So What Type of Fundraising Event is Right For You?
From Gala Auctions to Golf Tournaments, there are many ways to raise money for your organization. Hear many ideas in this session, and contribute what works for you!
DECI EVANS, KIND + CO EVENTS MARY DAVIDSON, EP EVENTS
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
3:00 3:45 PM
Tips For Selling Alcohol Legally and Safely at Events: Part One
Here’s what festival event organizers should know about this very important subject coming out of COVID. The WSLCB Licensing and Enforcement divisions will educate you on how to have safe and legal events with alcohol, the deepest dive yet at a WFEA conference on this important subject. They will cover all types of licensing permits, ways to obtain and sell alcohol, and relationships with alcohol industry members at events.
BETH LEHMAN, WASHINGTON STATE LIQUOR CONTROL BOARD
Contemporary Security How Can You Make Your Event Safe
Tragedy at events in cities from Las Vegas to Gilroy have shown that we are all vulnerable to acts of domestic terrorism. Here from two experts who will tell you the best practices of making your event safe. They’ll explain how the lowest bidder isn’t always the best security company to go with, how to develop a security plan, and other vital details.
FRANK SEBASTIAN, EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT GROUP; MARK WILLIAMS, TRI CITY WATER FOLLIES
Creating the Event Experience
Offering your attendees an experience that says “wow”
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Tips for Selling Alcohol: Part Two BETH LEHMAN, WASHINGTON STATE LIQUOR CONTROL BOARD
This session will concentrate on indoor fundraising events and cover the do’s
conducting an auction gala.
If it Ain’t Broke, Break It!
There has been one good thing about COVID for event organizers we’ve been able to change many things that needed to be revamped anyway Learn how to
your event, while keeping the things that have worked well.
ERIC CORNING, SEATTLE SEAFAIR
What Sponsors Will Be Interested in Going Forward
Events that have approached new companies to their area, and ones that have done well during COVID, are the ones who are enjoying record sponsorship. Benefits such as employee recruitment at an event, are more important than ever.
LORI LANCASTER, BENTON FRANKLIN FAIR AND RODEO
Beyond the Sign: Creative Sponsor Recognition
We often sell a sponsorship, and then forget about the sponsor, neglecting to give
benefits except for a sign at the event. Hear creative ideas on
you can wow your sponsors and give them unexpected
AMANDA KORB, BLUE INK
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
The World of Grants for Festivals and Events
The festival and event industry especially from an art and cultural perspective has been recognized during COVID, as people missed our events when they were cancelled Along with that has come grant opportunities hear from an event professional who has been very successful at securing and sustaining grant awards for the Wintergrass Music Festival.
WENDY TYNER, BELLEVUE WINTERGRASS
Events and How They Can Bring Community Together to Celebrate Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
It’s often said that events brings people together from all walks of life, yet as an industry we still have a long way to go to diversify our own organizations. Get valuable input from this panel of arts and cultural experts.
TERRY MORGAN, MODERN ENTERPRISES AUDREY FAN, FAN EVENTS
Going Once, Going Twice…An Auction Seen Through the Eyes of Auctioneers
Auctions changed during the COVID discover what auctioneers learned during that time and what has worked for the best events during the last two years.
JEFF STOKES, SHELBY STOKES, STOKES AUCTION GROUP; DENNIS CALDIROLA, BENEFIT AUCTION ASSOCIATES
The Staff of Life: Get ‘em, Hold ‘em and Keep ‘em!!
Powell, with dozens of years of human resource experience and one of the festival industry’s biggest fans, gives a title to her presentation to catch and hold our attention staffing! Touching on recruiting, selection, training, retention and, yes, terminations, she covers the challenges of our post? covid staffing dilemmas. Hitting on succession planning, board/council recruiting committees and generational motivations, she brings practical ideas and strategies to help you get what you need…a staff that works for you.
KAREN POWELL, BIRCHHILL ENERPRISES
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
How
Vendors are an important part of every event, and they should be taken care of like they are sponsors. Prominent festival and event organizers will explain how to recruit
SCOTT NAGEL, DUNGENESS
CAROL RILEY, OLYMPIA
The
for them and provide them with hospitality.
The pandemic has created a whole
learned about
world
Learn from three experienced professionals on what
KYLE LEMAIRE, JUAN DE FUCA FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS,
LAJEUNESSE,
MORGAN,
HILL BLOCK PARTY, DAY IN, DAY OUT;
More
There are a lot easier and less time consuming ways for a non profit to raise money Capital Campaigns, Annual Campaigns, Planned Giving, etc. so why do an event? Discover some great new ideas on how your special event can springboard you to incredible
success by creating impactful “mission moments” that will enhance your event and inspire your guests.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Why Festivals and Events are Important to the Cultural Sector
Regent
Festivals and Events have become recognized during COVID, as people greatly missed them when they had to cancel. Learn how the sector is very important to the creative economy, and why they will find support going forward
KAREN HANAN, WASHINGTON STATE ARTS COMMISSION
Finding Those Volunteers, Vendors and Sponsors
Ambassador
Having to cancel events for one or two years during COVID, most organizers lost volunteers, vendors and sponsors, and had to come up with new ways to find them. Learn how two of the biggest events in the nation came up with solutions.
RILEY STOCKTON, SPOKANE HOOPFEST
CLOSING KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
11:00
Certified Crowd Manager Training
Regent Room
When emergencies, or even perceived emergencies, happen in crowded conditions, people are much less likely to behave logically or safely Trained and certified Crowd Managers can reduce dangers to life safety through deliberate planning and diligence. Properly trained Crowd Managers may be the difference between life or death. Certified Crowd Managers are required by many local permitting judications for events with more than 1000 attendees. This tested two hour training course focuses on the responsibilities for maintaining a safe environment for the attendees and event staff are trained in their responsibilities during emergency events. This course meets the jurisdictional requirements for required crowd managers and complies with NFPA and IFC standards Upon successful completion of the course and examination, you will receive a certificate valid for two years
FRANK SEBASTIAN, EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT GROUP - WASHINGTON
Paula Beadle is a strategic and enthusiastic trailblazer, with decades of marketing and sales experience in sponsorship, advertising, branding, sports, event and entertainment marketing Paula began consulting following the financial services sector meltdown in 2008 After 5 years, she charted a new course by officially launching Caravel Marketing a consulting firm specializing in partnership marketing, revenue development and strategic planning. Caravel has been granted the good fortune to work with organizations including: The Special Olympics 2018 USA Games, Seattle Center, Washington State Fair, Washington Department of Transportation, Fred Hutch Obliteride, University of Washington and admired companies such as Alaska Airlines, T Mobile, Starbucks, Amazon and Microsoft. Paula is a results driven leader with an established record of increasing revenue and improving performance. She is known for developing smart strategies, increasing value, connecting the right partners, and successfully coaching sales teams, executives and boards to achieve their goals She has facilitated countless strategic planning, creative thinking and sales training sessions paula@caravelmarketing.com
Steve Boyce, Morgan Sound
Morgan Sound’s first full time employee doing lots of shows in Seattle as well as in Oregon and British Columbia. Working with Gordon Lightfoot, they branched out to cover the western half of the U.S., and things continued to grow from there. Eventually, Steve was offered a touring FOH position with a well known pop group and left Morgan Sound. After tiring of road work, he came back to town and began his own small PA company That led to a seven year stint at Microsoft creating pioneering audio and audio technology After leaving Microsoft, Steve returned back to Morgan Sound and we has spent the last 20 years building, rebuilding, inventing, and reinventing what Morgan Sound is and does. steveb@morgansound.com
Dennis Caldirola, Benefit Auction Associates
A former entertainer and Cruise Director, Dennis originally started as an auctioneer for Kip Toner Benefit Auctions over twenty years ago. During that time, both as a KTBA auctioneer and as an independent contractor, he has raised millions of dollars up and down the West Coast for such organizations as the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, the American Heart Association, Seattle University Baseball and the Port Angeles Symphony, as well as numerous elementary schools, high schools, museums, churches, mosques and synagogues He has also been the emcee / announcer for dozens of benefits and charity events throughout the Northwest including the PONCHO Art Auction, the March of Dimes, the Pilchuck Glass Auction, Seattle Prep, and the Seafair Torchlight Parade. dennis@festaseattle.com
Karen Churchard, City of Scottsdale
As the Director of Tourism & Events for the City of Scottsdale since November 2015, Karen Churchard’s department manages special event applications and permits, the tourism development funding and downtown Scottsdale known as Old Town. During her time with the city, she and her staff created Scottsdazzle (the city’s holiday event), June Days, and brought back Western Week that highlights several of the city’s historic western events. Additionally, Karen oversees the City’s multi million dollar contracts with destination marketing organization Experience Scottsdale, and Scottsdale Arts, which manages the Center for Performing Arts, Museum of Contemporary Art and Scottsdale’s Public Art
Karen brings many years of tourism and event experience at various tourism and event organizations including the Fiesta Bowl, Arizona Tourism Alliance, Arizona Centennial Commission & Foundation, Arizona Office of Tourism, and the City of Scottsdale. She also owned a consulting business for several years with clients ranging from Elite Racing (Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon) to City of Glendale (Super Bowl and Fiesta Bowl) and Greater Phoenix CVB as the bid organizer for the 2008 Super Bowl Bid KChurchard@Scottsdaleaz.gov
Craig Cooke, Pacific Rim Talent
Craig Cooke is President of Pacific Rim Talent, Inc. A booking agency representing popular bands and artists throughout the Northwest. Craig has been in the entertainment business since 1974. Mr. Cooke serves on the board of directors for the Washington Stare Festivals and Events association and also manages 3 festivals A TASTE OF EDMONDS, THE EVERETT SAUSAGEFEST, and THE EDMONDS WATERFRONT FESTIVAL In the early 80’s Craig hosted a rock music TV show called ROCKIN YOU for the Viacom network You can see clips of this show at the EMP Museum at the Seattle Center Craig currently resides in Edmonds, Washington. craig@pacificrimtalent.com
Eric Corning, Seattle Seafair
With over 25 years experience, Eric Corning has produced high profile, public events for Seattle and the greater Puget Sound Region Eric first joined Seafair as a summer intern in 1993 and quickly became a force in the events community He has produced over 20 Seafair Festivals including the Seafair Summer 4th Fireworks Show, the Seafair Torchlight Parade, and Seafair Weekend featuring the US Navy Blue Angels. He was also a leader producing the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games and the 2014 Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl Victory Parade. A graduate of the University of Washington, Eric his wife Kelli live in Shoreline, WA. eric@seafair.org
Peter Damman, Portland Waterfront Blues Festival
Peter Damman has been the arrtistic director of Waterfront Blues Festival since 1994; and working guitarist (Paul deLay, Linda Hornbuckle, LaRhonda Steele, DK Stewart, Reggie Houston....Pinetop Perkins, Solomon Burke, Johnnie Johnson, Hubert Sumlin, Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith, Terry 'Harmonica' Bean) for the past 30 years He has also serves on the board of Winthrop Music Association, which produces the award winning Winthrop R&B Festival in north central Washington His awards and honors include Cascade Blues Association 'Lifetime Achievement' award, inductee Oregon Music Hall of Fame and Blues Foundation 'Keeping the Blues Alive' award recipient. damray@icloud.com
Mary Davidson, EP Events LLC
Mary Davidson, MBA, owner of EP Events LLC, has over ten years of fundraising experience which has led to deep diving into the event world and helping nonprofits raise funds for their cause. Purposeful events are her jam and she is known for event planning on a budget and working efficiently and effectively. It's a top priority for Mary to help organizations stay true to their mission, purpose, and budget, while planning an event Mary leads the EP Events team in non profit, community, and corporate events, whether virtual, hybrid, or in person Mary is also the co founder of the Event Pros On the Go Retreat and enjoys giving back to the event industry and spreading community over competition through her involvement as co host of the Better Events Podcast. mary@epevents.org
Joshua Dirks, Bionic Project
Josh Dirks is a pioneer. For the past 17+ years, he’s lived on the bleeding edge of technology and digital marketing. Josh prides himself on his ability to empower consumers on behalf of brands through high quality content, online engagement, narrowcasting, and the leveraging of consumer data to provide timely experiences. In 2009 Josh founded one of the first social media only creative agencies in the US, Project Bionic, and has spent the last 10 years helping clients across the globe create desired business outcomes via social media channels
Josh is also a husband, father, tech geek, sports fanatic, lover of the outdoors, and new media thought leader who exists right on the cusp of GenX and Millennials, providing him a unique outlook on the world. Josh is wise beyond his years and enjoys speaking to groups of all sizes about both his professional journey and his extensive knowledge of new media trends and their impact on our ever evolving daily lives josh.dirks@projectbionic.com
David Doxtater founded The Workshop in 1997 with a vision for inspiring people to connect with new ideas, celebrate achievement, and participate in making our world a better place. Following this vision, The Workshop has produced hundreds of events, concerts, galas, festivals and community celebrations that strive to build stronger engaged community. Concurrent to this work, David has also served as Director of Events at the University of Washington, overseeing hosted experiences for offices of Advancement and the President; and also served Executive Director for the Tacoma Tall Ships Festival David has been very busy. Prior to The Workshop, he began his career as a "One Reel Vaudeville" pioneer helping create the Bumbershoot Arts Festival and building it into a world class multi million dollar entertainment brand. During this time, he also developed the iconic "Summer Nights at the Pier" concert destination, as well as Seattle's annual 4th of July Fireworks show on Lake Union. doxtater@workshopevents.com
Deci Evans, Kind + Co Events, LLC
Kind + Co Events, a Seattle based event management company, is run by owner Deci Evans Look no further than kind + co events if you're organizing neighborhood celebrations, corporate events, or extraordinary fundraising events The group under Deci Evans specializes in adding a surprise factor to all kinds of events. Creating connections and establishing a sense of community is what Kind + Co Events enjoy doing the most. They think that a successful event is directly tied to the experience of the guests. They prioritize quality over quantity and concentrate on offering great event management, event design, and event production services. deciten@gmail.com
Audrey Fan, Fan Events
In case you have not met Audrey Fan, Audrey is a 30 year veteran of the hospitality industry, having started in sales & marketing at hotels such as Paramount Hotel and Grand Hyatt Seattle. She has marketed the convention centers and all Seattle hotels and venues through Visit Seattle as the organization’s Corporate Account Director where she also negotiated a multi year agreement with a large software company.
For the past ten years, she has created, produced, and managed street festivals, community events, conventions for 20,000 people, exhibits, incentive programs both national and international, choreography and execution of FlashMobs, and a host of other engagements that maximized her diverse creative and logistical skills and experience. In addition, she has managed onsite logistics for high level executives and talent at special events such as Super Bowls and major international sporting events. In 2020, she is focusing on the positive opportunities that appear at any time of disruption, and providing support to an industry she loves.
Audrey holds a Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion for Organizational Excellence from Stanford Graduate School of Business, Executive Education audreyrfan@gmail.com
Ellen Gamson, Mount Vernon Downtown Association
Ellen returned to the business world as a partner in The Tattered Page Bookstore in downtown Mount Vernon. It was through this business ownership that Ellen first became involved with the Mount Vernon Downtown Association, just as it was seeking its designation as a Washington Main Street Program. She was first involved in assisting with the Tulip Festival Street Fair and was also a volunteer member of the original MVDA Promotions Committee as well as the Organization Committee In 2008, she took on the role of the contracted seasonal Tulip Festival Street Fair Director In 2012, she also began working half time at the Mount Vernon Chamber as Coordinator of the Experience Work Program In early 2013, she was hired as the first year round half time Events Director for the MVDA, which became especially important and challenging after the I 5 bridge collapse in May of that year resulted in a traffic nightmare that had people staying away from downtown in droves. In late August of that year, Ellen was offered the position of Executive Director of the Mount Vernon Downtown Association and left her Chamber position to dedicate herself full time to the future of downtown Mount Vernon. This August marked the beginning of her 10th year as the Executive Director of the Mount Vernon Downtown Association director@mountvernondowntown.org
Karen Hanan, Washington State Arts Commission, member of Governor’s cabinet
Karen Hanan is a senior executive with 25+ years of success providing leadership and managerial direction to state and regional arts service and presenting organizations. She was appointed Executive Director of ArtsWA (Washington State Arts Commission) by Governor Jay Inslee in 2014 As the agency’s head, Karen’s role is to grow the organization’s capacity, services and potential for positively impacting the arts and cultural fields, arts in education, the creative economy and the State Previously, Karen was Executive Director of Arts Northwest, the regional service organization for performing arts organizations, arts presenters, artists, agents and associated organizations. During her tenure there, Karen was the driving force in re positioning the non profit for growth, artistic vitality, profitability and a commitment to mission. She achieved this through effective planning, vision, partnership building and operational savvy. Karen oversaw the doubling of the organization’s membership and its budget. Prior to her tenure with Arts Northwest, Karen was the founder and Executive Director of the Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts She is a well respected member of a number of industry organizations, and sits on several Boards of Directors She enjoys opportunities to be a speaker, panelist or event participant where the focus is an arts related topic, or the creative economy. karen.hanan@arts.wa.gov
Barb Hanna, City of Sequim
Barbara Hanna has served as the Communications and Marketing Director for the City of Sequim since 2010 and has over 30 years of experience in the fields of public relations, advertising and project and team management. She has a bachelor and a master’s degree in communications both from Washington State University She and her husband moved to Sequim from the Seattle area in 2003 They share their home with their two large cats Pippin and Dusty bhanna@sequimwa.gov
Melissa Jurcan, Compass Group at Microsoft
Melissa is an event industry veteran, having worked in the field for over two decades. She specializes in storytelling and marketing, and has experience in the corporate, tech, sports, events, hospitality, tourism and non profit sectors. Melissa has created sales and marketing campaigns and developed event strategies for various companies, including: Microsoft, Seafair, the University of Phoenix Stadium (Arizona Cardinals) + CenturyLink Field (formerly Qwest Field & Event Center, Seattle Seahawks), Global Spectrum, Tacoma Rainiers, Seattle's Chinatown International District, Village Theatre, various film productions and several Seattle area restaurant/event venues, amongst others
Melissa has served in several leadership roles within the event industry, and specifically the International Live Events Association (ILEA), including: International Board of Governors, International Education Council Chair, Vice President of the Western Region, founding member of the Arizona chapter, President of the Seattle chapter. Currently, she is serving as the Secretary/Treasurer on the Executive Committee of the Board of Governors. In 2008 she earned the Certified Special Event Professional designation, the hallmark of professional achievement in the industry In 2019 she was inducted into the ILEA Seattle Hall of Fame v-mejurc@microsoft.com
Beth Knox, Seattle Sports Commission
Beth has produced large scale, special events for over 30 years as a producer and consultant in the events, sports and live entertainment industry. As president of the Seattle Sports Commission, she leads efforts to attract and host premier sporting events that shape the Puget Sound region, while providing valuable support to our professional and collegiate sports community Beth has held leadership roles with Seattle’s 2018 Special Olympics USA Games, Seafair, Bumbershoot, Summer Nights at the Pier concerts, Teatro ZinZanni and more
During her time with Seafair, Beth helped bring the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon to Seattle and position the regional festival as a powerhouse in the community. She resurrected the City’s Fourth of July fireworks show in 2013, produced the Seahawks Super Bowl Victory Parade in 2014, and the Sounders FC 2016 and 2019 MLS Championship Cup March and Rally. Seattle is now looking forward to hosting the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Regionals and MLB All Star Game, and the FIFA World Cup in 2026 bethknox@seattlesports.org
Amanda Korb, BLUE INK
An expert in the field of branding and graphic design with more than 20 years in the industry, Amanda Korb is Founder and Chief Design Officer of BLUE INK, a Seattle based, full service, creative house. She is also the Past President of Seattle's International Live Events Association ILEA Seattle.
Before starting her own company, Amanda held various leadership roles with national companies including Compass Group at Microsoft, where she directed programs and events for clients and customers and led branding and design initiatives for the Puget Sound and Field Site Microsoft campuses. Her artwork can be seen on walls, windows, magazines, websites & events nationwide. She currently resides in Seattle with her husband/business partner, 2 kids, dog and 5 ducks. ak@blueinkseattle.com
Jason LaJeunesse, Capitol Hill Block Hill Party
Jason Lajeunesse is the founder and CEO of Daydream State which owns and operates festivals like The Capitol Hill Block Party & Day In Day Out, a concert promotions arm Block Party Presents and several Seattle bars and restaurants such as The Comet tavern, Big Marios Pizza and Lost Lake Cafe. Additionally he co owns Neumos, Barboza and The Runaway which are managed by him and his team at Daydream State. His career dates back to the late 90’s music scene in Vancouver Canada and he has been consistently prolific in the business of both music and hospitality ever since. jason@daydreamstate.com
Lori Lancaster, Benton Franklin Fair Association
Lori Lancaster has worked for the Benton Franklin Fair Association for 19 years and currently serves as executive director and sponsorship manager for the 501c3 organization Her responsibilities include planning and producing the largest annual event in the Tri Cities in conjunction with a 13 member volunteer Board of Directors, staff and several hundred other volunteers At the Fair, she manages a $3.2 million annual budget. Lori also has a consulting business specializing in sponsorship procurement and event marketing. lori@bentonfranklinfair.com
Beth Lehman, Washington State Liquor & Cannabis Control Board
I have been with the WSLCB for 16+ years and working with events around the state for at least 15 of those I manage a team of 18 that approve all of the special occasion licenses and catered events Prior to working with the WSLCB I worked in the bar and restaurant industry for 25 years so I was able to bring my experience and perspective to those I now help to regulate. beth.lehman@lcb.wa.gov
Kyle LeMaire, Juan De Fuca Foundation for the Arts
Kyle LeMaire is a director, actor, and teaching artist who recently moved to Port Angeles by way of New York City with his husband. He holds an MFA in Acting from The New School for Drama and has served as the Associate Artistic Director/Education Director for Open Arts Alliance, Associate Artistic Director/Business Manager for The Victory Dance Project Associate Artistic Director for The Other Realm Theatre, and Education Director for The Acting Space in NYC As a director and actor his work has been seen at The Signature Theatre, The Cherry Lane, The Mint, Musical Theatre Factory, Soundbite Theatre Festival, Don't Tell Mammas, The Duplex, Virginia Rep, and TheatreWorks/USA. He can also be seen in HBO's Girls and CBS's Bull. Kyle has served as a teaching artist for theatres and programs across the country including, Broadway Triple Threat (NYC), Center for the Performing Arts (New Jersey), Theatre Baton Rouge, and Virginia Rep. In academia, Kyle has taught Musical Theatre at The New School for Drama, as well as elementary and high school in the public school system. He is a proud member of SAG/AFTRA and Actors Equity Association contact@jffa.org
Natalie Maitland, Fort Worden Public Development Authority
From crafting high quality experiences to developing creative marketing strategies, Natalie Maitland has been able to work and lead dynamic teams in her 15+ years of experience in the industry. Currently she is the head of Sales, Marketing, Food and Beverage at Fort Worden in Port Townsend, Washington. She has experience with a variety of platforms and is passionate about learning and teaching others. nmaitland@fortworden.org
Amy Maxwell, Ticket Tomato
Amy comes with more than 20 years of experience in the event and entertainment industry. She manages shows, non profit events, festivals, corporate functions, and concerts nationwide.
Previously, Amy worked for large corporations in event planning, marketing, and public relations roles She also co founded, managed, and helped build Patrick Lamb Productions for 18 years She is also the co founder and owner of Nic&Amy, a lifestyle brand empowering women which gives a portion of proceeds to Girls Inc. Amy continues to manage Ticket Tomato’s daily business in conjunction with event production and box office management nationwide. Amy with the robust offerings from Ticket Tomato is your ticket to a successful event. amy@tickettomato.com
Meredith McIlmoyle, Anacortes Arts Festival
Meredith has an extensive background in event management and was the publisher of Event Solutions magazine, a trade publication for event professionals. Most recently she has been employed by United General Hospital as the Communications Coordinator in charge of events, marketing and fundraising. She worked as a Festival volunteer for more than five years prior to joining the staff. aafdirector@anacortesartsfestival.com
Elizabeth McLaughlin, Tri-City Cancer Foundation
Elizabeth McLaughlin is the Executive Director of the Tri Cities Cancer Center Foundation and Director of the Kadlec Foundation. She is an alumna of Eastern Washington University and holds a Certified Fund Raising Executive(CFRE) certification. She is a graduate of Leadership Tri Cities Class XXI and was named a Tri Cities Journal of Business Top Young Professional in 2020 She is a board member of the Washington Festivals and Events Association and Leadership Tri Cities Prior to her time with TCCC and Kadlec, she spent four years on a travel team fundraising for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. elizabeth.a.mclaughlin@providence.org
Tim Medved, U-Cool Refrigeration
Tim's rental career started in 1974, in his family's business at Budget Car and Truck Rental of Tacoma And from 1990 to 2006, he served as the Operations Manager for Mckinney Trailers & Containers in Auburn, WA. Over the years, this experience has led to the development of a refrigerated equipment rental company that fills the needs of the food and beverage industry, festival and event industry, and many other businesses that require periodic mobile and stationery refrigeration. tim@ucool.biz
Phil Megenhardt, Boldhat Productions
Phil is a creative event director with vast experience in event production and a passion for community building, brand activations, and flawless event execution Phil founded Bold Hat Productions in 1997 on the roots of over 20 years of sales, marketing, and business development experience. As President and Creative Director of Bold Hat, Phil has created several signature Puget Sound area events, including nationally recognized Fremont Oktoberfest and Kirkland Uncorked, in addition to many corporate and municipal celebrations. Phil@boldhatproductions.com
Terry Morgan, Modern Enterprises
Terry Morgan’s Modern Enterprises is the most successful minority owned event Production Company in Washington State, serving clients since 1979 providing talent, production and technical services for cities, corporate clients and civic occasions. With over 40 years of experience in special event design, venue management, artist book and promotion, public relations and fundraising, Modern Enterprises is one of the most creative and innovative event planning teams Its client list includes Microsoft, the City of Redmond, Cirque Du Soleil, Nordstrom, Children’s Hospital, Chateau St. Michelle, the Museum of Flight, The National Governor’s Association, Pacific Place, University Village, Seattle Magazine, The Stillaguamish Tribe and the Downtown Seattle Association. Morgan recently produced the highly acclaimed Seattle Center/Space Needle New Year’s Eve Show. terry@borealisfestivaloflight.com
Scott Nagel, Dungeness Crab and Seafood Festival, Port Angeles and Ocean Shores Razor Clam Festival
Scott Nagel has been making an impact on the community and the world of arts, festivals and events for more than 40 years as a performer, producer, executive director, publisher, and manager Scott is one of the founders and Executive Director of the Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival, celebrating 22 years in Port Angeles. As Executive Director of the Northwest Folklife Festival for 18 years, he made Folklife one of the most acclaimed traditional arts organizations in North America. Scott has worked with festivals and events throughout North America as well as Australia, Ireland, Northern Ireland, China, and Eastern Europe. Previously he was one of the founders and former Executive Director of Washington Festivals & Events Association, and Vice President of the International Festivals and Events Association for Bruce Skinner And in his youth he spent twenty years on the performing stage as a dancer specializing in Eastern European and American traditional dance. director@crabfestival.org
Erika Olsen, Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival
Erika Olsen is a native Washingtonian who grew up on Seattle’s Capitol Hill. Prior to devoting her professional life to music and festival productions, she worked in the non profit sector as the Human Resources Director for the HMO Pacific Health Plans. She currently is the Festival Director for the Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival as well as the Assistant Artistic Director/Marketing & Production Coordinator for Portland’s Waterfront Blues Festival. Erika loves to run, dance, listen to live music, cook, watch the Seahawks, spend time with her family & friends and try and make the world a better place. Under Erika's leadership, she and the Winthrop Rhythm & Blues Festival received the coveted “Keeping the Blues Alive” Award in 2015 This prestigious national award from the Memphis based Blues Foundation recognized Erika for her compelling work on the Winthrop R&B Festival, known as “the best little festival” and is the longest running blues festival in Washington state. rikkito@mac.com
Karen Powell, Birchhill Enterprises
Powell is a well known speaker that has worked with WFEA in the past. She is a partner in Birchhill Enterprises that has worked closely with festivals and events for years and was Executive Consultant and EVP at City University in charge of leadership development for the organization. She was VP in HR at the 8th largest bank in US and was in charge of “Events In The Parks” for Seattle Parks Department years ago birchhillk@mindspring.com
Eddie Redman, Grand Event Rentals
Eddie Redman has over 30 years of experience in the event industry, including working for the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics He grew up in the business and even spent his teenage summers working for a local rental company. He has a keen eye for event logistics, and has become one of the industry’s best with tent layout and installations, tradeshows and festivals.
In his personal time, Eddie enjoys outdoor activities such as boating, attending UW football games and snow sports. eddier@grandrents.com
Carol Riley, Olympia Harbor Days
Carol works on the Olympia Harbor Days Festival and Tugboat Races (OHD), a 3 day event that attracts over 55K to the waterfront of Olympia She started with the festival in 2016 The well known, and well loved, Olympia festival covers 7 blocks, has 3 stages, 2 food areas, 3 docks hosting 30 to 40 tugboats and historic ships, multiple demonstration locations, and 200 arts & crafts, commercial and non profit booth spaces and of course host the World’s Largest Vintage Tugboat Races annually. OHD is a non profit event presented free to the community by the Olympia Kiwanis Club. Carol works on the festival alone, with volunteer help from members of the club. Carol is no stranger to organizing events. She was owner of Reunions Unlimited, a professional reunion planning company, and organized over 750 events in 20 years 1995 2015 She started her working career in the fashion industry in NYC as a fashion buyer for Macy’s and merchandiser in women’s apparel in the late 70’s and 80’s She then worked with professional art groups in PA as a grant writer, and later developed the Olympia Hands On Children’s Museum gift shop. info@harbordays.com
Frank Sebastian is the President of Emergency Management Group Washington, a non profit organization providing emergency management training, planning and operational support throughout the pacific northwest, including Seafair, Special Olympics of Washington, 2018 Special Olympics USA Games, and other organizations.
For many years, Frank has served as the Emergency Manager for Seafair in Seattle. Seafair produces many annual special events, including Summer 4th (July 4th), Torchlight Parade, Seafair Air Show and Hydroplane Boat Races Frank has been the Emergency Manager and Incident Commander for many Seafair events, with attendance ranging from 5,000 to over 150,000 participants. Frank was the Emergency Manager for Seafair at the Seahawks Super Bowl Victory Parade, which attracted 750,000 participants in downtown Seattle. Frank accepted the additional role of Emergency Manager for the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle. As the Emergency Manager, he is responsible for pre event public safety and emergency response planning, as well as inter agency interoperability and resource coordination. Frank previously served many years with the federal government, at both FEMA and HHS Office of Emergency Management He deployed to many national special security events, large scale disasters and fatality incidents, including Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Haiti earthquake, and the SR 530 (Oso) slide. fsebastian@emgwa.org
George Sharp, Thurston Economic Development Council
George has had a thirty five plus year career in community and economic development. He was the Washington Economic Development Association Economic Advocate of the Year in 2019. He is a founding member and past president of WFEA, developed the first WFEA Chapter, former executive director of the National Lentil Festival, Co creator of Tumwater Artesian Brew Fest and the Bucoda Boo Coda Spook Tacular, is a past President and Board Member of Capital Lakefair and Co coordinator of Tenino Oregon Trail Days, Tenino Christmas Tree Lighting, and Tenino Chamber Holiday Auction. Sharp has won numerous awards from IFEA and WFEA over the years for marketing. gsharp@thurstonedc.com
Riley Stockton is the Executive Director of Spokane Hoopfest that completed their 32nd tournament this year Riley grew up in Spokane and started playing Hoopfest when he was 6 years old and has spent many years playing, volunteering and participating within the Spokane Hoopfest/AAU Organization. He attended Seattle Pacific University and was lucky to intern for Seafair while he was in school. That grew his love for events and ended up working for the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle and then for Special Olympics Washington after the USA Games were over. In December 2021, he took his dream job as the new Executive Director of Spokane Hoopfest. Spokane Hoopfest continues to be the largest 3 on 3 basketball tournament in the world with traditionally over 6,000 teams and 24,000 players riley@spokanehoopfest.net
