Issuu

the business of international events

From Spark to Spectacle, the Journey Continues

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS LS & EVENTS ASSOCIATION A

Can a “Return to Normal” Happen in 2021?

the business of international events

From Spark to Spectacle, the Journey Continues

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS LS & EVENTS ASSOCIATION A

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IFEA VISION A globally united industry that touches

Publisher & Editor Steven Wood Schmader, CFEE, President & CEO

lives in a positive

Assistant Editor Nia Hovde, CFEE, Vice President

way through

Director of Marketing & Communications

celebration.

Advertising Carrie Ring, CFEE, Director of Partnerships & Programs Art Director Craig Sarton, Creative Director

For association or publication information: IFEA World Headquarters 10400 Overland Rd. #356 Boise, ID 83709, U.S.A. +1.208.433.0950 Fax +1.208.433.9812

http://www.ifea.com

With respect to interactions with members/customers or those applying to be members/customers, the IFEA will not cause or allow conditions, procedures, or decisions which are unsafe, undignified, unnecessarily intrusive, or which fail to provide appropriate confidentiality or privacy. If you believe that you have not been accorded a reasonable interpretation of your rights under this policy, please contact the IFEA office at +1-208-433-0950 ext. 8180.

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

70th Anniversary

DEPARTMENTS 10 IFEA President’s Letter 12 2025 IFEA World Board 14 2025 IFEA Foundation Board 16 IFEA Timeline 20 Past IFEA Convention Locations 44 Anniversay Toast 46 30 Years of Pinnacle Awards 52 Hall of Fame 100 Volunteer of the Year 122 IFEA World Festival & Event City Awards 124 IFEA Staff 128 70 Years of IFEA Chairs 132 Global Affiliates 134 33 Years of Foundation Chairs 136 CFEE Graduates 140 IFEA Friends Lost Fall 2025, Volume 36, Issue 70th Anniversary “ie” is published quarterly by the International Festivals & Events Association, 10400 Overland Rd. #356, Boise, ID 83706, USA. Permission to quote from material herein is granted provided proper credit is given to IFEA.

F E AT U R E S

The Founding Fathers

The First Meeting

Publicity & Finances

Madame President

The Walstad Years

Interregnum

The Growth of IF(E)A

IFEA in the 21st Century

IFEA PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Like special occasions in our personal lives, or our communities, IFEA’s 70th Anniversary offers us a special opportunity to celebrate the past and imagine the future. It allows us a time to reflect on our successes, learn from our mistakes, remember those who have stood by our side along the

BY STEVEN WOOD SCHMADER, CFEE

our past, our present, and our future. And I have made some new friends throughout the journey. When an organization begins, very few people think about preserving records and archives for future historical reference. In fact, like many great civilizations, much of our history has been passed along in stories, from generation to generation. Along the way, many have been forgotten, lost, changed, or embellished. Some have grown larger than life with each telling; tough or unpleasant times are now often viewed humorously with the passing of time; and conversations often turn reflective as we remember the many individuals who have touched our lives. This special collector’s issue of “ie” is the result of many hours of research, by multiple individuals. To the best of our abilities, we

to re-spark our imaginations as to what the future may hold. Above all else, the one notable thread that has run throughout all of our research and conversations along the way, is the consistent willingness of those in our industry to openly share with one another – our successes, failures, ideas, creativity, experience, and friendship. Ours is an industry that is built around dreams and imagination, and the people who understand not only the importance of dreaming but know how to make them come true. Steven Davison of Walt Disney Imagineering, who closed our IFEA 70th Anniversary Convention & Expo in Palm Springs, California, pointed out that we are all “memory makers”. We are also community builders, storytellers, vision painters, bridge builders, and the purveyors of possibility. We bring families,

“Today is someone’s dream coming true.” – Walt Disney way, and rededicate ourselves to even greater goals as we look to the next 70 years. I have had the good fortune of viewing this special milestone from a unique vantage point. Over the last year, together with our staff, we have sifted through documents, photographs, and publications, playing detective as we pieced together our history. I have talked with many individuals who have impacted our association directly and were, in turn, impacted themselves as a result. I have met 10

have attempted to sort through the boxes, files, envelopes, conversations, and records, to produce a historical document that will allow you to revisit the IFEA for yourself, from the spark of a vision seventy years ago, to the global network and ‘family’ that it has become today. We have made an effort to remember special friends and milestones that have molded our association and our industry; to help reopen some special memories that you may have tucked away temporarily; and

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

70th Anniversary

friends, communities, countries and people together. We help them celebrate the special things in their lives, inspire them to see more, and provide the spark that allows them to light the world around them. That is the gift that we bring to the world and the legacy that we will leave. I hope that you enjoy this special overview of the IFEA’s first seventy years and I look forward to imagining new dreams with you as we continue to unite and further our industry around the world.

u o Y k Than

2025 IFEA World Board of Directors

CHAIR 2025 - 2026 VANESSA VAN DE PUTTE DFEST ® San Antonio, TX vanessa@dixieflag.com

SECRETARY / CHAIR-ELECT DAVID EADS Pasadena Tournament of Roses Pasadena, CA deads@tournamentofroses.com

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR JAZELLE JONES City of Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA Jazelle.Jones@phila.gov

IFEA WORLD BOARD GLOBAL OFFICER BILL O’TOOLE, CFEE Event Project Management System Pty., Ltd. Bondi Beach, NSW Australia otoole2006@gmail.com

ALISON BARINGER, CFEE North Carolina Azalea Festival at Wilmington Wilmington, NC alison@ncazeleafestival.org

BRUCE ERLEY, APR, CFEE Creative Strategies Group Denver, CO berley@csg-sponsorship.com

MATT GIBSON Kentucky Derby Festival Louisville, KY mgibson@kdf.org

WARWICK HALL, CFEE Safety Set Consulting Section 646 Taupo, New Zealand contact@s646.com

STEPHEN KING, CFEE Des Moines Arts Festival Des Moines, IA sking@desmoinesartsfestival.org

NAN KRUSHINSKI, CFEE City of Port St. Lucie Port St. Lucie, FL nkrushinski@cityofpsl.com

SAM LEMHENEY, CFEE Creative Event Solutions Philadelphia, PA sam@creativeeventsolutions.com

CURT MOSEL ArtsQuest Bethlehem, PA cmosel@artsquest.org

KELI O’NEILL WENZEL, CFEE O’Neill Events & Marketing Management Kansas City, MO keli@oneillevents.com

KAT PAYE, CFEE Chair - IFEA Foundation Board of Directors National Cherry Festival Traverse City, MI kat@cherryfestival.org

STEVEN WOOD SCHMADER, CFEE IFEA World Boise, ID schmader@ifea.com

The IFEA World Board of Directors is an elected, non-compensated body of industry professionals responsible for overseeing the successful operations of the IFEA. In addition to approving policy and direction, Board members serve as an active and involved industry leadership advisory source to the President & CEO. Members proactively support IFEA programs and visions through their input, use of their professional networks on behalf of the association, and personal participation in association programs and activities.

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

70th Anniversary

u o Y k Than

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS & EVENTS ASSOCIATION

2025 IFEA Foundation Board of Directors

IFEA FOUNDATION BOARD CHAIR KAT PAYE, CFEE National Cherry Festival Traverse City, MI kat@cherryfestival.org

CHAIR-ELECT JESSICA KAMINSKAS The Parade Company Detroit, MI jkaminskas@theparade.org

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR IRA ROSEN, MA, CFEE, CED Ira Rosen, LLC, Festival and Event Consultant Wall Township, NJ irarosen1011@gmail.com

SECRETARY ALEX MCNULTY, CFEE Pasadena Tournament of Roses Pasadena, CA amcnulty@tournamentofroses.com

KASEY ALLEN, CFEE City of Hutto Hutto, TX kasey.allen@huttotx.gov

DAVE BULLARD, CFEE FanFirst Fulton, NY debullard@gmail.com

LUANN CHAPMAN The Gatts Group Grapevine, TX luchap@aol.com

CASSIE DISPENZA, CFEE Saffire Austin, TX cassie@saffire.com

DAVID KNUTSON City Of Santa Clarita Santa Clarita, CA dknutson@santa-clarita.com

HAYDEN KRAMER, CFEE Town of Indian Trail Parks and Recreation Indian Trail, NC hpk@indiantrail.or

COLLEEN MURPHY, CFEE Des Moines Arts Festival Des Moines, IA cmurphy@desmoinesartsfestival.org

DAVID OLIVARES, CFEE Kaliff Insurance San Antonio, TX david@kaliff.com

TIM OTTEMAN Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MI ottem1tw@cmich.edu

MAIRIN PETRONE, CFEE Pittsburgh Irish Festival Pittsburgh, PA mairin.petrone@gmail.com

DAVID RAMIREZ, CFEE SDMRamirez San Antonio, TX david@sdmramirez.com

SARAH UMLAUF, CFEE Saint Louis Art Festival Saint Louis, MO sumlauf@culturalfestivals.com

STEVEN WOOD SCHMADER, CFEE IFEA World Boise, ID schmader@ifea.com

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

VANESSA VAN DE PUTTE Chair - IFEA World Board Of Directors DFEST ® San Antonio, TX vanessa@dixieflag.com

70th Anniversary

The IFEA Foundation Board of Directors is an elected, non-compensated body of industry professionals responsible for overseeing the successful operations of the IFEA Foundation. Members proactively work to raise and secure important funding that helps to support and protect the educational mission of IFEA World.

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IFEA TIMELINE 1956

Festival Managers Association (FMA) Founded, October 31st, Park Sheraton Hotel, New York City

1956

Robert E. Meyer serves voluntarily as Association Managing Director, with office in New York City

1957

Red, White and Blue Logo with IFA Letters in Diamonds Used

1957 1957

* Logo changes to black circle with gold globe inside CFE (Certified Festivals Executive) Professional Certification Program Approved, in Association with Purdue University

1984

Herb Melleney becomes first fulltime, paid Executive Director, with office in St. Petersburg, Florida

FMA Closed Circuit and Festival News Membership Bulletins Created

1984

First CFE (Certified Festivals Executive) Seminar Held at Convention

FMA is renamed as the International Festivals Association (IFA) with the addition of Pierre Trombley of the Quebec City Winter Carnival in Canada

1986

First Convention outside of North America held in London, England

1987 1988

IFA Silent Auction created

1960

John Geisler serves voluntarily as Association Managing Director with office in St. Paul, Minnesota

1963

Madeline Neupert, IFA’s first female member, becomes IFA’s first female President

1969

Don Lunday becomes IFA Executive Director, with office in Pasadena, CA

1990 1992

Festivals newsletter founded

1992 1992

IF(E)A Europe Founded

1993 1993 1994

IF(E)A Foundation Officially Founded

1994 1994

Festivals newsletter upgraded to magazine format

1995 1996

IF(E)A / Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards Created

IF(E)A / Miller Brewing Company Hall of Fame Created

International Festivals Education Association Incorporated (Foundation)

IFA Professional Resource Library established 1994 U.S. State Chapters formed IF(E)A Today Chapter Newsletter introduced

IF(E)A takes lead role in IRS Sponsorship Taxation Lobbying Effort

1988

IFA Board Votes to Recognize Commercial Organizations / Suppliers as Full Members, with No Differences in Membership

Ken Walstad runs IFA office from Minneapolis, Minnesota in volunteer capacity as Executive Director

1989

First Dixie Flag Hospitality Suite hosted at IF(E)A Convention

* Logo changes to circle with IFA diamonds inside

1990

Bruce Skinner, CFE(E), takes over as IF(E)A President, with office in Port Angeles, Washington

1996

Logo changes to blue tone elongated globe with red swoosh mark

1990

Association CEO position title changed from Executive Director to President; Board President title changes to Board Chair

1996 1996

IFEA Australia Founded

1976 1979

1981 16

1982 1983

First non-U.S. Convention held in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada IFA Board Votes to have Commercial Organizations / Suppliers become Associate Members

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

70th Anniversary

Association name changed to International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) to reflect evolving industry make-up

IFEA goes On-Line with first Web Presence

1997

Nia Hovde, CFEE, Vice President & Director of Communications & Marketing, IFEA’s longest term employee, joins the IFEA staff

1997 1998

IFEA Board undergoes restructuring process, cuts numbers from 52 to 18, institutes new policy governance system

1998

Eric Martin, Esq., CFEE, becomes IFEA’s first minority Board Chair

2001

Steven Wood Schmader, CFEE, selected as new IFEA President & CEO, with office in Boise, Idaho

2001

Kaye Campbell, CFEE, Director of Finance and IFEA Foundation Liaison, joins the IFEA staff

2001

Festivals magazine upgraded to new name and format - ie: the business of international events to better reflect the global industry

2001

IFEA Annual Convention, scheduled for Boston, is postponed for first time ever in response to September 11th terrorist attacks on the United States, and moved to January of 2002 in Las Vegas, Nevada

2001

IFEA / Zambelli Fireworks Internationale Volunteer of the Year Award Created

2001 2002

IFEA Singapore Founded

2002

Logo modified to current version, adding dimension and green color to global continents

2004

Industry Association Alliance formed with IFEA, IAAM, IAFE, IAAPA and OABA as founding members

2002

IFEA Affiliate Connection, 24/7 on-line newsletter, replaces IFEA Today

2005

2003

“ie” Magazine available on-line for faster and easier access by international members

Thérèse St-Onge, CFEE, of Canada becomes IFEA’s first non-U.S. Board Chair

IFEA China Founded

2003

CFEE (Certified Festival & Event Executive) Professional Certification Program Updated and Renamed

2005 2005 2005

2003

IFEA Academy of Event Education Created to oversee education and certification program

2004 2004

IFEA Weekly Update, on-line news format, introduced

2004

IFEA commits as Founding Sponsor of new e-SAFE On-line Safety and Security Program in association with Temple University

U.S. Regional Directors and Affiliate Partners replace chapter management system

IFEA Asia Founded IFEA Co-Sponsors Festivals & Events Conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

2005 2005

IFEA Middle East Founded IFEA Latin America Founded

2006

IFEA World and Foundation Boards meet in Canada

IFEA Celebrates 50th Anniversary as “The Premiere Association Supporting Festival & Event Professionals Worldwide”

2002 Craig Sarton, Creative & Publications Director joins the IFEA staff IFEA web site upgraded and in-house Webmaster position added 70th Anniversary

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

2006 2007 2009 2009 2009 2009 2010 2010 2010 2012

IFEA On-line Webinars Started IFEA Africa Founded IFEA Event Insider newsletter launched IFEA Event Resource Marketplace launched CFEE ‘Fast-Track’ Program created IFEA Social Media Accounts started Johan Moerman, Director of Rotterdam Festivals in The Netherlands, becomes the first non-North American IFEA World Board Chair IFEA New Zealand Association of Event Professionals (NZAEP) partners with IFEA; IFEA renames global region as Australia / New Zealand IFEA World Festival & Event City Award created IFEA Event Management School, in partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and the Oglebay National Training Center, in West Virginia, founded

2014

IFEA Student Chapter Initiative Founded with California State University in Chico, California, with Faculty Advisor and Professor Jeff Jiang, Ph.D.

2014

IFEA Website upgraded and powered by Saffire

2014 2016 2017

2023 2022 2023

IFEA / Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards goes on-line

2023

Carrie Ring, CFEE, Director of Partnerships & Programs, joins the IFEA staff

2024

IFEA Student Summit, with support of the IFEA Foundation, held at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Convention

2024

35th Anniversary of DFEST® (Dixie Flag) Hospitality Suite IFEA World and Foundation Boards meet in South Korea

Festivals & Events Industry effectively shutdown due to COVID-19 Pandemic

2025 2025

On-line Affinity Groups started

2025

IFEA creates a multidimensional, global industry COVID Task Force to address the impacts of and responses to the pandemic

IFEA / Haas & Wilkerson Grand Pinnacle Award trophy updated, replacing former pyramid design

2025

IFEA Celebrates 70th Anniversary in Palm Springs, California

25th Anniversary of DFEST® (Dixie Flag) Hospitality Suite IFEA Convention Schedule goes virtual CFEA Professional Education Certification Component created

2018

TEMI (Texas Event Management Institute) Professional Education Certification Component created

2019 2019

IFEA World and Foundation Boards meet in South Africa

2020 2022 2020 2020 2020 2021 2022

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

Janet Landey, CFEE, CSEP, with the Institute of Event Management in Johannesburg, South Africa, becomes the first IFEA World Board Chair from the IFEA Africa global region

City of McAllen, Texas and Joe Vera, CFEE, provides support for a safe return to live conventions and the ability to rebuild the associations reserves

30th Anniversary of IFEA / Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards

* Estimated Date IFEA On-line Virtual Conference provided in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic Scott Schmader, Director of Membership and Data Management, joins the IFEA staff

70th Anniversary

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REPLACE WITH PHOTO of PALM SPRINGS

Past IFEA Annual Convention Locations 1956 New York City

1989 Palm Springs, California

2008 Boise, Idaho

1957 New York City

1990 Miami, Florida

2009 Indianapolis, Indiana

1958 New York City

1991 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

2010 Saint Louis, Missouri

1959 New York City

1992 Rotterdam, The Netherlands

2011 Fort Worth, Texas

1960 Tampa, Florida

1993 San Antonio, Texas

2012 Denver, Colorado

1961 New York City

1994 St. Paul, Minnesota

2013 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

1962 New York City

1995 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

2014 Kansas City, Missouri

1996 Orlando, Florida

2016 Tucson, Arizona

1963 New York City 1964 New York City 1965 New York City 1966 New York City 1967 Memphis, Tennessee 1968 Pasadena, California 1969 St. Petersburg, Florida

1997 Montreal, Quebec, Canada 1998 Denver, Colorado 1999 Phoenix, Arizona 2000 New Orleans, Louisiana 2001 Postponed due to Sept. 11th Terrorist Attacks on U.S.

2015 Tucson, Arizona 2017 Tucson, Arizona 2018 San Diego, California 2019 Williamsburg, Virginia 2020 Postponed due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

2002 Las Vegas, Nevada (January)

2021 Postponed due to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

2002 Louisville, Kentucky (November)

2022 McAllen, Texas

2003 Anaheim, California

2023 McAllen, Texas

2004 Boston, Massachusetts

2024 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

1975 Seattle, Washington

2005 San Antonio, Texas (50th Anniversary)

2025 Palm Springs, California

1976 Atlanta, Georgia

2006 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

1977 Honolulu, Hawaii

2007 Atlanta, Georgia

1970 Minneapolis / St. Paul, Minnesota 1971 Honolulu, Hawaii 1972 San Antonio, Texas 1973 St. Petersburg, Florida 1974 Louisville, Kentucky

1978 Indianapolis, Indiana 1979 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada 1980 Corpus Christi, Texas 1981 Anchorage, Alaska 1982 Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada 1983 Phoenix, Arizona 1984 Milwaukee, Wisconsin 1985 Knoxville, Tennessee 1986 London, England 1987 El Paso, Texas 1988 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

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IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

70th Anniversary

IFEA 70th Anniversary History

THE FOUNDING FATHERS In 1956, John Geisler, then director of the St. Paul (Minnesota) Winter Carnival, set out to create a forum where managers and executive directors of the nation’s festivals could get together to share ideas and information. Geisler had been influenced by Robert Meyer’s Festivals U.S.A. in which the contributing writer for The New York Times reported on his travels to America’s festival cities. Geisler contacted Meyer and told him of his idea to form a national festival association. Meyer was intrigued and agreed to meet Geisler and Max Colwell, then manager of the Portland Rose Festival, in Oregon in June of 1956, to discuss the concept. The three men enthusiastically supported the idea of bringing together festival managers in a formal group. Geisler offered to host a one-day meeting in St. Paul later that summer to explore the proposal further. Invitations were issued, and six festival managers traveled to the Twin Cities to meet with Geisler, Colwell and Meyer. The group included a cross-section of some of the most influential festivals in the United States. Those in attendance included Reynolds Andricks of Fiesta San Jacinto in San Antonio; Charles Gillett of New York is a Summer Festival in New York City; Roy Erickson of the nearby Minneapolis (Minnesota) Aquatennial; Clarence Arata of the Washington (D.C.) Cherry Blossom Festival; Joseph Mickler of the Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla Pirate Festival in Tampa, Florida; and Walter Van Kamp of Seattle (Washington) Seafair. The eight festival managers in attendance were unanimous in their intentions to proceed with creating a formal trade association. The group scheduled a fall meeting for the Park Sheraton Hotel in New York City and invited festival managers from across America to attend. Meyer lined up nationally-known speakers from the media to address the festival managers, who promptly voted to form the Festival Managers Association (FMA). In 1957, when Pierre Trombley of Canada’s Quebec City Winter Carnival asked to join, the directors unanimously agreed to renaming the organization the International Festivals Association (IFA). John Geisler was elected IFA’s first president. Nearly 40 years later, when he was elected to IFA’s Hall of Fame,

Geisler expressed pride “to have been a part of what has now become an internationally recognized organization and thrilled that it has grown to such great numbers.”

IFEA First Meeting Attendees The IFEA began as a spark of a vision by John Geisler, of the St. Paul Winter Carnival, with the help of Robert Meyer, the author of Festivals U.S.A. and several other top industry leaders of their time. We know from recorded minutes that there were 14 original attendees at the first official meeting held on October 31st, 1956 in New York City. The following is a list of those attendees to the best of our knowledge. John Geisler

St. Paul Winter Carnival St. Paul, Minnesota (President)

Robert E. Meyer, Jr.

Festival Information Service and Author of Festivals U.S.A.; New York City (Executive Secretary)

Joseph R. Mickler

Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla Pirate Festival; Tampa, Florida (Vice President)

Reynolds L. Andricks Fiesta San Jacinto San Antonio, Texas (Treasurer) Roy Erickson

Minneapolis Aquatennial Minneapolis, Minnesota

Jack Batten

Wichita Mountain Easter Sunrise Service; Lawton, Oklahoma

Dr. Alfred Shoemaker Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Festival Bethel, Pennsylvania J.H. Van Aernam

Albany Tulip Festival Albany, New York

Jack Golbert

Festival of Seven Arts Pike, New Hampshire

Charles Gillett

New York is a Summer Festival / NYCVB; New York City

John D. Meyers

Rose Festival: Newark, New York

Walter A. Van Camp

Seattle Seafair; Seattle, Washington

Clarence Arata

National Cherry Blossom Festival; Washington, D.C.

Max Colwell

Portland Rose Festival Portland, Oregon

70th Anniversary

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

70th Anniversary

IFEA 70th Anniversary History

THE FIRST MEETING

IFEA came to life at a daylong meeting at New York’s Park Sheraton Hotel on October 31, 1956. U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower was less than a week from re-election, and New Yorkers were still reveling in the World Series perfect game pitched by the Yankees’ Don Larsen against the Brooklyn Dodgers just three weeks before. Overseas, the world was in Turmoil that October Wednesday. British, French and Israeli commandos were battling Egyptian troops holding the Suez Canal as the United Nations met in emergency situation on the other side of Manhattan Island. In Budapest, 1,000 Soviet tanks were massing to crush a revolt by Hungarian rebels. Meanwhile, delegates to the inaugural meeting of what would evolve into the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) were ready to go shortly after breakfast. Robert Meyer Jr., the New York writer and freelance communications consultant who had called the meeting, noted that “the earnestness and sincerity of delegates became evident early on the morning of the meeting. They were ready for business at 9.” Meyer welcomed the delegates and immediately moved that John Geisler, managing director of the St. Paul Winter Carnival, whose idea it was originally to form a Festival Manager’s Association, “be asked to serve as chairman until election of officers at the afternoon session.”

Geisler took the gavel from Meyer and immediately got down to business. Geisler said the new association would be formed to address four issues which festival managers had indicated were paramount in their line of work: Finances, publicity, attendance and attractions. Geisler opened the floor to comments from the delegates, and it quickly became obvious that “finance and publicity were uppermost in the minds of all,” Meyer reported. Since publicity was scheduled to be the topic of the luncheon session, Geisler recommended that financing festivals be the major topic of discussion at the afternoon session. The motion carried unanimously. Meyer had lined up an impressive group of speakers for the luncheon. Meyer, whose book, Festivals U.S.A. had sparked Geisler’s interest in creating an association of festival managers, had superb contacts in the nation’s travel and entertainment media. Those chosen to speak at the Association’s first luncheon included Harriet LaBarre, associate publisher of Cosmopolitan Magazine; Lois Winston, director of research for NBC-TV’s Wide Wide World; Arthur Perles, assistant director of press information for CBS-TV; and Paul Showers, associate travel editor for The New York Times. Following the luncheon, the delegates discussed finances and then proceeded to the organiza70th Anniversary

tional part of the meeting. The group voted to approve the name, Festival Managers Association (FMA), and set dues at $25 for members whose annual festival budget was less than $50,000; all others were assessed dues of $100 a year. Robert Meyer Jr. was named FMA’s first executive secretary. He quickly rented a post office box at 123 Cooper Station as the Association’s first address. Following the organizational portion of the meeting, delegates then turned to the important matter of electing a slate of officers for 1956 and 1957. John D. Meyers, executive secretary of the Rose Festival in Newark, New York, took the floor to propose a slate of candidates. Meyers nominated Geisler for President; Joe Mickler of the Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla Pirate Festival in Tampa, Florida for Vice President; Reynolds Andricks of Fiesta San Jacinto in San Antonio, Texas for Treasurer; and all remaining charter members for the board of directors. Nominations were quickly closed, and Meyers’ slate was elected by acclamation. Following the meeting, Robert Meyer sent a news release announcing the formation of FMA to all of the hometown newspapers of the charter members. Meyer also sent dues statements to each member and engaged a printer to print letterheads for the new organization. The dream had officially begun.

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IFEA 70th Anniversary History

PUBLICITY & FINANCES

The two issues that charter members in attendance at the first annual meeting of the then Festival Managers Association in New York City on October 31st, 1956 were most concerned about were publicity and finances. The four guest speakers at the luncheon, held in a ballroom at New York’s Park Sheraton Hotel, gave the assembled managers some valuable tips on how to get publicity – what a later generation would call marketing and brand identity – for their festivals. The four speakers agreed on several basic strategies. They advised the managers to set firm festival dates six months in advance of the actual event and to call local and state media frequently to remind them of that date. The travel and entertainment media representatives urged the festival managers to submit complete reports of festival events to their local media on a timely basis, including photographs. ‘Know your media’ was a message that all four media representatives repeated. In advice that presaged the electronic media age, the four media representatives gave delegates advice on how to get network television coverage of their festivals. Network television in 1956 was just beginning to supplant radio as a national entertainment medium. The media representatives, two of whom

worked for television networks, advised the festival manager to go to the owner of their local network affiliate for advice on how to get network coverage. When it came to financing festivals, the second issue that was of most concern to festival executives in 1956, the managers themselves had numerous ideas to share. John Geisler of the St. Paul Winter Carnival and Roy Erickson of the neighboring Minneapolis Aquatennial told the group how they raised money for the two Twin Cities festivals through the sale of booster buttons. J.H. Van Aernam, chairman of the Albany Tulip Festival, related the story of how the festival canceled a social ball that made no money and replaced it with a very profitable community dance. Jack Batten, executive director of the Wichita Mountain Easter Sunrise Service in Lawton, Oklahoma, described how his group forged an association with the local United Fund, while Dr. Alfred Shoemaker, director of the Pennsylvania Dutch Folk Festival in Bethel, Pennsylvania told how his group sold regional food and craft ware to help finance the festival. Several of the festival managers spoke of their experiences in booking and attracting name entertainment to their festivals, 70th Anniversary

including Charles Gillett of the Summer Festival in New York City. Jack Golbert, director of the Festival of Seven Arts in Pike, New Hampshire, told of how his festival greatly reduced the cost of providing professional entertainers by block booking acts. Other festival managers shared their financing ideas with colleagues. Joe Mickler, executive officer of Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla Pirate Festival, related how his festival relied on a paying membership plan which restricted attendance at festival social functions, but was so popular that there were waiting lists. Reynolds Andricks, managing director of Fiesta San Jacinto in San Antonio, discussed the role of float sponsorship in his festival’s popular annual parade. How to finance festival events remained a staple of IFA meetings from then on. Madeline Neupert, who was active in IFA throughout the 1960s and served as the Association’s president in 1963, recalled that one of the great benefits of membership was the opportunity to learn how colleagues raised money for their festivals. “The people from the Minneapolis Aquatennial gave me the idea of having the local bank sell festival tickets at their branches,” Neupert said. “We controlled the tickets, but they did the bookkeeping.”

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IFEA 70th Anniversary History

MADAME PRESIDENT

IFEA’s first female member went on to become the Association’s first female president. Madeline Neupert was a Bridgeport, Connecticut native who has spent the past half-century in nearby Stratford, Connecticut. Neupert graduated from high school in her native Bridgeport in 1945 and worked as a legal secretary for nearly 15 years. During the 1950s, she became an active volunteer for the city’s annual P.T. Barnum Festival, which got its start in 1949. “P.T. Barnum was much more than a showman or circus operator,” she said. “He developed a number of waterfront neighborhoods in the city and was actually elected Mayor of Bridgeport.” Neupert’s volunteer activities with the Festival got her involved with the Parade of Champions and the American Legion Drum Corps competition. In 1956, Festival organizers asked Neupert to become executive director. Neupert remembered how the Festival brought the community together. “It was a great equalizer,” she said of the volunteer work that kept the Festival running smoothly. “For the guy on the factory floor, it was his chance to sit with the big guys. The fact that everyone was welcome was a great way to build volunteer participation.” Neupert added that the local ownership of what later became Fortune 500 corporations was of inestimable value to Festival organizers. “When I was executive director,” she said, “I could pick up the phone and call the owner of Bridgeport Brass. Today, the corporations often make the decisions when it comes to local festivals, but the top people rarely participate.”

Neupert joined what was still IFA in 1960, four years into her 12-year tenure as executive director of the Barnum Festival. At the time, she was the first female member of the Association. But there weren’t all that many men who belonged to the organization, either. “I think there were only about six or eight people at the first meeting I attended,” Neupert laughed. Meetings in the early 1960s were far more informal and less elaborate than they later became. Neupert recalled that at the time, all of the Association’s meetings were held at the Summit Hotel in New York City. “We didn’t need too large a room,” she said. “We met once a year, and we were in touch the rest of the time by phone and by mail. We didn’t have e-mail then.” Neupert was elected vice president of the Association in 1962 and became president the next year. She noted that John Geisler and Ken Walstad, founding members of the Association and directors during her term as president, would typically take the train out from Minneapolis several days prior to IFA meetings to confer with Neupert. “All we would talk about was festivals,” she said. “There was no discussion of world affairs, no conversation about religion, no debate about politics – only about festivals.” Neupert described her presidency as uneventful. “There was not an awful lot involved,” she said. “You’d be responsible for getting a couple of speakers for the meeting. And you’d have to line up hospitality rooms where we would inevitably stay up all night talking.” One of the fondest memories of Neupert’s years in IFA was how casual those early meetings were. In the 70th Anniversary

1960s, there was no annual banquet. “Who wants to go to dinner?” Neupert would ask late in the afternoon, pairing up members by their preference that evening for steak, or Italian, or Chinese. “Our meetings were obviously informal,” Neupert added. “We did have speakers in those days, but the talent was in the gathering of the members themselves.” Madeline Neupert stayed active with IFA through the late 1960s. In 1968, she resigned as executive director of the Barnum Festival to raise a family. She did association work on the side, and after her children were raised, finished her career as coordinator of corporate compliance programs for General Electric Corp. She never forgot those early years with the Association. “The thing I remembered most about the IFA was the people,” she said. “We all had something in common. I grew a great deal because of my exposure to those people. Because of the small numbers, we were just such a tight-knit group.” Neupert paved the way for other talented female festival executives who would serve as president of IFA. The Association’s second female president was Josephine Hauck of Indianapolis. Hauck, the executive director of the Indianapolis 500 Festival from 1962 to her retirement in 1992, served as president of the Association in 1967 and 1968. By that time, IFA membership represented 125 of the nation’s better known festivals. IFA’s third women president in less than a decade, Dorothy Walkmeyer of the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, Michigan, headed the organization in 1972.

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IFEA 70th Anniversary History

THE WALSTAD YEARS

Because of its small membership, the International Festivals Association couldn’t afford to hire an executive director in the early years. Instead, the Association relied on the good will of its volunteer officers and members to handle the administrative duties that kept the IFA operating on a day-to-day basis. In the 1960s and 1970s, much of that administrative load – sending out invoices, lining up convention speakers, publishing and mailing newsletters – was handled from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. John Geisler, the executive director of the St. Paul Winter Carnival and first president of the IFA, established the tradition of the IFA president being responsible for management of the Association. Ken Walstad, who succeeded IFA charter member Roy Erickson as general manager of the Minneapolis Aquatennial in 1961 and served as IFA president in 1964, effectively ran the IFA from his Minneapolis office from 1969 until 1983. “Ken was just a number one guy,” Janice Meyer, longtime executive director of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival in Canton, Ohio, and IFA president in 1983, said. “Ken was the executive director all those years, and he was also the managing director of the Aquatennial until his death in

1983. Everybody just thought the world of him.” Herb Melleney, who headed the Festival of States in St. Petersburg, Florida for more than two decades and succeeded Walstad as the IFA’s executive director, recalled that his predecessor had abandoned a calling as a Lutheran minister to follow a career in festivals and public relations. “If I had a mentor in this business,” Melleney said, “it would have to be Ken Walstad. He was always such a giving guy.” Madeline Neupert, longtime executive director of the P.T. Barnum Festival in Bridgeport, Connecticut and 1963 IFA president, described her colleague Walstad as the person who really made the International Festivals Association a reality. “Ken described for the rest of us, as far back as the 1960’s, what the IFA could be,” Neupert said. “He understood that Festivals would some day be big business and that the European and other international components would be a big part of the IFA. And Ken was the first person I knew to look at the impact that a festival had on the local economy.” For much of the time that Walstad ran the IFA from his offices in Minneapolis, Nancy Johnson, his administrative assistant at the Aquatennial, was the voice on the telephone that everyone in the 70th Anniversary

Association knew. “Nancy was the organization’s number one person,” Herb Melleney said. “She was, in effect, the IFA secretary.” During Walstad’s tenure as executive director of the IFA, the Association grew slowly in membership but took some giant steps, nevertheless. In 1983, Walstad, Janice Meyer and Jo Hauck, executive director of the Indianapolis 500 Festival, convinced Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana to partner with the Association in an innovative Certified Festivals Executive program (CFE). “Ken and I flew into Indianapolis and met Jo,” Meyer recalled. “The three of use drove to Purdue, and we met with the president of the university and the dean. We had settled on Purdue because we wanted to be associated with a school that was prestigious and influential. Plus, Jo knew the president of Purdue through the 500 Festival.” The IFA held its 1983 annual meeting in Phoenix. Ken Walstad had been hospitalized in Minneapolis the week before, but got up from a hospital bed against his doctor’s orders to attend the IFA convention. While in Phoenix, Walstad died in his sleep in his hotel room. He was greatly missed. “I grew a lot because of my exposure to people like Ken Walstad,” said Madeline Neupert.

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IFEA 70th Anniversary History

INTERREGNUM

Herb Melleney takes great pride in the fact that he was able to make the job of executive director of IFA a full-time paid position. Melleney, who attended his first IFA meeting in 1962 at the Summit Hotel in New York City, served as the Association’s first full-time executive director from 1984 to 1988. Melleney followed the immensely popular Ken Walstad, who had passed away in his sleep at the 1983 Phoenix Convention. Melleney’s first task was to transfer the Association’s records from the office of the Minneapolis Aquatennial, where Walstad had been the managing director since 1961 and IFA’s volunteer executive since 1969. “What I got from Minneapolis was a very small plastic box with 3X5 cards listing membership information,” Melleney recalled. “At the time, we only had about 70-75 members.” Melleney brought a lifetime of festivals experience to his tenure as IFA’s executive director. The son of a U.S. Air Force officer, Melleney grew up on a succession of military bases. Melleney himself served in the Air Force during the Korean War and after and wound up in California selling ski packages at Squaw Valley. He moved back east in 1956 and spent the next six years in advertising with Shell Oil and the McCann Erickson Agency. Melleney got into the festivals business in 1962 when he was hired by the Festival of States in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Festi-

val had been in business since 1917 and had joined IFA in 1960. Melleney’s first convention in the fall of 1962 was an eyeopener. “We didn’t need a meeting room,” he recalled. “I think there were only about seven people in attendance. We just got a hotel room and moved the bed out into the hall.” Because he was a member of the organization just six years after it was formed, Melleney worked closely with the founders of the organization, including John Geisler of the St. Paul Winter Carnival, Joe Mickler of the Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla Pirate Festival in Tampa, and Leon Cazin of the Latin American Fiesta in Tampa’s Ybor City. Melleney had the highest regard for Geisler, who started in festivals immediately after World War II in South Dakota and managed the St. Paul Winter Carnival from 1952 to 1970. “John was just a very unique guy,” Melleney described Geisler, who died in 2002. “We called him our knight in shining armor. He would go anywhere and ask anybody for anything. He had a real knack for putting stuff together. He was extremely well thought of in this business.” Melleney worked his way up through the chairs of the Association in the 1960’s and served as IFA’s President in 1970. Along the way, he hosted two conventions in St. Petersburg and knew everybody in the festivals business nationwide. Shortly after Ken Walstad died in Phoenix, Melleney retired as 70th Anniversary

executive director of the Festival of the States. When the IFA board asked him to take over the reins of the Association in 1984, Melleney agreed, but with the stipulation that the management of the organization be put on a more professional basis. Melleney’s salary for the next four years was $15,000 a year, and he was given enough of a budget to hire two part-time staffers. “I still had to furnish the office out of my own pocket,” he said. One of Melleney’s primary goals during his four years as executive director was growing IFA’s membership. “I started going out and beating the bushes,” he said. “One of our major thrusts was to help the small festivals, most of which were staffed by volunteers. We operated from the philosophy that there was no reason an insurance salesman should necessarily know how to run a parade.” In four years, Melleney and his staff increased membership in IFA four-fold, to 300 members. “We were all about the sharing of ideas,” he said. “We pitched ourselves as a networking organization. None of us were really competitors, so there were no secrets. We were always very clean, very open.” In 1988, with Meleney’s retirement, management of the IFA became the responsibility of Don Lunday, a longtime member and supporter of the IFA and festivals in general. Lunday moved the office to Pasadena, California during his brief, two-year tenure as executive director.

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IFEA’s ie: the business of international events INTERNATIONAL EVENTS 2005

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IFEA 70th Anniversary History

The Growth of the IF(E)A Bruce Skinner, IFEA’s president from 1990 to 2001, was a former chair and longtime board member when he took over day-to-day administration of the Association. A native of Port Angeles, Washington, where he still resides today, Skinner was a University of Washington journalism graduate who embarked upon a career in athletics administration in 1968. Following stints with the University of Washington athletics department, the NCAA in Kansas City, the NBA’s Houston Rockets and a newspaper in Longview, Washington, Skinner joined the staff of the Fiesta Bowl in 1973. For the next seven years, he served as assistant executive director of the Phoenix-based holiday football bowl. In 1980, he was named the Fiesta Bowl’s executive director, a position he held for the next decade. During the 1980s, Skinner was instrumental in the Fiesta Bowl’s successful bid to crack the coveted New Year’s Day bowl game lineup, moving the game to January 1st in 1982. Skinner created a 60 event festival, including a nationally televised parade and football

classic. The bowl game’s budget escalated from $1.5 million to $11 million on Skinner’s watch, while the payout for team’s competing in the New Year’s classic increased more than sixfold, from $475,000 to $3 million. Bruce Skinner became a member of IFA in 1977. He was elected to the Association’s board in 1980, was chairman in 19831984, and “served on the board every year except one between 1980 and 1991.” ‘Pages and Pages of Notes’

Skinner will never forget his first IFA convention in Honolulu in 1977. “There was a grand total of 77 attendees,” Skinner said, “and 11 of them were from the Anchorage Fur Rendezvous.” But what the convention lacked in attendance, it more than made up for in the warmth of the welcome it afforded the assistant executive director of the Fiesta Bowl. “I was absolutely amazed at the depth of knowledge of the attendees. And there was just such an eagerness to share. I was even more amazed at how willing everybody was to share 70th Anniversary

information. I came away with pages and pages of notes.” Skinner admitted he has “never had an original idea. I’ve stolen a lot of my best ideas. But I learned so much from those early IFA members.” He was in the first class that received its CFE (Certified Festival Executive) designation from Purdue University in 1986, and when he left the Fiesta Bowl after 17 years in 1990 to do consulting, the Association was his first client. Later that year, executive director Don Lunday, who served in that position from 1988 to 1990, left the IFA and Skinner was asked to replace him as president of the organization. This also represented an organizational title change reflective of the changing industry the IFA represented. The Association’s CEO position changed from executive director to president and the IFA board president position now became the board chair. “Even though I had an athletics background,” he said, “at the Fiesta Bowl, the philosophy was to expand into other events. We realized that only 20 percent of America reads the sports pages.

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We always wanted to appeal to the other 80 percent.” That was a similar philosophy that Skinner brought to the IFA. The festival and events business was undergoing a sea of change at the time, with corporate sponsorships taking an ever more prominent role in the financing of North America’s events. The 1984 Los Angeles Olympics had brought the idea to the forefront of festival and event planners’ agendas when Olympic organizers sold corporate sponsorships and made a profit – with little or no support from federal, state or local governments. “They had to find a way to get revenue,” Skinner said. “And corporate America found it could sell products by sponsoring festivals and events for a lot less money than it was spending on traditional advertising venues. The level of corporate sponsorship in this business rose dramatically.” According to several industry sources, corporate sponsorships of festivals and events skyrocketed from $182 million in 1982 to more than $2 billion five years later. By the time Skinner took the reins of the IFA, corporate sponsorships were having a decided impact on the growth of festivals and events nationwide. Upgrading the Organization

Skinner’s number one goal when he took the reins of IFA in 1990 was to continue building the Association’s membership. Herb Melleney and Don Lunday had increased membership during the midto late 1980’s, and when Skinner was named president, the IFA numbered 414 members. “I wanted to make the IFA the organization that people in the festivals and events industry would have to join, “ he said. 36

Skinner realized that to increase membership, he had to upgrade the organization itself. “That was a key part of our growth strategy,” he said. “We had to develop an organization that was more than just a place to get together, have a few drinks and share information.” To that end, Skinner moved to improve the Association’s conventions. “The convention was always very good at fellowship,” he noted. “And as a member, I knew that the first couple of times you attended a convention, you learned a lot. But then it dropped off after two or three conventions.” The IFA began bringing in paid keynote speakers such as Al Roker of NBC-TV. The Association also started bringing in more outside professional speakers. Finally, the IFA made vendor/ supplier members much more important to the Association’s future growth. Vendor/supplier members were given a full vote in the Association’s affairs in 1988 and as a result the Association’s annual trade show, held in tandem with it’s annual convention, began taking on a larger role of importance. Many vendors and suppliers also took on critical roles as sponsors of the Association’s programs. The proof was in the pudding. In 1990, the year that Skinner was named president, the IFA’s Pittsburgh convention drew 380 attendees. In 2000, the Association’s New Orleans convention welcomed more than 1,100 attendees. In 1992, IFA created the International Festivals Education Association, which quickly took on the moniker of the International Festivals (& Events) Association Foundation in 1993, to provide a vehicle in which people could

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further support the Association and industry. At the same time, the Association established a professional resource library to provide an industry data reference that members could tap when seeking information. “All of that work got us to about 1,000 members,” Skinner said. “In the mid-1990s, we started reaching out and marketing to regional and smaller events at the state level.” Simultaneously, the Association also expanded its membership to include more international events, particularly in Europe and Australia, but while successful, the real growth area came from the increase of state and regional events, many of them now backed by the growth of corporate sponsorships. “A lot of niche events started during the 1990’s,” Skinner said, “like arts events and book festivals. That was reflected in our membership growth.” Before the 1990’s, the typical IFA member represented the largest event in a specific city, such as the 500 Festival in Indianapolis, Seafair in Seattle, the Portland Rose Festival or the Kentucky Derby Festival in Louisville. Since that time, however, dozens of regional and statewide festivals from every one of the 50 states have joined the IF(E)A. “So many new events have been created in the past 20 years,” Skinner said. “IFEA has been the most incredible organization I’ve ever been involved with.” In 1996 the IFA officially changed its’ name, from the International Festivals Association (IFA) to the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA), further broadening its’ membership and representation to include all events.

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IFEA 70th Anniversary History

IFEA in the 21st Century

Steve Schmader’s tenure as president and CEO of the IFEA didn’t start out quite as he had expected and may have been only a hint of new national and global challenges that would lay ahead, as he began a term of 25+ years, as the IFEA’s longest serving President & CEO. Less than six months after assuming leadership of the Association in 2001, Schmader had to cancel the IFEA’s annual convention when terrorists crashed airplanes into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11th, 2001, creating dramatic and unexpected new challenges and realities for the country and the world, and closer to home, the association and the industry, with economic and protocol ripple effects reaching into the areas of sponsorship, membership, travel and tourism, safety and security, programming and beyond. “As we watched those still unimaginable images unfold before us on television, I don’t think that anyone could have imagined their impact on the world in so many ways. We had to cancel our convention for the first time in the 46-year history of the Association,” Schmader said. “It was originally scheduled to be in Boston – where the terrorist hijacked airplanes originated from - four weeks after 9/11.” Schmader noted that the convention is the Association’s biggest revenue source. “Given that fact, we (Board and Staff) decided to postpone it until January of 2002, in Las Vegas,” Schmader said. “That meant we would also have a

convention in the fall of that year, as well; But we couldn’t afford not to have it, even though attendance dropped dramatically. It was the start of a new world.” In the nearly twenty-five years since the nation’s festivals and events community was turned upside down by the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the industry has also been deeply impacted by a new world of risk management realities (lone-shooters; vehicle attacks; bomb threats; human-trafficking; cyber-security; and more, that continue today); the Great Recession of 2007 – 2009, overlapping with the 2008 financial crisis, resulting in the most severe economic and financial meltdown since the Great Depression; the never before seen or predicted Covid-19 Pandemic (January 2020 – May 2023) that shutdown the world and the industry of festivals and events, as live mass-gatherings were ruled out in any format; and the landmine-filled world of current political and economic turmoil, that is impacting festivals and events in ways that tourism; marketing; programming; attendee safety; staffing and labor; sponsorship and stakeholder support; and even much-needed professional training and responses to these new challenges, are fraught with risks never imagined. Looking back (and forward) Schmader notes (with rightful pride) the resiliency, creativity, and fortitude of an organization, industry, and global leadership/partners to face these, and other challenges, 70th Anniversary

together, with a continued belief in the critical role that our industry plays, and will continue to play, in holding our communities and world together, celebrating who we are when we are at our best. ‘The Next Herb Alpert’

Steve Schmader had unknowingly prepared for his 2001 assignment as the IFEA’s president and CEO for most of his professional career. A Charleston, West Virginia native, Schmader was accepted to travel and perform for a year (initially) with Up with People, the international, educational and musical program. That experience turned into a ‘direct’ route to a career in festival and event management. “I had/have played trumpet since third grade,” Schmader said, “and my goal, coming out of high school, was to be the next Herb Alpert. I went on the road with Up with People, and they sent me out on an advance promotion team to set up cities for UWP’s appearances, which opened up a whole new door for me.” Schmader noted that “In those days very few people purposely planned to go into event management as a career. Most people didn’t think about it as a business or an industry. But I liked it, was good at it, and was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to pursue it.” Before degrees in event management were a reality, Schmader was allowed to design a customized degree program, under the umbrella of Business

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Management/Marketing, that helped prepare him for his career. While working, he attended West Virginia State College, the University of Arizona, and graduated from the University of Phoenix, who asked him to produce their graduation ceremonies. Up with People hired Schmader full-time, and he spent the next 12 years with the organization. “I became their Director of Special Events,” he said, “arranging for and coordinating productions for Super Bowl halftimes, presidential inaugurations, the Macy*s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and others, at a far younger age than other organizations would have allowed me those opportunities.” Schmader helped produce UWP’s 25th anniversary in Denver, Colorado and other milestone corporate celebrations for Kodak, General Motors, Tenneco, Honeywell, Allstate and General Mills. It was during the General Mills program that he became close to a man he considers one of his mentors. “I met Bob Jackson on that project,” he said. “Bob had been on Walt Disney’s personal staff when Disneyland opened in 1955. He was with General Mills when we met, and he hired Up with People to do a special event on the bridge between Minneapolis and St. Paul, with (famed choral director) Mitch Miller.” In the late 1980’s, about the time that Schmader joined the IFEA as a vendor-member representative of Up with People, he and Jackson were co-writing the book, Special Events: Inside and Out. “Bob had been hired as a consultant to the yet–to-be Boise (Idaho) River Festival, to write a feasibility study,” Schmader said. “He suggested that they consider hiring me as the executive director of the new festival.” 40

After consulting with Bruce Skinner, who was just then in the process of taking the reins of the IFEA, Schmader agreed to start the Idaho festival in 1990. “The Boise River Festival became very successful, very quickly,” he said, “and a very important milestone in my life and career.” While Boise-focused, Schmader was also asked to simultaneously start and serve as the first President of the new Humanitarian Bowl (now the Great Idaho Potato Bowl), a post-season NCAA college football game; producer of the annual induction ceremonies for the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame; and Executive Producer of the Boise 2000 Millennium Celebration (ranked by the BBC as the “top celebration by an American city”). He notes his good fortune in a career path that uniquely provided experience, exposure, and a firsthand understanding of many of the niches and needs of the festivals and events industry, and a network of amazing friends and mentors along the way. While guiding the Boise River Festival through the 1990’s, Schmader became more active in the IFEA. He was a frequent speaker at IFEA conventions and seminars, and a member of the IFEA President’s Council. He served on the Association’s board from 1993 to 2000 and was Chair of the board in 1999. The next year, Schmader was named President and CEO of the IFEA. ‘Always Step Forward’

In 1993, when Schmader joined the IFEA’s board of directors, the organization was “more of a gathering of friends,” Schmader noted. “Everybody liked and respected everybody else, and it was pretty informal in its operation. The board

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of directors was comprised of 52 people at that time. It was all-inclusive and composed of a group of people who all just enjoyed getting together.” When Bruce Skinner announced his plans to retire in 2000, IFEA embarked upon an international search for his successor. After many conversations and considerations, with his professional peers, Schmader threw his hat into the ring. He was intrigued with the opportunity to help define, shape, and support the future for the festivals and events community, worldwide. “There was no question,” Schmader said. “IFEA was becoming more of a fixture in the industry. There were a lot of great people involved, and I was attracted by where it could go, and what we could do with and for an entire industry.” In the end, the IFEA board unanimously elected to staff the position with Schmader, a person who had come up through the organization and who had a lifetime of experience in festivals and events. “The IFEA has never been run by an association manager, but always by someone from within the industry itself,” Schmader said. Schmader’s only request was that he be allowed to remain in Boise, Idaho. Skinner had run the Association out of his hometown of Port Angeles, Washington, and Schmader proposed to do the same out of his adopted hometown. “I really did want to be here,” he said. “I felt it was a little more centrally located, and Boise is the state capitol, as well as home to several Fortune 500 company headquarters. The IFEA was/is not a predominant lobbying organization that has to be in Washington, D.C. We’re principally designed to

support the industry educationally and professionally.” During the twenty-five years Schmader has guided the Association to-date, he reflected that, “Ultimately, we have made a number of changes and upgrades (given the realities of the organization and those whom we serve) designed to ensure that we will still be around to celebrate our 100th anniversary and beyond. Our industry (and the broader association business) has gone through dramatic evolution and challenges along the way, often requiring us to be reactive, in a ‘trial-by-fire’ type of scenario. Our options have always been to lead the way or get out of the game. Through whatever lies ahead, we plan to continue to lead the way. To always ‘step-forward’.” “One step at a time, the IFEA continues to work to unite our industry, worldwide. We understand and believe in the power of partnerships and relationships. Together with our professional peer organizations, serving many different niches and specialties within our truly vast and far-reaching global industry, we can make meaningful, positive impacts on countless organizations, individuals, communities, and countries. Seventy years ago, we didn’t even know we were an industry. Today we’ve succeeded in opening up and developing partnerships that will continue to grow in Africa, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Europe; Latin America, the Middle East; and North America. The creativity and passion around the world – across borders, languages, cultures, and more – provide us all with a treasure trove of new ideas, possibilities, and an unmatched network of professional peers.” Schmader noted and credited his small, loyal, dedicated, talented,

creative, and passionate staff team, several whom have been with the organization for decades. “We are continually working to increase the professionalism of our industry and the association; to upgrade our current programs and benefits; to improve our communication vehicles; to keep pace with new technologies; to enhance our education and professional development opportunities and resources; and to strengthen our network through new partnerships at every level.” In the last twenty-five years, with the help of our sponsor-partners, the IFEA has continued to provide recognition platforms for those who have stood out in the eyes of their peers, and set examples for all of us to emulate and add to, through the IFEA Hall of Fame; the IFEA Volunteer of the Year Award (sponsored by SecurEvent Solutions); the IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Insurance Pinnacle Awards (which celebrated 30 years in 2025); and our IFEA World Festival & Event City Award (highlighting the critical partnerships between events and their host cities around the world), all of which have gained global attention and participation. We have formalized and grown our CFEE (Certified Festival & Event Professional) program, with hundreds of our peers now carrying that and our CFEA (Certified Festival & Event Associate) monikers, proudly, raising the bar for our industry, as well as the individuals who have completed the programs. In the years ahead we look forward to creating an all-new CFEM (Certified Festival & Event Mentor) training and designation programs, to keep past and future professionals connected. Running parallel with our highly valued partnership with the IFEA Foundation, 70th Anniversary

and their growing list of ‘Legacy Scholarships,’ providing young and developing professionals and organizations with the opportunity to benefit from the IFEA Convention, CFEE certification program, and professional network, the next seventy years look bright. Together with our friends and partners at the NRPA (National Recreation & Parks Association) and the Oglebay National Training Center in West Virginia, in 2012 we created our highly popular IFEA Event Management School, a two-year, weeklong program, ensuring the professional leadership foundations that will continue to serve our industry into the future. During the Covid pandemic years, we answered the unknown by enlisting our global industry members into Covid Task Forces, researching and developing professional resources and guidance to help those in our industry to Re-Connect, Re-Imagine, Re-Present, and Re-Open, while also maneuvering through a plethora of all-new government financial support programs and applications (while also working to keep our own doors open). The Covid years also led to the creation of an ongoing Safety & Security / Risk Management Resource Library, including new resources driven by the IFEA and other partners, such as a new American National Standard (ANSI) for Parade Safety, together with the ESA (Event Safety Alliance). The addition of new ‘Affinity Groups’, both virtual throughout the year, and live at our Annual IFEA Convention, has opened up and broadened peer communications and expanded our global network communications platforms, along with many new on-line capabilities, through major expansions and

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

upgrades of the IFEA web site, powered by IFEA Association Endorsed Partner, Saffire. With our new and growing on-line capabilities, we are now able to consistently reach our members and others with new educational programming, publications, and professional resources that have been created, reimagined, upgraded, and added since the turn of the century”. These include, among others: • ie: the business of international events, the association’s quarterly magazine • The weekly IFEA Event Insider, tracking global industry news, trends, and issues, as they happen • The monthly IFEA Update • Our annual IFEA Webinar Series • The biennial IFEA Compensation and Benefits Survey

• The IFEA Job Bank • The IFEA Event Resource Marketplace • Industry Templates • And many more, as the organization strives to serve the needs of an ever-evolving industry and world. But through it all, Schmader attributes the 21st century success of the IFEA to the same basic formula that IFEA’s founders started with seventy years ago – “The desire by those in our industry, worldwide, to openly share ideas, to learn from one another, and to be the best that we can be. The IFEA has been and continues to be a global ‘family’, uniquely close to their peers, who have always been there for each other.” Looking forward, Schmader pointed out that, “Festivals and events are an industry that has a

huge impact on the world around us and that touches virtually every life on the planet, in a positive way. We impact our communities, countries, the economy, and our quality of life. We touch families, friends, and individuals. It is our industry that will ensure that the world never loses touch with itself.” He added, that in a conversation with Madeline Neupert, the organization’s first female president (Madeline passed away in 2009), as we prepared for our IFEA 50th Anniversary in 2005, “Madeline paid us all a wonderful compliment,” Schmader said. “She told me, ’You have really taken it where we all believed it could go.’ Our hope is that all those who have played so many important roles, throughout our 70-year history, would feel the same.”

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ASSOCIATION ENDORSED PARTNER

The IFEA would like to thank the above partners for their dedicated support of the association. Association Endorsed Partners have made a commitment to the continued success of our association, our members, and our industry through their umbrella support of all IFEA programs and services. Show your support for these dedicated providers to our industry by getting to know them, and the high quality products and services that they supply, better. Interested in becoming an Association Endorsed Partner? Contact Carrie Ring, CFEE, Director of Partnerships & Programs (208) 433-0950 x8120 or carrie@ifea.com

Anniversary Toast On the occasion of the IFEA’s 70th Anniversary Convention & Expo, in Palm Springs, California, USA, IFEA President & CEO Steven Wood Schmader, CFEE, made the following toast:

“This convention represents a special milestone for the IFEA; and no one understands milestones better than the festivals and events industry and the people here with us at this special gathering. We create them every day; for families, communities, countries and humanity. Through the combined efforts and dedication of each of us here in Palm Springs and our peers, past and present, around the world, who could not be with us, we have the unique honor of having touched virtually every life on the planet...peacefully and positively... through celebration. We are the memory makers. We tell the stories of those we serve; help to celebrate the world’s achievements; bond people together; and build community. Tonight we pay tribute to our founders, whose dream has brought us all closer together for 70 years; to those no longer with us, who touched us as friends, taught us as professionals, and made us better...we hope to make you proud; to our partners and friends close to home and around the globe, who will continue to help us to touch the world in the years ahead with new dreams and possibilities never imagined; and to our IFEA “family” - past, present and future – to whom this “reunion” is dedicated; we raise a toast to you.

To 70 years, and many, many more...

’Happy Anniversary!” 44

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Proud to insure excellence in the festivals & events industry

C E L E B R ATI N G 30 YE A R S of the I FEA / Haas & Wilkerson Insurance Pinnacle Awards Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence!

ongratulations to all of the IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Gold Grand Pinnacle Winners throughout the years. As the Pinnacle Awards competition—and our valued partnership with Haas & Wilkerson Insurance— celebrate 30 years in 2025, we proudly honor the festivals and events that have exemplified the highest standards of achievement across our global industry. These outstanding events represent true balanced excellence— demonstrating superior performance in operations, programming, creativity, community engagement, and overall impact. The Gold Grand Pinnacle Award recognizes those who set the benchmark for what exceptional events can and should be, inspiring peers worldwide and elevating the profession as a whole. Complete lists of all Pinnacle Award winners from each competition year—can be found on the IFEA website here.

GRAND PINNACLE

2025 Budget: Under $50,000 - Gold – City of McAllen – Quinta Mazatlan: McAllen’s Great Monarch Month – McAllen, TX, United States Budget: $50,000 to $500,000 - Gold – NLC Events & Entertainment Ltd. – Örvényesvölgy Festival: Vertigo Valley – Zalacsány, Zala, Hungary Budget: $500,000 to $1.5 Million - Gold – Des Moines Arts Festival – Des Moines, IA, United States Budget: Over $1.5 Million - Gold – CherryArts – Cherry Creek Arts Festival – Denver, CO, United States

2024 Budget: Under $100,000 - Gold – McAllen Public Library – South Texas Book Festival – McAllen, TX, United States Budget: $100,000 to $500,000 - Gold – Weatherford Chamber of Commerce – Parker County Peach Festival – Weatherford, TX, United States Budget: $500,000 to $1 Million - Gold – Fáilte Ireland – Púca Festival 2023 – Dublin, Ireland Budget: Over $1 Million - Gold – CherryArts – Cherry Creek Arts Festival – Denver, CO, United States

2023 Budget: Under $100,000 - Gold – McAllen Public Library – South Texas Book Festival – McAllen, TX, United States Budget: $100,000 to $750,000 - Gold – Lubbock Arts Alliance – Lubbock Arts Festival – Lubbock, TX, United States Budget: $750,000 to $2 Million - Gold – Charlotte Center City Partners – Charlotte SHOUT! – Charlotte, NC, United States Budget: Over $2 Million - Gold – Destination NSW – Vivid Sydney – Sydney, NSW, Australia 46

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2022 Budget: Under $100,000 - Gold – City of McAllen / McAllen Public Library – South Texas Book Festival (2019) – McAllen, TX, United States Budget: $100,000 to $750,000 - Gold – Lubbock Arts Alliance – Lubbock Arts Festival (2021) – Lubbock, TX, United States Budget: $750,000 to $2 Million - Gold – City of McAllen / McAllen Parks & Recreation – McAllen Holiday Parade (2021) – McAllen, TX, United States Budget: Over $2 Million - Gold – Pennsylvania Horticultural Society – PHS Philadelphia Flower Show (2021) – Philadelphia, PA, United States

2020-2021 The IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards Program was paused in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, when many events worldwide were postponed, canceled, or significantly altered. As a result, no winners are listed for these years. The competition resumed in 2022 as events and operations began to stabilize.

2019 Budget: Under $250,000 - Gold – Tulsa Christmas Parade – Tulsa, OK, United States Budget: $250,000 to $1 Million - Gold – Macon, Georgia’s International Cherry Blossom Festival – Macon, GA, United States Budget: $1 Million to $3 Million - Gold – Scottsdale Arts – Canal Convergence: Water + Art + Light – Scottsdale, AZ, United States Budget: Over $3 Million - Gold – Destination NSW – Vivid Sydney 2019 – The Rocks, NSW, Australia

2018 Budget: Under $250,000 - Gold – RedFilo Events – The Neorun: The Scariest Place to Glo – Abu Dhabi, UAE Budget: $250,000 to $1 Million - Gold – City of Hopkinsville Parks & Recreation – Solar Eclipse Hopkinsville – Hopkinsville, KY, United States Budget: $1 Million to $3 Million - Gold – Des Moines Arts Festival – Des Moines, IA, United States Budget: Over $3 Million - Gold – Destination NSW – Vivid Sydney – The Rocks, NSW, Australia

2017 Budget: Under $100,000 - Gold – Pigeon Forge Office of Special Events – Wilderness Wildlife Week – Pigeon Forge, TN, United States Budget: $100,000 to $500,000 - Gold – RedFilo Events – The Festival at Masdar City – Abu Dhabi, UAE Budget: $500,000 to $1.5 Million - Gold – Saint Louis Art Fair – Saint Louis, MO, United States Budget: Over $1.5 Million - Gold – Pennsylvania Horticultural Society – 2017 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show – Philadelphia, PA, United States

2016 Budget: Under $250,000 - Gold – City of Pigeon Forge Office of Special Events – Wilderness Wildlife Week 2016 – Pigeon Forge, TN, United States Budget: $250,000 to $750,000 - Gold – Saint Louis Art Fair – Saint Louis, MO, United States Budget: $750,000 to $1.5 Million - Gold – Des Moines Arts Festival – Des Moines, IA, United States Budget: Over $1.5 Million - Gold – Destination NSW – Vivid Sydney – The Rocks, NSW, Australia 70th Anniversary

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events 47

2015 Budget: Under $250,000 - Gold – Sevierville Chamber of Commerce – Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass – Sevierville, TN, United States Budget: $250,000 to $750,000 - Gold – BorderFest Association – BorderFest 2015: Celebrating Korea – Hidalgo, TX, United States Budget: $750,000 to $1.5 Million - Gold – Des Moines Arts Festival – Des Moines, IA, United States Budget: Over $1.5 Million - Gold – Kentucky Derby Festival – The Stories You Tell Happen Here – Louisville, KY, United States

2014 Budget: Under $250,000 - Gold – BorderFest Association – Festival of Lights – Hidalgo, TX, United States Budget: $250,000 to $750,000 - Gold – Cultural Festivals – Saint Louis Art Fair – Saint Louis, MO, United States Budget: $750,000 to $1.5 Million - Gold – Des Moines Arts Festival – Des Moines, IA, United States Budget: Over $1.5 Million - Gold – Pennsylvania Horticultural Society – 2014 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show – Philadelphia, PA, United States

2013 Budget: Under $250,000 - Gold – BorderFest Association – Festival of Lights – Hidalgo, TX, United States Budget: $250,000 to $750,000 - Gold – Greater Issaquah Chamber of Commerce – Issaquah Salmon Days Festival: Thrills & Gills – Issaquah, WA, United States Budget: $750,000 to $1.5 Million - Gold – CherryArts – Cherry Creek Arts Festival – Denver, CO, United States Budget: Over $1.5 Million - Gold – Kentucky Derby Festival – The Stories You Tell Happen Here – Louisville, KY, United States

2012 Budget: Under $250,000 - Gold – BorderFest Association – Festival of Lights – Hidalgo, TX, United States Budget: $250,000 to $749,999 - Gold – BorderFest Association – BorderFest 2012: Celebrating England Presented by Kraft – Hidalgo, TX, United States Budget: $750,000 to $1.5 Million - Gold – Burlington’s Sound of Music Festival – Burlington, ON, Canada Budget: Over $1.5 Million - Gold – Norfolk Festevents – OpSail 2012 Virginia – Norfolk, VA, United States

2011 Budget: Under $250,000 - Gold – Fayetteville Dogwood Festival – Fayetteville, NC, United States Budget: $250,000 to $749,999 - Gold – Canada Place Corporation – Canada Day at Canada Place – Vancouver, BC, Canada Budget: $750,000 to $1.5 Million - Gold – Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. – MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival – Fort Worth, TX, United States Budget: Over $1.5 Million - Gold – Portland Rose Festival Foundation – Portland Rose Festival: Rose Festival Renaissance – Portland, OR, United States

2010 Budget: Under $250,000 - Gold – BorderFest Association – Festival of Lights – Hidalgo, TX, United States Budget: $250,000 to $749,999 - Gold – Canada Place Corporation – Canada Day at Canada Place – Vancouver, BC, Canada Budget: $750,000 to $1.5 Million - Gold – Downtown Events Group – Des Moines Arts Festival – Des Moines, IA, United States Budget: Over $1.5 Million - Gold – Ludwig Van Beethoven Association – Ludwig Van Beethoven Easter Festival – Krakow, Poland 48

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2009 Budget: Under $250,000 - Gold – BorderFest Association – Festival of Lights – Hidalgo, TX, United States Budget: $250,000 to $749,999 - Gold – Issaquah Chamber of Commerce – Issaquah Salmon Days Festival – Issaquah, WA, United States Budget: $750,000 to $1.5 Million - Gold – Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. – MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival – Fort Worth, TX, United States Budget: Over $1.5 Million - Gold – Kentucky Derby Festival – Louisville, KY, United States

2008 Budget: Under $250,000 - Gold – BorderFest Association – Hidalgo Festival of Lights – Hidalgo, TX, United States Budget: $250,000 to $749,999 - Gold – BorderFest Association – BorderFest 2008: Celebrating China Presented by Kraft – Hidalgo, TX, United States Budget: $750,000 to $1.5 Million - Gold – Downtown Fort Worth Initiatives, Inc. – MAIN ST. Fort Worth Arts Festival – Fort Worth, TX, United States Budget: Over $1.5 Million - Gold – One Reel – Bumbershoot – Seattle, WA, United States

2007 Budget: Under $250,000 - Gold – Clarksville/Montgomery County Tourism Commission – Rivers & Spires Festival, Inc. – Clarksville, TN, United States Budget: $250,000 to $749,999 - Gold – BorderFest Association – BorderFest 2007: A Salute to Ireland Presented by Kraft – Hidalgo, TX, United States Budget: $750,000 to $1.5 Million - Gold – Macon Georgia’s International Cherry Blossom Festival – Macon, GA, United States Budget: Over $1.5 Million - Gold – Portland Rose Festival Association – Portland Rose Festival – Portland, OR, United States

2006 Budget: Under $250,000 - Gold – City of San Jose – San Jose Holiday Parade – San Jose, CA, United States Budget: $250,000 to $749,999 - Gold – BorderFest Association – BorderFest 2006: A Salute to Carnaval Presented by Kraft – Hidalgo, TX, United States Budget: $750,000 to $1.5 Million - Gold – Sentosa Resort – Sentosa Flowers 2006 – Sentosa, Singapore Budget: Over $1.5 Million - Gold – Greeley Independence Stampede – Greeley Stampede – Greeley, CO, United States

2005 Budget: Under $250,000 - Gold – City of Richardson – Cottonwood Art Festival – Richardson, TX, United States Budget: $250,000 to $499,999 - Gold – BorderFest Association – BorderFest 2005 – Hidalgo, TX, United States Budget: $500,000 to $1.5 Million - Gold – CherryArts – Cherry Creek Arts Festival – Denver, CO, United States Budget: Over $1.5 Million - Gold – Kentucky Derby Festival – Louisville, KY, United States

2004 Budget: Under $250,000 - Gold – Autumn Leaf Festival / Clarion Area Chamber of Business and Industry – Clarion, PA, United States Budget: $250,000 to $499,999 - Gold – Neiman Marcus / Adolphus / Children’s Parade – Dallas, TX, United States Budget: $500,000 to $1.5 Million - Gold – Macon Georgia’s International Cherry Blossom Festival – Macon, GA, United States Budget: Over $1.5 Million - Gold – Kentucky Derby Festival – Louisville, KY, United States 70th Anniversary

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

2003 Budget: Under $250,000 - Gold – City of Richardson – Cottonwood Art Festival – Richardson, TX, United States Budget: $250,000 to $499,999 - Gold – Ski to Sea Festival – Bellingham, WA, United States Budget: $500,000 to $1.5 Million - Gold – CherryArts – Cherry Creek Arts Festival – Denver, CO, United States Budget: Over $1.5 Million - Gold – Kentucky Derby Festival – Louisville, KY, United States

2002 Budget: Under $250,000 - Gold – Anacortes Arts Festival – Anacortes, WA, United States Budget: $250,000 to $499,999 - Gold – Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival – Sights & Sounds of Galatyn Park – Richardson, TX, United States Budget: $500,000 to $1.5 Million - Gold – Saint Louis Art Fair – St. Louis, MO, United States Budget: Over $1.5 Million - Gold (Tie) – Kentucky Derby Festival – Louisville, KY, United States Budget: Over $1.5 Million - Gold (Tie) – On the Waterfront, Inc. – On the Waterfront presented by Associated Bank – Rockford, IL, United States

2001 Budget: Under $250,000 - Gold – Richardson Parks & Recreation Dept. – Cottonwood Art Festival – Richardson, TX, United States Budget: $250,000 to $500,000 - Gold – Pigeon Forge Dept. of Tourism – Celebrate Freedom – Pigeon Forge, TN, United States Budget: $500,000 to $1.5 Million - Gold – Singapore Tourism Board – World Gourmet Summit – Singapore Budget: Over $1.5 Million - Gold – Summerfest – Milwaukee, WI, United States

2000 Budget: Under $250,000 - Gold – Clarion Area Chamber of Business and Industry – Autumn Leaf Festival – Clarion, PA, United States Budget: $250,000 to $500,000 - Gold – Singapore Tourism Board – Millenniamania – Singapore Budget: $500,000 to $1.5 Million - Gold – Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival – Richardson, TX, United States Budget: Over $1.5 Million - Gold – CherryArts – Cherry Creek Arts Festival – Denver, CO, United States

1999 Budget: Under $500,000 - Gold – Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce – Bellingham, WA, United States Budget: $500,000 and above - Gold – Greeley Independence Stampede – Greeley, CO, United States

1995-1998 Records for the years 1995–1998 are unavailable. If you have award lists or documentation from those years, please share them with Nia Hovde, CFEE, Vice President/Director of Marketing & Communications at nia@ifea.com, so we can update our historical archive.

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The IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards are sponsored by Haas & Wilkerson Insurance. Haas & Wilkerson Insurance has proudly supported the IFEA and festivals and events industry for nearly three decades. As the title sponsor of the IFEA/ Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards Program, they have helped to raise the quality and standards of excellence for festivals and events around the globe. With over 80 years of entertainment industry experience behind them, they provide insurance programs designed for each event’s specific needs and have a long list of clients that includes festivals, fairs, parades, carnivals and more. Learn more about them at www.hwins.com. Learn more about the IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards Competition, here.

Proud to insure excellence in the festivals & events industry

70th Anniversary

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

Miller Brewing Company was sponsor of the IFEA Hall of Fame until 2005.

stablished in 1992, the IFEA/Miller Brewing Company Hall of Fame has grown to now represent the festivals and events industry’s most prestigious honor. It was created to recognize and immortalize individuals whose exceptional hard work and significant achievements have helped to develop what was once the “field” of festivals and events, into the burgeoning, world-wide industry that it is today. There are currently 70 inductees in the Hall, with new candidates up for nomination each year. Profiles of all inductees are kept on display at IFEA’s World Headquarters and exhibited at IFEA annual conventions. New candidates are inducted at a special awards luncheon held in their honor at the IFEA’s Annual Convention & Expo, as guests of the IFEA. The following are excerpts of inductee profiles that were written at the time of their induction. 52

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1992 Martin Hanson Formerly of National Nederlands Winter Circus There’s an element of magic to Martin Hanson’s events. Chosen as the World Champion Illusionist, or magician, in 1970, Hanson has shared his talents with the world by staging magical events. As chairman of the Martin Hanson Organization, Hanson wears many hats. Each year in the depth of winter, Hanson leads the National Netherlands Winter Circus. The real-live circus tours throughout major Dutch theatres each December and January. Hanson also organizes Sunday Morning Concerts for 16 weekends in Rotterdam’s Doelen (large theatre); as well as grand openings of new highways in Holland, complete with fancy fairs and entertainment. He cites the grand opening for the highway between Holland and Germany as his most memorable experience. The event drew 500,000 visitors. “The greatest attraction that the festival industry offers me is the fact that I can bring enjoyment to people by organizing events for them,” he said. Hanson feels that his greatest accomplishment in the special events industry was to organize the Rotterdam

Worldport Regatta. Featuring Formula One power boat races, it was the biggest water event in Europe, with more than 600,000 visiting the harbor. He has also developed an exchange program with the Pittsburg Three Rivers Regatta in the U.S. where they exchange regatta entries. They met through involvement in the IFA. Hanson is also president of European Folklore Limited, which exports Dutch folklore acts to countries outside of Europe. “I feel very proud to have been selected to the IFA/Miller Hall of Fame,” he added. 1992 Ned Harden (D) Formerly of Circleville, Ohio Pumpkin Show When The Circleville Pumpkin Festival had its beginning in the fall of 1903, Ned Harden had no idea that it would become his life’s work! For a total of 55 years, Ned donated much of his time as a volunteer for the festival, 10 of those years, representing the Festival as Director. Over the years, Ned has received many honors for his dedication and service to the Circleville Pumpkin Festival including the Ohio’s Governor’s Award for Community Involvement; the Legion of Honor Award from the Ohio Festivals & Events Association in 1991; and The Paul Sherlock Award in 1985 for outstanding accomplishments within Ohio’s Tourism Industry. During this time, Ned also became involved with the International Festivals & Events Association in 1979 and served as President for 1 year. In addition, Ned was one of the founding members of the Ohio Festival & Events Association in 1943 and served as their President from 1976 to 1977. Created to invite the farmers of the Circleville area to display fruits of their harvest on the streets of Circleville, business interests of the town supported The Circleville Pumpkin Festival with vigor. This same spirit still moves the citizens of Pickaway County as this annual event has attracted worldwide attention and acclaim bringing in over 400,000 visitors to this small community of 12,000 people each year in October and is now considered as one of the major festivals in the United States.

1992 Josephine Hauck, CFEE (D) Formerly of the Indianapolis 500 Festival Josephine Hauck was the Executive Director of the 500 Festival for nearly three decades. She transformed it into one of the greatest festivals held in the state and throughout the nation. Her leadership and strong demeanor lead her to be affectionately known as “General Jo”. Each May she would lead her board and thousands of volunteers in producing the merry month of May in Indianapolis. Founded by civic leaders in 1957, the 500 Festival was created to celebrate the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, the annual running of the Indianapolis 500 each May. Jo believed strongly in the need for festival planners to share their enthusiasm, ideas and experience for the betterment of all festivals. She is credited with founding the Indiana State Festivals Association in 1973. An award in her name was established in 1993 and is still given annually at the Indiana state convention to an individual who has contributed significantly to the building of festivals in the state of Indiana. Josephine was awarded the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash by two different Indiana Governors. The award is the highest honor the Governor of Indiana can bestow upon one of its citizens. Josephine was one of the founding fathers of IFEA as well. She worked tirelessly networking with festivals across the country and led the organization in its early years. She attended the annual convention regularly with her husband Kenny who she met while he was serving as President of the 500 Festival in 1967. They were a concerted team and each other’s biggest supporter. She continued to be active in festival work even after her retirement from the 500 Festival in 1992. 1992 Dan Mangeot, CFEE (D) Formerly of Kentucky Derby Festival While thousands of people work to make the Kentucky Derby and the festival events a success, Kentuckians know that for 17 years one man stood out in his commitment and drive to nailing down every last Derby Festival detail. That man was Dan Mangeot, the Kentucky Derby Festival’s long-time 70th Anniversary

President. Although no longer with us, Dan leaves behind a legacy and equally important, many, many devoted friends and colleagues. Described by some as a `legend’ and by others as a `father figure,’ Dan did the impossible. He took a legendary event and somehow made it even better. Under his management, attendance at Derby Festival events doubled to 1.5 million, while the economic impact on the community grew from $17 million to $53 million. When Dan decided to focus on something, the outcome was inevitably a huge success. Whether it was selling more Derby Pins--going from a few thousand a year to 600,000 a year--or instituting a Derby Festival poster--a regular award winner--he knew how to deliver. But Dan was about more than ringing up financial successes. He knew how to create a sense of community ownership in an event. Every year the entire community not only had a sense of pride in the festival activities surrounding the Derby, but a stake in seeing them succeed. Dan couldn’t imagine doing things differently. Community ownership translated into a Board of Directors truly representative of Louisville’s diversity. It’s true the Derby is about the fastest horses in the world. But for Kentuckians it’s also about showing the world the Commonwealth at her finest. And thanks to Dan that’s what the world saw. 1993 Don Whitely, CFEE (D) Formerly of Argonne Parades, Inc. “I believe in IFA and the value that it gives each member. I also believe that you get as much out of the organization as you put in,” said Don Whitely founder and President of the Atlanta-based Argonne Productions, producer of world-class parades and special events. Whitely has put a lot into IFA, having served as President, Chairing or Co-Chairing every Parade Seminar, and helping to develop many successful ideas. He feels his greatest accomplishment in IFA has been to help establish the Regional Seminar concept, initiated at the Tournament of Roses in Pasadena to reach members worldwide. Don also helped initiate IFEA’s Silent Auction at the 1987 Convention in El Paso, TX. “I’m very proud that I have been a part of the growth of IFA. When I first became active it was a very small organization that served a very select group of festivals.

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I always recognized the value of the sessions and the learning experience. Now, with the growth of IFA, I am pleased that this wonderful opportunity can be shared with more and more members of the festival business.” Don is the man behind the WSB-TV Salute 2 America Parade in Atlanta (12 years), the San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade (seven years), Egelston Children’s Christmas Parade, Atlanta, (three years) and La Gran Parada de Navidad, San Juan Puerto Rico (two years). In addition, Whitely has organized many of the nation’s largest one-time parade extravaganzas, including New York’s ticker tape parade to welcome home the troops from Desert Storm in 1992; the 1986 Coca Cola Centennial Parade, Atlanta; U.S. Constitution Bicentennial Parade, 1987, Philadelphia; and the Winter Carnival Parade, St. Paul, MN, which served as the parade of the 1992 Super Bowl. “I am very honored to be selected for the IFA Hall of Fame. The organization has meant so much to me over the years both professionally and personally that this is a double honor,” he said. 1993 Janice Meyer, CFEE Formerly of Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival Janice Meyer, Executive Director of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival, is tremendously honored, stating this is one of the highest achievements one can attain in this business. “After being a CFEE, this is one more fantastic goal accomplishment,” said Janice. Meyer’s most memorable IFA experience was serving as President in 1983, in addition, she has served IFA in many other capacities including Board Member, Vice President and Director. However, Meyer will go down in IFA history as having helped initiate the Certified Festival & Events Executive (CFEE) program along with Ken Walstad and Jo Hauck, in 1983 in order to enhance the level of festival management performance. Meyer was the sole source of the convention T-Shirt Shop, another successful IFA program. Festivals gain exposure by donating T-Shirts to the popular shop, and IFA convention delegates have the opportunity to take home unique souvenirs while supporting IFA. 54

“IFA has expanded and grown to great proportions over the years. I feel the special events industry is growing and that IFA has taken the leadership role, especially under the guidance of a full time professional like Bruce Skinner. I am proud to be a member of this organization.” Meyer has witnessed major changes in the festivals industry since she first got involved after majoring in accounting at Walsh College in Canton, Ohio stating, financial controls have been implemented by many festivals, which helped develop a certain amount of staff confidence. Meyer has directed the Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival for 24 years. “I have had the privilege of nurturing this festival for all of those years, and I hope that I was instrumental in making it the great event it is today.” 1993 George Zambelli (D) Formerly of Zambelli Fireworks Internationale “IFA will play a significant role in expanding special event programs for the pyrotechnic industry,” said George Zambelli, President of Zambelli Internationale Fireworks Manufacturing Co. Zambelli began his career at the age of seven – rolling firecracker tubes for his father’s business, which had been founded in Italy and resettled in New Castle, PA at the turn of the century. Zambelli Internationale has been in the special events industry for more than 53 years. Its fireworks have graced numerous festivals and events including the inaugurations of President Kennedy, Johnson, Carter, and Reagan, and special events for President Bush. One of his most memorable experiences was the Statue of Liberty Celebration on July 4, 1984. As he stood at the food of that statue, he could envision his father’s ship when he came to America, never dreaming that almost 100 years later the company he started would be honored to help celebrate the symbol of freedom. Zambelli took over as President and General Manager of his father’s company after college, and the business took off – eventually developing satellite offices in Boca Raton, FL and Safter, CA. He feels that his greatest accomplishments have been building the firm into a multi-million dollar business, becoming the number one fireworks manufacturing company in America, and having his family

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carry on the Zambelli tradition of prime service, quality product, and the expertise to satisfy all clients. “It is gratifying to see the progress IFA has made and that it continues to prosper both domestically and worldwide. This can be attributed to the dedication and great job Bruce Skinner and his staff have accomplished at the helm of IFA. I am extremely elated to have been chosen for the IFA Hall of Fame. It is a respected, well-managed and distinguished organization,” Zambelli said. 1994 Marleen Pedroza, CFEE Formerly of Fiesta San Antonio Marleen Pedroza was honored, grateful and overwhelmed upon learning of her induction into the Hall of Fame. “When I think of all the great folks who are such a vital part of IFA and the international festival community, I guess I am mostly humbled by being selected to the Hall of Fame,” she said. Pedroza began her career as an Administrative Assistant with the Fiesta San Antonio Commission in 1974, becoming Executive Vice President in 1983. She has judged numerous parades including the Tournament of Roses and served in leading positions for San Antonio’s Alamo Dome Grand Opening and 1993 Olympic Festival. During her 1990 IFA Presidency, Pedroza helped turn IFA into a truly international organization when she appointed the first ex officio international board members. “I feel this was a major step towards improving international communication within IFA,” she said. Pedroza has devoted much effort to making the unique 103 year old Fiesta San Antonio internationally known. Fiesta brings people together from all walks of life and various cultures in one big celebration of San Antonio’s rich and diverse culture. It’s that spirit of unity through the celebration of diversity that she has brought to the IFA community.

1994 Col. Iain Ferguson, O.B.E. Formerly of The Royal Tournament IFEA Hall of Fame inductee Iain Ferguson was very pleased with the great honor for The Royal Tournament and a much appreciated recognition of their 15-year membership with the IFEA when told of his induction into the IFEA Hall of Fame. Colonel Ferguson left the Army in 1981 to become Director of The Royal Tournament in London, a festival of military games and pageantry which promotes the armed services and supports service charities. His first duty was to attend the 1981 IFA Convention in Alaska, where he formed many of the friendships which have remained valuable to this day. Through IFA, he has judged floats at the Indianapolis 500, Tournament of Roses, Portland Rose Festival and Kentucky Derby Festival. In the past few years he has been unable to give IFA the time that he would wish as The Royal Tournament has been under constant threat, a part of the cuts in British defense costs. However, in July this year, the future was secured for two more years. Now 62, Colonel Ferguson said he looks forward, in the not too distant future, to a quiet life in his thatched Suffolk farmhouse. “Perhaps my wife Margaret, after organizing a huge flower show in May 1995 to celebrate the Centenary of Westminster Cathedral, will agree that it is time to do the same,” he said. 1994 John Geisler (D) Formerly of Saint Paul Winter Carnival IFA Founding President, John Geisler, got his start as Executive Director of the Aberdeen, S.D. Jaycees in 1946, which sponsored the South Dakota Snow Queen Festival. From 1952 – 1970, Geisler managed the St. Paul Winter Carnival. It was there that he helped found IFA and became its first President. He and other early IFA members gained a lot from exchanging information and developing contacts across the country. “And I think today’s overseas factor is amazing,” he said. Geisler felt that the Winter Carnival served as a lightening rod for the fledgling

industry as they hosted 12 national TV shows including Ed Sullivan, Dinah Shore, Gary More and Steve Allen. The festival also brought in Omar Sharif to play bridge at a tournament which drew people from five states. “People don’t think of things like bridge, but festivals need to enlarge their base or go to a higher level.” Geisler also served as a Public Affairs Executive for the Hamms Brewing Co, a lobbyist for the St. Paul Chamber of Commerce and Executive Director of the St. Paul Convention & Visitors Bureau. Named Minnesota Tourism’s 1985 Man of the Year, Geisler helped start the Minnesota Festivals & Events Association after he retired from the Convention & Visitors Bureau in 1986. 1994 Max Colwell (D) Formerly of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Max Colwell served as Executive Secretary and Manager of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses for 21 years. When he retired in 1974, he was named Manager Emeritus. According to IFA members who knew him well, Colwell, IFEA’s 1969 President, would have been honored. “We all admired and learned from Colwell,” said Carolyn Crayton, CFEE, Executive Director of the Macon, Georgia’s International Cherry Blossom Festival. “Colwell was a quiet person, but he knew absolutely everything that was going on,” John Geisler added. Jo Hauck, 1992 Hall of Fame inductee, said Colwell was her mentor, naming her the Tournament’s first woman parade judge, and emphasizing to her that volunteers were key. “Max had been in the business so long that he was a big help to everybody. He’d always take a call from an IFA member,” Hauck said. “He was a highly respected man, one of the early pioneers in festival management,” said Jack French, Executive Director of the Tournament of Roses. Colwell began his career as a high school journalist who was assigned to cover the Pasadena Festival. A newspaperman for 25 years, Colwell used his experience to help develop today’s major world-wide media coverage of the Rose Parade. He also pioneered network telecasting of the Rose Bowl. 70th Anniversary

1995 Hans Horsting Formerly of Communis Opinio Formerly Rotterdam Chamber of Commerce Hans Horsting, founding Chairman of IFA Europe, said his upcoming induction into the Hall of Fame is his greatest accomplishment. “I feel extremely honored, proud and elated at having been gifted with this high special events industry top of the bill honor,” said Horsting. The retired Chairman is an event consultant who was Managing Director of the Rotterdam Chamber of Commerce for 25 years and serves on the boards of nearly 30 organizations. Horsting joined IFA in 1987 becoming a member with the aim to gather expertise and know-how from American festivals and special events. He attended IFA conventions, served on the board and organized the 1992 IFA convention in Rotterdam, where IFA-Europe was born. “During the eight years of my membership, I have learned so much thanks to the conventions, the networking and the friendship,” he said. “The Dutch festival industry has changed dramatically during recent years, and been forced to embrace the ideas of special event marketing, corporate sponsorship, and responsibility for enormous amounts of privately owned money. This led to the need for a much higher degree of professionalism. “IFA offered that to me. I’m proud to be a part of such an organization and thrilled that it is still growing in numbers, and in importance, especially in Europe.” 1995 Ken Walstad (D) Formerly of Minneapolis Aquatennial Ken Walstad served as Managing Director of the Minneapolis Aquatennial from 1961 until his death in 1983. Described by one colleague as the “heart and soul” of the festival, Walstad brought prominence to the Aquatennial as one of the top ten festivals in the U.S., hosting more than two million visitors annually. Walstad also served IFA with distinction, first as a volunteer President, 1964-1965; and then later as Managing Director of IFA from 1969 until 1983. At that time, the “international” in IFA became a reality

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as numerous festivals outside the U.S. became members. Friends say Walstad always believed IFA should provide festival managers the chance for fraternal and educational exchanges, a vision that perpetuates the association today. He encouraged the development of professionalism in the field of festival and special events management and called on event leaders to continually strive for a higher level of competency. “Those who make up the [Aquatennial] Admiral’s Club will always remember Ken’s many great contributions – he is still sorely missed by those who worked closely with him,” said 1995 Aquatennial Grand Admiral, Fran Anton. Each year, Aquatennial bestows an honor known as the Ken Walstad Memorial Award. 1996 Carolyn Crayton, CFEE Formerly of Macon, Georgia’s International Cherry Blossom Festival Carolyn Crayton, CFEE described her Hall of Fame nomination as deeply overwhelming and a great honor. Nearly 15 years ago, Crayton founded the International Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon, Georgia with a budget of $0 and one unpaid employee. Today her festival budget has bloomed to $400,000 and she employs a full-time staff of 13. Her greatest accomplishment she says is founding a celebration that has been rated by 93% of their citizens as the most outstanding, exciting and enjoyable event in their city. Not only is the event fun, it’s profitable too. The Cherry Blossom Festival has a $10 Million impact on the city and county. Crayton has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. Among them are Georgia Clean and Beautiful’s, Woman of the Year Award; Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson Award by Keep America Beautiful; Ladies Home Journal’s American Heroine Award and the Queen Mother’s Award presented by Keep Britain Tidy – the only time this honor has been awarded outside the U.K. Crayton has served on the IFEA Board of Directors and the Executive Board.

1996 John H.B. “Jack” French (D) Formerly of Pasadena Tournament of Roses IFEA Hall of Fame inductee Jack French said he believes the festival and special events industry has never been stronger. For more than 25 years, French has watched the industry “metamorphasize” into what it is today. “It has been the creativeness and innovativeness of the professionals, volunteers, vendors and others that have created growth in the industry,” he said. “Being recognized by one’s peers is very meaningful, especially in this very unique industry of creative professionals.” Starting as a volunteer for the Pasadena Tournament of Roses in 1971, French worked his way to Executive Director by 1981. French also served on the board for IFEA for nine years and rose through the chairs to serve as President in 1991. Among other awards, French was the recipient of a lifetime achievement award from the All American Football Foundation. In addition to the Tournament of Roses, his involvement in civic and community volunteer activities have included the Pasadena Jaycees, President of Monte Vista Grove Homes Board of Trustees, and the USS Pasadena Foundation. 1996 Jack Guthrie Formerly of Guthrie/Mayes Public Relations Former IFEA chairman, Jack Guthrie said he feels honored to be an IFEA Hall of Fame inductee. “It is a unique honor and privilege to be included in this outstanding group of successful and respected individuals,” he said. Guthrie, CEO of Guthrie/Mayes Public Relations, the largest independently owned PR firm in Kentucky, is perhaps best known for his tremendous contributions to the Kentucky Derby Festival. He served as Executive Vice President and Managing Director to the festival, which, under his direction, grew ten-fold and achieved the national prominence it now enjoys. Guthrie describes his greatest accomplishment as giving “rebirth” to the festival at a point in its history when it was practically bankrupt and lowly regarded.

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In 1969 and 1975, Guthrie was selected as one of Louisville’s “Outstanding Young Men” by the Louisville Jaycees. In 1978, he was named “Kentucky’s Outstanding Public Relations Executive” by Western Kentucky University. Guthrie sees great things happening for the festival industry in the future. “The growth of the special events industry in the past 20 years has been unbelievable, and the future is only limited by our imagination and financial resources,” he said. 1996 Dick Nicholls, CFEE (D) IFEA Formerly of Gilroy Garlic Festival Association 1993-1994 IFEA Chairman, Dick Nicholls, CFEE said it has been an honor serving IFEA and his friends in IFEA as a Director and Officer. He modestly said he can think of others who deserve this honor more than himself, but his record speaks otherwise. As Executive Director of the Gilroy Garlic Festival, Nicholls has helped the festival evolve into a world-class event which has been a boon to the town and has poured more than $3 million into community coffers. Exceptional growth has also been part of Nicholl’s legacy as IFEA Chairman, as he helped the association’s membership numbers grow by nearly 100 percent. Nicholls has served on many IFEA committees and was instrumental in helping start the IFEA Foundation. He has successfully initiated a five year re-marketing plan for his festival, targeting a more family-oriented audience. The Gilroy Garlic Festival attracts 150,000 people in three days, triple the amount of Gilroy residents. Nicholls said he really values the friendships he’s made through IFEA. “I can’t express adequately how special these friendships are to me. I feel a special affinity to these people whom I have learned from and been counseled by.”

1997 Clayton W. Hannon Formerly of Portland Rose Festival Clayton W. Hannon, 10 years removed from his tenure Directing the Portland Rose Festival, was surprised at his receipt of IFEA’s top honor. “To be selected in any manner by your peers, and in this case former peers, is indeed a very great honor.” Hannon’s event career has been truly exemplary. The onetime sports journalist joined the Portland Rose Festival in 1969, became Executive Manager in 1971, and over the next 16 years, helped raise the festival from a struggling, financially weak event to one of international stature. He served as IFEA President in 1974 and co-founded Purdue University’s CFEE program in 1980. In his 30 years of association management and related duties, Hannon has watched events multiply in both number and sophistication, and sees IFEA’s role as helping managers continue to keep pace in an evolving industry. “Changing times and demands on people’s and companies’ time and resources will provide special events even greater challenges and opportunities in the coming years,” predicted Hannon. “IFEA needs to stay ahead of the wave and provide the leadership to meet these needs and desires.” Since retirement from the Portland Rose Festival, Hannon has worked with the Oregon Association of Nurserymen (OAN) earning the OAN Special Service Award and Political Awareness Award. 1997 John G. Stewart, CFEE (D) Formerly of La Fête Colombienne Des Enfants John Steward, CFEE, creator of the only children’s French immersion festival in Canada, said there is no greater recognition in our industry than being chosen for the IFEA Hall of Fame. Steward noted that joining the IFEA before the first presentation of La Fête Colombienne Des Enfants was instrumental in the success of that event as through IFEA, he was able to meet many helpful individuals who were most generous in offering their ideas and advice. Being inducted into IFEA’s Hall of Fame

in Montréal, Canada made it even more meaningful to him as a Canadian, as La Fête Colombienne Des Enfants is focused on encouraging all Canadians to learn about and appreciate the contributions the French culture makes in forming the Canadian identity. In addition to La Fête Colombienne Des Enfants, Stewart has also helped found the Canadian Children’s Festival Association, created Mandarin and Japanese immersion events, has been Vice President of the Canadian Festival Association, and served on the IFEA Executive Committee. Stewart’s passion, computers and digital communication tools, has had an enormous impact on him and the industry. “I am continually amazed, “ said Steward. “The advent of e-email alone is significant, but add to that the World Wide Web and the publishing and bookkeeping programs that are an integral part of our days, and one realizes just how great an impact the personal computer has had on not only the industry but also our lives.” 1997 JoAnn Ward (D) Formerly of Fond du Lac Convention & Visitors Bureau When JoAnn Ward joined IFEA in 1980, she brought nearly 20 years of events experience to share, having served as the Executive Director of the Fond du Lac Convention & Visitor’s Bureau since 1977, but she still says she’s received more than she’s given. “Belonging to an organization and having someone to talk to about sponsorships, licenses, management contracts, etc., is worth its weight in gold,” she said. “And what in life could be more fulfilling than being honored by those you admire, respect, and care about?” Ward began her special events career in 1959 when she was appointed Corporate Publicity and Special Events Director and went on to produce a decade-long series of “fortnight” events for Carson Pirie Scott and Co., in Chicago. In addition, she studied under Stanley Marcus, Chairman of Neiman Marcus, famed for their fortnight events, and received a Chicago Publicity Club Award and official recognition from Mayor Daley, who dubbed the multi-million dollar budgeted internationally themed events “the Official City of Chicago salutes.” “If it’s going to be, it’s up to me,” said 70th Anniversary

Ward on the special events industry. “Whoever wrote that phrase was talking about the event management stars who can truly accomplish miracles. Event people are my very favorite human beings, and IFEA has been a leader in development of this industry for decades.” Ward spoke frequently at IFEA conventions in the 1980’s and sat on the organization’s board from 1985 to 1987. She has also served on the Illinois and Wisconsin Sesquicentennial Commissions and the White House Conference on Tourism, and has been recognized as Woman of the Year by the Business and Professional Women’s Club. 1998 JoAnn Andera, CFEE Formerly of Texas Folklife Festival Texas Folklife Director JoAnn Andera, CFEE, has worked her way up in the events industry from multilingual festival guide to multi-cultural festival expert. Her strong commitment to folk culture and ethnic events has been widely recognized. She has presented annual festival and event management seminars at Texas A&M University and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and was invited by the U.S. State Department to speak at a cultural seminar in Bogotá, Columbia. Andera began her career in 1970 as a guide for the Institute of Texas Cultures, and when the Texas Folklife Festival began in 1972, her volunteer role included performing and cooking Lebanese dishes. JoAnn worked in many administrative capacities until her appointment in 1981 as Director of the Texas Folklife Festival, which provides ethnic groups the opportunity to display and preserve their cultural heritage and draws 10,000 volunteers and 70,000 visitors each August. Andera has received top honors from the Texas Festivals & Events Association, and was elected IFEA Chair in 19941995. Over the years, she has seen many changes in the events industry – from “uncounted and ignored to a prized career choice and a powerhouse of influence the level of professionalism and caliber of individuals is remarkable.” Andera feels her contribution to the field was “to raise the level of consciousness that we were seeking help, mentoring and assistance, and that IFEA was the organization that held the key for us. Many have worked to create an organization that is outstanding and a leader in its field.”

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1998 Bill Lofthouse (D) Formerly of Phoenix Decorating Co. Like symbols for the colorful, unique floats his company has spent more than 40 years creating, Bill Lofthouse expressed his gratitude for being chosen for the IFEA Hall of Fame with a variety of words; “great, wonderful, happy, pleased, humble, honored and satisfied!” Lofthouse is President of Phoenix Decorating Co., the largest builder of floats for the Tournament of Roses Parade, and has been named “Builder of the Year” five times by the Tournament of Roses Association. “The 1999 parade was the 43rd consecutive Rose Parade I’ve had the honor of working on,” he said. Lofthouse has also worked closely with a number of other world-class events including the Orange Bowl Parade, Kentucky Derby Festival, Indianapolis 500 Festival, National Day Celebration in Singapore and the Pre-Olympic Parade in Seoul, Korea. Dedicated to serving community and industry, IFEA’s 1995-1996 Chair, and founding member of Calfest, has witnessed many changes. “I remember when there were less than 100 IFEA members, now we’re more than 2,500 strong. I also recall years ago when I first used the term “networking,” it brought a quizzical look – now the concept is one of the most common elements of IFEA membership.” The most important change he has seen is the formation of the IFEA Foundation. “We are only as good as the people that we make up in our industry. From my experience, it means that we’re in very good hands,” he said. “With the skill of the people in IFEA and their ability to avail themselves of ever-improving technology, the future of the industry is truly unlimited.” 1998 Annie Sidro, Ph.D. Formerly of Carnaval Sans Frontières Carnaval Sans Frontières, has made the celebration of Carnaval the focus of Sidro’s life work. In addition to producing and building floats for the annual Carnival de Nice, she writes books, produces carnival workshops for UNESCO in many countries and planned a huge “Carnival of Carnivals” to celebrate the Millennium. 58

Sidro’s family was chosen in 1887 to build the King Carnival float in Nice. “In many ways, I see my life as already having being chosen for me by accident – and good fortune – of birth into a family of master carnival artists,” Sidro said. “What I do now is to follow the traditions already established by my ancestors.” Those traditions include an understanding of humanity itself. “Unless you understand the basic psychodrama of the human spirit, you miss the whole point of carnival,” Sidro said. “Carnival is the expression of the soul of the people. It is the exorcism of their most primitive conflicts of good vs. evil, fertility against barrenness, peace against chaos. “Most importantly, carnival is a world sans frontiers, without boundaries of class, national origin, language, wealth or occupation – a world which unites all in a common creative expression.” Sidros’ goals include establishing a Museum of Carnival and Carnival Cultural Center as an archive of carnival history and culture, and a University Without Walls, where the skills passed down from fathers to daughters and sons in the families of carnival float builders can also be shared with the family of man. 1999 Dennis Boese, CFEE Formerly of Miller Brewing Company Known as “the dean of fair and festival marketing,” Dennis Boese, CFEE, is the Corporate Manager of National Fair & Festival Marketing for the Miller Brewing Company in Milwaukee, WI. Boese began his career with Miller as a tour guide 30 years ago, and in addition to pioneering the company’s sponsorship of a larger number of major outdoor events throughout the U.S., he works closely with distributors and field personnel, assisting with local sponsorship activities and developing programs to maximize Miller’s grass roots participation. A Certified Festival & Events Executive and past IFEA Board Member, Boese served on the IFEA Foundation Board and the IFEA President’s Council.

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1999 Norm Langill Formerly of One Reel/Bumbershoot A founding member of the nonprofit organization One Reel in 1972, Langill brings more than 30 years of experience in festival production and international cultural collaborations. As Producer and Executive Producer for Bumbershoot, the Seattle Arts Festival since 1980, he has grown the four-day arts event from a splashy street fair to an internationally recognized showcase for innovative artists and new music. Under Langill’s stewardship, Bumbershoot has built an international reputation for presenting the best musicians and artists the Northwest has to offer on a bill with living legends and rising stars from all over the world. One Reel also produces and programs downtown Seattle’s only outdoor concert venue, Summer Nights at the Pier. Langill’s other roles include Artistic Director for the Washington Mutual Family Fourth and Teatro ZinZanni (the popular European-style cabaret in San Francisco and Seattle). Throughout his years at One Reel, Langill has been the producer of Seattle’s Fat Tuesday, Tacoma’s Art Bowl, the 1990 Goodwill Arts Festival with Turner Broadcasting, AT&T Wireless Summer Nights at the Pier, the 1990 US tour of the Grand Kabuki Theatre, Yabuhara Kengyo and Gumbo Ya-Ya at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. He has been a speaker and advisor for organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts, International Events Group, and the Japan Foundation. Langill was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Seattle-King County Sports & Events Council in 1997. Source: www.grammy.com - Pacific Northwest Chapter 1999 Jean McFaddin (D) Formerly of Macy*s Parade and Events Jean McFaddin has been responsible for creating Macy*s major events as their East Senior Vice President in charge of Macy*s Public Relations and Events since 1977 where she has annually produced Macy*s award-winning Thanksgiving Day Parade; a glorious Spring Flower Show; America’s largest on-going 4th of July Fireworks celebration; the world record breaking

“Tap-O-Mania” that assembles over 6,000 dancers in a choreographed routine; and for Christmas, staged the Miracle on 34th Street where over 300,000 children and adults visit Macy*s Santaland each year. McFaddin has received over a dozen Emmy Awards for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parades in partnership with NBC with whom, on behalf of Macy’s, she has been responsible for network negotiations and telecast planning. Prior to her Macy*s association, McFaddin served as Director-Designer in prominent regional, New York, and European theaters, created and directed a 1995/96 bicentennial promotional program for the National Endowment of the Arts Foundation in Washington, D.C., and was Director of New York City’s July 4th Land Festival in 1977. She joined Macy*s that same Fall. A native Texan, Ms. McFaddin holds an MFA from the University of Texas in Theatrical Production. She completed her undergraduate degrees at Stephen’s College, Columbia, Missouri and at the University of Texas at Austin, Texas. Ms. McFaddin was acclaimed a “Quintessential New Yorker” by Town & Country magazine in 1984. She received the 1988 Humanitarian Award from New York’s Community of Mayors Association, served on the New York Board of Directors for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and was recipient of their 1990 Outstanding Service Award. In 1993 she received the Congresswomen Mary T. Norton Memorial Award of Excellence from the United Way, and was listed in the U.S. Congressional record. In Spring, 1997, she received the Msgr. Thomas Hagerty Humanitarian Award from HeartShare Human Services of New York. Source: www.admireentertainment. com - speaker profile 2000 Blaine Kern, Sr. (D) Formerly of The Kern Companies Known throughout New Orleans as “Mr. Mardi Gras,” Blaine Kern, Sr. has dedicated his life to enhancing the splendor and mystique of the world famous carnival parades. Kern said his selection to IFEA’s Hall of Fame is especially meaningful because of his long ties to the organization. “It’s an honor. I’ve been doing Mardi Gras for 50 years and I’ve known IFEA for a lot of those years,” he said. “I know the people who run IFEA and frankly, candidly, I’m flattered.” 60

A sign painter’s son, Kern got his start in the event world at the age of 19 when a parade organizer saw him painting a hospital mural. Dr. Henry LaRocca was captain of the Krewe of Alla, the largest parade organization on the west bank of the Mississippi River at the time. LaRocca invited the boy to help design and build floats for his parade. Since that first float, Kern has watched his profession grow tremendously. “It never ceases to amaze me – the new types of products on the market and the incredible minds that are at work,” he said. “I used to build 11 floats for $3,000. In 1998, I spent $800,000 to built just one float.” While Kern has been instrumental to that growth, he believes his greatest accomplishment lies in contributions to the community. During his long career, he paved the way for racial and ethnic tolerance in carnival organizations as well as revitalizing a city river front neighborhood. 2000 Eric Martin, Esq., CFEE Bands of America, Inc. Eric Martin, Esq., CFEE calls being selected to the IFEA Miller Brewing Company Hall of Fame, his greatest honor yet. That says a lot considering his long list of accomplishments including a legal degree, an Emmy Award and three published books. “I’m shocked, honored, surprised and overwhelmed,” said the Associate Executive Director of Bands of America, Inc. “I think that it’s the most outstanding award I’ve ever received in my life. It’s a tremendous honor to be recognized by my peers and the people whom I call friends.” A member of two state bar associations, Martin blends more than 20 years of legal expertise with his love for event planning. In addition to producing Bands of America events and the San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade, he consults on festival and event legal and operational issues. IFEA and its members can credit the industry’s heightened legal savvy to Martin’s dedication. They can also give him credit for persistent festival and event advocacy in the public eye. “One of my most important accomplishments is being an advocate for the role events have in our society,” Martin said. “Events are instrumental in bringing people together. How we measure our lives in our communities shows through our festivals and events.”

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During Martin’s outstanding career he produced numerous annual and once-ina-lifetime events such as the 5,000 voice Paralympic Gospel Choir which opened the Atlanta Paralympic Games in 1996. One of his career highlights was producing the Emmy Award Winning Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday Parade. Through much of his career, Martin has been an active member of the IFEA, serving seven years on the Board of Directors, including one year as Chair. “I’ve watched IFEA grow for more than 10 years into a powerhouse organization,” Martin said. “The role that this organization plays is crucial and vital. It articulates the way society sees itself and celebrates itself.” 2000 Lesa Ukman Formerly of IEG, Inc. Co-founder of sponsorship consulting company, IEG, Inc., Lesa Ukman has worked for years to convince sponsors that smaller community festivals are worthwhile investments. She states she’s continually working to give companies the idea that they can get a huge payoff by aligning with the community festival as “local almost always gives a better pay-off than national.” Calling festivals her love and her passion, Ukman said being selected to the IFEA Miller Brewing Company Hall of Fame is the most significant sign of her contributions to date. “First I was shocked and surprised. I’m terribly honored,” Ukman said. “I can’t think of anything that could have more meaning professionally. My roots and my background are all in festivals.” When Ukman began her work nearly 20 years ago, few companies saw the marketing benefits of sponsorship. But Ukman knew what was coming. With funding from the publisher of Advertising Age, and later on her own, Ukman launched a fledgling industry’s first sponsorship newsletter now titled the IEG Sponsorship Report. In 1981, she and her brother Jon Ukman co-founded IEG, Inc. Stating one of her greatest accomplishments was getting the idea of sponsorship accepted in corporate America, Ukman’s newsletter is now considered to be the bible of sponsorship and cause-related marketing and her company has branched out into sponsorship consulting. In the future, Ukman hopes to help launch a

third-part polling study of festival marketing similar to Cone and Roper’s study of cause-related marketing published in 1999. “I think festivals have a better story to tell even than cause marketing,” Ukman said. “The event industry is more and more relevant because everyone is increasingly digitized. They’re seeking, ironically, human connections. That’s IFEA’s business, providing these touch points for people that are not all mediated by the web.” 2000 Barry Wilkins, OAM, CFEE Formerly of The District Council of Mount Barker For more than 30 years, Barry Wilkins has been a driving force behind the Australian tourism, arts, festivals and special events industries. His long event-planning history includes more than 20 years as Director and CEO of the Ballarat Begonia Festival Association Ltd., Victoria, and three terms served on the IFEA Board of Directors. Currently the Tourism and Special Events Manager for the District Council of Mount Barker, South Australia, Wilkins learned of his selection to the IFEA/Miller Brewing Company Hall of Fame with surprise. “I feel very humbled by the nomination because of the caliber of previous recipients,” he said. “It is a great thrill and privilege to be honored by your peers for a most prestigious award.” Wilkins describes himself as a champion of small to medium festivals at state, national and international levels of government. IFEA helped him form ties that made his success possible, he said. “I owe a great deal to IFEA,” Wilkins said. “It’s network has kept me in touch with the industry on a global scale. I can recall many experiences that would never have happened if I had not been a member of the IFEA.” Besides his work in Australia, Wilkins has numerous credentials abroad. In 1987 he provided his expertise to the Nicheman Corporation in Japan. During his time with the Ballarat Begonia Festival Association, Wilkins signed a sister festival agreement with the Capitola Begonia Festival in Santa Cruz, CA. His involvement in study tours of festivals and events throughout the world has led to greater international understanding.

2001 Bruce Skinner, CFEE Bruce Skinner & Associates Skinner began his event industry career nearly 30 years ago at Arizona’s Fiesta Bowl. During his 17-year tenure there, the event grew into a 60-event festival, a nationally televised parade and football classic. It also became the first bowl game to sign a title sponsor. “I had a really strong interest in providing entertainment to as wide a spectrum of the audience as possible.” Skinner said. When Skinner retired from the Fiesta Bowl in 1990, he became President of the IFEA, an association that had only around 400 members and a budget of little more than $400,000 a year. Over the next ten years, Skinner increased that annual budget to an all-time high of $1.6 million. He grew membership to nearly 3,000, and he started the IFEA Foundation among other accomplishments. Skinner retired from the IFEA in 2001, but not from the event industry. He continues to teach and consult for events nationwide and has written a book titled, The Complete Guide to Event Sponsorship, published by Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York. He makes his home in Port Angeles, WA with his wife Kathy. 2002 Zeren Earls Formerly of First Night International Since 1992, Earls has served as the founding President of First Night International, the umbrella organization to all the First Night communities, which number 180 to date. With visionary leadership and passion for art and community, Earls has championed First Night’s growth into an increasingly popular New Year’s Eve Celebration both in the United States and abroad. Earls was among the small group of civic-minded artists who created First Night in 1976, as the finale to Boston’s bicentennial celebration and the beginning of a new tradition. Four years later, she left her career as Visual Arts and Drama Teacher at Belmont Day School to oversee First Night’s development full-time. As the event’s President and Artistic Director, her hard work, talent and dedication turned this once small Boston event into a nationally recognized, public celebration attracting over a million people. During her fourteen-year leadership 70th Anniversary

(1980-1994), First Night Boston received twenty awards, making it an inspirational model for other communities. In 1990, Earls received the Kevin Lynch Award from MIT’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning for the imaginative use of the built environment. In its inaugural year, in 1993, she was distinguished by the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s prestigious Commonwealth Award for organizational leadership. In 2001, she received the Terpsichore Award for Lifetime Achievement from Boston’s Topf Center for Dance Education. Earls’ lifelong career in the arts began in 1960 upon graduating from Duke University, which she attended as a scholarship student from Turkey. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, with a special emphasis on the creative development of children and later received a Master’s in Education from Antioch College. Since then, art has been the driving force in her distinguished career as educator, producer, administrator and cultural/ community leader. 2002 Pat Craig Corda, CFEE (D) Formerly of the Gator Bowl Association Corda creates, produces and promotes over 30 events for the Gator Bowl Association, a 57-year tradition that is more than a college football bowl game. She has taken the ever-popular Bank of America Gator Bowl Parade to be one of the best in the South. Among other events that Corda produces are the Pre-game and Halftime Show, the 5K Run, and the Budweiser Tailgate Party. Prior to the Gator Bowl Association, Corda founded Events by Craig and has been involved in the event and festival business since 1979. She spent six years as the Mayor’s Special Events Director for the City of Jacksonville. In this capacity, she created events including Taste of Jacksonville, Gator Bowl Hoedown and Riverfest and was part of the team who created Mayport & All That Jazz (now known as Jacksonville & All That Jazz). In 1985 she became the first Manager of the newly constructed Riverwalk. In this capacity she created the Light Boat Parade, Blessing of the Fleet, Trick or Treat on River Street, The Seafood Festival, and the Riverwalk Juried Arts & Crafts Show. These events resulted in the Riverwalk becoming a major Jacksonville attraction. After the Riverwalk she was named Manager of the Jacksonville Civic

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Auditorium. She has been a consultant to numerous events and festivals, and has lectured at the University of Florida, Texas A&M, and the University of Virginia. Corda has created award-winning promotional and advertising projects. In addition, she is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, a Certified Festival & Events Executive, has served on the IFEA Board, and is a past chairman of the IFEA Foundation. 2003 Colm Croffy Formerly of the Association of Irish Festivals & Events Colm Croffy, Chairman of the Association of Irish Festivals & Events (AOIFE), has transcended the mission of festivals and events to build community to having them help create peace. During his time with the Republic of Ireland’s Mary From Dungloe Festival, Croffy became instrumental in linking the festival with a committee from the Ballyclare Festival in Northern Ireland as part of the program for peace and reconciliation in this country. When he became Executive of the AOIFE, he expanded this highly successful linkage concept to cover all festivals in Northern Ireland with the border counties of the Republic of Ireland. His commitment to this important goal has resulted in festivals being used as a medium for building lasting peace. Under Croffy’s leadership, the AOIFE has grown to more than 360 festivals. He has helped the festival sector and with it the people of Ireland through the Community Festivals Networking Programme. The program, devised by Croffy in conjunction with the charity Hospitality Ireland, is aimed at using tourism as a global industry to promote peace and understanding between the people of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Among other things, the program allowed festival organizers to visit a sister festival in the other country to see how it was operated. The response to this reciprocal arrangement has been amazing. People who wouldn’t have otherwise traveled across the border between the countries found new friends. One Republic of Ireland participant remarked, “It was an eye-opener. We realized how much more tolerant people are in Northern Ireland than we would have thought beforehand. We were going to meet a committee. But after a while, we were meeting friends.” 62

2003 Robert (Bob) Jackson (D) Consultant Before there was the Walt Disney Company, there was WED Enterprises, Inc., a company personally owned and overseen by Walt Disney; and there was Bob Jackson, one of Disney’s employees at WED and the first Publicity Manager for the then new California theme park – Disneyland. Following the excitement of the Disneyland adventure, Jackson joined the federal government as Director of Media Services for the (now titled) U.S. Travel and Tourism Administration in the Dept. of Commerce. His role called for considerable involvement in special events and their producers throughout the nation, as events were part of the arsenal for attracting international tourists and encouraging intra-national travel by U.S. residents. Jackson’s government career continued when he moved to be the Director of Public Relations and Advertising for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. He later moved into the then, new corporate world of sponsorship at General Mills, Inc., serving as Manager of Product Publicity and Event Marketing for the company’s more than 200 brand units. Jackson planned many events for General Mills nationwide and created its internal system for processing an average of more than 4,000 sponsorship proposals annually. Jackson served many national companies, agencies, communities and events as an Independent Special Events and Publicity Consultant. He suspended his agency operations to accept a two-year position as Special Events Manager for the 1991 International Special Olympic Games held in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Following the games he continued his creative input through INNOVA Marketing in Minneapolis and he’s co-authored two books, “Special Events in the 21st Century,” and “Special Events: Inside & Out.” Now retired and living in Maryland, Jackson is described as, without question, one of the most creative people to serve the festivals and events industry.

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2003 Sue Twyford (D) Formerly of The Twyford Group/ SunFest of Palm Beach County Sue Twyford’s career and life blended together through the lives that she touched. Professional peers and friends alike, were drawn to Sue’s sharing nature, and they always came away better from having known her. Twyford’s expertise in sponsorship came mostly from personal trial and error, developing “hands-on” concepts and techniques before more formal sources of information existed. She willingly and anxiously shared those with her peers at many IFEA conferences and conventions. “Her ideas on sponsorship retention, over-delivering, promising the moon and delivering the universe, etc., are something that many IFEA members use today because of a Sue seminar,” shared former IFEA President Bruce Skinner. As the Executive Director for 11 years of SunFest in West Palm Beach, Florida, Twyford’s leadership, vision and professionalism transformed a relatively small local celebration into Florida’s largest music, art and waterfront festival. Many ideas created by Twyford, such as free admission and free activities for children, a great mix of quality national and local entertainers, Friday night fireworks, and a site plan fully using the waterfront location, are still vital to the success of the event today. Additionally, Twyford established SunFest as a major force in the area’s cultural, political, and charitable landscape. A downtown park named after SunFest, an endowed chair at the community college, and students attending college on SunFest scholarships are all part of her legacy. Twyford stepped down from her position at SunFest in 1996 to become a full-time mom to her sons. But through her company, The Twyford Group, she continued to be active in the industry and in many local charitable causes and events. To the sadness of the SunFest and IFEA families, Twyford passed away this past year. But her love for and expertise in the festivals and events industry continues to be shared by everyone whom she touched, and we area all better for it.

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2004 K Alferio, CFEE Formerly of CITYCELEBRATIONS K Alferio, CFEE, had ambitions of being in event production since she was a small child staging Saturday afternoon shows underneath her family’s carport. It was her experiences with helping to produce the inaugural Super Derby Festival in Shreveport, Louisiana, however, where the festival producer inside her truly began to emerge. Alferio’s professional entry into the event field came in 1988 when she joined the staff of Georgia’s Stone Mountain Park as Special Events and Public Relations Director. Working in this position for 10 years, Alferio produced a full slate of events from laser shows and historic festivals to concerts, cook-offs and art shows. She won numerous awards from the IFEA, the Southeast Tourism Society and multiple chambers of commerce for her innovative programming and advertising programs. Increasing annual sponsorships 345% annually for events, she proved her skills as a top negotiator as well as a visionary. Under her direction, events became a major force and revenue producer at the park. Alferio became very involved in speaking at IFEA conferences, serving on the board of directors for IFEA and as IFEA’s Chairperson in 2001. She shared her insights and working knowledge through her book “Media Relations: The Good, the Blah and the Ugly” (an IFEA publication on dealing with the media) and was a founding member and the first President of the Georgia’s Festivals & Events Association. In 1997, Alferio left Stone Mountain Park and opened her consulting firm, The Alferio Group. Among her clients were the Atlanta Journal Constitution and Blockbuster Video. In 1998, Alferio teamed up with fellow IFEA member Ira Rosen to produce the AAU Junior Olympic Games. In 2000, Alferio was offered the chance to work the other side of events . . . from a corporate perspective. She joined the ranks of Capital One, directing special events and media productions. During her four year tenure, Alferio produced events around the world and worked on Capital One’s venture into sports marketing through its sponsorship of the Capital One Bowl. She was honored as one of the corporation’s top leaders, receiving a Circle of Excellence award for her event production skills and results. Working in the corporate arena did not prove as satisfying to Alferio in comparison 64

to the non-profit world of event production. In 2004, Alferio returned to her true and current calling, as she accepted the position of Executive Director for Richmond’s CITYCELEBRATIONS. 2004 Bridget Sherrill, CFEE (D) Formerly of the Kentucky Derby Festival Bridget Sherrill, CFEE, Vice President of Merchandising for the Kentucky Derby Festival, epitomizes the commitment and professionalism that has helped the Derby Festival evolve into one of the country’s most honored and successful civic celebrations. For more than 32 years, Sherrill has worked tirelessly as a Derby Festival staff member to improve and expand its impact. Her accomplishments and award recognition are numerous – both with the Derby Festival and the IFEA. Under Sherrill’s guidance, the Derby Festival’s Merchandise Program has grown and prospered in a highly competitive business environment. The festival’s Pegasus Pin Program, which began in 1973, has long been a model for many other special events across the United States. Sales of lapel pins now account for nearly 25 percent of the Derby Festival’s annual operating budget. Sherrill’s passion and tremendous work ethic have taken the pin program to unprecedented heights within the industry, including the recent addition of a pin trading program which has received international recognition over the past 25 years. Sherrill has served as Board President of the Kentucky Festivals & Events Association (1989-1990) and has been the organization’s treasurer from 1993 to the present. She served on the IFEA Board of Directors from 1992 to 1998, serving on the Executive Committee from 1995 to 1998 and as Secretary in 1997-1998. She also served on the IFEA Foundation Board of Directors from 1996-2002, serving as Secretary in 1997, Treasurer in 1998, Chair-Elect in 2000, Chairman in 2001 and Immediate Past Chair in 2002. Sherrill was originally hired by Jack Guthrie, former Executive Director of the Derby Festival and a 1996 inductee into the IFEA/Miller Brewing Company Hall of Fame. In a 2002 interview, Guthrie aptly summed up Sherrill’s impact on the Derby Festival and the special events industry: “She has grown up with the festival – it has truly been a major part of her life. This

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community is a better place because of Bridget Sherrill.” 2004 Jim Thomson (D) Formerly of Dynamic Displays Jim Thomson founded his company, Dynamic Displays, in 1961. He and his staff, which included some of his eight children, decorated malls and city streets for the holidays and special events, using lights, garland, and animated figurines. In 1963 Thomson was introduced to the world of parade inflatables, and his life and business took a radical turn. Jean Gros, a former Macy’s employee, had started a company making giant rubber balloons for parades. Gros wanted to retire, and Thomson bought his inventory on the strength of photographs shown to him. Dynamic Displays was now in the inflatable business. The new direction taken by Dynamic opened new worlds for Thomson’s creativity and pioneer spirit, but the new products were not without problems. Many of the balloons were in poor condition and had a major problem with leaking. He met the problems head-on and began to experiment. It wasn’t long before he found a solution. A permanent fan installed in a leaky balloon kept the inflatable looking proud and simultaneously created a brand new medium – the cold air inflatable. Today, it’s hard to imagine an event without the technology Thomson invented and the industries made possible by it: giant soda can brand promotions, fly guys dancing over the festival grounds, inflatable costumes greeting guests. According to the Inflatable Advertising Dealers Association (IADA), Thomson was using permanent fans on balloons thirteen years before his nearest competitor, which earned him a designation by the IADA as “Grandfather to the Industry.” Thomson was also inducted into the IADA Hall of Fame in 2001 and into the Ontario Festivals Association Hall of Fame in 2002. The “Grandfather to the Industry” is also the grandfather of a marvelous family, which he considers to be his greatest achievement. Many of Thomson’s children and 48 grandchildren are regularly employed by Dynamic on parade routes and at events, and Thomson’s youngest son, Stephen, now heads up the company. After 41 years in the business, Thomson is retired and no longer makes the daily trek into the office, but his face is still a familiar sight at Dynamic, where he continues to

put his creativity and ingenuity to work on special projects. 2005 Sylvia Allen, CFEE Allen Consulting Sylvia Allen made her entrance into the special events industry more than 26 years ago, as the founder and President of what is today one of the country’s top marketing organizations in the field of sports and special events – New Jersey based Allen Consulting. Allen Consulting is a sponsorship and marketing organization based in Holmdel, New Jersey, that provides public relations, event marketing/management services, and sponsorship sales for a variety of community-based clients. Prior to that, Allen held communications positions with Fortune 500 companies, including McGraw-Hill and AT&T. Allen has written and delivered over 500 seminars on marketing and sponsorship throughout the world, including The Asia Forum in Singapore and the Women’s Forum in Okinawa, Japan, as well as countless seminars in the United States and Canada. Her presentation skills and knowledge base have made her a regular favorite at IFEA conventions and seminars. Beyond speaking, Allen is an accomplished author and contributing writer of several published industry works including “How To Be Successful at Sponsorship Sales” and, her most recent, “A How To Guide To Sales Success – For Women Only.” She has published hundreds of articles on sponsorship and marketing for major publications such as MAIN STREET NEWS, RADIO AND RECORDS, RADIO INK and SPORTS TRAVEL as well as for IFEA. In addition to her work at Allen Consulting, Sylvia also enjoys the role of teacher, and is in her 20th year as an Adjunct Associate Professor of Marketing and Program Advisor for New York University’s Management Institute. In 2006, she will also be launching a Sports, Entertainment and Events Marketing Program at Rutgers University. Allen has held a variety of board positions both locally and nationally and is a proud co-founder of Women in Sports and Events (WISE). In 2003, after visiting Africa, she formed her own non-profit (501C3) organization called Sylvia’s Children to help impoverished children in Uganda, Africa. She currently sits on the IFEA President’s Council and is a member of the IFEA Foundation Leadership Alliance.

Sylvia is married, has two beautiful children – Michele and Tony Costa – lives in a house built in 1760, and drives a red convertible. 2005 Ira Rosen Formerly of Entertainment on Location Ira Rosen’s career started as a college freshman when he was asked to attend a meeting to discuss what concerts would take place at school that semester. From that moment on, Ira knew that he wanted to produce events. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree, Ira began working towards a Master’s degree and was hired as the Assistant Director of Student Activities for Fairleigh Dickinson University. A few years after that, he moved on to two other schools where he moved up the ladder to a Director’s position. In 1982, he was hired by Radio City Music Hall Productions as the Director of Purchasing and Associate Producer of Special Events. In that role, he participated in the production of all of their events around the world including the 1988 Super Bowl Half Time Show and the annual Christmas Spectacular. In 1989, he formed Entertainment On Location, Inc. The company specializes in the production of a broad range of special events, and in providing consulting services to festival and event clients. Since the company was formed, they have produced events for a large number of prestigious clients including the National Senior Games Association, the National Hockey League, the City of Philadelphia, and the AAU Junior Olympic Games. Additionally, Ira has done consulting work for clients around the world including the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, the Government of Bermuda, the Hawaii Tourism Authority and the Virgin Islands Carnival Committee. Ira has spoken and written extensively on many industry topics including tourism and the festival industry, corporate sponsorship, and the operational management of special events. He has been a highly rated speaker at conventions for the International Festivals and Events Association, First Night International, the Pennsylvania Park and Recreation Society and the National Association for Campus Activities. He also currently serves on the planning committee for the New Jersey Governor’s Tourism Conference, is a member of the Board of Directors of the Garden State Film Festival, 70th Anniversary

and was recently appointed to the adjunct faculty of Temple University’s School of Tourism and Hospitality Studies. 2005 Joe Vera, CFEE (D) Formerly of Borderfest Joe Vera grew up in the special events industry. His dad was a dance/ concert promoter and hosted a radio talk show every Sunday for some 30 years. From a 29 hour New Years Eve Dance Marathon to onion clipping contests, to The Harry James and Glenn Miller orchestras, to weekly Tejano music dances, he promoted them all... Joe says “I learned from the best.” Dad always wanted me to make a career out of the special events industry and I guess I have, if only once a year. In 1980, when Joe came to Hidalgo, he never dreamed that this community, the Hidalgo Chamber and Borderfest, would become his life’s work. Twenty five years later he says that it has been a life that dreams are made of. He believes that the Lord has blessed him by giving him a great community to work in, full of outstanding citizens, leaders and volunteers that are supportive, committed, and share his passion. In 1980, Hidalgo was a small international crossing with a population of 2,200 residents on the US-Mexico Border. Joe’s vision was to develop a sense of community, of pride and to give people a reason to stop in Hidalgo. The city had a small community event called Fiesta Fronteriza (Border Fiesta) that was struggling and drew about 300-400 people. Through organization, hard work and dedication it has been transformed into “Borderfest”, now the largest and oldest heritage and music festival in South Texas. The festival has over 1,000 volunteers and an attendance of over 55,000. Borderfest has been the catalyst for many successes in Hidalgo such as the Worlds Largest Killer Bee, the Festival of Lights, Ramon Ayala Christmas Posada, the Hidalgo Pump House Discovery and Heritage Center, The Dodge Arena, The All America City Designation, The World Birding Center and the Hidalgo Hike and Bike Trail. Joe’s passion for education and giving back to others is evident in all that he does. He states that he owes his success to the ability to fine tune and further his special event skills through programs and benefits offered by IFEA and other professional

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organizations. It is his belief that there is no other or better educational opportunity for the special events industry in the world, than the IFEA. He takes what he learns, gleans from everyone and shares it back twofold. He walks the walk and talks the talk by making sure that educational opportunities are available for everyone that wants to take advantage of them. Joe believes that festivals are a celebration of our lives and our community. He lives by the following and hopes that others will to: don’t be afraid to dream; don’t ever believe you are too small to do anything; and don’t ever quit learning – nothing new in, nothing new out. 2006 Thérèse St-Onge, CFEE (D) Formerly of the National Capital Commission Born in Edmundston, New Brunswick, Canada, Thérèse St-Onge, CFEE has had an envious career in Canada’s capital city. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in physical education from the University of Moncton, New Brunswick, Thérèse`s first work experience in Ottawa was as a page for the Senate of Canada from 1974 to 1976, while she was pursuing further education in leisure studies and in a masters program in physical education. Thérèse started her career in the public events and services field for the National Capital Commission in 1977. She is presently Senior Program Manager of Events and Celebrations at the commission. Her career has been mapped by her networking abilities and her vigour. She has occupied several assignments of increasing responsibility at the National Capital Commission, becoming the Senior Project Manager for Canada Day celebrations from 1984 to 1987 and then, from 1987 to 1989, for Winterlude, a major winter festival in the national capital that has an annual regional economic impact of over $70 million. From 1990 to 1992, Thérèse was dedicated to two special projects. The first was an assignment at the Privy Council of Canada as a Senior Analyst for the Public Liaison and Constitutional Affairs program in reference to the Canadian constitutional referendum of 1992, an important element in Canada’s history. The second was the responsibility to co-ordinate the rejuvenation of an Alpine ski center situated on National Capital Commission lands. Both of these roles required extensive liaison 66

with partners from federal government agencies as well as the private sector. Since 1993, Thérèse has been responsible for the Events and Celebrations Program at the National Capital Commission, including Canada Day and Winterlude as well as acting as the liaison with numerous festivals in the region organized by private sector and community organizations. Her dedication to her work and her superior interpersonal skills have not gone unnoticed, and Thérése has often been the subject of important local and national media coverage. The highlight of her career came in June of 1999 when both the Ottawa Citizen, the most important English language newspaper in the area, and the National Post did a feature article on her work in preparation of Canada Day, outlining that around Parliament Hill Thérèse is known as “Queen of the Hill”. It has been said that regardless of the difficulty at hand, Thérèse never becomes discouraged and maintains constant concern for the public good and for costs. With determination, open-mindedness, and a healthy dose of expertise, she strives to seek out options and find solutions. Beyond her work in the capital, Thérèse has become known for many noteworthy accomplishments in other areas including: working at the Summer Olympics held in Montreal, Canada; serving on the Board of Directors of the World Loppett cross-country skiing organization; successfully organizing an event commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the United Way campaign in the City of Gatineau; and serving as a member of the Advisory Board of the Festivals and Events Management program at the Algonquin Community College since 1998. In March 2002, she was the recipient of the Chairman’s award at the National Capital Commission for the high quality of her efforts and achievements as manager of Winterlude. In October of that same year, she also received the Commemorative Medal for the Queen’s Jubilee recognizing her outstanding career in the programming of the national events. Following up on that, Thérèse was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO) organization in recognition of her achievements in the festivals and events industry in the province of Ontario. She was also selected as one of the personalities of the year by the local French language newspaper Le Droit and the French language television Radio Canada. Thérèse has been an active IFEA member since 1984. In 1988, she played

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a prominent role in the organization of the IFEA conference held in Ottawa. She was on the IFEA Board of Directors for many years, has been involved in a number of IFEA committees with the Foundation, and earned the designation of CFEE in 1993. She was a judge for the parades of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival in 1993, the Kentucky Derby Festival in 2002 and the Macon, Georgia’s International Cherry Blossom Festival in 2004. Most importantly, in 2003, Thérèse was Chairwoman of the IFEA Board of Directors. She was the IFEA’s first and still remains the sole non-U.S. chairperson in its fifty years of history. 2007 Ron Simpson Ron Simpson has built a career helping to entertain thousands of people in any way, at any time! Ron founded RCS Productions in 1982 and to this day serves as its President. RCS Productions evolved out of Ron’s hobby as a Disc Jockey. At the time, Ron owned and operated Atlanta Rubber Company. By day he was marketing industrial rubber products such as conveyor belting and specialty gaskets in the Atlanta metro area and on weekends, spinning records for weddings, corporate and special events. In the early 80’s, Ron assisted with concert events at Stone Mountain Park. When the opportunity arose to give Ron a leadership role providing concert entertainment there, Stone Mountain Park became RCS Productions’ first major client. Ron was also instrumental in shaping the entertainment portion of many events at Stone Mountain Park including Taste of the South, Spring Fest, Stone Mountain’s Memorial Day, July 4th Celebration and the Yellow Daisy Festival among others. In the early days, RCS booked regional and national talent, but eventually made the foray into providing production services, making the entertainment and technical portion of an event seamless for their clients. This vision and growth helped transform RCS Productions into one of the largest festival and special event entertainment companies in the South, today. In the late 1990’s when communities around Atlanta were in the midst of downtown redevelopment, a number of them were interested in performing art spaces. Ron consulted with these communities on their vision and goals for these spaces, and made sure that they incorporated best

• Decades of event security experience • Proven event production partners • Event security management nationwide • Full event security resource provider • Security staff & event staff • Weapons screening technology • Camera trailers • Trafﬁc & crowd control resources

practices and industry standards in the development of these facilities. Today, Town Center Park in Suwanee Georgia, the Duluth Festival Center complex and the Villages Amphitheater in Ron’s hometown of Fayetteville, Georgia, all stand as testament to Ron’s guidance and are enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people each year. Today RCS Productions produces over 125 concerts a year, working with national talent in all genres producing for festivals, radio shows and special events throughout the country. From the Olympic Games in 1996 to the Kingsland Catfish Festival, Habersham Bank Homecoming to include KICKS Radio Country Fair and the Marietta Square Summer Concert Series, Ron continues to bring the very best in professionally produced shows to interesting venues, small towns, large arenas, parks and intimate spaces. Ron’s dedication and big heart to the Special Events shows through with his support on the event side with his professional participation in The Alzheimer’s Association’s Memory Walk, United Cerebral Palsy’s Fund Raiser event and the annual March of Dimes Achievement in Radio awards show among others. His biggest gift to the festivals and events industry however, is his ability to work with new clients…helping them dream big, despite often limited budgets. He assists in mapping out a path for them to grow their event with entertainment and programming. “The result is very rewarding” says Ron. “When you have worked with a community or event that has little or no access to national entertainment, and are able to deliver a national recording artist to the event. The amount of community pride, the community response, and the economic impact of those events are priceless.” Stone Mountain Park was Ron’s introduction into the festival market, and IFEA was introduced to him shortly after. RCS was involved in the early planning of the Georgia Festivals & Events Association (GFEA) and Ron served on the board in the 90’s and was recently invited back for another board term with GFEA. Always a supporter of the Festivals and Events Industry, Ron has attended the IFEA Convention & Expo since the late 1980’s, obtained his CFEE certification in 1999 and has been a giving supporter to the IFEA Foundation. Ron and RCS Productions were nominated for and won the GFEA Vendor of the Year three times. He continues to play a big part in their Southeastern Regional Conference, doing everything 68

from providing educational panels and programming for the conference, to sponsoring and hosting the Kaleidoscope awards banquet. Ron recently spoke to the newly formed Music Business class at the University of Georgia. Ron said “ teaching our young adults the in’s and out’s of the music business is a way of giving back and assuring for a positive future.” In addition to the IFEA, Ron is involved in the Country Music Association, International Entertainment Buyers Association and the International Association of Fairs & Expositions. In the revolving door of the event industry, Ron takes the time to council and consult with the new point of contact for each event, explains what had been done in the past and works with them on their vision and direction. With his easy going mannerism, country boy charm and disarming personality, Ron brings smiles to clients, staff and entertainers while on site producing events. In an industry known for its backstage drama and tense situations, Ron goes out of his way to make sure this tension is not part of his client’s experience. Many events that are still in existence today are due to Ron’s ability to dream the big dream, and get it done. 2007 Kay Wolf (D) Formerly of Borderfest/City of Hidalgo Kay Wolf began her career, like most Hall of Fame inductees, by getting involved where there was a need to make their little corner of the world just a little better… to celebrate culture, to bring together friends, family and neighbors and bond as a community through celebration. Kay began her community involvement career in the Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce in 1979. As a staff director and eventually Chamber CEO, she produced a very successful event, Shrimporee, in that small coastal town in Texas. Her event was recognized throughout the state as being one of the best. She, too, was recognized for her success at that event along with her other duties for the Chamber of Commerce. She understood the importance of her event not only for her hometown, but for tourism in the State of Texas and throughout the country. As a volunteer, Kay really shined as she basically single-handedly saved the TFEA

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organization through various transformations. “I served on the TFEA Board with Kay” quotes Steve Rosenauer, Executive Director of Fiesta Oyster Bake, “and I saw first hand how her dedication and willingness to support the festival industry became the driving force to maintain a need for a strong association.” Kay has contributed hundreds of hours of her time to see that TFEA was there to support all of its members in the State of Texas. She took that support to the next level with her involvement in IFEA through lecturing, educational seminars, being a member of the IFEA Foundation Board and getting involved in the CFEE certification program…a program designed to bring outstanding professional recognition to the festivals and events industry. She currently serves as the elected representative from the TFEA Past President’s Committee to the TFEA Board. Kay then joined the creative and management staff at Dixie Flag to enhance their reputation as a leader in the festivals and events industry. She saw this as an opportunity to bring her expertise to many events both regional and national. “I worked with her for several years; and she helped transform our festival with the inclusion of a Dixie Flag decorations and signage program” said Steve Rosenauer. “She was very professional and her overall knowledge of the festival and event industry helped the Fiesta Oyster Bake develop long range plans for the signage, decoration and sponsor programs for the event.” Even during her tenure with Dixie Flag, Kay continued her work with the TFEA and IFEA as a very supportive vendor and enthusiastic sponsor. Kay truly enjoys the festivals and events industry because it is a way to bring together diverse people to share in support of the community. Kay has been a proven leader for many years in the festivals and events industry, not because she wants to win awards and be recognized for personal achievements, but because it is a great opportunity for her to contribute to the organizations that support the celebration of communities. Chuck Blische, Executive Director, Fiesta San Antonio Commission state, “everyone knows Kay and how she reaches out and touches fellow event planners daily. You mention her name and people light up. I don’t think I have met any one at the TFEA or IFEA conferences that did not know her or had not heard of her.” He continued, “her reputation throughout the festivals and events industry is huge. And she deserves it. Kay approaches every challenge with vigor and zest. She just seems to enjoy whatever she is doing that very moment.

She certainly is not afraid of challenges. Actually I believe she seeks them out!” It’s not always what Kay says, it is the passion and energy with which she delivers the message. Kay wants to make a difference to our industry one person at a time… and she is succeeding! She knows how to listen to people and is never too busy to stop and answer that pressing question. And if she doesn’t have an answer, which is very infrequent, she knows where to get the answer and will always get back to you. She unselfishly gives back to others whenever an opportunity arises. Kay has touched the lives of so many. That was eloquently expressed at our 50th IFEA Conference in San Antonio, when all three of the Hall of Fame recipients mentioned Kay in their acceptance speeches. She has been an inspiration, a mentor, and a friend to all who know her. 2007 Herb Melleney (D) Herb Melleney has a very unique connection with the IFEA because for many years he was the IFEA! As one of the founding members of what was then called the “International Festivals Association” (IFA), Herb provided executive leadership for more than 26 years, then served as the association’s first full-time Executive Director from 1984 to 1988. On top of that, Herb has made a tremendous contribution to the event industry. In his 22-years as Executive Director of the St. Petersburg Festival of States, Herb led the organization to national fame through the Champions on Parade Field Show, featuring top out-of-state bands in field competition. In 1969, he initiated the Festival’s Illuminated Night Parade and in 1971 created the National Flag Pageant, a history of the United States depicted through music and presentation of the various American flag changes. For a number of years, the National Flag Pageant was taken on the road to other festivals around the country. Herb’s creativity resulted in several other festival events that have been widely replicated throughout the nation. The Clown Alley program, teaching youngsters the art of being a clown, was started in 1978, along with a marathon race. The Second Time Arounders Marching Band was begun in 1983 for people of all ages who previously played and/or marched in a high school band. It has now grown to over 500 members, and is known as the “Official Festival of States Marching Band.”

Herb’s approach to the annual coronation of the Festival of States Sungoddess was also unique and dramatic. In a pageant not typically associated with royalty coronations, Herb marched a full high school marching band through the coronation auditorium, creating a spectacularly dramatic event climax. Herb’s legacy in the festival business is probably most appropriately focused on his dedication to high school music education programs. Through the field, marching, jazz and stage band competitions he created, thousands of music students were able to enjoy recognition of their excellence and achievements. To this day, Herb is remembered by now grown-up band students who will never forget their participation in the Festival of States competitions. “I have known Herb Melleney since 1969,” said Ray Gove, retired band director of the Long Prairie Marching Ambassadors from Long Prairie, Minnesota. “The Long Prairie High School Band, which I directed at that time, was invited to the 1970 Festival of States in St. Petersburg, Florida and Herb Melleney was the Executive Director. That festival and the opportunity to meet Herb was the greatest boost to my career as a band director that I can ever recall. Not only did we participate in the 1970 festival, but we returned to the Festival of States five more times in my 36 years as the Long Prairie High School band director. Why? Because of Herb Melleney. Herb was a dedicated festival director, but he was really special to the bands and the kids that participated in his festival. He was not your usual festival director, where once a band was invited you were on your own. Herb was in contact with us before, during and after the festival. He is the only executive director that I know who personally traveled to the towns after the festival to present the winning band their awards. He came to our town in central Minnesota at least four times to share our excitement with the school and community who we represented at the Festival of States. To Herb, the bands and the kids were the “stars of the show” in St. Petersburg. I learned more from Herb and the band directors that Herb put me in contact with, than any other source. Herb Melleney was a band director’s friend, a band director’s mentor, and one heck of a festival director at the same time. I could give you a list of band directors as long as my arm that would agree with me.” During his career as a festival director, Herb was often called upon to lead seminars and workshops on various areas of festival management during the 70th Anniversary

IFA conference. He was also kept busy with requests for his expertise from other developing festivals and events. Herb was very generous with his time and talents, and welcomed calls from IFA members requesting advice and direction. He was instrumental in assisting many small festivals in their start-up and growth periods. In 1984, following the sudden death of volunteer IFA Executive Director, Ken Walstad, Herb was asked by the IFA board to take over the reins of the Association. He agreed, and for a minimal salary of $15,000 a year and a budget for two parttime staffers, he moved the headquarters for IFA to St. Petersburg, Florida. While modestly admitting that he “furnished the office out of his own pocket”, he made a great personal contribution of his time and talents to take IFA to the next level of growth. He was extremely successful in increasing membership to over 300 members, and dedicated a great deal of time and effort to supporting the growth of small festivals throughout the nation. In addition to his IFA leadership, Herb served on the boards of several Florida festivals associations during his career, sharing his knowledge and expertise in the area of festival management. As a footnote to Herb’s induction to this year’s IFEA Hall of Fame, 2008 marks the first time that the 550 member Awesome, Original Greater St. Petersburg Second Time Arounders Marching Band will appear in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. If you ask Herb to reflect back on his festival and event career, it is the organization of musicians, young and old, into “One More Time” marching bands, that live in his fondest memories! Having been adopted by over a dozen top festivals worldwide, Herb’s all volunteer marching band concept has created a lasting legacy for thousands of performers and hundreds of thousands of festival-goers for years to come! 2008 Muriel A. Anderson Formerly of the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Born, raised and educated in Hawai’i, Muriel Anderson has been a part of Hawai’i’s visitor industry, the main economic engine for the state, since 1965. Her career began with the Makai Corporation, the consortium that included Sea Life Park, Hotel Hana Ranch (Maui), the Lahaina-Kã’anapali and Pacific Railroad, and Royal Hawaiian Air Service,

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all of which provided her with her first taste in event planning. She then served as Executive Secretary at Sheraton Hotels in the Pacific. From 1976 to 1984, she worked as Promotions Manager for Hawaiian Airlines, immersing herself in event sponsorship, operations, and marketing. To promote the airlines and the visitor industry, she organized hula groups and integrated authentic Hawaiian culture into trade shows and events. When the NFL brought its annual Pro-Bowl to Hawai’i in 1980, Hawaiian Airlines became a major sponsor of the event, and Muriel co-produced the half-time show, reaching millions through its January TV broadcast with Hawaiian dancers and singers, sunshine and aloha. One of her important contributions was managing the airlines’ brand-new sponsorship of the Miss Hawai’i Scholarship Program. Since the program had and still has no paid staff, Muriel became not only its lead-sponsor representative but also part of its de facto working committee. She headed the Hawai’i Tourism Office of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism from 1984 until its transition in 1998 to the Hawai’i Tourism Authority (HTA), the lead agency and advocate for tourism in Hawai’i. She currently serves as its Vice President of Tourism Product Development and is responsible for the HTA strategic initiatives and programs in Access, Hawaiian Culture, Natural Resources, Research and Planning, Tourism Product Development Safety & Security and Workforce Development. She serves on the board of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and is also a member of its Sustainability, Communications and Government committees. She is chair of PATA Hawai’i Chapter and is on the advisory committee of the Hospitality and Tourism Program at Kapi„olani Community College. She also represents the HTA as a member of IFEA and was recently appointed to the IFEA Global Roundtable Council. At the HTA, and as part of its Tourism Product Development initiative, Muriel honed her passion for the exciting and wonderful attributes of Hawai’i that were reflected in the state’s many festivals and events. She was responsible for developing a Festivals Strategy in 2000. She worked with IFEA to raise the quality of festivals and has helped them launch pilot projects. To ensure events are sustainable, she has gained approval from HTA to provide substantial funding for festivals and events. Under her leadership, the HTA identified brand values for its festivals and events both statewide and for each major island. 70

She subsequently launched HTA’s first post-arrival campaign for festivals and events which won five gold, one silver and two bronze awards at the 2007 IFEA Pinnacle Awards, the first time Hawai’i has entered the competition. In 2005, the HTA approved the Hawai‘i Tourism Strategic Plan: 2005-2015. Written primarily by Robbie Kane, an HTA staff member under Muriel’s management, it includes a historic strategic initiative for festivals and events heavily based on the festivals strategy Muriel developed in the year 2000. Muriel pointed to the importance of visitor satisfaction in a destination with a high repeat visitor factor, and urged HTA to approve festivals and events unique to Hawai’i’s multicultural heritage as an “Experiential Attraction” to enhance the Hawai’i visitor’s experience. She then helped to acquire funding for this initiative. Today, HTA is able to support over 75 festivals and events throughout the State with over $3.5 million. Annually, HTA targets 8 to 10 major festivals and events which attract significant attendance numbers, draw visitors to Hawai’i specifically to attend the festival, and conduct major marketing programs in and out of the State of Hawai’i. Muriel established a Native Hawaiian Festivals Program which currently supports four signature events for the Hawaiian community and which reflect its host history and culture. Also under her leadership, the HTA developed a strong partnership with Hawai’i’s four major counties in support of a community-based effort that supports festivals, events, activities and programs in the niche areas of agriculture, culture, health and wellness, education, nature, and technology. These achievements not only help sustain Hawai’i’s festivals and events industry but also set a precedent, as Hawai’i is an industry leader which other destinations follow. Muriel has also made a difference in the industry by launching an aggressive professional development program that is intended to help events remain community-based so visitors can interact with residents in an authentic experience while at the same time raising the quality of the experience. To execute, Muriel formed a strategic partnership with IFEA through its first regional-based CFEE program which is being conducted in Hawai’i with HTA sponsorship; through an annual HTA Festivals and Events seminar now in its fourth year; and through a training workshop showing event planners how to conduct satisfaction surveys and how to use results to improve the event quality.

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An enthusiastic supporter of the IFEA, Muriel has worked collaboratively with its leadership to forge unique strategic partnerships. Together, they have developed three new products which have helped IFEA pilot new sources of revenue while assisting the HTA achieve its objective of enhancing the post-arrival experience of visitors through high quality events. In 2005, Muriel convinced the HTA, assisted by OmniTrak Group, to launch its first cooperative program with IFEA – a Hawai’i-based Festivals and Events Seminar. Hawai’i is a small state, hence, HTA’s objective is to keep festivals community-based to help maintain authenticity. It was within these constraints that Muriel launched the annual seminar with two key objectives - to raise the level of professionalism among community festival and event planners and to facilitate outreach by HTA into all four major counties. The first year program was a resounding success with 420 attendees – 20% above goal. In 2007, an IFEA Festivals Consulting Task Force was commissioned by Muriel for the purpose of taking an in-depth look at how an established but tired HTA-funded festival – critical for attracting visitors during an otherwise low arrivals season – could be revitalized. The HTA felt that the Festival could benefit from an audit by objective, experienced professionals. In 2008, the Regional CFEE Planner Program was launched under Muriel’s direction to bring professional development and certification to smaller, more isolated communities that have cost barriers to traveling to the IFEA’s annual convention. It is the first CFEE program outside of the existing conference-based system. Another area where Muriel has made a difference both in Hawai’i and nationally is the Miss Hawai’i Scholarship Program. Muriel has served as its Associate Director for over 30 years, and is part of the team that has taken the pageant to new levels. She helped to build the live audience from a few hundred to thousands by moving the event to a public venue with almost five times the capacity. Muriel’s role is especially critical in preparing the Miss Hawai’i winner for the national contest. She is adviser, shopper, trainer, coordinator and counselor – mainly responsible for preparing the winner for the national, high pressure interview competition. Despite the fact that half of the States had never won the title, Muriel helped prepare two Miss Hawai’i representatives to win the Miss America title! Married for 41 years, Muriel and her husband Les have three children and

THE VALUE OF PARTNERSHIPS – Through the generosity of our partners below, we are able to strengthen our support of the festivals and events industry and continue to provide high quality, educational programs, products and services to our members. Help us thank them for their support, by first turning to those on this list for the opportunity to earn your business, whenever the need arises. ASSOCIATION ENDORSED PARTNERS

ASSOCIATION & CONVENTION SPONSORS

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS & EVENTS ASSOCIATION

ASSOCIATION SUPPORTERS | BENEFIT PROVIDERS

Interested in sponsoring? Contact Carrie Ring, CFEE, Director of Partnerships & Programs at (208) 433-0950 ext. 8120 or carrie@ifea.com

nine grandchildren. In fact, one of her daughters is following in her mother’s “tourism” footsteps and, after a stint at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, is presently the Academic Adviser for Students at the University of Hawai’i-School of Travel Industry Management. An idealistic Muriel Anderson took a position with state government years ago in the hopes of “changing the world.” She wanted to make a difference in her community and do what was “pono” or right for the residents of her state. While she stands firmly in her belief that festivals and events are crucial elements of Hawai’i’s tourism product and play a key role in the State’s overall tourism strategy, she also believes Hawai’i’s success in events and festivals will benefit the community as a whole. Muriel does not take that responsibility lightly and hopes that her actions and role at the HTA can assist in bringing economic and social well-being to the citizens of the state. 2008 Mike Berry Formerly of The Kentucky Derby Festival From his early days, Mike Berry has always been interested in “planning things.” Whether a high school homecoming dance, a youth organization retreat or a college fraternity rush party, events were often the reward for Mike’s involvement. A 1983 graduate of Georgetown College with a B.A. in American Studies, Mike moved to a larger stage to begin his professional career as an Administrative Assistant to Kentucky Governor Martha Layne Collins. This fresh-out-of–college neophyte gained an appreciation for promotion and advertising when he coordinated many of the special events for the Governor as she chaired the 1984 Democratic National Convention in San Francisco. So it came as no surprise to anyone that, when the opportunity presented itself, Mike hurried back to his hometown in 1986 and immersed himself in Louisville’s largest event and first love, the Kentucky Derby Festival. Since February 1997, Mike has overseen one of the largest community festivals in the United States as President and CEO of the Kentucky Derby Festival, Inc. Producing nearly 70 special events that annually attracts 1.5 million people and utilizes over 4,000 volunteers, Mike manages a full-time staff of 22 employees with an annual oper72

ating budget of $6 million. In addition, Mike also serves as the President and CEO of the Kentucky Derby Festival Foundation, a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit charity that receives and manages charitable contributions on behalf of the Festival. When Mike became President and CEO of the Derby Festival, the estimated economic impact of the Festival was $53 million (based on a $4 million budget). In 2001, a study released indicated that the economic impact had nearly doubled – to $93.6 million (on a $5.5 million budget). With current corporate sponsorship at an all-time high and a 2008 budget of $6 million, it’s safe to say that the economic impact generated by Derby Festival events is now well in excess of $100 million. Mike Berry’s capacity to make mission, and value consistent decisions, during his tenure as President and CEO, has been a guiding force in the tremendous growth and success of the Kentucky Derby Festival. Financial figures are certainly an important indicator of the Kentucky Derby Festival’s contribution to the tourism industry, but the community camaraderie and goodwill generated by its events is immeasurable. Without question, the Derby Festival has established itself as leader in its field, as well as being viewed as one of the community’s jewels. Mike’s longstanding desire to develop, promote and protect tourism within the Commonwealth of Kentucky over the past 20 years is both a product of being a native Kentuckian and a dedicated event professional. When the inaugural Derby Festival was first held in 1956, its main focus was to create some unique activities to entertain the local population during Derby Week. As the Festival continued to grow over the years, more emphasis was placed on attracting visitors from outside Kentucky, as well as from all over the United States. Mike Berry has helped the Kentucky Derby Festival take that mission to a new level over the past decade. Not only has the Derby Festival become a significant draw for out-of-town visitors, Mike has marshaled efforts to ensure that events are offered which appeal to the entire community with a specific emphasis on diversity. In spite of challenging economic times, the Kentucky Derby Festival has continued to produce a world-class event schedule, the majority of which are free to the public. The Derby Festival’s Opening Ceremonies – Thunder Over Louisville – has developed from a modest daytime pyrotechnic display into the largest annual fireworks show in North America and one of the top five air shows in the country.

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This success has not gone unrewarded. Civic awards for the 53 year old Kentucky Derby Festival have been plentiful under Mike’s leadership as the Festival has been recognized by the Better Business Bureau, the Kentuckiana Minority Business Council, the Greater Louisville/Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Kentucky Tourism Council and Business First Newspaper as a vital part of the economic fabric of the Louisville and Kentucky. The Festival is recognized internationally, too. In fact, for 4 consecutive years, (2002 – 2005) the Derby Festival was bestowed the Grand Pinnacle Award by the International Festivals and Events Association and have been runners-up the past two years. Mike’s personal involvement with the International Festivals & Events Association has not gone unnoticed either. Under the leadership and mentorship of 1992 Hall of Fame inductee Dan Mangeot when he first started at the Derby Festival, Mike learned that the best educational and networking resource available was IFEA and for more than two decades, Mike has been very actively involved. A mere three months into his job at the Kentucky Derby Festival, Mike attended his first IFEA convention, the 1986 gathering in London, England. From that point forward, he was “hooked.” By 1992, Mike was serving on the organization’s Board of Directors and when he completed his tenure as the 2004 Chair, he had served a total of 12 years. Currently, Mike is a proud member of the IFEA Foundation Board – the educational and charitable arm of this premiere special events organization. During his leadership, Mike has taken pride in the watching the organization grow and prosper. While the Festival’s standing in the community has never been stronger, Mike has been equally gratified by the satisfaction reflected by its staff and board members. Over the past several years, Mike has taken steps to create a professional career path for those who wish to make the Derby Festival their life’s calling. These efforts help make the Derby Festival workplace feel much less like a corporate environment than other organizations of similar size. Mike is also continually looking for ways to improve the Derby Festival, and is fully supportive of any staff member wanting to attend the annual IFEA convention. Several Derby Festival employees have taken advantage of the convention to gain their CFEE certification. Likewise, KDF board members regularly attend the IFEA convention, increasing their awareness of the industry and

gathering information on how to enhance individual events and committees. Mike is also involved in numerous other organizations and projects locally and nationally. He currently serves on the boards of the Louisville Theatrical Association and Music Theatre of Louisville as well as the Greater Louisville Sports Commission and the Greater Louisville/ Metro Chamber of Commerce Community Branding Committee. Actively involved in several Masonic-related fraternal organizations, Mike is serving a 9 year term on the Board of Trustees of Eastern Star, an international organization with over 1 million members. He is also an active member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church having served on the Vestry for 3 years. Mike and his partner of 20 years, Bill Petter, have two sons – Chris and Josh. The most rewarding events he plans now are those that involve their 3 grandchildren – Samantha, Hayden and Raygan. All of the aforementioned elements are what make Mike Berry’s management style at the Kentucky Derby Festival so successful. It’s safe to say that there would be a significant void within Greater Louisville – and the IFEA as a whole – without his commitment to engaging the staff, board and volunteers for the betterment of the entire community. A number of years ago, Mike had a former Derby Festival Board Chair once tell him that he possessed too much passion for the organization. Mike respectfully challenges that statement as being utterly impossible! Passion for his job is what keeps him dreaming when he’s too tired to sleep; selling when there is no inventory left; and laughing when it seems that the joke is on him. In 1998, his classmates in Leadership Louisville described Mike as knowing how to throw a party; the best publicist and seriously funny. Yes, Mike is very competitive, but like the race horses that compete in the namesake event, Mike knows that winning is a team effort. More than one mammal, one jockey, one trainer or one owner - it truly takes a village to do what we do in the special events industry. Mike’s inspiration for achieving even greater goals is summed up in a core belief that there are few other vibrant examples of a community’s cultural fabric than the events that bring people together in celebration. He states, “It’s important that we in the festivals and events industry embrace this opportunity to unite people through our work. Our role now is more vital than it’s ever been. With all the uncertainty and division in the world today, people are hungry for something they can

count on for pure entertainment; in a sense, to help them forget their labels as well as their worries. How fortunate we are to be a part of this special industry. What we do, arguably, has a greater impact on the life of the average person than the affairs of state. That is why we should always be proud to tell people that we are in the business of fun!” 2008 Dr. Joe Goldblatt, CSEP Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, Scotland Dr. Joe Goldblatt, CSEP has often been asked by students and journalists to describe the most difficult part of producing a professional event or festival. The answer is, of course, complex. However, he believes the answer results from first asking why are events important to human society. Since the age of six, Joe has been bringing people together for mutual benefit. As a small boy he organized back yard festivals to engage his friends in a positive activity. While other children were selling lemonade, Joe was selling tickets! He soon learned however, that lemonade had only one revenue stream and a festival had many different sources of income generation. Soon, everyone in the neighbourhood wanted to be part of Joe’s festival and share in the wealth. Later, at the age of eight, Joe’s father had a baby elephant delivered to their home on Christmas morning. Although the elephant soon returned to the circus, Joe will never forget seeing that pachyderm in his front yard and thinking, one day, he may deliver elephants too! Dr. Joe Goldblatt, CSEP, has since been a part of the events industry for the past 30 years. After attending the University of Texas and later graduating from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas, Joe found himself in Washington, D.C. where he met his wife, Nancy, a professional clown! Wearing clown makeup when they first met, Joe fell madly in love! Today, Joe and Nancy have 2 sons and in 2008, celebrate their thirtieth wedding anniversary! Together, with his wife Nancy, Joe owned and served as the executive producer of his own special events firm, The Wonder Company, producing 2 U.S. presidential inaugurations, the opening of Donald Trump’s Taj Mahal Resort, and galas for multiple foreign governments. But Joe’s primary legacy may be his leadership role in the development of the formalized education side of our industry and the 70th Anniversary

education of younger generations entering the events and event management field. Today, Joe is a Lecturer at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, Scotland where in January of 2008, he received a lifetime appointment. His assignment includes the development of the first Global Centre for Eventology. Prior to this, Joe founded the Event Management Certificate Program at George Washington University (the first in our industry), served as Dean of the Johnson & Wales event management program in Rhode Island, as well as creating the Event Leadership Executive Certificate Program at Temple University, where Joe served as Senior Lecturer and Executive Director of Professional Programs at Temple University’s School of Tourism and Hospitality Management in Philadelphia, PA. In 1987, Joe founded the International Special Events Society, where ten years later, he received the first Lifetime Achievement Award from ISES for service to the industry. And in 2000, Joe received the Industry Visionary Award, based on the votes of 25,000 readers of Event Solutions Magazine. In January of 2008, Joe received the Professional Convention Management Association award as International Event Educator of the Year and will also receive a Distinguished Alumnus Award from his undergraduate Alma Mater, St. Edwards University in Austin, TX. When it comes to the Festivals and Special Events industry, Joe has quite literally, written the book. Writing many of the leading books and articles on event management, including Special Events: The Art and Science of Celebration; Special Events: Event Leadership for a New World; and Best Practices in Modern Event Management, among others, Joe also served as the executive editor for the entire John Willey & Sons event management series of books. His tireless pursuit of educational certification for professionals in this business has raised our level of professionalism around the world. Through the creation of the Event Management Program at George Washington University and the Event Leadership Program at Temple, he is helping to guide hundred of students each year in the skills and knowledge they will need to succeed in their careers. Joe has also supported and been an active member of the IFEA, presenting numerous seminars and keynote presentations at many international, national and regional conventions. In addition, Joe serves on the IFEA President’s Council and the newly developed IFEA Global

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

Roundtable Advisory Council. He has been instrumental in developing the unique educational partnership between the IFEA and many of the leading global educators and educational institutions serving our industry. Joe continues to provide leadership, mentoring and access to an immense global network as the IFEA develops and expands their global vision for excellence and inclusion. Joe’s 30 years of experience in the events industry have shown that his talents are recognized by individuals not only nationally, but internationally as he travels to many places, globally, each year including Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, Latin America and throughout North America to share his knowledge with others. Joe makes a difference by continuing to share what he knows and has experienced to help others grow and improve their own events. In a post 9/11 world, Joe launched the original concept for eSAFE, an on-line industry safety and security knowledge resource continuing to be developed by Temple University. Joe Goldblatt has had the ability to affect the lives of numerous individuals both in the events industries as well as other fields. Without him, there would be less confident event planners, less educated individuals in all industries, and less people motivated to find their own path and create events that marvel and amaze their respective communities. Joe works hard every day to make the people around him know they are special, that they can achieve anything they are willing to work hard for, and that he is proud of them. He is not only a role model; he is a cheerleader for our industry and for every single person he meets. Throughout Joe’s three decades in this industry, he has often asked “why” he chose this path. It is certainly, as the poet Robert Frost so eloquently stated, “The one less travelled.” The answer, however, comes from his long time friend and great role model, Steven Wood Schmader, CFEE. Steve has constantly reminded Joe that we are first and foremost in the people business. It is with and through people that the world is improved. Therefore, from Joe’s earliest memories of bringing people together for mutual benefit through his back yard festivals, to the present opportunity he has to conduct ground breaking research to leave a lasting legacy for our profession, the answer to “why events” has remained constant in his life. It is simply because events and events alone, have the greatest power to unite, improve and transform people and society. It is a great privilege to 74

continue to make his small contribution to this noble effort with all of the members of IFEA throughout the world. After interviewing hundreds of professionals in festivals and events over thirty years, Joe has produced 19 books that chronicle the growth of this profession. And these books are the living testament to validate Steve’s philosophy. Indeed, people are why we celebrate and how we celebrate is the lasting legacy we leave for future generations. It is also the evidence of our own humanity and commitment to creating a living legacy for future generations. 2009 Charlotte DeWitt International Events, Ltd. Charlotte DeWitt always wondered what it would be like to be an elephant. After nearly thirty years working with festivals, she finally got her chance when she produced the opening carnival-style parade of the Kuala Lumpur International Buskers‘ Festival in Malaysia, and in the process, tried out as a 10-foot-tall (3M) inflatable blue elephant. In the course of her career, she has dealt with a three-story-tall dinosaur float catching on fire during dress rehearsals in Singapore, an autistic man from a mental hospital taking off all his clothes during an outing to one of her first Waterfront Festivals in America, and being sued for loss of conjugal affection when an amorous couple tripped over a tent stake. Over the years, she has picked up a lot of useful skills. While consulting in Saudi Arabia, she learned how to get camel‘s milk fresh from the source. (The camel actually wears a little bra, and hirsute Arabs drive up, park their SUVs—gas is 60 cents a gallon—and hold a bowl under–the source. The hirsute Arabs, of course, are men, since women are not allowed to drive in the Kingdom.) In Nice, France, she marched in that city‘s carnival parade with the Balloon Platoon, two dozen fat, funny retired naval men from California who achieve girth via inner tubes under their sailor costumes. This was followed by a trip to Brazil, where she studied the “how” of Rio‘s Carnival. (The “why” was obvious—so obvious, in fact, that there was no chance whatsoever of re-inventing herself from an elephant to a Rio dancer.) Charlotte joined IFEA (then called IFA) when the leading technological wonder

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was a semi-self-correcting typewriter. Calculators were giant (some still used paper), and the concept of community celebration didn‘t mean posting to YouTube. It was an era without internet and websites, when overseas communication was done primarily by telex, and experiential learning (meaning trial and error) and networking were the only sources of information for a festival professional. No –tweets, no blogs, no LinkedIn. Letters were dictated and typewritten by secretaries (not personal assistants), who wept for joy when the word processor came along, followed shortly afterwards by the fax machine. Amazingly enough, people still used telephones as the fastest means of communication—big landline telephones, not streamlined, multi-function portable devices—and paper was king. In these primitive conditions, Charlotte DeWitt produced her first festival, the Newburyport Waterfront Festival (USA), in 1979, pioneering a new concept of waterfront marketing through the use of festivals and events. Little did she know that she was about to embark upon a 30year journey that would ultimately see her working in 29 countries on five continents. Today, some 150 festivals and events later, she reflects on how she got started and what keeps her going. In 1979, Charlotte was directing a feasibility study to convert an unused, historic building north of Boston into a cultural center, but the city was reluctant to release the building for such an untried concept. –It was January, she recalls, and I was freezing cold… and frustrated. The city fathers obviously couldn‘t imagine what this idea was all about, so, in my great brilliance, I decided to show them—without a building—by taking the whole concept outdoors during the summer, along the newly completed riverside boardwalk. I had never seen a festival in my life! They thought I was crazy—until they saw that the event doubled the population of the city. Nonetheless, it still took them eighteen years to get the point. Waterfront restoration was at its zenith in America, and after seeing her work, other cities caught the Waterfront Festival fever. By year five, Charlotte was producing a touring summer series of Waterfront Festivals® as a visitors‘ magnet to America‘s revitalized eastern seacoast, and later, marketing the world‘s only Floating Cinema®. –The whole operation was turn-key, she said. It never occurred to me that it wouldn‘t work, so of course I must have been crazy, especially knowing what I know now.”

In 1985, she went international. Europe had heard of this idea of merging cultural activities and waterfront marketing and wanted to do the same. Her first job was for the Thames Water Authority (UK), the largest single water authority in the world, which was about to privatize. –It was a pretty lonely business,” she says in hindsight. “I was the only person I knew doing this type of work. It wasn‘t like being a lawyer and being able to pick up the phone to ask a colleague how he handled his last case– and _intellectual property rights‘ hadn‘t even been invented.” But then she discovered IFA (now known as IFEA). “Wow! It was like a breath of fresh air—a real lifeline! I thought I had discovered life on the planet,” she says. “These people spoke my language!” It was a discovery that would profoundly change her life. Charlotte‘s first IFA conference was in 1985 in Knoxville, Tennessee (USA). She was initially drawn by the implied international aspect of the association‘s name, but what impressed her most was how friendly and generous everyone was. “People came together to openly share their best ideas. My passion for IFEA began then, during that very small conference, and it has never diminished. It is the individuals you meet, such as my dear friend the late Don Whiteley, and their incredible kindness that make all the difference.” In the fall of 1987, Charlotte joined the IFA Board as the representative of the association‘s commercial members, who could pay dues, but not vote because they were not festivals. Charlotte‘s company, however, represented a new hybrid: the for-profit festival company. One of her first acts as a new Board member was to initiate a by-law change creating one class of membership, where everyone had a vote and could participate equally in the association‘s activities. The proposed amendment was approved at the Ottawa convention in 1988. Ottawa was a turning point for IFA‘s commercial members in other ways. Charlotte also initiated the first formal trade show, today known as the IFEA EXPO, working closely with a dynamic young French-Canadian, Thérèse St-Onge. Ottawa was also the place where, in all earnestness, Charlotte asked the question others were afraid to address: Why was there an _I‘ in IFA? –We had one member in Mexico, a few in Canada, and the Royal Tournament in London. The London conference in 1986 had been such an eye-opener – what an amazing opportunity we all would have if we truly tried to put the “I” in IFA!”

Meanwhile, Waterfront Festivals, Ltd., continued to grow, adding to its waterfront consulting services a new sponsorship consultation service via DeWitt, Mangeot, Skinner—a collaborative team with the late Dan Mangeot (CEO of the Kentucky Derby Festival/USA) and Bruce Skinner (then-past CEO of the Fiesta Bowl in Phoenix/USA). Charlotte‘s son Christopher Hansen, who had literally grown up in the business, took over the management of the summer festivals. Charlotte was elected IFA Chair from 1991-92. She traveled to Europe frequently, where she soon learned that European festivals were different than American, both in content and in the way they were run and funded. From this, came the idea that Europe needed its own branch of IFA, and in 1992, she began circulating a position paper to see if there was interest—both on the part of the Board of IFA, and also, on the part of the Europeans she had met. (Remember, no Twitter, no email, only faxes and postage stamps!) The answer was an overwhelming YES! The 1992 IFA worldwide convention in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, marked the beginning of IFEA‘s globalization that today spans five continents. Sixty-five Europeans became charter members of IFA Europe, the association‘s first affiliate organization, with major start-up assistance through conference chairman Drs. Hans Horsting, who later became IFA Europe‘s Chairman of the Board for a number of years. Following the convention, Charlotte participated in writing the by-laws and articles of incorporation of the European association at the House of Lords in London, hosted by Honorary Chair, the late Lord Parry of Neyland. In 1993, IFA Europe hired her to organize a conference at EuroDisney, just outside of Paris. That same year, she also successfully bid to bring the IFA worldwide conference to Boston in 2001, (later postponed until 2004 due to September 11th). In 1994, the Stockholm Water Festival offered an office, and Charlotte moved to Sweden to produce IFA Europe‘s next conference, –Behind the Scenes of the Stockholm Water Festival. She began studying Swedish, slightly more useful than Latin, and mastered –Lilla Kanin (–Little Rabbit) through the expert coaching and laughter of a colleague‘s 8-year-old son. It took her two weeks to buy her first light bulb, since she didn‘t know the intricacies of Swedish light bulbs. During her tenure as President/CEO of IFA Europe, Charlotte produced two Euro70th Anniversary

pean conferences each year and grew the European membership from IFA‘s original five members in 1985 to 135 members in 21 countries by 1997. She wrote the first grant that gave IFA Europe funding by the European Union. The association‘s board had representation from 19 countries, but English was no one‘s first language except the British. The fax machine was slowly being augmented by this new thing called the internet, but not everyone in Europe had IT connections. She left IFEA Europe in 1997 to start International Events, Ltd., producing –Towards 2000: Behind the Scenes of the Millennium in Greenwich, England, as a global summit meeting of Millennium celebration planners in 1998, and then, heading on to the Millennium herself. IFEA again was a turning point. At the 1998 convention in Denver, she and Dr. Annie Sidro met a representative from the Singapore Tourism Board and were hired to create and produce the finale of its Millennium Chinese New Year‘s celebration, Chingay. –It was a career high‘ for both of us, Charlotte says, –to have the opportunity to put into action this idea of multi-cultural collaboration. We brought in performers from fourteen countries, many of them our friends from IFEA Europe. With international rebroadcasts, the event was seen by 33 million people over the next two years, and they were invited to return again to design and produce another finale in 2001. Event production, speaking engagements, consulting, and teaching activities have taken Charlotte to some twenty-nine countries on five continents, her global reach paralleling that of IFEA‘s… and the growth of the internet. Although she repatriated to Boston in 2004, her environment is still international. In addition to designing and producing festivals and events, she now edits the global perspectives section of IFEA‘s official magazine i.e.: the business of international events, and writes a regular feature story for each issue. After thirty years, what keeps her going? –I love people, she says with a smile, –and I have always believed if you can imagine something, you can make it happen. Her advice to those entering the profession? –Be curious, and never, ever, give up! IFEA puts all these resources at our fingertips. We simply have to reach out and connect. This is truly the honor of a lifetime.

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2010 Kirk Hendrix Formerly of the 500 Festival If you were to ask Kirk Hendrix about his introduction to the festival and events business, he might answer…”you had me at hello.” Seems once he tasted it, he never let go. Now, 33 years later, he has amassed a body of work worthy of high praise from his peers and resulting in his induction into the IFEA Hall of Fame. Hendrix is quick to credit others with his enthusiasm for the industry. “I was lucky to be introduced to events early-on and I just loved it. I didn’t want to do anything else. I always had a strong work ethic, so I just kept showing up. Sooner or later, people put me to work. I had great mentors. People cared enough to give me a chance…sometimes even before I thought I was ready.” His tenure includes running some of the largest events in some of America’s largest cities. He has served as CEO of three of the IFEA’s largest member organizations – collectively 18 years at the helm of the 500 Festival, Las Vegas Events, and The Parade Company. He has had major impact in the jobs he has held and in the communities he has served. And he has willingly shared his expertise in the development of others. For Hendrix, his work became as much of a lifestyle as it did a career. When not employed by it, he volunteered in it…such as serving as Co-Venue Press Chief for the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. He and friend and mentor, Bruce Skinner, were responsible for media operations which included Opening and Closing Ceremonies and Track & Field events. “You can learn a lot in this business,” Hendrix said. “I didn’t know the shot put from the javelin but soon learned you didn’t want to be on the receiving end of either.” To some degree, taking on the unknown is what drives him. It was common for Hendrix to tackle projects in which he was unfamiliar. Yet, he was able to lead them to great success, like running the National Finals Rodeo and World Cup of Equestrian Show Jumping in Las Vegas. “I’ve certainly worn a lot of different hats…literally,” Hendrix said. While serving as Vice President of Travel, Events and Tradeshows for Affinity Group in Ventura, California, he was responsible for more than 100 annual RV and motorcycle events across the U.S., Mexico and Canada. He knew little of either industry, yet built a strong team to meet the 76

challenges and complexities. “The beauty of his industry is that you can do some unique things, meet some great folks, and basically avoid having to get a real job,” Hendrix says jokingly. Hendrix’ contributions to the events industry came through intercollegiate athletics early-on. While a 19-year old student at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, Hendrix served as the school’s Sports Information Director. He became Sports Information Director at New Mexico State at 21; and at Iowa State at 23. And…never slowed down. He was Assistant Commissioner of the Midwestern Collegiate Conference; spent time as Associate Executive Director of the Freedom Bowl Football Game in Anaheim where he contributed to the development of The Disneyland Pigskin Classic. He served as Associate Executive Director of the Fiesta Bowl, helping produce, sell, and promote 50+ community events in Phoenix including its national-renown bowl game. And he was Assistant Commissioner of the Pac-10 Conference, responsible for television contracts and programming. One of his legacies is leading a dramatic turnaround of the near-bankrupt Parade Company, which produces America’s Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit. The community had lost hope of the future of its 65-year holiday tradition. It had decided to close its doors, yet with great regret as the parade was a civic unifier in an otherwise troubled city. Losing the parade signified yet another death blow to community spirit. But city fathers gave it one last shot. They hired Hendrix who turned massive financial losses into major financial gains; restoring the production quality of the parade and returning it to national television, ultimately on CBS. City leaders approached him once again to assume management of another Detroit institution – the International Freedom Festival, making Hendrix responsible for Detroit’s two largest public events. As President of Las Vegas Events, Hendrix performed in the highest pressure arena, that of the entertainment capitol of the world where he was responsible for luring national and international events to Las Vegas. He stimulated tourism and drove economic impact exceeding $250 million annually. He elevated both the quantity and quality of activity, producing or promoting 45 annual events – NASCAR, NHRA drag racing, college football and basketball championships, film and music festivals, and world championships of rodeo and equestrian show jumping. He received the Las Vegas Chamber of

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Commerce Tourism Award for his work. Hendrix recalls producing Las Vegas’ New Years Eve celebration – a massive fireworks show which ran from tip to toe down the Las Vegas strip. “It was the first time the casinos had come together to celebrate collectively,” he said. “There was a lot riding on it, so I reached out to people I could trust - the Zambelli’s - to produce the show. Sure…we set a small fire to one casino rooftop and sent ashes into the lake and fountain of another, but it was wildly successful. I recall standing on the 46th floor balcony of the Rio Hotel next to my friend, the late George Zambelli, Sr. It was 11:59 p.m. New Years Eve. I asked George, “Is this going to work? If not, we can jump together.” Hendrix’ work at the 500 Festival is to produce and promote events that celebrate the Indianapolis 500 – the world’s largest single day sporting event. Their 50 annual events and programs draw 500,000 people annually and include one of the nation’s premier parades and the nation’s largest half marathon. Last year, the 500 Festival won 17 IFEA Pinnacle Awards including the parade earning the Gold Pinnacle for “Best Event Within an Existing Festival.” The Mini Marathon has grown from 23,000 runners to nearly 40,000 during his tenure. He has developed new events and programs and grown the budget dramatically since his arrival in 2003. And when he isn’t running that Indianapolis organization, he is supporting others. He served on the NCAA Final Four Special Events Committee; is on the Civic Advisory Council for the 2012 Super Bowl; and he and his team produced the Indianapolis Colts Super Bowl Champion ticker tape parade. Hendrix has been a 20-year contributor to IFEA. Joining the organization in 1989, he has spoken at countless IFEA Conventions and regional seminars; hosted the IFEA Profits Seminar in Las Vegas and last year the 500 Festival hosted the IFEA Convention; shared his expertise in sponsorship, media, parades, and sports, and has moderated sessions and written for IFEA publications and industry books. In addition, he has chaired committees, notably the IFEA Sponsorship and Hall of Fame Committees; served on the IFEA Board of Directors for eight years, including serving as Treasurer, and served on the IFEA Foundation Board and the IFEA President’s Council. Hendrix says he has been touched by it all. “This business is part art, part science. It’s heavy on people management… that’s the bonus. I have met some of my

Stay Connected When You Can’t Connect in Person Through IFEA’s Virtual Affinity Groups!

eaturing participant discussion between some of the top professionals in our industry today, IFEA’s Virtual Affinity Groups provide an online platform on ZOOM* to keep the connections, brainstorming and networking going. Join us to participate-in these valuable discussion groups and network with your peers. Be sure to come with questions and professional experiences to these valuable open-topic dialogue sessions taking place bimonthly as we’ll be discussing current trends, issues, challenges and opportunities. IFEA SPONSORSHIP VIRTUAL AFFINITY GROUP Moderated by: Sally Croker President & CEO Innovative Sponsorships

IFEA ART EVENTS VIRTUAL AFFINITY GROUP Moderated by: Stephen King, CFEE Executive Director Des Moines Arts Festival

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IFEA’s Virtual Affinity Groups are available to current IFEA Members as one of the many valuable benefits for being a member of the IFEA. If you’re interested in networking and brainstorming with your peers in the virtual networking Affinity Groups, we encourage you to join the IFEA to participate, in addition to receiving many more great benefits.

closest friends doing this. The topper is that I met my wife, Amy, at an IFEA Convention. So you could say this industry has shaped me professionally, personally, and matrimonially.” Hendrix blushes at the thought of being inducted in the IFEA Hall of Fame. “Getting into this business was a blessing for me. It’s all I’ve ever known, all I ever wanted to do. To be honored for doing work you love is an interesting twist. It’s humbling to be grouped with people who are real trailblazers. It’s been a pleasure and honor to work alongside many of them.” 2011 Pete Van de Putte, CFEE DFEST®/Dixie Flag EventServices IFEA’s 2011 Hall of Fame inductee is a natural-born networker. Pete Van de Putte, CFEE, started in the festival business as a young child selling pennants with his father to shrimp boat captains for the “Blessing of the Fleet” festivals along the Texas coastline. His first official job, at the age of 8, was to help put up the décor for the Poteet Strawberry Festival, one of Dixie Decorators first customers when they opened. Even at this young age, Pete began interacting with festival and fair managers as he walked the grounds with his father. Relationships built quickly, especially when the Festival and Fair managers would provide Pete with tickets to the carnival! Those relationships have continued to grow for more than 50 years. Through Pete’s school years, he worked installing Christmas decorations, decorated rodeo arenas and festivals, and as he got older and could drive, he started making personal visits to the venues to see how best to decorate them. According to Pete, his greatest challenge was learning “how to make things different using all the same décor.” In a tradition many have tried to model after him, Pete would not only willingly teach others, but would also make it a point to learn from them, too. As a young apprentice, Pete would constantly watch his father as he created and designed flags and banners of every imaginable kind, until soon he began to define innovative and creative ideas of his own. Pete learned from his parents that if he had a dream, and was willing to work with dedication toward that dream, he could make it a reality. Pete’s dream growing up however, was to become a high school band director. He attended St. Mary’s University where he 78

majored in music education, while at the same time working nights at Dixie doing silk screening, hanging net banners and on the weekends decorating festivals in the San Antonio area. Pete’s career as a band director allowed him to develop and shape his creativity while - perhaps more importantly - helping to develop and shape many young people into great adults. Not a day goes by that he doesn’t hear from a former student whose life he has touched. At the age of 30 Pete’s passion for working with people led him, with encouragement from his father, to make the best career decision of his life: to come into Dixie Flag Manufacturing Company and run the business. His father said he could pay him what he was making as a band director, and if he wanted more, the answer was short and sweet…“build the business.” When Pete took over the company, he expanded the core business of selling all kinds of flags to all kinds of customers, and concentrated on aggressively building the custom manufacturing aspect of the business. This naturally led him to return to his festival and fair roots. More recently, by incorporating the next generation into the family business, he has expanded the event services focus of the company to include mascots and video production for festivals, and the introduction a new industry brand: DFEST® - Dixie Flag Event Services Team. Throughout the years, Pete has practically raised his family within the context of Dixie Flag, having had his sister, several daughters, one of his sons and one of his sons-in-laws representing the company. Pete’s decision to come into the company was also based upon his positive feelings towards the festival and fair acquaintances he had made and a desire to expand those relationships. Almost immediately he became involved as a charter member and the first vendor business member of the Texas Festival Association (now the Texas Festivals & Events Association - TFEA). In 1982, he was elected to the TFEA board where he would represent suppliers for many years, in addition to serving as Chairman of the Board in 1998. Dixie Flag, through dfest™ continues to be a Chapter Sponsor for TFEA. In 1988, Jo Ann Andera, Director of the Texas Folklife Festival in San Antonio, suggested that Pete join the IFEA. He took that advice and attended his first IFEA Convention in 1989 in Palm Springs, California. From Pete’s first involvement in both TFEA and IFEA, he began attending educational sessions at event management

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workshops and conventions, quickly developing an appreciation for the people in the festivals and events industry and the power of celebration. It became his passion to help support those who were creating celebration. Pete’s strong belief in education helped him “pay it forward” to others in the industry by sponsoring speakers such Pat Craig Corda, “K” Alferio, and Ira Rosen for TFEA’s first conferences. Pete is now honored to have an IFEA Foundation Legacy Scholarship in his name, providing others with the same opportunities he has had. It was at his first convention in Palm Springs, California in 1989 however, that Pete asked to sponsor the IFEA’s Hospitality Suite. He has continued to do so, along with Dixie Flag, for the past 23 years, building a highly valued and anticipated icon of IFEA conventions. No one understands the importance of networking more than Pete Van de Putte. The outstanding contribution that Pete has made to the IFEA has led to the development of the organization as one that is unique in the Festivals and Events industry, worldwide. The openness of IFEA industry professionals, all willing to unselfishly share their knowledge, experience and resources is one of the many unique traits that sets the IFEA apart from so many others. Without Pete and the dfest™ Hospitality Suite, this spirit could not have grown as quickly as it has. Pete has always understood that an organization or industry that communicates and shares openly with one another will prosper and he has done his part to foster that; locally, regionally, nationally and globally. In addition to his generous support sponsoring the DFEST® Hospitality Suite, Pete has been actively involved at every level of the IFEA: serving on the IFEA World Board for more than a decade, including as Chairman in 2008; on the IFEA Foundation Board; on the IFEA President’s Council; on the IFEA Global Roundtable Council; and as a leading and consistent sponsor of the IFEA for decades. It is fair to say that Pete Van de Putte has helped to guide the organization through challenge, change and opportunity, but always towards a bright future. However, anyone who thinks that hospitality and conversation are Pete’s only contributions are missing the big picture. He has had much to do with changing the way that we look at our events – both figuratively and literally! Pete, Dixie and DFEST® have all contributed tremendously to the way we (and others) experience our events. Their work sets the backdrop for our work as we create memories for so

many others. From concept to creation, Pete Van de Putte and company have expanded the concept of flags and banners to every component of an event, including entryways, area décor and delineation, attendee service identification, sponsor recognition, operational signage, grounds ambiance and more. They have taken the “art” of decorations to new levels…and sizes…with their construction of the largest free-flying American flag in the world for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to fly over the George Washington Bridge in New York City! But perhaps the most important qualities that make Pete Van de Putte a standout among his peers are the ones most readily recognized by those who know him best: His ready cadre of jokes to bring a smile to all those around him; his passion for life, family and friends; his willingness to stand up for what is right; and his loyalty even when times are tough. Through these qualities and many others he has not only raised the bar, but decorated it as well! It is hard to imagine the IFEA or our industry without the magic that is Pete Van de Putte. 2012 Johan Moerman Formerly of Rotterdam Festivals Johan Moerman, Managing Director of Rotterdam Festivals and 2010 Chairman of the IFEA World Board, has contributed to the growth of festivals and events on local, national, pan-European, and international levels for the past thirty years. He is a specialist in concepts that optimize the co-operation between cities and event producers, maximizing the results for both festival organizers and city authorities. Dutch by birth, Johan entered the creative industries in 1982 working for the Rotterdam Arts Council, where he developed a passion for festivals. With a parallel passion for the arts in general and a degree in business economics and administration, he quickly established himself as a valued asset to the arts industry in Rotterdam. In his role as Deputy Director of the Rotterdam Arts Council, he was responsible for all cultural festivals supported and organized by the Arts Council after 1987. In 1993 Johan developed the Rotterdam event support model. He founded Rotterdam Festivals, a company that became responsible for the events policy of the entire city. This non-profit organization was built around a philosophy that brought 80

together city interests; an in-depth analysis of potential audiences; and initiatives from festival organizers, cultural institutions, and artists. Key to this strategy was the belief that festivals and events can help cities to strengthen their brand and image; increase tourism; build community pride, and enhance the quality of life for those living there. The Rotterdam model became an outstanding success. Within six years, the number of festivals doubled, visitors tripled, and the amount of national media attention increased ten times, making the Rotterdam model an inspiring and much imitated example for other cities in The Netherlands and abroad. Rotterdam has been recognized on a national level as the best event city in The Netherlands; praised for its consistent and innovative festival policies; and recognized internationally as an IFEA World Festival and Event City. Under Johan’s direction and vision, Rotterdam Festivals today is both an incubator and an umbrella agency for the city’s 60 major festivals and events. Internationally, cities such as Shanghai, China; St. Petersburg, Russia; and Baltimore, Maryland, in the United States, among others, are now “twin” or “sister” cities of Rotterdam, and cultural exchanges span the globe. Rotterdam’s festivals range from a tropical Caribbean Mardi Gras-style summer carnival to a large world music and poetry festival; from one of the most respected international film festivals for independent filmmakers in the world to an annual festival for contemporary Turkish art. In 2000, Rotterdam Festivals was given responsibility for the collaborative marketing of the total cultural sector in Rotterdam. Embracing this new direction, Johan wisely began by placing the visitors’ experience and visitor research at the heart of the company’s decisions. Rotterdam Festivals introduced the Mosaic Segmentation Model in the cultural sector in The Netherlands and enriched it by using information about visitors’ behavior at festivals. More than any other city in The Netherlands, Rotterdam collects extensive data about background, behavior, wishes, and thresholds of potential audiences, and uses that data to design and build successful festivals. The city hosts over 60 festivals per year. These festivals are built around several themes that are important to the city, including ethnic diversity (the city is home to 168 different ethnic groups), as well as modern architecture, the port, and international arts. Today more than two-thirds of the population of Rotterdam

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participates in city festivals, with an average of three festival-visits per year. Johan Moerman is an enthusiastic promoter of networking and sharing information between festivals, both nationally and internationally; an enthusiasm gained from working in almost forty countries, as varied as Azerbaijan, Poland, and Korea. He first became a member of IFEA in 1992, serving on the host committee for the 1992 IFEA World Convention held in Rotterdam, and becoming a founding member of IFEA Europe, IFEA’s first international affiliate outside of North America. IFEA Europe marks their 20 year anniversary in 2012. Johan is also one of the founders of the Audiences Europe Network that brings together senior specialists in audience development in the cultural sector. Rotterdam Festivals hosted the Audiences Europe Network conference in May of this year. In an era often punctuated by flamboyant, iconic leadership styles, Johan Moerman stands apart as an individual cloaked in admirable modesty. “Seen from the moon,” says Johan, “we’re all equal. And in the end, success in most endeavors comes through a team and not from one person.” Johan Moerman sees cultural differences as one of the greatest sources for inspiration and professional development in the festivals and events industry. He has always believed in IFEA as the world’s premier professional event network and actively promoted IFEA’s global development during the ten years he served on the IFEA World Board. Johan was fittingly elected to serve as IFEA’s first-ever Chair from outside North America in the organization’s then 55-year history. With a true interest in both the commonalities and diversity of people, countries, and cultures, Johan helped to nurture a truly international community within IFEA and their global affiliates. Believing passionately in the importance that festivals and events play in bonding the world closer together, he continues to serve as a Co-Chair of the IFEA World Global Development Committee; a member of the IFEA Global Roundtable Council; and as one of our industry’s most respected voices.

2013 Karen Churchard, CFEE Formerly of Arizona Office of Tourism, Phoenix, AZ For many, playing in the pros is a dream. But Karen Churchard has been working with the big boys for years, with a career trajectory that has led to prominence in multimillion-dollar football circles and landed her a key role in Arizona’s tourism industry. Karen’s love of sports goes beyond regular participation—it goes as far back as her late father’s involvement in Little League. “I always kept score for baseball teams—Little League, High School and even college at Northern Arizona University.” While in high school, another vocation emerged. “I was always organizing events.” Later, at NAU, Karen learned more about special events and thought, ‘Wow, if I can get paid for doing that ...’ ” So, a sports-minded public relations major was born. While working for the mass communications department as a student, Karen proved Pasteur’s axiom that chance favors the prepared mind. “News of internships would come across my desk first and I learned that the Fiesta Bowl was looking for an intern.” Soon after, mentor Bruce Skinner hired her as the first intern to work for the Fiesta Bowl. In 1981, the Fiesta Bowl hadn’t yet become the mega-event of today, but it was on the cusp. Karen began her internship the fall before the bowl’s New Year’s Day debut. As the Fiesta Bowl took off, Karen’s job followed, dramatically expanding and changing its focus. Her role as events intern matured into director of special events, and finally vice president of operations, overseeing all 50+special events, two college bowl games, staff and volunteers. Karen was also instrumental in writing persuasive bids that earned Arizona and the Fiesta Bowl the opportunity to host major national events including the Bowl Championship Series and the 1993 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. After 21 years, Karen left the Fiesta Bowl to open her consulting business where she was quickly tapped by the Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau to write Arizona’s Bid for Super Bowl XLII (42); which was awarded and held in February 2008. Additional clients included Elite Racing producers of the annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon as well as the City of Glendale where she assisted staff in the planning and preparation for

hosting three major sporting events— the Bowl Championship Series National Championship, Super Bowl XLII and the annual Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. Karen’s preoccupation with the well-being of Arizona’s economic prosperity didn’t end with successful bids and consulting on major events. While continuing her consulting, she was hired in 2004 as President and CEO of the Arizona Tourism Alliance. In her position, she was entrusted with nothing less than shepherding the momentum of the state’s travel and tourism industry and advocating its importance. While there, Karen also created the Arizona Tourism Unity Dinner now in its ninth year and elevated the annual Arizona Governor’s Conference on Tourism in both attendance and sponsorship. In 2007, Karen was appointed by then Governor Janet Napolitano to establish the Arizona Centennial Commission serving as its Director and ultimately to plan and direct the state’s 100th anniversary of Statehood. In addition, she formed the non-profit Arizona Centennial 2012 Foundation organizing a high concentration of Signature Projects, Events and promotions that began in July 2011 and culminated with Arizona’s 100th Statehood Day on February 14, 2012. The Arizona Centennial planning came in the midst of extremely difficult financial times. With no state appropriated funding, the Foundation was required to raise all monies for the Signature Projects and Events. Through private corporations, foundations and individuals Karen and her board raised $10.5 million and secured an additional $5 million in Federal Transportation Funds for the Centennial Way Signature Project. Major highlights of the Arizona Centennial celebration included: • creating a “mascot” the Arizona Copper Chopper and its traveling exhibit which traveled for 18-months and were displayed at festivals and events throughout the state; • producing large scaled and free to the public Best Fest events held in Phoenix and in Prescott—the largest event ever held in their town; • creating the largest organized motorcycle ride in Arizona history with 4,000 participates stretched out more than 20 miles; • refurbishing the state’s historic capitol dome through a statewide children’s penny drive; • the creation of the national award winners Centennial Way and the Centennial License Plate. 70th Anniversary

Encouraging statewide involvement was another major initiative and through the “Official Centennial Event” application process, 250 events were sanctioned and held throughout Arizona. Karen continues to work in state government as the Assistant Deputy Director of the Arizona Office of Tourism overseeing Strategic Planning and Research for the state agency. In her role, she also consults with the agency’s director on sponsorships of major events in Arizona and is assisting the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee with the planning of Super Bowl XLIX (49) in 2015. Much of Karen’s expertise is credited to her years of being actively involved in IFEA. Under the leadership and mentorship of 2001 Hall of Fame inductee Bruce Skinner, her first experience with then “IFA” was in both planning and attending the 1983 convention held in Phoenix. From that point on, Karen served as a volunteer in many capacities for IFEA conventions and conferences including being a speaker and providing written articles on many different subject matters. Karen was one of the first to achieve status as a Certified Festival Executive (later CFEE) in 1986. She was also the driving force behind a second Phoenix IFEA convention in 1999. A long-time member of the IFEA Presidents Council, Karen was elected to the IFEA Board of Directors in 1993 and served in several capacities including Chairman of the Board in 2000. Karen also served eight years on the IFEA Foundation Board. In 1992, Karen formed an IFEA state chapter, the Arizona Festival & Events Association. The organization still exists today as the AZ Festival People. Karen says she’s blessed beyond words having had the opportunity to be so involved in the sporting, festival and tourism business. Her Arizona peers who collectively nominated her for this prestigious award said she is the ultimate event professional, has been a huge difference maker to the industry and they couldn’t even begin to describe the void that would exist if she had not dedicated her life’s work to the field. “It’s all so humbling,” Karen says. “I’m touched by my peers in Arizona for nominating me. And, I know I would not have accomplished much without the advice, networking and camaraderie I experienced for so many years by such an amazing group of individuals and the incredible organization that is IFEA.”

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2014 Karen Scherberger, CFEE Norfolk Festevents Influenced at a very young age by her parent’s volunteer leadership in the community with organizing civic league, church and school festivals and events, Karen was raised early on to understand and appreciate the importance of public service and the value of “celebration” in her family’s lives. Karen continued her passion to support important social causes with event planning throughout her college years – not realizing that she was building a foundation for her future career path while also becoming involved with a wonderfully creative circle of friends that still to this day are involved in her projects. By the time Karen finished undergraduate school in 1977, there was no such thing as an “event industry” nor degree programs in “event planning”. Karen decided to pursue a Masters degree in Higher Education with an emphasis in Student Personnel Services—with an eye on a University President’s position someday. Karen longed for the opportunity to create an environment that would make a difference in people’s lives and community, by bringing individuals with different talents and skills, backgrounds and interests together to learn and grow from one another and with each other- to be part of a greater good, to be part of a lifelong learning experience. At this same time, Karen also become involved in a new and life changing volunteer experience with Norfolk’s new grassroots waterfront festival “Harborfest”, planned to occur in one the most dilapidated sections of the city’s downtown. While working as an Admissions Counselor at Old Dominion University and volunteering for Harborfest, the City of Norfolk joined a very small and ambitious group of cities across the country that began major renovation projects to bring vitality back to their depressed downtowns, especially those located in waterfront settings. Key to Norfolk’s redevelopment strategy was the inclusion of renovated public spaces combined with innovative event planning and marketing initiatives. Because of the demonstrated success with attracting the public via Harborfest to the waterfront, even in its depressed state, the all volunteer group was invited to bid on the management of this new multi-million dollar project. When the City accepted their bid in 1982, Karen saw this as an opportunity to 82

follow what was quickly becoming clear as her heightened interest in event planning and marketing combined with its impact on public administration and municipal planning. Karen was hired as the organization’s first Executive Director and opened the doors for business in November 1982. Close to 39 years later Karen is still inspired and encouraged to continue along this path because she knows the work makes a difference on so many levels - for the residents and visitors, for the artistic and creative community, for the local economy and for the city government in the continued development as one of most enjoyable and livable communities in the country. Norfolk’s unwavering commitment to the quality of life for all who are involved and served by the city, and the city’s continued support of Festevents has had a profound impact on her decision to dedicate her life’s work to this cause. Karen has watched and experienced firsthand the dynamic effect events can make on changing an image and culture of a once vibrant downtown but later considered unsafe and unappealing to visit. Soon after thousands began to throng to the newly renovated waterfront and a host of fresh new events in 1983, commercial office buildings, attractions, restaurants and shops, and new residential living began to develop downtown. Today, downtown Norfolk is a world class example of urban development and visitors to the events rate their impressions of Norfolk as “excellent”, with top scores for safety, accessibility and friendliness. And the event planning strategy continues today to play a major role in the city’s continued success and development. A proud military and maritime heritage town, some of the most rewarding experiences include hosting the world’s largest naval and tall ships as part of OpSail 2000 and 2012, commissioning the nation’s first Arleigh Burke naval destroyer off the waterfront park in the city’s first civilian based commissioning, hosting the first national tour of the Vietnam moving wall memorial, countless ceremonies that naturalized new citizens and celebrated the reenlistment of hundreds men and women into the armed forces. Thousands of city celebrations, ground breakings, concerts, festivals, fireworks shows and more have created millions of moments in time that have changed the lifestyle and culture of the community. Some of Karen’s professional highlights include Festevents recognition by IFEA with multiple IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards over the years, including

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the Grand Pinnacle Award for OpSail in 2012 and as one of the first IFEA World Festival and Event City Award recipients in 2010. Her work directing Sail Virginia 2007 earned Norfolk the prestigious title by the American Sail Training Association as Port of the Year in 2007. “Motivated by decades of respected city leaders, guided by a thoughtful Board of Directors, supported by generous donors, sponsors and partners, moved by artists of every imaginable genre, and inspired by dedicated and loyal staff, volunteers, associates, family and friends, I am truly blessed and honored to have been given this wonderful opportunity in life,” says Karen. “To be associated with Norfolk Festevents, the City of Norfolk and the IFEA for these many years has truly been an extraordinary and once in a life time gift!” 2015 Bruce L Erley, CFEE Creative Strategies Group If you were to run into Bruce Erley in the early 1970’s at Glastonbury High School in Connecticut, you would not be surprised by the direction of his career. At the age of 16, as decoration chairman for his Junior Prom, Bruce lamented in a journal entry, “The biggest problem for me is not thinking of ideas or being able to make the decorations, but really is being able to keep the expenses down. If the class wants a half rate decorations job for the Prom I can give it to them. But nobody told me to do a half rate job so I’m going to go all-out on the decorations. I realize that may be a big problem, but that’s the way I work!” And indeed 45 years later, that continues to be the way he works… After this freshman year in college, Bruce took a year away from his formal studies to travel with an international cast of Up with People, an experience he still today considers transformative in his life. “Not only did I learn about the role of entertainment in communicating messages and ideas, but I developed an attitude for community service and engagement as well as the importance of personal initiative to effect change in the world around you,” Bruce reflected. During that student year with Up with People, Bruce also was assigned to advance the tour, going into cities several weeks ahead of the cast to generate media interest, secure sponsors and sell tickets. It became clear to him that THIS was what he wanted to do as a career.

Bruce returned to school with a renewed excitement and vigor to complete a degree in Journalism with a minor in Public Relations from Colorado State University. During his time at CSU, he created the first “Marching Kazoo Band,” helped found the student chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and served as president to the student chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, receiving the honor of being selected as the Outstanding Graduate in Journalism in 1976. Upon graduation, Bruce returned to Up with People’s staff as an advance promotions representative working on the road about three to four weeks ahead of a cast heading up teams of staff and students who handled every operational and marketing detail of the cast’s visit. During his time on the road with Up with People, Bruce got a taste for working with major festivals including the Indianapolis 500 Festival, the nation’s bicentennial celebration performing with the Boston Pops, and dozens of special events in smaller markets. In 1978, Bruce took an office position as the Promotions Manager. Over the next 17 years he moved through the ranks in such positions as Director of Promotion, Director of Marketing Services, Sponsorship Sales Director, Vice President of Corporate Communications and eventually Vice President of Marketing & Sales. Among his favorite experiences was helping to coordinate Up with People’s PR for two Super Bowl halftime shows, instigating and supervising the organization’s complete logo redesign and brand transformation and managing a staff of more than 50, including for several years, Steve Schmader. Bruce continues to actively consult with Up with People booking special cast tours to Bermuda as well as selling and producing cast performances for opening of the Pasadena Rose Parade in 2008 and 2011. After leaving Up with People, at the age of 40, Bruce branched out on his own. He founded Creative Strategies Group (CSG) exactly 20 years ago this month in September of 1995. From its humble beginnings in the study of his home, CSG quickly grew into the Rocky Mountain Region’s leading event marketing and sponsorship agency. CSG quickly developed a reputation first locally and then nationally for their unique understanding of the sponsorship opportunities associated with festivals and special events. Bruce has been often asked why CSG didn’t go into more lucrative properties such as sports teams, to which

Bruce explains that he has a heart for the impact festivals and events. “Festivals knit together the people of a community in a demonstration of shared interests and local pride like nothing else,” Bruce mused. “I love seeing neighbors, friends and visitors come together in a spirit of celebration.” And what Bruce really excelled at was identifying and selling the marketing and communications value businesses receive when they sponsor festivals and special events. From wine tasting to football games, bike rides to parades, comic cons and the ballet, Bruce can sell sponsors to anything! Through his sales and marketing efforts, Bruce has generated millions of revenue dollars for events of all kinds and sizes, including the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, Denver Cow Parade and the 9NEWS Parade of Lights. He has consulted with more than 75 properties such as the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, the Philadelphia Flower Show, Kentucky State Fair and National Western Stock Show. Bruce continues to be a leading thought leader in the event marketing and sponsorship arena. His inspired ideas as well as effective selling and marketing techniques are far reaching and literally have had a world-wide impact. The Chinese Government, through a connection with IFEA, brought Bruce in to teach them how to sell event sponsorship. Event producers in Dubai, Austria, Canada, Singapore and South Korea have engaged Bruce on various consulting projects. Additionally, Bruce has always been willing to openly share his ideas to elevate the overall industry knowledge and relevance. He is a prolific and top-rated speaker and presenter, teaching at hundreds of regional, national and international conferences and webinars. His collective body of work has set the standard and defined how to sell sponsorship to festivals and events. Bruce earned his CFEE in 2010 and is also Accredited in Public Relations by the Public Relations Society of America. He is the author of the CFEE sponsorship curriculum and a regular contributor to publications issued from IFEA, ICAS, Public Broadcasting and IEG among others. Bruce is a dedicated advocate of IFEA and the profession and looks for every opportunity to be actively involved and engaged with the world’s festival and event’s industry. Volunteerism is important to Bruce and he has served on a multitude of community and professional boards, including the IFEA Foundation from 2000-2006 and the IFEA Board of Directors from 2004 to 2013. While he presided as IFEA Chairman in 70th Anniversary

2013 he played in integral role in bringing that year’s IFEA Annual Convention to Denver, CO. For the many who know Bruce, they can attest that the events industry would not be as much fun if Bruce were not in it. In every situation, Bruce’s quick wit and sense of humor light up a room. He can make people laugh during a dry, boring meeting. He can bring a lightness to the most awkward, stressful of situations and find humor in almost any moment. Bruce works with a smile and positive can-do attitude that is contagious to all who meet him. He is also a dedicated husband to Linda for 32 years and father of three sons, Christopher (and his wife Katie), a medical student at the University of Washington; Matthew, the regional manager of a mobile start-up based in Denver and Patrick, (and his wife Katherine) a Physician’s Assistant in Red Lodge, Montana. Simply put…Bruce Erley is an industry visionary. Bruce has shared his insight and natural passion to build an extraordinary career spanning more than 40 years that has changed the course of the event marketing and sponsorship for the festivals and events industry for the better. 2015 Nick Dodds Festivals & Events International, London, England Nick Dodds, a past-Chair of both IFEA Europe and the British Arts Festivals Association, has spent over 30 years supporting the festivals and events industry, initially as a concert promoter and in event production, then as a leader in cultural festivals such as Edinburgh and Brighton, the London Olympic Games, and now, as an advisor to festivals and events worldwide. Throughout his career he has sought to bring together a network of festival and event producers to share knowledge and inspiration from each other. Nick’s love of organising events dates back to his teenage years when he set up as a DJ playing music for parties and events in village halls around his home town of Berkhamsted in Hertfordshire, England. At college in the 1970s, he became the social secretary putting on bands for student’s events, he then went on to become a concert promoter in his own right in his early 20s, putting on early career bands like Chicago and Dire Straits. In the 1980s, Nick helped set up a stage lighting and production company

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called Meteorlites who provided lighting and production for the long-running British music TV show, Top of the Pops and many touring bands, particularly the heavy metal genre popular at the time. British bands such as Iron Maiden and AC/DC touring to the states and US acts such as Bon Jovi touring to Europe. Nick also spent time touring in Canada where he discovered Country music – something his UK friends have never forgiven him for! When the 80s gave way to the 90s, Rock’n’Roll gave way to the Arts and to his surprise, Nick was hired as General Manager of the prestigious Edinburgh Festival. During the 1990s, Nick was one of the early European pioneers of festivals as cultural tourism destinations, helping to build the capacity and worldwide reach of the Edinburgh Festival, the world’s greatest cultural event attracting over one million visitors every year. He was recruited by Impresario and Festival Director, Frank Dunlop as Administrative Director of Edinburgh International Festival, where he spent ten years latterly as Managing Director for Festival Director, Sir Brian McMaster. The Edinburgh International Festival was the heart of a group of 12 festivals that included the Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the Edinburgh Fringe, which have made it the place to be in August for the last 70 years. It was here that he conceived, designed and then built The Hub, Edinburgh’s Festival Centre, as the physical presence of its festivals in the capital of Scotland, significantly raising the profile of the Festival City, and providing a home worthy of the Edinburgh International Festival. The Hub was a major restoration of a historic assembly hall and church at the heart of the World Heritage site and yet which had lain derelict for 20 years. It was officially opened by Her Majesty the Queen in 1999, the first of two royal openings that Nick has stage managed during his career. In 2000 Nick left Scotland and became Chief Executive of the Brighton Festival, where he re-launched the event as England’s largest arts festival, boosted the independent fringe festival, and turned the organization into a significant year-round player by taking over and regenerating the Brighton Dome, a historic, 200 year-old venue. Brighton Festival is an annual multi-arts event taking place over three weeks every spring. Nick was able to take the festival to a completely new scale and build a national profile for the event, which next year celebrates 50 years. Brighton Dome is in fact three venues: a 1,800 seat concert hall, a 1,000 capacity exhibition space and a 200 seat studio 84

theatre. It has become the South Coast’s most successful arts, entertainment and conference centre presenting over 500 events a year. Again the restoration was officially re-opened by Her Majesty the Queen in 2002. Nick was seconded to the London 2012 Olympics to act as chief operating officer of the Cultural Olympiad and London 2012 Festival, the largest ever UK-wide cultural festival, to celebrate the Olympic and Paralympic Games. He helped deliver major events like New Yorker Elizabeth Streb’s ‘walk’ over London’s landmarks and Piccadilly Circus Circus that closed all of central London for a mammoth arts event. He delivered 13,500 performances and events in 1200 venues with 25,000 artists from 205 countries to an audience of 19.5 million. The London Olympics is widely recognized as successfully integrating sports and arts and as a result, cultural programs are now considered an essential part of any successful Olympic Games. Since founding Festivals and Events International, Ltd. in 2008, Nick has been helping festivals and events around the world as a consultant advisor and project manager. He has supported new festival producers in Vietnam, helped develop a new children’s festival in Iceland, advised on festivals in China, Singapore, Indonesia and Hungary. Recently Nick consulted with the Barnum Festival in Connecticut (USA) advising them on developing the event and most recently co-authored Thundering Hooves 2.0, a new 10-year strategy for the future success of the twelve core Edinburgh Festivals. Through FEI, Nick has also made significant contributions to theatres, concert halls and other entertainment venues and organisations across the UK. As well as restoring and reopening the Hub in Edinburgh and the Brighton Dome and Museum, he has advised on the development of the Cambridge Corn Exchange; Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House; Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh; Margate’s Dreamland Cinema; Northern Ballet Theatre; Perth Concert Hall and many others. Nick has supported the European industry as Chair of the British Arts Festivals Association, where he devised and commissioned the largest survey of UK arts festivals called Festivals Mean Business, (now with its fourth edition in planning), and as Chair of the International Festivals and Events Association – Europe, where he promoted the development of IFEA’s international network. Nick is a Board member of UK Theatre, the Association representing theatres across the UK. He has served on the UK Home Office Arts

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and Entertainment Task Force looking at visas for visiting artists and on the Boards of the European Festivals Association and the British Association of Concert Halls. In all these roles he has sought to bring together a network of festival and event producers to share knowledge and inspiration from each other. In 2008 Nick was recognised by his peers with the BAFA Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Arts Festivals, a national honour he shares with industry leaders that include Michael Eavis, founder of the Glastonbury Festival. 2016 William B. Flinn Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association Born in Pennsylvania to Salvation Army officer ministers, it was instilled in Bill Flinn from an early age that the focus on family, faith, community and commitment to others would be the building blocks of personal success. Bill has embraced these tenets with his long career in the festival and special events industry. Musically trained from a young age, Bill has played, conducted and toured with various bands and vocal ensembles throughout the world. This lifelong commitment to music, in some ways, was a precursor of things to come. In the late 1970’s, Bill ventured to Los Angeles to begin a career in public relations and he also worked with the film and television industry. His drive to support music and volunteerism led him to Pasadena where he directed The Salvation Army Band in the Rose Parade. Bill had become a participant in the very Rose Parade he had watched as a young boy on television on the East Coast. His community volunteer spirit led him to become a white-suited Tournament of Roses member in 1980. He would man his barricade position in the evening and march in the Parade in the morning. As fate would have it, Bill was offered the position as the public relations director for the Tournament of Roses in 1981 and the rest, as they say, is history. Bill embarked on a career that for almost 36 years has been dedicated to the festivals and special events industry by not only helping the Tournament of Roses volunteers and staff produce the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game but to the sharing of his knowledge, mentorship and friendship to the entire industry and by his

service as a leader with local, national and international organizations. Bill quickly advanced through the ranks of the Tournament of Roses staff and became its first Chief Operating Officer in 1996. He served in that role for 15 years, helping to manage the operations of the now 128th Rose Parade and the 103rd Rose Bowl Game. His professional career, by any measure, including his tenure with the Tournament of Roses has been a resounding success. From his early days as a public relations director under longtime administrator and IFEA Hall of Fame member Jack French, Bill has spearheaded and assisted with the efforts to launch a successful marketing and sponsorship program, the expansion of the parade’s domestic and international broadcasts, modernization of the Tournament’s infrastructure, the development of an enhanced community relations program and the development of staff team members that assist the Association’s nearly 1,000 volunteers with America’s New Year Celebration. Bill’s efforts for the Association have been wide reaching. To enhance the Parade and Game even more, Bill reached out to military friends and arranged for the B2 stealth bomber flyover, a tradition which has continued to this day. When Bill became aware that the rose was to be designated the official flower of the United States, he reached out to the White House to gently remind them of how much the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game had done for the flower’s fame. His proactive approach led to a White House invitation on the occasion of President Reagan signing the official proclamation making the Rose - America’s official flower. Recognizing the need for consistent branding, both for recognition and for potential revenue growth, Bill worked for the creation and implementation of the single rose design to be used as the Tournament’s logo. The rose logo now is the unique symbol of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses and recognized around the world. In recognition of his years of dedicated service, Bill was chosen by the Association’s leadership to become the Executive Director in 2011. His elevation caps a career spanning more than three decades but his work will continue through his retirement on April 30, 2017 and beyond. As Executive Director, Bill has continued to build upon the Association’s history and tradition while, at the same time, embracing the future with the continued enhancement of participant and television broadcaster

relationships and the expansion of new media with digital and social platforms to increase the brand’s recognition in emerging markets and audiences. Bill believes that giving back in service is a critical part and vital in any community. Bill has served on many event and festival organization boards and is currently on the World Board of Directors of the IFEA, the Football Bowl Association and other local and national boards. During this time, he has faithfully maintained his volunteer commitment as a music director at his Salvation Army church. He is a regular speaker on non-profit and special event management and is generous with his time in sharing with all who are interested in special events, community service and volunteerism. Bill has spoken at conferences around the world and is the first to speak up on all the special events and festival industry has to offer to enhance community spirit and economics. Bill’s success comes with the support of his family. He and his wife Catherine, a Registered Nurse at Pasadena’s Huntington Hospital, have two children. Daughter Meredith and son Derek have both been instilled with the same inspiration for service. Derek actively serves as an infantry and intelligence officer in the United States Army. Meredith continues Bill’s long history of public relations as the Director of External Relations for Pasadena’s Rose Bowl Stadium. Meredith and her husband Shaun, a Pasadena high school teacher, added a daughter, Madelyn Rose, to their family this past summer. Bill has been recognized for his professional and community contributions on many fronts. Most recently, at the O2 Arena in London, England, The Salvation Army’s highest honor for exceptional service, the Order of the Founder, was bestowed upon him. The festival and events industry has been incredibly fortunate to have Bill Flinn’s leadership, vision and commitment in “Bringing People Together” for these many years. 2017 Becky Genoways, CFEE Genoways Events Becky Genoways became involved in events at the early age of five, when her older cousins and sister made her marry her second cousin over and over again so they could stage backyard weddings – much to her dismay. As Chairman of Special Projects in 70th Anniversary

high school, her first event challenge occurred when a post-holiday Christmas tree bonfire was doused by the Fire Department due to high winds, leaving a pile of trees that went from dry to wet to ice to covered with snow AND a school administration asking what she was going to do with “her” trees. Becky coordinated decorations for her senior prom, worked concerts at the University of Northern Colorado and back home in Rockford, Illinois - worked on community festivals, events and fund-raisers, became a caterer, owned an art gallery and staged two art fairs each year. She also began making stained glass windows, a profession that lasted almost two decades. Like many in the industry, Becky became involved in festivals and events as a volunteer - programming a stage at “On the Waterfront” in Rockford, Illinois. The year was 1984. She advanced to chair the Programming Committee for ten stages and her responsibilities expanded to include the festival’s Special Events. In 1994, Becky paid her own way to attend her first IFEA Convention and that’s when she knew what she wanted to do for the rest of her life. She enrolled in the CFEE program, completing the four-year program in two years while still serving as an On the Waterfront volunteer. She was one of six who had achieved the designation in Illinois and one of less than 200 worldwide. Three months later, the CEO of On the Waterfront resigned and the Board tapped Becky for the job. She accepted and the rest is history. On the Waterfront grew to become one of the largest music festivals in the Midwest with over 100 performers performing in ten music venues over 30 city blocks each Labor Day weekend. Over the years, Waterfront also produced Gourmet Alley, Stars and Guitars Concerts, RibFest, a music walk and two annual fundraisers. Under Becky’s leadership the mission of On the Waterfront was changed to “Community Advancement through Celebration” for good reason. The festival’s food booths were operated by not-for-profit organizations, who earned much-needed dollars for their causes. When beer and ticket volunteers grew too generous with their friends, Becky incentivized not-for-profit groups to manage those areas and efficiency skyrocketed. In 29 years, $10.1 million was earned by more than 200 not-for-profits, with the revenues paying for everything from band and cheerleading uniforms to scout trips to the construction of a local church.

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS & EVENTS ASSOCIATION

LEGACY SCHOLARSHIPS These 21 scholarships are made possible by the generosity of many industry donors through the IFEA Foundation. Each scholarship covers the full registration costs* for a deserving industry professional, student or volunteer to attend, learn and grow from the unparalleled creativity, education and networking of the IFEA Annual Convention & Expo - the leading industry gathering of professionals dedicated to the festival and event field. Scholarship Eligibility Scholarships are open to applications from IFEA members worldwide, with the exception of the following six scholarships established for U.S. based applicants only: • The Georgia Festivals & Events Association Scholarship (Georgia members only) • The Mid-Atlantic Festivals & Events Professional Scholarship (CT, DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA, RI, WV members only) • The Tennessee Festivals & Events Professional Scholarship (Tennessee members only) • The Pete Van de Putte Scholarship (Texas members only) • The Joe & Gloria Vera Memorial Scholarship (Texas members only) • The Kay & Vernon Wolf Memorial Scholarship (Texas members only) Each scholarship is designed to support and encourage selected and targeted individuals. Applicants must meet the criteria outlined for the specific scholarship that they are applying for and cannot be in a financial position to attend without scholarship assistance. Once these requirements are met, applicants are considered on their cultural diversity, professional aspirations, course of study (if a student), and statement of benefit to themselves and/or their organizations and communities as the result of attending the convention. We invite you to look through these opportunities and take a moment to learn a little more about the special individuals and groups attached to each. Apply and get additional details at ifea.com/foundation. Applications are due in the spring and one application can be used to apply for multiple scholarships.

The Arts Festival Scholarship The Arts Festival Scholarship provides support for professional growth to individuals with an arts festival focus and a visual or performing arts background. The Pat & Nick Corda Memorial Scholarship Providing support to young/new professionals currently completing their education or with less than three years in the industry. The Carolyn & Lee Crayton Scholarship Providing support to a deserving individual/ organization from a smaller market, with grand visions for helping their community through events, but not yet a budget to match those visions. The Judy Flanagan Memorial Scholarship Providing support to a deserving individual/ organization whose event involves a parade. The Georgia Festivals & Events Association Scholarship Providing support to a deserving individual/organization from Georgia.

The Gayle Hall Memorial Scholarship The scholarship will provide support to a deserving individual who exemplifies a “get it done” attitude and who is looking to grow their knowledge and industry training, while currently employed in a festival / event industry job. The Bill & Gretchen Lofthouse Memorial Scholarship Providing support to a deserving individual/ organization currently struggling with shortterm economic or start-up challenges.

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS & EVENTS ASSOCIATION

Supporting and Educating the Festivals & Events Industry Since 1993 The Mampre Media International Scholarship Providing support to a deserving individual working with media/marketing responsibilities for an event.

The John Stewart Memorial Scholarship Providing support to a deserving individual working with technology responsibilities supporting an event(s).

The Jean McFaddin Memorial Scholarship Providing support to a deserving individual/organization who has had at least 2 years active involvement, either as staff or volunteer, in producing a multi-dimensional event and whose career/lives have been inspired or touched by the Macy*s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

The Tennessee Festival & Event Professionals Scholarship Providing support to a deserving individual/ organization from Tennessee.

The Daniel A. Mangeot, CFEE Memorial Scholarship** Providing support to a deserving individual/ organization seeking advanced education and professional certification. This scholarship provides core curriculum registration fees toward the attainment of the IFEA’s Certified Festival & Event Executive (CFEE) designation. The Mid-Atlantic Festival & Event Professionals Scholarship Providing support to a deserving individual/ organization within the Mid-Atlantic United States. Includes the states of NY, CT, RI, PA, NJ, DE, MD, DC, and WV. The Richard Nicholls Memorial Scholarship Providing support to a deserving high school senior or college student with a strong record of volunteering in nonprofit events or organizations, active in extracurriculars on and off campus, and dedicated to helping others or advancing causes that improve individual lives or the broader community. The Bruce & Kathy Skinner Scholarship Providing support to young/new professionals currently completing their education or with less than three years in the industry. *Transportation, lodging and optional fees (such as CFEE and Continuing Education courses) will be the responsibility of the recipient. The IFEA Foundation may have limited funding available to offset some travel expenses. Please see page 2 of the application if you would like to be considered for a possible travel allowance.

The Pete Van de Putte Scholarship Providing support to a deserving individual/ organization from Texas. NEW The Joe Vera, CFEE Memorial Scholarship Providing support to a qualifying applicant from either the City of McAllen, Texas, USA or from our international industry. The Joe & Gloria Vera Memorial Scholarship Providing support to a deserving individual/ organization from Texas. The Don E. Whitely Memorial Scholarship Providing support to a deserving individual/ organization whose event involves a parade. The Kay & Vernon Wolf Memorial Scholarship Providing support to a deserving individual/ organization from Texas. The George Zambelli, Sr. Memorial Scholarship Providing support to a deserving volunteer who has given their time and energies to their community festival/event. **The Daniel A. Mangeot Memorial Scholarship does not cover convention registration costs but, rather, core curriculum fees toward the attainment of the IFEA’s Certified Festival & Event Executive (CFEE) designation.

Interested in building your own legacy through an IFEA Foundation Legacy Scholarship? Contact Kaye Campbell at +1-208-433-0950 ext 8150 or kaye@ifea.com. More Details / Apply Here

As CEO of On the Waterfront, Becky became known for her tireless work ethic, her mentoring abilities, her knowledge of all aspects of festival management, and her commitment to providing the best festival experience possible, according to one Board member. Every year, On the Waterfront interns learned more about running a festival than they had learned in many classes. Former employees went on to work for national organizations, using the skills they acquired under Becky’s mentoring. A survey of on-line tickets purchased in 2003 showed that festival goers came from 35 states and 4 Canadian Provinces. The impacts of On the Waterfront were enormous with the overall economic impact measuring at over $50 million dollars in five years. Festival goers came together downtown in record numbers every Labor Day. Waterfront became a place for family reunions and out-of-town guests, a place to run into old friends once a year, and it was not unusual to run into visiting CEO’s from other festivals. Another lasting impact was the development of a dedicated corps of volunteers, which grew to more than 4,000. Many of them still serve as volunteers for other events. On the Waterfront was awarded 46 Pinnacle awards culminating in a Gold Grand Pinnacle Award in 2002. In 2012, On the Waterfront held its last festival and downtown Rockford went dark over Labor Day weekend. Becky followed her love of the industry to Memphis, Tennessee where she spends six months every year coordinating Memphis in May International’s food, beverage, and merchandise operation and the 900-member volunteer program for the Beale Street Music Festival, the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, 901Fest, and the Great American River Run. “Becky is the consummate professional when it comes to just about any aspect of festival or major public assembly events,” said Jim Holt, CFEE, President/CEO at the Memphis in May International Festival. “We have enjoyed the benefit of Becky’s deep event knowledge and ‘get it done’ attitude, as she has directed and managed key programs within our organization. Her appointment to the IFEA Hall of Fame is a richly deserved acknowledgement of her outstanding talent and dedication to the industry.” In 2012, Becky was hired by Cultural Festivals, Inc. to manage the Food, Beverage and Hospitality programs for the Saint Louis Art Fair, a position she still holds. “Becky was the outsider looking in,” said Cindy Lerick, CFEE, past Executive 88

Director of the Saint Louis Art Fair. “She didn’t know the nuances and history the Saint Louis Art Fair had with our beverage booths. Our inventory had been disappearing, sales had been plummeting, accountability from our partners were nil. Most of our players, had been with the festival since the beginning. Becky came in and managed the beverage booths like they were a business. Sales increased, theft was down and the concession partners were responsible for selling and managing. All in all, the beer distributor, concession partners and Board of Directors were happy. The Saint Louis Art Festival staff were ecstatic!!” In 2007, Becky became a member of the IFEA World Board of Directors, acting as Chair in 2013 and serving until 2015. Becky is a proactive supporter of IFEA programs and strongly supports their mission – “inspiring and enabling those in the festival and event industry to realize their dreams, build community, and sustain success through celebration”. She shares her knowledge and expertise through presentations at state, national, and international conferences, professional training seminars and Certified Festival and Event Executive programs throughout North America and the world. One of her session attendees wrote – “I can’t thank you enough for sharing your system with us. Truly, no other IFEA session has been as beneficial to me as yours was.” Becky also teaches annually at the Event Management School, sponsored by IFEA in cooperation with the National Recreation and Parks Association. Through her 30 years working in the festival industry, she has built a broad base of knowledge which she generously shares with others. She interacts with other event leaders to find new and better ways of doing business and has formed lasting relationships and friendships! Becky founded Genoways Event Management in 2012 to consult with events to improve efficiency, patron experience and profitability. In 2016, she consulted with Tempe Oktoberfest to revamp their food and beverage program. She openly shares her library of information and expansive knowledge of the logistics of operating both small and large-scale events. Becky has touched many lives and contributed in ways she does not even realize as a festival and event industry professional, working with numerous events to help them improve operations, maximize revenues and raise efficiency levels. Through her work with the CFEE Program,

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Becky has trained numerous budding industry professionals and through IFEA, has worked with seasoned veterans to find new and better ways of making the industry even more successful. She has shared her experiences with others throughout the United States and internationally, spreading her wealth of knowledge. She is always willing and available to lend a hand, to share her ideas, to provide expertise. It’s sort of like the movie – It’s a Wonderful Life. Becky probably has no idea of the overall impact she has made on the industry, because she is too busy making an impact. But looking back – what a wonderful life she is leading in the festival industry – sharing the tools for community celebration with the world! 2018 William O’Toole, CFEE Event Project Management System, Pty., Ltd. One of the most globally connected and influential professionals in the festivals and events industry today, Bill O’Toole’s unusual career path could be titled ‘The Accidental Tourist.’ With events nowhere on his radar, Bill graduated with a Pure Mathematics degree in 1972 from the University of Sydney. He could see clearly his future as an accountant or statistician and, as a result, wisely decided to pursue music. While at the University of Sydney, Bill used his still undefined event skills to organize treks for his fellow students through the Australian bush, while also forming numerous bands to play for campus dances. With music in his blood, he moved to England in 1977 to attend the London Guild Hall University and learn the art of instrument making, where he formed the dance band, Blowzabella. Looking for how to stand out from the crowd, literally, Bill reinvented the English bagpipe and put the band on stilts…a walking stage. Blowzabella performed successfully at numerous fairs and festivals around England. Bill proudly points out that the band is still going strong, touring Europe and celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2018, having now released over 14 albums. In the early 1980’s Bill moved back to Australia, where he met his future wife Ruth and started a family. Not veering far from his now musical roots, Bill formed the band Sirocco and toured the world, including some 30 countries, laying the foundations for his fascination with

international cultures. During that time, he served not only as performer (playing the tin whistle or whatever was needed at the time), but as band management, logistics planner, tech roadie, and merchandise sales manager. Marketing a unique style and genre that were unusual in most musical circles, Bill started creating and producing their own gigs, concerts and events to ensure employment…his first official acknowledgement of events becoming a recognized focus in his career. His signature event was a concert in the Wetlands of Australia, a nine-hour drive from the closest city, broadcast live to Asia and the Pacific from the middle of a swamp in the outback. The broadcast, CD and video of that event helped the local farmers save over 900 square miles of wetlands and bird habitats and brought attention to the problems of water supply in Australia. The power of events was now clear to Bill. Expanding upon his now growing skillset, in 1987 he formed a performing arts agency called the Larrikin Booking Agency and started pitching event and festival concepts to shopping malls, main street associations, government departments and the corporate world. He constantly looked for new opportunities and created work instead of waiting for it to come to him, developing a broad range of World Music festivals, Children’s festivals, Jazz festivals, Magic festivals and several Arts and Heritage festivals. His constant search for new event opportunities and his love of travel led to some unusual gigs in places such as such as Papua New Guinea; Vladivostok, Borneo; Urumqi in western China; Nepal; Northern India; and a ‘Salute to Australia’ festival in Houston, Texas. When his band, Sirocco, arrived in Houston their equipment had mistakenly gone to Hawaii, so at their first gig Bill thought to ask the audience to help find musical instruments the band could use. The audience scattered and within half-an-hour all they needed (and more) arrived on stage! In the jungle of central Borneo, Bill worked with the local Dayaks to create an event for the local mining company. The miners in these regions were being murdered by the locals and Bill suggested that a celebration in music and dance may help establish a new friendship between the locals and the company. He was right and recognized again the power of events to change people for the positive. Bill likes to point out that, interestingly, and perhaps reflective of his career path, almost all of the places he toured were hidden by the binding in his old

school atlas. Hidden gems in the most unexpected places. In an effort to organize the exponentially increasing chaos in his life, Bill began learning the skills of project management and wrote his own software programs to meet his organizational needs. In 1996 he attended a course in event management at the University of Technology, Sydney. It was the first year of the course and they needed a person with direct event experience. Bill ‘fit the bill’ and he started the teaching and training part of his career. In 1999 Bill returned to his alma mater at the University of Sydney and created a series of event management courses on-line as part of a Masters in Project Management program. Simultaneously, he gained his own Masters of Engineering in Project Management with a thesis on the application of project management as it relates to the delivery of events and festivals. As a result, he co-authored one of the global industry’s first event textbooks, Festival and Special Events Management, adapting project management, logistics and risk management to the production of events and festivals. Recognizing an increasing need to professionalize the now expanding and growing global festivals and events industry, Bill struck upon the idea of developing an Event Management Body of Knowledge (EMBOK), to collect and classify the knowledge and skills needed to create and manage events of all genres. In 2000 he wrote a paper on the topic, that was taken up by Julia Rutherford Silvers, an educator with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Janet Landey, with the Institute of Event Management in South Africa and now the President of IFEA Africa. Janet organized a number of professional conferences on the EMBOK project in South Africa. The EMBOK was codified by Rutherford Silvers and taken up by the Canadian government, the South African government and the worldwide conference industry. It is being tested today by IFEA Africa and the South African government, through the Skills Village 2030 project, for broader release by the IFEA and other professional, government and educational institutions in the future. While all this was going on, Bill made time to travel to his first IFEA convention in Anaheim, California in 2003, where he met with the leadership of many top U.S. and other global festivals and events. This interaction inspired him to assist in establishing IFEA event training programs around the world. Bill’s second textbook on Event Project Management, released in 2001, 70th Anniversary

catapulted him further overseas to consult with organizations and governments in the development of their events and the training of their event teams. He started in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, working with the governments Tourism and Marketing Department to develop and build the potential for festivals and events as part of their 2020 World Expo vision. This created a centre in Dubai for people to come from all over Africa, Europe and the Middle East for training in events, project and risk management. Private companies such as Jack Morton, Deloitte, Hewlett Packard and thousands more sent their staff for training. In all the many countries where he has worked (including Jordan; India; Pakistan; the United Arab Emirates; Kenya; Uganda; Malaysia; Singapore; Hong Kong; Taiwan; Laos; Vietnam; the Philippines; Indonesia; Sri Lanka; and New Zealand, among others) developing event strategies and training event management professionals, Bill emphasised the need for their events and festival teams and government organizations to link to the IFEA. This resulted in the delivery of the IFEA’s CFEE professional certification program in Dubai in 2011 for the Dubai government, and to the IFEA’s involvement in the Middle East Event Awards and other regional training programs. Bill helped open the doors and advise on the provision of event conferences and/or professional training in many countries, with direct participation by IFEA leadership, at many of those. Bill’s career then took him to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a long-term project to explore and develop the potential of events in that country. At the same time his previous efforts were resulting in recognition by the European Commission and the United Nations of the power of events to efficiently and effectively heal countries after war, while also assisting in their economic and social development. In partnership, they sent Bill to parts of the world he hadn’t yet worked in, including Liberia (on the west coast of Africa), Sudan, Uganda and Jordan. His global industry awareness and influence were continuing to grow. Bill’s work in Saudi Arabia started in 2004 and culminated with a nationwide Tourism Events strategy, which became part of the exciting and dynamic opening and development of Saudi Arabian festivals and events that we are witnessing today and which the IFEA is playing a central training role in. This work on event strategies resulted in his third textbook: Events Feasibility; from

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

Strategy to Operations. His books have now been translated into five languages and provide the foundation for university and professional training courses around the world. Since 2013 Bill has been a pivotal member of the teaching team for the IFEA/ NRPA Event Management School at Oglebay National Training Center in West Virginia, where he oversees and directs the second-year event-city challenge experience and has worked closely with IFEA President & CEO Steve Schmader to create the new CFEA designation as a pathway to the full CFEE professional certification. For the past few years Bill has limited his travelling primarily to working in Paris, France and the United States, allowing him time to revisit and rework the national handbook for the Australian Government on ‘crowded places’ and to co-author and edit an all-new textbook on Crowd Management: Security, Risk and Health. Bill has served actively on the IFEA World Board of Directors, the IFEA President’s Council and the IFEA Global Roundtable and continues to serve as one of the industry’s top global advisors and conduits as we look to the future. 2019 Chuck O’Connor, CFEE Event Marketing Group, LLC In his advice book, ‘Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff’, author Richard Carlson says ‘Don’t struggle against the natural flow of experience’. That bit of instruction could be the storyboard for Chuck O’Connor’s early work life. Born in southern Michigan, the eldest of eleven children, Chuck’s early ‘flow of work experience’ found him in various unrelated professions, from managing a production line at an aluminum anodizing plant, to running the front desk of a Holiday Inn, to selling specialty coatings for Allied Chemical Corporation. Finally, he became a partner and sales manager for a tennis court & running track surface coatings company in the Detroit area throughout the late ‘70’s. But that all changed when he married his wife, Gail, in 1980 and made the BOLD CHOICE to sell his share of the business back to his partners, and pick up, re-locate, and start all over in beautiful northern Michigan. Key takeaway: “Learning what you DON’T want to do for a living is as 90

important as finding your true calling!” For Chuck… it was marketing, negotiations and SALES! Enter – the crazy world of MEDIA! Hired by a local radio station in 1981, Chuck hit the streets as a radio rep, selling 30-second spots to retail customers in Traverse City, Michigan. After three years of learning the ropes, he was offered a sales position at the local NBC television station. That led to a promotion to General Sales Manager, followed by a better offer from a bigger CBS station, where he managed sales and also directed their affiliate national spot sales effort. Times were good! Meanwhile, Chuck and Gail had started their family, and Chuck’s job-related travel lost its appeal. In 1993 - with two young sons - Chuck took another chance and joined the National Cherry Festival as its Marketing Director, charged with developing a sustainable corporate sponsorship platform. At the Cherry Festival, negotiating partnerships to the mutual benefit of the Festival and its sponsors, played right into his wheelhouse. But he would need to learn the business…. His early career path resembled anything BUT the Festivals & Events industry. Chuck credits much of his education and success in the sponsorship business to the excellent networking opportunities through IFEA and IEG conferences. He also honed his presenting skills through Dale Carnegie training courses. He was an early CFEE program graduate, and as he became more proficient, he gave back by conducting sponsorship and onsite marketing presentations and webinars for IFEA, IEG, MFEA, Chambers of Commerce, and numerous festivals and events across the country. In 2008, Chuck taught the sponsorship section of the then newly-developed CFEE FastTrack program to a group of festival representatives in Honolulu, which the Hawaii Tourism Authority had assembled to help re-invent and grow their businesses. Over the last 25 years Chuck tried to maintain continuity as the Cherry Festival grew and evolved under 5 different executive directors, each with unique visions for the organization. He grew sponsorship investment to over one-million dollars annually, helping to ensure that the traditions of the nearly 100-year-old festival, driving tourism and commerce, would endure. At the same time, he acted as a key liaison to the cherry industry - something that he was proud to do, especially because he and his family lived in the heart of Leelanau County’s cherry-growing region. Both of his sons worked for nearly eight summers

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for a local cherry farmer, learning a farmer’s excellent work ethic and contributing to the cost of their college educations. And while Gail never worked in the industry, she sure enjoyed introducing family and visitors to the area by taking them hand-picking cherries every summer! To their parents’ delight, their two sons, now in their early thirties, were both blessed with daughters last year! In 2001, Chuck founded EMG – Event Marketing Group, and began consulting and representing a number of other established and start-up special events, leveraging his network of contacts to mutual benefit. Among them: the Iceman Cometh Mountain Bike Challenge; the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival; the M-22 Challenge Triathlon; National Writers Series; Traverse City Film Festival; the Great Lakes Winter Trails Council; and the North American VASA cross-country ski race series. But, as satisfying as the ‘art of the deal’ was, it was something else that became more meaningful and gratifying over the years: Building lifelong friendships with the Cherry Festival’s staff and volunteers. During the annual eight-day event Chuck came to be known for his signature ‘safari hat’, as he rode his bicycle throughout the property’s venues and parade routes, with a smile and a wave for anyone who noticed. Through his 35 years in media & special events, Chuck has accumulated a wealth of knowledge in his specialty, which he continues to share. He has personally mentored hundreds of people from the attendees at IFEA and IEG conferences, to past and current National Cherry Festival employees, and to other festivals and sponsorship professionals, teaching them how he became successful, and where he had made mistakes. Now retired from active duty at the Cherry Festival, Chuck remains connected as a senior consultant. In his spare time, he enjoys sailing, backcountry skiing, hiking, cycling, playing guitar, and of course spending time with his wife and new granddaughters! “Personally, I have known Chuck for 28 wonderful years. He has held many roles in my life: mentor, friend, confidant, role model, boss and employee. That said, the most important role he plays is that of a family member. Chuck is the biggest cheerleader in our National Cherry Festival “family”. His personal demeanor and contagious enthusiasm for work and life makes all of us strive to be better people. Because of knowing Chuck O’Connor, we are better.” (Kat Paye ~ Cherry Festival Executive Director)

2019 Tom Bisignano, CFEE Freelance Producer From a very young age Tom knew he wanted to be part of the celebration, no matter what it was. Growing up in a large Italian family there was always a gathering on the calendar - weddings, baptisms, graduations, and holidays were always celebrated with great fanfare. This early initiation into the world of celebrations would lay the foundation for a nearly 40-year career in the events industry. Today, Tom is an Executive Producer of live shows, spectaculars and special events. He has a diverse blend of talents with an extensive background in the ideation, creation and delivery of large-scale events and entertainment productions. Tom believes festivals and events are unique art forms that should educate as well as surprise and delight guests. “They ought to make you think, laugh, dance, cheer and sometimes weep”. He considers himself a bit of an alchemist, connecting different experiences and always searching to see what he can bring together for the next event. His goal is to wow the guests with something new and unexpected each and every time. He embraces the quote from Walt Disney, “If you can dream it, you can do it!” Having worked in both the theme-park world as well as large scale special events, Tom has a unique background. He spent the early years of his career at Walt Disney World Creative Entertainment. It was there that he managed and produced countless special events for Disney. Some of the highlights include the 75-city tour promoting the Disney MGM Studios, two Superbowl Half Time Shows, the opening ceremony of the Pan American Games, The LiMOUSEine Tour, The EarForce One Tour, Disney parade units in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Chicago Magnificent Mile Holiday Parade. Tom moved from Disney’s Creative Entertainment to the Marketing Division for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts where he was Director of Special Events for fourteen years. In this role he was responsible for organizing thousands of special events and festivals for Disney. Tom and his team oversaw a portfolio of 11 annual attendance and revenue generating signature events at Disney Theme Parks; like the award-winning EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, the EPCOT International

Flower and Garden Festival, the ever-popular Mickey’s Not so Scary Halloween Party and Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party. In addition, Tom was responsible for producing the activities surrounding Disney’s media and PR events. Highlights include the grand opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, The 100 Years of Magic Year-long celebration, the christening of the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder Cruise Ships, Disney’s Dreamers Academy and Disney’s Kids Day Celebration. After 25 years at Disney, Tom decided to venture out on his own and become a Freelance Producer. Tom has developed, produced and delivered ceremonies and special events with a myriad of companies around the world. Working with FiveCurrents, a firm that specializes in creating live content, Tom produced the Emmy-nominated opening ceremony of The Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, the 1st ever European Games opening and closing ceremonies in Baku, Azerbaijan and The National Day Celebration for Sheikha Maryam bin Zayed in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. In 2011, on behalf of the IFEA, Tom was asked by the Saudi Commission on Antiquities and Tourism to deliver an event assessment for one of the oldest events in the world, Souq Okaz. Under the direction of HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman Al Saud, Tom laid the foundation to expand Souq Okaz into a destination driving festival to encourage travel and tourism to Saudi Arabia. Closer to home, Tom worked with Sea World Parks to develop the programs surrounding their 50th anniversary, the “Sea of Surprises Celebration”. The assignment included integrating all the divisions of the three Sea World parks to drive awareness and attendance during the 15 month-long Special Event. Rounding out his theme park experience in Orlando, Tom spent a year at Universal Studios as the Senior Director of Entertainment Events. During his tenure at Universal he was the executive in charge for the grand opening of Universal’s newest theme park, Volcano Bay, and produced the opening festivities for the attraction “Race through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon”. Recently Tom produced the opening and closing ceremonies for the Department of Defense Warrior Games. The games showcase the incredible potential of wounded warriors through competitive sports. Tom believes “our industry really shines when we help others shine. No other event truly touches the heart like the Warrior Games. These brave men and 70th Anniversary

women are true heroes”. The patriotic ceremony was hosted by Jon Stewart and featured performances by Kelly Clarkson and Weezer. Tom is humbled and honored for being chosen for induction into the IFEA Hall Of Fame. “What a privilege it is to be recognized by your peers, who are some of the best in the business”. Thanks to his work with IFEA and the invaluable connections made through the organization, Tom has made lifelong friends with fellow colleagues in the event industry. “The IFEA has been instrumental in Festival and Event improvements and innovations. They have helped shape better event leaders who in turn have managed better event staffs which ultimately leads to a better guest experience for all at festivals and events.” He loves to ignite the creative flame when it comes to events. Tom has given countless speeches to event professionals and lectures to students around the world on lessons learned in his career. He truly enjoys attending events as much as producing them and has been fortunate enough to have been to some of the best in the world. “One of the bonuses of working in the event industry is benchmarking what our peers have created…it’s not only enlightening, it’s a ton of fun!” Tom is a graduate of Fairfield University and attended The Crummer leadership program at Rollins College. He is a Certified Festival and Event Executive (CFEE) and has received The President’s Volunteer Service Award from the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. He has served as the Chairman of the World Board for the International Festival and Events Association and serves on the Board of Advisors to Pictureworks. He resides in Orlando, Florida with his wife Terri, daughter Kelsey and son Justin. 2022 Gayle Hall, CFEE (D) Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau Long before she was hired by the City of Grapevine as a Festivals and Events Manager in 1989, Gayle Hall was on the Volunteer Steering Committee for Grapevine Festivals. With her leadership, dedication and hard work, the many festivals and events in Grapevine that Gayle helped produce, including Main Street Fest, GrapeFest and Christmas Capital of Texas, are a major reason that it is now a destination with 2.3 million visitors every year.

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“The festivals grew because ... they were produced at such high quality,” Grapevine Mayor, William Tate said. “Gayle was able to produce an environment through her organization and leadership ... where people wanted to come back year after year.” As a fifth-generation and life-long resident of Grapevine, Gayle had a unique connection to the community. From being named “Miss Grapevine Lake” as a teenager, to her early years working with the family-owned Midway Camp, Gayle had lived the history of Grapevine and was able to use that insight in her extensive career producing festivals and events, allowing them to maintain their strong emphasis on Historic Preservation, while still being innovative and appealing to multi-generations. Gayle was a natural leader with a “get it done” attitude that became her moniker. When she saw the extensive amount of work it took to set up festivals and events, Gayle became a charter member and organizer of the ‘Grapevine Dirty Dozen’, a group that specializes in all the behind-thescenes dirty work, to ensure the countless and seamless memories for all those attending. Gayle was also instrumental in the formation of the Grapevine Wine Pouring Society, a group that provides volunteers to showcase and educate the public by serving wine at festivals and events and other community organizations. And when a group of volunteers mentioned that they thought Grapevine needed a group to help educate the public on Craft Brew, she provided them the path to get started and became a Founding member, as well. “You’ll see a million pictures of [Gayle], having been involved in running festivals, and she’s always got the headset on,” Grapevine Mayor Pro Tem, Darlene Freed said. “If there was anything that you needed to get done during a festival—one call to Gayle, and we knew it was taken care of.” Gayle strongly believed in giving back to her community. When she saw that the wandering trails of cord covers and hoses on the ground at local festivals were making it difficult for wheelchairs and strollers to navigate the walkways, Gayle sought approval from the City Council for water and power lines to be run underground in the middle of seven blocks of Main Street, providing attractive pedestals with multiple outlets for vendors to access during events. And Gayle clearly understood and valued the importance of relationships. Knowing that a number of the festivals in Grapevine 92

caused Main Street to close for several days, Gayle and her team went out of their way to educate businesses on what to expect from the closures and to provide opportunities for them to get actively involved in the festival footprint. To ensure that the equation was always’ win-win’ for everyone, Gayle and the festival team hired local school and civic organizations to be paid volunteers. Utilizing 33 such groups at GrapeFest and 28 groups at Main Street Fest, these funds allowed for multiple organizations to continue their charitable work. Through hard work, dedication and her ability to make things happen, Gayle was the driving force in the continued improvement of Grapevine’s many festivals and events. To have an event named to the American Bus Association’s “Top 100 Events of North America” is a huge honor, and Gayle successfully was able to have GrapeFest and the Christmas Capital of Texas, both receive this honor. Understanding the importance of industry awards, Gayle, along with the CVB staff and volunteers, completed a winning application to name Grapevine, Texas as an IFEA World Festival and Event City in 2012, in addition to entering and winning many IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards. But while rightfully proud of her events and city, she felt it was important to enter award competitions not just for the awards, but to share best ideas and concepts with others. Gayle learned the festival and event business on-the-job, by reading industry books, attending other events, and going to as many seminars and conventions as she could, so that she could learn from and network with other festival and event professionals from around the world; even when that meant traveling the world to do so. She recognized early-on that education and certification was utmost in leadership and sought out becoming an IFEA Certified Festival & Event Executive (CFEE) and a Texas Certified Festival Professional. Gayle placed a high importance on sharing knowledge within the festival industry, spearheading the first “Texas Event Summit”, a joint conference of the Texas Festivals and Events Association (TFEA) and the Texas Association of Fairs and Events (TAFE). She went on to coordinate the first Festival Exchange with the Heritage Harbor Days in Foley, Alabama and the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, Michigan, for which she was awarded the CVB Directors Award. Training the next generation of festival managers was important to Gayle and she was very

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involved with the Grapevine CVB internship program, sharing not only her time, but her extensive knowledge in hospitality and festivals. She made sure each intern spent time with Grapevine Festival Volunteers so they could see all aspects of festival operations in real life. Her commitment to Grapevine and civic organizations earned Gayle countless accolades and awards, including: Grapevine Woman of the Year; the TFEA/ Dr. Carson Watt Professional of the Year Award; and the TFEA Hall of Honor Lifetime Achievement Award; among many others. She proudly served on the IFEA Foundation Board, in addition to serving as a board member and President of the Texas Festivals and Events Association; Texas Association of Fairs & Events; and the Grapevine Heritage Ambucs. Sadly, Gayle was taken from us far too soon, in August of 2021. Her ‘Celebration of Life’ was an event for the ages in Grapevine. Named “Gayle’s Taste of Grapevine”, 18 local restaurants provided food and beverage for the occasion as Gayle took one last journey down her beloved Main Street on a horse drawn hearse. 250 of her closest friends, family, and colleagues walked alongside her down the Main Street mile in 90-degree heat, in honor of the remarkable woman they knew and cherished. She would have loved it! Gayle would have been so honored to receive the IFEA Hall of Fame Award. She had so much respect and admiration for all the industry professionals that helped her along the way. Even in her passing, Gayle continues to impact future generations of festival and event professionals through her ‘Get It Done’ IFEA Foundation Legacy Scholarship, which will continue, as will all that she shared with so many of us, in perpetuity. Hers was a life and career that we can all aspire to. 2022 Janet Landey, CFEE, CSEP Skills Village 2030 President, IFEA Africa Janet Landey has lived a life of big visions…visions that have changed the realities of countless thousands of individual lives and organizations, both close to home and around the world. With husband, Crispin, by her side and cheering her on since their marriage nearly 50 years ago, their multi-generation family now numbers 82 and counting! A family that, with her eight brothers and sisters and

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their families added in, learned quickly that life was going to be about special events… lots of them, and welcomed everyone to join the celebrations. Janet ‘officially’ started her career in the 1970’s with a toy company – Tri-Ang Pedigree - and motivated by the birth of their first child, she started making Cabbage Patch Kids clothing for a licensed toy company in South Africa. With over 50 sewing machinists and a creative artist, the business soon expanded into making licensed character costumes for Smurfs, Care Bears and Womble merchandise. Perhaps it was a desire to celebrate the success of that early endeavor that led her to create her next role as the Founder, Event Architect and Chief Experience Officer of PartyDesign, a Johannesburg-based event design and décor company, whose expertise and visons were equally at home providing the joy of small (but life-changing) birthday parties for underprivileged children (something that she continues to provide today), to celebrations honoring the birthdays and release from prison of South African President and global icon Nelson Mandela. Janet’s hand extended into global-focus events like the 2010 FIFA World Cup; the training of 2500 volunteers for the ICC Cricket World Cup; and the on-field entertainment for the 2005 World Cup Rugby match, including an unforgettable moment for everyone when she arranged for a Boeing 747 to fly over the stadium, with messages of ‘Good Luck’ stenciled on the underside. A moment captured forever through a painting signed by Mandela, the pilot and even the 747 itself making it’s mark by taxiing over the bottom right corner with a paint-splattered nose wheel. While at the same time she was growing the success of her children’s events, recruiting the involvement of such world voices as Dr. Jane Goodall to launch a new ‘Roots and Shoots’ program for local children, with a larger, long-range goal of creating jobs for youth through the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) events, activities and memorabilia. It didn’t take long for Janet’s focus to move from the excitement of events to the power of events and her BIG dream and vision of using events as a positive platform for social inclusion, environmental health, and the sustainability of communities by maximizing the multiplier effect of what we all produce and do. Her global journey toward that vision led her to cross paths with many other passionate industry leaders, peers and mentors (Joe Goldblatt, Bill O’Toole, Glenn 94

Bowdin, Don Getz, Julia Rutherford-Silvers, Philip Mondor and others among them) who – together – created a foundation and roadmap of event knowledge (the Event Management Body of Knowledge – EMBOK - the first ever codified body of knowledge in the field of planned events) – that has led to much of the formal university-level training and governmental support that our industry enjoys today. After having met years earlier, in 2007 Janet invited IFEA President & CEO Steve Schmader to join the conversation at a South African EMBOK symposium, which resulted in the beginnings of IFEA Africa and Janet’s role as the President of that new global affiliate, helping to build the global IFEA brand, while further positioning the organization as a leader in education, professional certification, sustainability and life-changing empowerment through festivals and events. A path that led to her roles on the IFEA World Board from 2013-2021, including service as the IFEA World Board Chair in 2019 and the coming together of her IFEA family with her own in South Africa. An opportunity to share one of her greatest achievements…the creation and visionary management of Skills Village 2030 in Bez Valley, Johannesburg. Skills Village 2030 is a cooperative village, providing a workplace experience for hundreds of South African youth that uses festivals and events to bring to market commodities, goods, services and experiences unique to the local community. Believing that events build ‘communitas’, competency, capacity and personal capabilities that matter to everyone they touch – internally and externally – Janet designed the Skills Village 2030 platform to use practical event activities to raise workspace experiential learning opportunities that can prepare young participants with single-occupation training, to learning that can be translated to a cluster of other related occupations, based upon common knowledge and skills; a desire for lifelong learning; and cross-training and alternative pathways for progression and growth, through the end result of producing a Community Market Day. All skills of which can contribute to solving the global challenge of unemployed youth. Janet’s impact on our global festivals and events industry is perhaps most humbly obvious in the multitude of proud, empowered, well-trained, confident and secure graduates of the Skills Village 2030 program. An impact best summed-up by a small, local South African event director at one of the early international EMBOK

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gatherings in Johannesburg. When asked by IFEA President & CEO, Steve Schmader, what resources they needed more of to be successful, their quick, sincere and thoughtful response was, “We need more Janet’s.” There are very few people in our global industry who have touched and impacted so many – close to home and around the world; individually and collectively; personally and professionally – than Janet Landey. 2023 James L. Holt, CFEE Memphis in May International Festival Jim Holt’s involvement in events began over 45 years ago while a college student at Ohio University, in Athens, Ohio. His love of music led him to apply for a position on the campus entertainment board, and he was selected for the Pop Concert Committee, where he worked on marketing, promotion, and production of concerts by Emerson, Lake and Palmer, comedian Steve Martin, southern rockers the Outlaws. In his junior year he was named Chair of the Pop Concert Committee where he booked and promoted concerts by the Doobie Brothers, Billy Joel, Eddie Money, Gary Wright, and Helen Reddy. His involvement with festivals began in the fall of 1978 when he decided the campus needed an outdoor springtime event, foreshadowing a major move later in his career. He lobbied the Student Activities Committee for grant funding and solicited support from the Black Student Association. With funding in hand, a free one-day outdoor music festival, Spring Celebration 79, was launched on May 19, 1979. An estimated 7,000 students attended the event at the Mill Street Field which featured musicians Jay Ferguson, Cameo, and Ohio country rockers McGuffey Lane. The event became an annual affair at the university until funding issues developed in the late 1980’s. Following his junior year in college, having decided his future was in the concert industry, Holt left school to accept a position as Director of Promotion and Production with Mid-South Concerts in Memphis, TN, a regional concert promotion company. He worked promoting and producing many of the top Rock, Pop, Urban and Country stars of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s including Bruce Springsteen, Van Halen, The Police, U2, AC/DC, Prince, Bob Segar, Whitney Houston, and George Strait. While at the

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company he began booking artists at area colleges, regional events, and festivals in Memphis, Little Rock, Knoxville and Jackson, MS, as well for corporate clients like FedEx and Kroger. He developed touring concert properties for Procter and Gamble’s Folgers Coffee with Tom Jones and country legend George Jones. After working for several years with Contemporary Christian Music artists including Sandy Patty, the William Morris Agency asked him to help develop and promote a touring rendition of Handel’s Messiah with an ensemble cast of top CCM artists for a nationwide tour during the Christmas Holiday season. He booked, promoted, and co-produced The Young Messiah Tour for four years notching sellout crowds in major market arenas from coast to coast, attracting an audience of over 450,000 patrons, and culminating in a national pay-per-view broadcast from Chicago’s Rosemont Horizon. In 1989 an official from Memphis in May contacted Holt seeking assistance with booking a major headline artist in Tom Lee Park on one night for their struggling Beale Street Music Festival, which was then held in the blues nightclubs on the famous street. Holt declined the offer but told festival officials that his firm would be interested in working together if the entire focus of the festival’s programming was moved to the large riverfront park for the entire weekend. Based on his prior work with civic festivals in the region, Holt recognized the potential for a large-scale music festival in Memphis. A partnership was formed with Mid-South Concerts supporting Memphis in May and the event was moved to the riverfront park in 1990 featuring headliners Stevie Ray Vaughn and Ray Charles. The festival was an instant success attracting 20,000 attendees in its first year. The Beale Street Music Festival grew and expanded and by 1997 was attracting over 115,000 patrons, becoming the largest annual event in the city of Memphis. In 1998 Memphis in May was in financial peril after sustaining a $600,000 loss that year and was looking for new leadership. Holt, at the time working for a Nashville talent management agency, was asked to apply for the festival leadership position. The future of the financially troubled organization was in doubt, and there was uncertainty about whether a festival could be held in 1999. On October 8, 1998, Holt was announced as the new Executive Director to lead Memphis May International Festival having been selected from more than 80 applicants. Holt worked with community 96

leaders to resolve the festival’s outstanding debts, rebuilt the organization’s staff, and renegotiated vendor and supplier contracts. In May 1999, Memphis in May International Festival returned in full force with record attendance and generated a million-dollar surplus. With the festival’s return to financial stability, the board of directors promoted Holt to CEO in 2000 and to President and CEO in 2002. While his background was formed in the concert and talent industry, Holt’s scope of leadership at Memphis in May International Festival expands beyond the flagship music festival. Over the course of his twenty-five-year tenure leading the Memphis in May International Festival, Holt has directed and managed 22 foreign country salute programs working with ambassadors of foreign embassies, political leaders, government officials, and ministries in countries around the world. Conducting comprehensive cultural, artistic, and educational programs and events, as well as economic development programs seminars has led to Holt traveling to foreign countries around the globe. In addition to the music and international programs, Holt developed the festival’s annual World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest into what USA Today’s 10Best calls “the Most prestigious BBQ contest”. Under his leadership, the contest grew to a record 265 teams traveling from across the country and around the world to compete for the title of World Champion. The event is now regularly featured on national television broadcasts by the Food Network, A & E, and the History Channel as well as network news broadcasts. Over the course of his 25-year career, Holt has produced and developed a wide variety of festival programs including the Sunset Symphony, Great Southern Food Festival and Great American River Run. Paid attendance for events conducted during his tenure have topped 3.5 million and generated a significant economic impact for the City of Memphis, totaling 149 million dollars in 2019 alone. Holt said that what brought him and has kept him in the event industry is his desire to contribute to activities that bring joy and happiness to others. There is a strong sense of satisfaction in playing a role in creating memorable experiences for others. Holt’s festival and event career has brought him into contact with a broad spectrum of individuals from all walks of life, and he says his work is never dull and always interesting.

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He cites the IFEA as being the most profound resource for his success in the industry, citing the knowledge of great leaders in the industry including Steve Schmader, Johann Moerman, Tom Bisignano, Kelven Tan, Chip Baker, Paul Jamieson, Jeff Curtis, Ted Baroody, Becky Genoways, Bob Bryant, and Colm Croffy, as individuals who have helped him along the way professionally and become great friends in the process. While he is proud of his accomplishments in the festival and events field, he draws his greatest sense of satisfaction from his four adult children and seven grandchildren. 2024 Dr. Vern Biaett, CFEE Retired Festival & Event Producer / University Professor / Consultant / Expert Witness Dr. Vern Biaett, CFEE was probably destined to be in the festival and events industry. Raised in a military family, living in 12 places over 16 years he met diverse people and constant packing and setting up became an art form. In high school he found time to decorate the gym for homecoming and as a college undergrad he organized fraternity socials and co-produced the Phi Sig A-Go-Go street party. Lifeguarding as a summer job taught him to manage and protect large crowds of unruly people. While earning his Master’s degree in Commercial Recreation at Arizona State he was introduced to the five basic elements of program planning. In 1975 Vern became the recreation director at a retirement community and began programming special events. And when Vern went to prison in 1980… to work as one of the Arizona Department of Corrections’ first recreation specialists, he acquired a sense of how leisure activities transform lives. Upon release in 1985 he became a park district recreation supervisor for the City of Phoenix, managing hundreds of full and part time staff. Vern’s life to this point provided a remarkable skill set for his future success in the festivals and even industry. When Phoenix started a new Office of Special Events in 1987 Vern transferred into a Special Events Coordinator position. The Office of Special Events permitted and provided assistance for national and community events such as the Grand Prix, ancillary Super Bowl events, and Matsuri, Irish and Cinco de Mayo festivals. It also produced dozens of its own major downtown festivals and parades, one of which was the Fabulous Phoenix 4th of July, which literally exploded

when Vern became its chairman, attended by thousands and viewed by thousands more on a live TV special. The Office of Special Events was an important player in the revitalization of downtown Phoenix as a premier tourism and entertainment destination. In 1997 Glendale Arizona’s Marketing Department hired Vern as their Special Event Manager. By 2004 eight major annual events had been established, highlighted by the Glendale Glitters 50-day holiday light festival. Vern and his events team attracted large crowds to Glendale’s redeveloping historic downtown, generated millions of dollars in positive publicity and enhanced its economic impact with sales taxes increasing fivefold. Vern was most proud of his Civic Pride volunteers, who over this time span received 50% of event alcohol sales and distributed $500,000 in grants to local non-profits. Special events were a major factor in rebranding Glendale as it soon became the home of an NHL arena, NFL stadium and MLB spring training ballpark. Ben Franklin said, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I remember, involve me and I learn.” Leaving active event management, Vern forged ahead into an impactful events industry academic role. For the next eight years at Arizona State he co-created and instructed classes in a Special Events Certificate Program which today continues to offer an exceptional base of event planning knowledge. Notably, he arranged for 100 students to participate in the 2008 Super Bowl half time show and dared to serve as advisor for the ASU Undie Run. Always a student, Vern completed his PhD, with a dissertation researching the onsite behavior of event participants. Relocating in 2014 to High Point University in North Carolina, the now Dr. Biaett accepted a position as AssistantProfessor and Founding Chair of the Event Management Department. Vern designed courses, hired faculty, connected with local event professionals and quickly brought to life a BA degree in Event Management, that received multiple IFEA/ Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards, but his real passion was interactive teaching, mentoring, and storytelling that instilled in students a passion for innovation, creativity, and critical thinking. Students especially loved his event operations class assignment of improving the porta-potty experience, with best projects receiving “Crappy Awards.” Students were required to volunteer for and produce events – many as fundraisers for non-profits, conduct field research, complete internships and were encouraged to participate in professional event organizations. The 2020 High Point University graduating senior class awarded Dr. Biaett its faculty excellence award as best

professor. As an academic, Vern was a prolific researcher and writer with 40 publications and attending international academic conferences to present his groundbreaking Organic Festivity Theory. He also volunteered as an editor/reviewer for a dozen academic journals. Vern has retired now, but still occasionally consults with major events as well as assists small cities with policy and permitting procedures as he had done for many years, currently working with a new arts festival in Sarasota Florida. He continues to be a sought-after expert witness in event-related court cases. Vern’s industry involvement extended beyond event production and academics. Joining the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association as a student in 1972, he later became president and was its foundation board chair for 10 years. An original member of the Arizona Festivals and Events Association he was president on three occasions. In 1993 Vern attended his first IFEA Convention, immediately joining and quickly achieving CFEE status. He served on the President’s Council for 25 years, the IFEA Foundation Board for 8 years, and as Event Educators Affinity co-chair for 10 years. He’s written articles for “ie” magazine and regularly presented at IFEA Conventions and Webinars, as well as state and regional festival and event conferences embodying the spirit of industry knowledge sharing. Recognized for his contributions through the years, Vern was bestowed city manager awards for exceptional public service in both Phoenix and Glendale, recognized as an Emeritus Professional by the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association, received a Big Kahuna from the Arizona Festivals and Events Association, and included in Strathmore’s 2019 Who’s Who. Dr. Vern Biaett’s multifaceted career as a self-described fun manager, his mentorship, community enhancement efforts, industry advocacy, transformative impact, and dedication to excellence make him a standout IFEA Hall of Fame recipient. 2025 Professor Gang Hoan Jeong, Ph.D. IFEA Asia / Korea PaiChai University Professor Gang Hoan Jeong, Ph.D.’s journey in festivals and events began in 1987 with his Master’s Thesis at the University of Wisconsin exploring the expectations of the 1988 Soul Olympics. His research won the TTRA Research Contest in the US, igniting his 70th Anniversary

passion for mega events, which he later pursued in his PhD studies at the University of Minnesota. Returning to Korea in 1993, he became a professor at PaiChai University, leading the only Festival Management Graduate School in Asia. For over 20 years, he has mentored almost 30 PhD Graduates and 100 Master’s students, shaping the next generation of festival leaders. Under his leadership, the PaiChai University earned seven consecutive IFEA/ Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards for Best Festival and Event Management Degree programs, inviting over 70 global experts, including Steve Schmader, CFEE, Joe Vera, CFEE, Guy LaFlamme, Danielle Baldacci, and Johan Moerman, and benchmarking festivals worldwide. Recognizing Korea’s untapped festival potential, Professor Jeong proposed strategies that led to the country’s cultural tourism festival system, which transformed government support for festivals. His contributions include pioneering cultural tourism festivals, introducing evaluation frameworks, and developing hands-on experience-driven events. Among his most impactful achievements is the creation of the Boryeong Mud Festival in 1997. Originally designed to revamp Boryeong’s image, the festival introduced interactive experiences, attracting international visitors, including US soldiers and foreign English teachers. His strategic vision extended beyond tourism, successfully promoting local mud cosmetics and establishing the Boryeong Mud Museum. His efforts earned him honorary citizenship in Boryeong and six other cities. Beyond Boryeong, Professor Jeong played a pivotal role in festivals such as the Gwangju Chungjan Festival and the Seosan Haemi Castle Festival. His expertise led him to consult on Korea’s top festivals, including the Jinju Namgang Lantern Festival and the Geumsan Ginseng Festival, contributing to their long-term growth and global reach. A driving force in international festival collaboration, Professor Jeong fostered exchanges between Korea and global events, including Spain’s La Tomatina Festival and Canada’s Winterlude Festival. His role in connecting Korea with IFEA helped Korean festivals gain global recognition, culminating in Korean events ranking among the top three in the IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards Competition for over 15 years. Professor Jeong’s passion for nighttime festivals and the nighttime economy led

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to his involvement in the Jeongdong Culture Night Festival which expanded into a national initiative with 49 events. His expertise in night festivals culminated in key publications and policies that reshaped Korea’s festival landscape. Professor Jeong’s leadership helped in the creation and official launch of IFEA Asia in 2019 which evolved after IFEA Korea, IFEA Singapore and IFEA China. Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 Pandemic, he orchestrated international ceremonies and strengthened festival cooperation across Asia. In 2024, the Asia Festival City Conference in Pattaya brought together over 50 competitive festivals from 11 countries, further solidifying his legacy. Professor Jeong’s contributes his achievements to the support of researchers, students, and government officials along with his lifelong collaborations with IFEA leaders like Steve Schmader, CFEE and Joe Vera, CFEE. His vision and dedication have transformed Korea’s festival industry and elevated its presence on the global stage. 2025 Cindy Lerick, MA, CFEE, CED Kansas State University The ART of Events, LLC “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own, and you know what you know. And you are the one who will decide where to go.” For Cindy Lerick, these words have been more than a children’s rhyme by Dr. Seuss — they have been the compass for her life and career. She did not set out to become an event professional. In fact, she often describes herself as an “accidental event producer.” That accidental beginning — organizing a quirky Minneapolis race called The Generic Run — grew into a twenty-year journey with the Twin Cities Marathon, where she rose from start-line organizer to operations director to its only three-year President. Those early years sparked a lifetime passion: creating events that not only brought people together but transformed them. Cindy’s career has been defined by her ability to innovate. At the Uptown Art Fair, she created the “Expose Yourself”

campaign — a bold, tongue-in-cheek way to refresh and re-energize the fair’s image while engaging a younger audience. In St. Louis, she launched the Emerging Artist as Entrepreneur program, designed to give young artists the tools, confidence, and business skills to succeed in the art world. She also developed the Metric Creates School Program and Fit for Fun, a Nike-sponsored running program for inner-city parents and children, demonstrating her belief that events can be both cultural showcases and engines for community health, education, and empowerment. These programs show Cindy’s consistent philosophy: events must be more than entertainment. They should spark opportunity, provide education, and connect people in ways that leave legacies long after the event ends. Her leadership roles have spanned some of the country’s most prestigious festivals — Uptown Art Fair, MAIN Street Fort Worth, Seafair, the Sausalito Art Festival, and the Saint Louis Art Fair — where she stabilized finances, raised sponsorships, and brought national recognition. Under her leadership, her organizations collected more than 150 IFEA Pinnacle Awards, including multiple Grand Pinnacles, the industry’s highest honor. Her leadership has been recognized repeatedly. She was named Contributor of the Year (1988) by the Northern Lights Running Club, received the Distinguished Service Award (1991) from the Minnesota Distance Running Association, and in 2007 received the inaugural Mo Dana Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Independent Artists. Each honor reflects her longstanding reputation for excellence, integrity, and service. Today, Cindy shares her decades of expertise as a Professor of Practice at Kansas State University. She teaches courses across festivals, sales, wedding consultancy, and club and resort management, but her impact is far greater than curriculum. She pioneered the Festival Immersion Program, giving students real-world experiences working behind the scenes at major festivals, and redesigned the Travel and Dining Auction into a hands-on learning project that funds student opportunities.

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Her teaching extends beyond the classroom. She has been a longtime instructor and team leader at the IFEA/ NRPA Event Management School, served as the manager of the IFEA’ CFEE program for nearly a decade, and has supported over 100 professionals in earning the CFEE designation — elevating the professionalism of the industry worldwide. In addition, Cindy has served on the IFEA Foundation Board of Directors and completed two terms on the IFEA World Board of Directors, including serving as Chair, further strengthening her impact on the industry at a global level. Her students testify to her impact. Parker Oliver, one of her Hospitality Management students, wrote: “Cindy completely shifted my perspective — not just on the industry but on academics as a whole. She redefines what it means to be an educator, going far beyond the typical duties of her position. She knows every student by name, understands their career goals, and invests in their success. Cindy doesn’t just create successful events — she helps create successful people.” Even after more than 30 years in the industry, Cindy continues to look forward. She is co-authoring a new textbook, Festival Management: From Concept to Celebration, scheduled for release in 2026, which will provide both students and professionals with a comprehensive resource built from her decades of experience. For Cindy Lerick, festivals and events have never been “just a job.” They have been a lifelong calling — fueled by innovation, passion, and purpose. Whether launching a groundbreaking Emerging Artist program, installing bike racks in Uptown Minneapolis, creating a hybrid Irish Porch Party, or mentoring students at Kansas State University, Cindy has proved that the best events — and the best careers — are built with creativity, courage, and joy. After all, as Dr. Seuss reminds us, you are the one who decides where to go. And Cindy has chosen, time and again, to go exactly where the magic of festivals and events could make the most difference. And if you ask her what keeps her smiling after all these years? She’ll tell you: “There’s nothing better than seeing an idea come to life — unless it’s seeing someone else realize they have the power to create it.”

Sponsored by

sponsored by SecurEvent Solutions

From 2001 - 2017, the IFEA Volunteer of the Year Award was sponsored by Zambelli Fireworks. Starting in 2024, the IFEA Volunteer of the Year Award is now sponsored by SecurEvent Solutions.

The importance of volunteers to our industry cannot be overestimated. Whether the individual acts as a volunteer administrator of an event or contributes his or her time and resources in support of a larger, multi-event organization with a paid staff, the efforts that are put forth deserve our heartiest congratulations and recognition. It is for that reason that the IFEA Volunteer of the Year Award, sponsored by SecurEvent Solutions was created to recognize those outstanding event volunteers whose unselfish and dedicated service to a member festival or event has made a significant difference in their community and mirrors the commitment to success in our professional ranks. 100

2001 John Johnson Nominated by SunFest Palm Beach County, Florida John Johnson has been a long time volunteer at SunFest of Palm Beach County, and is the first-ever winner of the IFEA/Zambelli Fireworks Internationale Volunteer of the Year Award. John became involved in SunFest in 1983, starting at the site management and operations level and working his way up though many volunteer positions to the Board of Directors. He assisted with the community outreach Adopt -A- Family home painting project and was recently named President-elect for SunFest 2003. Quiet and unassuming, Johnson changed careers at the age of 37, when he left his job as an estimator for an electrical contractor and went back to school to become a Registered Nurse. He works at Good Samaritan Hospital in the Progressive Care Unit in West Palm Beach. He lives in Royal Palm Beach with his wife of 22 years, Debbie, and their daughter, Erin. 2002 John Altadonna Nominated by the Autumn Leaf Festival Clarion, Pennsylvania Unselfish and dedicated service makes a significant difference in a community. This sounds like a dream to most festival organizers, however it is a reality for the Autumn Leaf Festival in Clarion, Pennsylvania where John Altadonna spends more than 500 hours per year volunteering his time to the Autumn Leaf Festival and the Clarion Area Chamber of Business & Industry. John has been involved for 9 years, giving a total of 4500 hours of his time to the organization. During John’s time volunteering, he has been a driving force behind the Autumn Leaf Festival’s “FoodStock” program since it began. This 24 hour

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food drive to help fill food pantries in rural communities, where incomes are low and work is limited, has collected a total of 37,540 counted and verified food items, setting a Guinness Record for most non-perishable food collected in a 24-hour period. Each item was distributed within 48 hours to eleven local food banks. What makes this accomplishment unbelievably impressive, however, is that the Autumn Leaf Festival and the “FoodStock” efforts are products of the Clarion Area Chamber of Business & Industry, a group that represents a total county population of only 41,765 residents. Throughout the event, from conception to the delivery of the last food item, John works tirelessly to make a significant difference in the lives of the needy members of the community. Each year, John organizes, gets volunteers and injects new enthusiasm to the “Foodstock” program. He easily spends ten to twelve hours per week on this project alone, which adds to hundreds of hours spent toward the success of “FoodStock.” Because of John’s efforts, the Pennsylvania Governor’s Commission has adopted the “FoodStock” program for Community Service, in collaboration with Keystone SMILES Community Learning Center, and will actually bring “FoodStock” across the entire state of Pennsylvania on November 23, 2002 – a day the Governor has declared “Family Service Day.” This is only the first part of John’s dream. The next step for “FoodStock” is to be a nationwide food drive. John is working directly for this goal. His motto is “FoodStock, a great goal for a great cause.” In addition to organizing and directing “FoodStock”, John has also co-chaired the Autumn Leaf Festival, served as a Board Member for the Clarion Area Chamber of Business & Industry, supports the local school districts with job shadow opportunities, employment for disadvantaged youth, and serves on the Board of Directors of Keystone SMILES. Through

John’s efforts and his volunteers, Keystone SMILES has generated over $29,000 in youth scholarships for community service in Clarion and Venago counties. John Altodonna is a true volunteer in every sense of the word. His commitment of volunteer service, above self, is a true testament to his being considered for this award. He is always there when you need him. His enthusiasm, interest and personal satisfaction in helping those most in need is one of his many attributes. “NO” is not in his vocabulary when it comes to lending a helping hand. John is that person who works quietly behind the scenes and does not expect any public thanks for his contributions. John continuously demonstrates a high quality of excellence in everything he does. His example of strength, dedication to volunteering, and humor has served as an excellent example to all who have had the privilege to know and volunteer along with him. 2003 Tad Fraizer Nominated by Updowntowners Lincoln, Nebraska In his 17 years with Updowntowners, Inc., Tad Fraizer has held the longest board tenure in the organization’s 18-year history. He’s considered the backbone of the organization, which produces approximately 17 events annually for Downtown Lincoln in Lincoln, Nebraska. Fraizer joined Updowntowners in 1986 and was elected to the Board of Directors in 1987. He has held the position of legal counsel and event logistics since 1986, except for the three years when he served as the Updowntowners’ President-Elect, President and Past President. He currently dedicates 750-1,000 hours annually to Updowntowners events and legislative concerns. Tad’s suggestions to the legislative commission even helped Nebraska events avoid the loss of Special Designated Licensing (SDL) last session, a critical element to events there. In his nomination, Polly McMullen, President of the Downtown Lincoln Association, said, “Tad’s roles have ranged from legal counsel to the Updowntowners (totally pro bono) to logistics chairman, float builder, government lobbyist, fundraiser, trouble-shooter and cheerleader!” She went on to say, “His contributions have included working with local government to create an events ordinance, which has

become a model for other communities; masterminding logistics for the Holiday Parade and July Jamm; and monitoring legislation impacting special events. “Tad has earned the respect and trust of not just his peers, but our police chief, city council, all city department directors who deal with events, the State Liquor Control Commission, and the business leaders of downtown Lincoln.” Deb Johnson, Executive Director of the Updowntowners, added, “All event professionals know that logistics for one event is time consuming and challenging. Tad provides logistics for all of our events. Tad also has a historical knowledge of our organization that is invaluable and his legal expertise is of extreme value with every contract and/or insurance policy that we must have for our events.” 2004 Ray Griffin (D) Nominated by Cityfolk Dayton, Ohio Ray Griffin’s enthusiasm is evident in every aspect of his life, but it is most visible in the amount of time he gives as a volunteer for Cityfolk. Griffin essentially made the festival what it is today by volunteering for the difficult task of Festival Director. In the fall of 2000, Cityfolk’s Executive Director resigned, leaving the organization and the festival in a precarious position. The Executive Director was also serving the dual role of Festival Director, which left a huge void in leadership that needed to be filled. Griffin approached the Cityfolk board of trustees, offering his services as the Festival Director, as well as the interim Executive Director of the entire organization. During the months he was the interim Executive Director, he united the staff (which had been cut by 50% and were emotionally exhausted) and put policies, accounting and contract management procedures into place to greatly improve the day-to-day operations of the organization. Most importantly, as Festival Director, Griffin established the volunteer structure that is still in place today and is the only way the festival could continue, having endured such a significant reduction in work force. Last year, the festival engaged over 1,000 volunteers, without whom the festival could not exist. Griffin also established the first ever festival volunteer appreciation event to further punctuate his commitment to a volunteer structure. The 70th Anniversary

volunteer structure that Griffin established has now been successfully producing the largest multicultural festival in Ohio since 2001. For the first time in years, Griffin not only produced a festival that satisfied every portion of Cityfolk’s mission and core values, but he made a $125,000 financial contribution to Cityfolk that offset all operational deficits and allowed the organization to carry out its regular season series of jazz, world, Celtic, and traditional music concerts and educational activities. While he primarily dedicates himself to the Cityfolk festival in the role of Festival Director, Griffin is also extremely committed to their year-round season of activities as a volunteer Board Member, ticket buyer and committee volunteer. Griffin works an average of thirty to forty hours a week during the festival season. Griffin’s professional background is a perfect fit for the Festival Director position. He arrived at Cityfolk after he retired from the City of Dayton, where he managed the region’s largest public facility - the Dayton Convention Center. Griffin brings his understanding of city departments and their hierarchy to his volunteer role as Festival Director. His ability to engage the right people needed to coordinate the festival, which attracts nearly 100,000 attendees and involves 1000 volunteers and dozens of sponsors and partners, has proven invaluable over the past years. Griffin’s professional expertise has netted many positive results, including 2003’s record-setting profits, a significant increase in in-kind contributions, a successful move of the festival’s home, the largest family of sponsors and partners in the festival’s history and the subsequent merger of two events under the Cityfolk festival’s umbrella. No matter how hectic the day’s schedule is during the festival season, Griffin always takes time to discuss ideas with the staff and thank people for their time and efforts. He also exemplifies a great attitude during the festival by handling issues calmly and efficiently. His high priority on producing a quality event for families and the community enables him to rise above the inevitable problems. In addition to being the Festival Director, Griffin has served on the Board of Trustees (two terms) and is currently serving on the Development and Finance Committee. He is a major donor to the organization and solicits corporate and individual contributions. Griffin also volunteers with other local/regional organizations. He is a Past National Board Member and Present

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Volunteer for Neighborhoods USA and he is currently volunteering for the Oregon Historic District Society, the Southwest Priority board, and Dayton’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration. It is no exaggeration to state that the Cityfolk festival would not have happened, or be in existence today, if it were not for Ray Griffin’s work. He made a real difference in the organization’s future, building the Cityfolk festival into the organization’s largest fundraising event. Without it, the organization would have a difficult time surviving. Thanks to Ray Griffin, the 2004 Cityfolk festival promises to be the most exciting in the history of the organization. 2005 Lisa Collins Nominated by Memphis in May International Festival Memphis, Tennessee Lisa Collins, like the many volunteers she represents in spirit, has been extremely dedicated and enthusiastic in her support for the Memphis in May International Festival in Memphis, Tennessee. She is completing her final term as chairman of their Hospitality Committee, a leadership role that follows more than ten years of faithful service as a Memphis in May volunteer. Lisa is one of Memphis in May’s Best Ambassadors. Her organizational skills and extensive pre-planning ensure that things run smoothly in an environment that is often hectic and always high energy. As chair of the Hospitality Committee, Lisa is responsible for running over 20 backstage catering tents spread out between four separate stages. And that is just for one of four events! Since taking over as Chair, Lisa has been instrumental in the revitalization of her committee and personally trains each of her volunteers, making sure they understand their roles and what is expected of them. Lisa also is able to see beyond the boundaries of her own committee and looks for ways in which she and her volunteers can help serve other committees and the Festival overall. In past years, Lisa’s committee only participated in one of four festivals. As Lisa took on a larger leadership role, she began to see the bigger picture and recognized an important need for expanding the Hospitality Committee to support all events. Creating an environment that balances hard work with ample fun is 102

also something Lisa does with expertise. Her committee operates from daybreak to well after midnight on event days. Add in multiple days of set-up and load-out and you have one very busy schedule for people who are not getting paid. Only someone that lives it and leads by example, like Lisa, can inspire this kind of loyalty and dedication. Lisa continually shows her support to Memphis in May by being conscientious of the bottom line and staying under budget. She oversees a spending budget of more than $20,000, and even through two years of extensive budget cuts, has shown ingenuity and worked miracles in seeking out numerous donations and discounts from vendors. Working Memphis in May is also a family project for Lisa, whose husband and grown daughter both put in endless hours in support of Lisa and the Festival. In fact, she met her husband while working as a volunteer for the Festival. Lisa is even grooming the next generation of volunteers. Too young to be an official Memphis in May volunteer, Lisa’s grandson eagerly worked by his grandmother’s side in preparation for the events. Lisa’s commitment and dedication extends well beyond the time and effort she gives to the Festival. Upon their own initiative, Lisa and her husband take personal, un-paid vacation time from work in order to volunteer. This type of personal sacrifice shows just how big a heart she has for the festival and her community. 2006 Doreen Ravenscroft Nominated by Waco Cultural Arts Fest Waco, Texas Doreen Ravenscroft has dedicated decades of her life to the Central Texas and Waco community with a mission to raise awareness of the fine arts. Becoming involved first as an enthusiastic volunteer for the Waco Art Center and later as a board member and president, Doreen paved the way for countless free community art projects and exhibitions with a goal of bringing the world of art to the hardest to reach children and adults in the community. After several years of leading the Waco Art Center and its art festival, Doreen found herself at a crossroads when the center decided to discontinue the festival because they felt they could no longer keep it free. Believing strongly in the

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festival’s purpose, Doreen chose to step out of her role as an art center board member and re-established the event as the Waco Cultural Arts Fest. Her mission was to keep the arts appealing to the broadest populations of Waco and the surrounding communities by creating a free, high-quality, ethnically diverse event that incorporated visual art, dance, music and culinary art. Through her determination and enthusiasm that vision became a reality with a new, renamed festival that was up and running within six months. Re-establishing the festival as a self-sustaining event wasn’t the only tough challenge Doreen faced. During the 2005 hurricane season, she was forced to cancel the festival’s original dates due to the effects of Hurricane Rita. The festival had secured a last-minute, indoor site to avoid being rained out, but at the last minute, that site was needed by FEMA for evacuees and Doreen had to finally come to the realization that the festival would need to be cancelled. Despite her disappointment and the enormous task of contacting all of those who were planning to participate in the event, Doreen remained calm and collected and once again rallied those around her. By nightfall she was collecting and delivering blankets for the evacuees. The next morning, she was calling volunteers to help man an arts activity for the children moved once more by the natural disaster that had hit New Orleans and Houston. Her efforts led her to become affectionately known to the children of the evacuees as “The Art Lady”. That same dedication and contagious spirit also helped Doreen to have the festival up and running again within six weeks to the delight of sponsors, volunteers and the entire community. Her belief in a team approach where everyone has the opportunity to lead and have their ideas heard and often instigated brings out the best in those who work for her and with her. It would take many people to replace Doreen Ravenscroft. Over the past three years, she has contributed more than 8000 volunteer hours to the Waco Cultural Arts Fest. Adding to that, Doreen’s community outreach involves partnering with the McLennan County Youth Collaboration, The Community Race Relations Coalition and recently a special arts restoration project for Historic Waco. Her extensive, multi-million dollar fundraising efforts have enabled the festival to also now include the Waco National Sculpture Exhibition, and a sister project

called Branding the Brazos. The sculpture exhibition was Doreen’s brainchild to provide a venue for professional and emerging sculptors, and to bring sculpture to downtown Waco at the same time. As a result, the downtown now has year-round outdoor sculpture. Branding the Brazos will bring permanent sculptures depicting the Chisholm Trail to the Brazos riverbank. The void in the Waco community and surrounding areas would be apparent if Doreen Ravenscroft had not recognized the need for such an event. Her belief in a vision and determination in making a dream a reality have brought a stronger sense of unity and understanding to the community and new opportunities to make it even stronger. 2007 Dave Carter Nominated by Wichita Festivals, Inc. Wichita, Kansas Dave Carter’s enthusiasm and dedication as a volunteer for Wichita Festivals, Inc. is unparalleled. His 25 years of involvement have spanned everything from coordinating antique bathtub races and organizing corporate challenges, to serving on the board of directors and most recently chairing the Wichita Flight Festival. Dave has acted as media spokesperson, sponsorship solicitor, local government liaison, marketing strategist, promotional director, problem-solver, cheerleader, mentor and leader, and has also lent his vocational expertise in the field of aviation. There hardly seems to be a skill that Dave doesn’t possess, and the organization has benefited tremendously from his willingness to share them all. Beyond the roles he is willing to assume, Dave’s initiative is witnessed through his careful organization. He outlines in advance what needs to be done, assigns responsibilities to other volunteers helping with the project and serves as a cheerleader in completing the tasks. He never asks someone to do something he wouldn’t do himself and is careful to explain what needs to be done and when. His frequent Power Point presentations to outline information, demonstrate his commitment to getting things done right, and his leadership in making that happen. He has used this mechanism so often with the organization’s operations committee that they tease him every time he addresses

the group, asking where the Power Point presentation is! With a constant smile on his face and an endless willingness to step forward if help is needed in any area, Dave neversays something can’t be done and is always positive. He believes the group of volunteers involved on the festival’s operations committee can make anything work and voices that belief often. Dave is also always thinking of others. Earlier this year he had accepted responsibility for a specific event role and when asked to assume a different role, his first concern was about upsetting the person he had originally agreed to help. Not until he checked with her to make sure it wouldn’t damage their relationship would he accept the new position. Not only is he hard working, he’s fun to be around and extremely personable. No matter how many details he’s tracking at once, he remembers conversations with and the needs of others. Last year in preparation for the Wichita Flight Festival and the participation of the U.S. Air Force F15E demonstration team, the festival learned that it did not have the equipment in Wichita necessary to do after-flight oil sample tests, a requirement for the F15. Without our being aware, Dave contacted McConnell Air Force Base, located in Wichita, Boeing Aircraft Company and others trying to find the necessary equipment. Through his efforts and those of another volunteer working with him, the festival was able to secure the equipment needed at an Air Force Base in Oklahoma. The base agreed to do the tests required if we could transport the oil sample to them after each flight, and Dave found the volunteers to do so. Without his efforts and determination to find a solution, we would not have been able to enjoy what was the highlight of the air show, the performance of the F15E. Perhaps the greatest impact that Dave has made at Wichita Festivals, Inc. is as a leader and role model for others. He is a great mentor for new members of the operations committee. He doesn’t complain or voice displeasure with decisions, but instead jumps in to help for the greater good. As a result, he is respected by the organization’s staff and all of the other volunteers who work with him. His interest in the events Wichita Festivals, Inc. produces, along with the people who make it work and who enjoy the results, is always foremost in his mind. Without Dave Carter, Wichita Festivals, Inc. would lose valuable expertise, a trusted role model and a friend. He provides 70th Anniversary

continuity from years of experience to both staff and other volunteers and has a true commitment to our mission of community celebration. The festival can count on Dave and has never been disappointed. 2008 Randy Hawthorne Nominated by Updowntowners, Inc. Lincoln, Nebraska Updowntowners produces approximately 30 events, forums and luncheons each year. With only two staff members, volunteers are the heart and soul of the organization’s success. Randy Hawthorne, has been an integral part of our organization through his service and commitment for the past 12 years. In 1996, Randy was invited to become a part of Updowntowners and was immediately asked to serve as the Chair of our Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. Developing an event that involved the Governor and use of the streets in front of our State Capitol, Randy helped bring great attention and support to the event. His success with the Special Olympics earned him a coveted seat on our July Jamm committee, chairing community relations and streetscapes. With a very successful community relations campaign and colorful streetscapes, it didn’t take the organization long to recognize his value to Updowntowners. In two short years of membership, Randy earned the Chair position for July Jamm, which at the time, was known as the signature festival in our region. His co-chair for the festival was not able to fill their role the following year so Randy agreed to chair the festival for a second year. As chair of a festival, members sit on the Board of Directors. In 1999, Randy began his tenure on the board of directors, where his outstanding work put him on the path to Board leadership. For the first 17 years of Updowntowners existence, it was completely volunteer led without an ounce of staff support. Randy, however believed that Updowntowners could be a professional events production organization and his passion and vision led the board to agree to hire staff. After serving as Past President of the Board, Randy next took on the marketing initiatives brought out in the strategic plan, leading to the rebuild of our website and enhancing our brand. Randy’s volunteer efforts have ensured that Updowntowners is a strong professional event production organization

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with a promising future. He has provided the entire package whether it be new technology for our organization or new opportunities, he has touched so many lives, programs and pieces of our industry. In Randy’s twelve years of involvement, he has served as a chair for the majority of our committee’s and was the creative mind behind developing and leading our largest festival during its inaugural year. Currently, Randy is the chair of membership services for Updowntowners. During his two years as chair of this committee, he has completely re-engineered our luncheons by making them behind-the-scenes events offering opportunities to go places the general public do not have access to. This new programming, in conjunction with our Updowntowners Membership Draft (another new initiative led by Randy), helped our organization experience a 100% increase in our membership growth and doubled our luncheon attendance. As a result, this helped to reach a new audience and assisted in reducing the barriers regarding the perception that you must live or work downtown to be a part of Updowntowners. Randy is the most incredible visionary you could ever have had the opportunity to work with in any industry. He lives out of the box, helping the organization to evolve. He is the rare volunteer that we all wish to have in our organization. He is motivated by the mission of the organization and could care less about personal gain. Randy hasn’t been recognized for the work he does for our organization and he hasn’t taken a moment to think about it. Some might think it is because he doesn’t have a free moment in his life, volunteering for Rotary, Lincoln Arts Council, Community Playhouse, American Marketing Association, and of course, giving to Updowntowners as if it was his only commitment. But anyone that knows him, knows his involvement and dedication is not about Randy, but about giving time to making his community a better place to live work and play. It is not a stretch to say Updowntowners would not be in existence without Randy. If he was not a volunteer for the organization I firmly believe we would not have Celebrate Lincoln, our new website and our membership would have a completely different face to it. Randy motivates people and inspires them to lead and reach out to others. When he agrees to serve on an event committee, volunteer at an event or lead an entire production, we know it will be done in a 104

way that exceeds our dreams and goals. He has a spirit and tireless drive that is contagious and filled with positive energy. Quite honestly, I believe we have Updowntowners today because of Randy and his belief in our future as a professional events production organization. Randy is going off our Board of Directors after 8 years but is creating a legacy for our community. He wouldn’t see it that way, as he is just doing what he enjoys. We believe that his contributions are significant and we deeply cherish every moment we have with Randy Hawthorne and the memories he has created for so many people. 2009 Gayl Doster Nominated by Music for All Indianapolis, Indiana Gayl Doster’s involvement with the Bands of America Grand National Championships began in November, 1984 when he watched his daughter compete in the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. It was then that the former high school and collegiate musician was taken by the excellence associated with Music for All’s Bands of America (BOA) programming. Witnessing, first hand, the pinnacle performance opportunity provided to his daughter and other student musicians from across the country left the former high school and collegiate musician with a renascent pride. The emotional impact of attending the national championships prompted Gayl to become a BOA volunteer. But shortly after the 1984 grand national competitions, Gayl’s profession took him to Rhode Island; a state without BOA programming. So, his ability to become a volunteer did not present itself until 1997 when he returned to Indiana. His first assignment was the loading dock at the BOA Grand National Championships. The unassuming, retired President and Chief Operating Officer of Hooks Drugs enthusiastically dedicated more than eight hours on three consecutive days assisting band parents unload props and instruments in the November cold. Word of Gayl’s enthusiasm and professional background spread and in 2004 he was asked to serve as the assistant tabulator at the BOA Grand National Championships. For three days, he volunteered from 8am to 11pm assisting to ensure the accuracy of each competing band’s score. It was then that

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Scott McCormick, President and CEO, met Gayl. Scott immediately noted Gayl’s enthusiasm, talent and dedication to the job he had been assigned. Shortly after that meeting, Gayl was invited to serve on the Music for All Finance Committee. In two short years, his keen eye for fiduciary management and mentoring aptitude resulted in an invitation to serve on the Board of Directors. In 2008, Gayl assumed the role of chairman of the board. Gayl Doster’s altruistic motivation to serve has been without parameters. As you will learn from reading this, this man’s multifaceted leadership and unprecedented philanthropic gift kept Music for All from closing its doors forever. Even as Chairman of the Music for All Board of Directors, Gayl’s roles and responsibilities have no parameters. In the chairman’s role, he is responsible for maintaining leadership and board cohesiveness. He must be conversant on the mission, service, policies and programs of the organization. He assumes fiduciary responsibility and provides like oversight. He actively works to engage new volunteers, board members and donors. He assumes a leadership gift role and encourages those in his social network to do the same. He is an advocate for Music for All, its events and mission. Moreover, Gayl still volunteers to unloads trucks, covers his own costs to travel and serve in key volunteer positions at events across the country, mentors and empowers the Music for All executives with the skills amassed from an extraordinary professional career and reports once a month to the office where he assists with reconciling accounts. Simply put, there is no role or responsibility too menial or big for this humble volunteer. Specific expertise, organizational assistance and enthusiasm are synonymous with Gayl’s on-going contribution to Music for All. As a volunteer on the finance committee, he quickly learned of the financial challenges plaguing the organization. Unlike those who had removed themselves from the job of navigating the not-for-profit back to solvency, Gayl emerged as a leader. He rolled up his sleeves and delved into the intricacies of Music for All’s business. He listened and learned unassumingly. He served as a voice of reason, applying the financial expertise he had amassed from a 43-year career in executive fiduciary management. Recognizing that people make the organization, he has personally hosted employee outings, as well as holiday parties. Driven by the belief that the skills one learns

from music participation are transferrable to most areas of life, Gayl’s enthusiasm is insatiable. His tireless drive has made an indelible impression on Music for All’s events, as well as every staff member. To say that Gayl is an inspiration is an understatement. One of the best examples of Gayl’s initiative and leadership was his initiation of an organizational 360 degree assessment to measure employee satisfaction and address issues impeding a positive and efficient work environment. Recognizing organizational transformation pains resulting from the 2006 merger between the Music for All Foundation and Bands of America, he used his personal resources to cover the expenses associated with bringing in outside experts to lead the organizational check up. He regularly attended 360 meetings and required executive staff to review policies and procedures associated with employee satisfaction. This assessment resulted in the modification of numerous employee policies. Furthermore, it positively changed the culture and work environment at Music for All. Every employee, independent of his/her position, learned and grew as a result of this initiative. Gayl exemplified his dependability when the changes in economic condition began to affect Music for All’s 2009 fiscal year budget. The board chairman and member of the finance committee knew that difficult mid-year adjustments had to be made. These included steps to make substantial reductions in operating overhead. These actions/changes were adopted in late summer 2008 and made throughout the fall. Those austerity measures included taking $500K out of budgeted expenses ($488,000 on a one time FY09 basis and $630,000 on a recurring basis). Changes also included a hiring freeze, staff pay reductions of 20% through the end of fiscal year 09 (February 28, 2009), program adjustments, and intensified fundraising. Once again, Gayl’s dependable expertise was there to assist the Music for All executive team in weathering the perfect storm. Finally, under Gayl’s leadership, Music for All has instituted a five year plan to erase its negative fund balance by FY13. During the first round of budget cuts, Gayl knew the organization would need to raise at least $200,000 in private support. So, he and his wife provided a $100,000 matching gift challenge to infuse fundraising. In order to receive the gift, Music for All had to raise an equal amount. The matching gift challenge was the spring-

board to the organization successfully raising more than $200,000 in 45 days. In addition to conveying Gayl’s depth of personal commitment, his challenge gift was the impetus to the establishment of a recurring, reliable base of private support. In 2008, Music for All raised more than $500,000 in private support and secured more than 1700 new donors. Without The Doster Matching Gift Challenge, Music for All may not have survived. Gayl Doster’s impact goes far beyond Music for All’s Bands of America Grand National Championships. His enthusiasm, caring spirit, professional expertise and desire for children to grow through music have impacted the entire Music for All family. His relentless giving has ensured an organization’s prosperity. Gayl’s positive attitude is seen whether volunteering in the office or at an event. He is quick to learn about those around him and eagerly interested in the details that define a well executed event. Even during times of organizational uncertainty, he has never shown discouragement or lack of belief. His commitment to attend events across the country and learn through volunteerism still prevails. He has enthusiastically volunteered for several upcoming events including spending one week this June at the Music for All Summer Symposium in Normal, IL. Gayl Doster has taught an organization the importance of volunteer management. While he will always be the volunteer from the 2003 Grand National Championships, he has evolved into an unforeseen leader, donor and mentor. Gayl’s story is one that every leader, staff member and volunteer can learn from. He plays a critical role in molding all the things that impact each of Music for All’s events, as well as the organization’s ability to achieve its mission. The organization has prospered from his numerous gifts and the lives he has touched have been immeasurably enriched. 2010 Mary Jo Sartain Nominated by Tulsa International Mayfest Tulsa, Oklahoma Tulsa International Mayfest began in 1973 and was produced exclusively by volunteers. Now, with only one full-time staff member and seasonal part-time staff, we still rely heavily on our hundreds of volunteers to produce this beloved Tulsa tradition. Mary Jo Sartain has been an 70th Anniversary

integral part of the festival’s success since 2002. Mary Jo’s husband, Gailard Sartain, was selected as the poster artist for the 2001 festival when they lived in Los Angeles, California. Through their involvement in Mayfest, they were convinced it was time to move back home, to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Upon moving to Tulsa, Mary Jo immediately wanted to volunteer for Mayfest. She helped in various aspects over the years, including headquarters, Co-Chair for visual artists, and currently Festival Chair, a position she has held since 2007. While in these roles, she has also served on the Board of Directors since 2003. The festival chair is responsible for oversight of the steering committee, which is comprised of approximately 25 volunteers that are each responsible for a specific area of the festival. The festival chair serves on and reports to the board of directors. Before Mary Jo’s tenure, those in the festival chair position had duties and time commitments that varied greatly given each individual’s availability and talents. Mary Jo has truly made the position a full time year round effort. In addition to this, Mary Jo handles our day-to-day bookkeeping efforts, coordinates insurance and tax needs, selects the poster artist, solicits sponsors, etc. She does not limit her responsibilities to those in her self-created job description. She’s been seen scrubbing floors on her hands and knees (after knee replacement surgery, I might add) after the festival to leave our donated temporary space cleaner than it was when we received it. There is absolutely nothing that Mary Jo would not do to make Mayfest a success. I am continuously surprised by the new talents that Mary Jo offers Mayfest. When our producing entity, Downtown Tulsa Unlimited, closed in the summer of 2009, Mary Jo made a huge committee to not only continue her previous duties as festival chair, but to add the duties of our full-time bookkeeper/officer manager as well. She’s not only taken over these responsibilities, but she has streamlined and simplified our procedures, which has saved us both time and money. Mary Jo is the cheerleader for the festival. She’s there for our staff and volunteers not only professionally as it relates to the festival, but personally as well. I feel very blessed to have her in my life and consider her a great friend and mentor. If a volunteer is having a tough time accomplishing part of their goal, she’s the first to step in to offer help. When a festival has been around for 38

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years, the first thing that people want to know is what will be new to keep people coming back. Mary Jo has made it a priority to feature several new aspects of the festival each year to keep it fresh and enjoyable while keeping Mayfest traditions alive. She has created three new indoor galleries, created a lasting art project in downtown by using portions of the poster artwork and turning it into a mural on a building next to our festival site and has reenergized our steering committee. She has brought in new volunteers and helped to make all of the steering committee members feel like they have an equally important role in the festival. She takes charge and always has the best interest of the festival goers and volunteers at heart. Mary Jo’s family will be the first to tell you how loyal she is to the festival. She has rearranged their lives countless times to make it to important events and meetings for Mayfest throughout the year. When Mayfest finally arrives, she’s on-site at 6:00 a.m (which is difficult for someone who is not an early riser) and doesn’t leave until the last volunteer does around midnight. This goes on for four days! If a problem arises at anytime during the festival or in the planning phases, she’s the first to take action to correct it. In fact, she’s such a permanent fixture and integral part of the festival that I cannot envision what Mayfest will look like once she retires. The past three years that Mary Jo has served as the festival chair, Mayfest has seen incredible growth and has benefited financially, even during these tough economic times. The board of directors did not hesitate to ask her to chair the event again. They know that with Mary Jo at the wheel, Mayfest will be smooth sailing. Mary Jo has worked to build the morale of the steering committee and the board of directors since the beginning of her involvement. She truly loves Mayfest and wants everyone involved to have a blast, all while producing a quality festival. She constantly supports our key volunteers not only on their Mayfest projects, but in their other endeavors as well. She has brought this group of 25 very different personalities together so they work well collaboratively and think of each other as their extended family. A few years ago several steering committee members and staff were overwhelmed, as can easily happen the closer it gets to the event, and Mary Jo shouted out in a meeting “Mayfest is FUN!” It really made everyone pause and 106

look at the big picture. Everyone was so bogged downed with the details. While there’s a lot of hard work and times of stress involved in producing an event of this magnitude, Mayfest is fun and Mary Jo always does her part to make sure that’s the case. The impact Mary Jo has made on Mayfest is so great it is hard to put into words and will be felt for years to come. For the past several years, Mayfest had paid Downtown Tulsa Unlimited (DTU) to produce the festival. Mayfest used DTU’s office and logistic/maintenance staff, office space, equipment, etc. to ensure the festival’s success. In the summer of 2009, DTU lost its major funding source and closed its doors, just a month after a successful Mayfest. Mary Jo rallied the board of directors to put a plan in place so that Mayfest could continue. To say she has been instrumental in carrying the torch would be an understatement. Mary Jo volunteers so much time for Mayfest that she now has her own office in the Mayfest offices. I not so jokingly tell Mary Jo that she has to serve as the festival chair forever. I know that one day, when she is replaced that the new chair will love the festival and serve it to the best of their ability, but I do not believe there will ever be a chair as dedicated and hardworking as Mary Jo. 2011 Alex Freeman (D) Nominated by the Kentucky Derby Festival Louisville, Kentucky The length and depth of Alex Freeman‟s involvement with the Kentucky Derby Festival can best be described in three words: forty one years. As a member of its board of directors for 18 years and as a “civilian” volunteer serving on event committees and helping with event production; Alex Freeman is and has been, a dedicated and dependable volunteer and she shows no signs of slowing down! Alex first became involved with the Derby Festival when The Derby Festival‟s Great Balloon Race was first held; the same year Alex and her husband John started their balloon company, Air „n‟ Mania. Together they have participated in the Balloon race a number of times and even won the event in 1980! Working on the inaugural Great Balloon Race was Alex‟s first foray as a Derby Festival volunteer and she hasn‟t looked back since.

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The Derby Festival is very fortunate to have a network of approximately 4,000 volunteers who help produce nearly 70 events over a two-week period. Some volunteers are involved for several hours on a single day; others take part in event planning and throughout the entire year. Alex Freeman falls into the latter category and her depth of involvement is unmatched in the 56-year history of the Kentucky Derby Festival. She stands alone amongst an “army” of volunteers that have helped the Derby Festival grow from one event – produced on a budget of $640 – to one of the largest and more celebrated festivals in the country. Alex Freeman has been involved with virtually every aspect of the Derby Festival over the past 40 years. As a board member, she headed numerous event committees, organizing meetings and working closely with full-time Derby Festival staff members. She fulfilled a similar role as a KDF volunteer, never turning down an assignment and providing leadership and vision for less experienced colleagues. One of her current roles is working a security check-point for the Second Street Bridge during the Thunder Over Louisville fireworks and air show. This is an esteemed position, as the bridge serves as the launching point for thousands of fireworks shells during the internationally known Thunder show and is strictly off-limits but for a handful of event personnel. Alex is well known for her willingness to tackle any project, no matter how large or small. Derby Festival event team members use her as a reference source on many projects. Over the course of the Derby Festival, Alex seems to be everywhere at once, yet she tends to stay in the background. If asked to perform any task, it is a certainty that it will be carried out. She is not reluctant to speak up and address any issue that may be negatively affecting the Festival. She is highly respected by board members and volunteers all across the spectrum of participants. Volunteers who have later been elected to the Derby Festival‟s board of directors speak of Alex Freeman‟s willingness to share her experience and to help foster positive attitudes and an optimistic outlook. One newly-elected board member cited her as a role model for her dependability, years of service, infectious attitude, recruitment of volunteers, depth of involvement and dedication. She has been described as the “ideal ambassador for the Derby Festival and its place in the community.”

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There are certain people in everyone‟s life who are just plain fun to be around. Without a doubt, Alex Freeman is one of those people. Her smile is genuine, her demeanor is contagious and she is never heard to complain. There are no such things as problems for Alex – only opportunities to grow and learn. Many people would become jaded or bored volunteering for the same organization year after year, but Alex brings renewed enthusiasm to each season‟s event planning. Her positive attitude can quickly turn around the pessimism of others and her can-do attitude is absolutely infectious. It’s hard to know where to start when it comes to describing the difference that Alex Freeman has had on the growth and success of the Kentucky Derby Festival over the past 41 years. Her impact and influence cannot be limited to a single event, or even a series of events. One would be hard pressed to imagine what the Festival would be like without her leadership – both as a volunteer and a board member. The Derby Festival is an infinitely better and stronger organization with the involvement of Alex Freeman and all the volunteers she has helped to recruit. Forty-one years is a mighty long run for any endeavor, but it‟s particularly remarkable that Alex remains as enthusiastic and supportive as ever. To quote a current Derby Festival staff member: “You can see Alex’s love for this organization in everything she does. She is truly an ambassador for the Kentucky Derby Festival, always referencing the Festival within the community with pride. Most of all, I love that she always does it with a smile.” 2012 Charlie M. Clint Nominated by the Portland Rose Festival Foundation Portland, Oregon Charlie Clint has been a Portland Rose Festival volunteer since the early 1980’s. Over the years, she has not only played a vital role in the Rose Festival’s Grand Floral Parade, assisting the parade manager relentlessly move entries to the start of the parade, but during the Rose Festival’s Centennial Celebration in 2007, Charlie took on several significant tasks, including creating and managing the Rose Festival’s story blog through which, Charlie became the unofficial official photographer, 108

capturing images that would later be used on a far larger project she would take on post-Centennial. After the Rose Festival’s Centennial, the staff size was significantly reduced, including the person who managed the festival’s website and information technology. The Rose Festival was entering challenging financial times, and CEO Jeff Curtis asked Charlie if she would step up and take over this role as a full time volunteer. Charlie agreed, and although she had some experience working with small websites, she had never approached a site the size and scope of the festival’s. Over the course of the next three years, Charlie was left to work out the hosting and content management on her own. She swapped out all the code, re-did all the banners, replaced all the photos and redesigned the navigation. She came up with a meticulous system for managing website updates and changes via email (which number in the hundreds weekly from January through June), and she added Google translate to every page, along with Facebook and Twitter add-toshare links. The result of Charlie’s work has transformed the Rose Festival’s information technology and electronic footprint. She has managed to make the festival independent of web companies and reduce its use of expensive IT consultants. She has saved significant dollars, while improving the working conditions of the staff and the features of the Rose Festival’s website and social media. A conservative estimate of the money—hard dollars—Charlie has saved the festival on website and IT management is $150,000. Charlie is a known quantity at the Rose Festival, at the office, among the board members and among the ancillary organizations that work with the festival. Her voice is the one heard reminding people during any major event that it’s “all about the photo,” as she snaps some of the festival’s most important shots herself. Charlie is a passionate and powerful member of one of the festival’s most important teams, its Communications Team. “I don’t know where we’d be right now without Charlie’s enthusiasm and energy,” says Jeff Curtis, Rose Festival’s CEO. “She has never refused a request or failed to rise to a challenge. She’s a key member of our team.” Charlie puts Rose Festival first. She treats it as both a vocation and an avocation, with more dedication than an average staff member or board member.

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Charlie is always ready to deliver for the Rose Festival. And her most important tool is not her expertise; it’s her willingness to try, and try again. On the rare occasions she says “No! It can’t be done,” she always reconsiders, finding a way to fix, create, manipulate or invent. But despite the incredible tangible effect Charlie’s volunteerism has had on the Rose Festival, it’s the intangible that would be most difficult to replace. You can buy a new computer. You can pay a company to design your website. You might even be able to find somebody else to stand at the head of the Grand Floral Parade line of march and get everything in order ... But you can’t replace the spirit and the soul of the true volunteer, the one who treats a volunteer job like one that pays a million dollars. “It’s plain and simple,” says Sue Bunday, Rose Festival President. “Charlie exemplifies the heart of this festival.” 2013 Christopher Protho, M.Ed. Nominated by Music for All Indianapolis, Indiana Chris’s journey with Music for All began in 1990 when he was a freshman at West Virginia University. A member of their acclaimed Marching Band, Chris was required to volunteer at Music for All’s Bands of America Eastern Regional Marching Band Competition for high school students. He was a parking lot attendant. Despite the lackluster volunteer assignment, this first exposure to Music for All made a lasting impression on the young man who grew up outside of Pittsburgh, PA. So impressionable, that he continued to volunteer for Music for All for the next 23 years. Following his debut as a parking lot attendant, Chris traveled the following summer to Wisconsin to be a camp counselor for Bands of America’s Summer Camp for high school marching band students. By then, he was hooked. Within those 23 years, Chris experienced nearly every volunteer opportunity available at Music for All, from a parking lot attendant in 1990 to the Contest Director for the Grand National Marching Band Championships in 2009, Chris’s progression is a result of his commitment to the organization at all levels. This is no small feat as Music for All is a multifaceted organization that: provides music education for middle and high school students in marching bands, concert

or fifty years, Marilyn Clint, CFEE has been the heart of the Portland Rose Festival — shaping traditions, mentoring generations, and keeping Portland’s spirit in full bloom. With deep gratitude and admiration, we thank Marilyn for her decades of dedication, leadership, and love for Portland and its people. Your legacy will forever shine in every parade, every rose, and every smile along the way.

bands, orchestras, music ensembles or as individuals; offers professional development for instrumental music teachers; organizes a series of regional and national performance events that are culminating experiences for schools and student musicians; and serves as an advocate for scholastic music programs across the country. During his tenure with Music for All, Chris provided logistics support and event management at: 81 Bands of America Regional Marching Band Championships; 20 Grand National Championships; four Summer Symposiums; three Music for All National Festivals; and one Regional Concert Band Festival, which occurred during his honeymoon. His volunteer assignments at these events have included (but not limited to): event management, field manager, field operations, announcer, parking manager, ticketing, concessions, tabulator, timing and penalties judge, loading dock monitor and shuttle driver. Chris has logged 39,000 miles in personal vehicles to these events, and dedicated more than 7,000 services hours to Music for All. After 23 years of volunteering, working a full-time job, earning a Master Degree, getting married, having children and pursuing a doctorate degree, Chris’s dedication to Music for All has not waned. Chris’s expertise in events management has evolved with the organization, and he has more institutional knowledge than many of the paid staff. Chris’s hands-on experience is greatly enhanced by his academic and career pursuits. Chris holds a Bachelor of Music from West Virginia University, a Master of Education from California University of Pennsylvania, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Instructional Management and Leadership from Robert Morris University. Since 1999 he has been a Music Teacher and the Band Director at Mars Area Middle School. In addition, Chris is deeply involved with scholastic music programs in his home state, most recently serving on Pennsylvania’s Department of Education’s Standards and Practices Commission, a position appointed by the governor. Chris’s extraordinary dedication to working on the front-lines at the many Music for All events earned him the distinguished role of Contest Director for Grand National Championships three years in a row from 2009 to 2011. This is the highest volunteer position available at Music for All, responsible for delivering an event that is consistent with Music for All’s mission, vision and core values. A demanding, complex and highly specialized volunteer 110

position, the Contest Director makes the event—held in Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium—an unforgettable experience for 75,000 people, including the students, teachers, band directors and spectators. Chris considers Music for All a part of his family. This deep commitment, coupled with Chris’s positive attitude, is a rare asset to any organization. To Chris, scouting locations for Music for All events while on his honeymoon in Florida was part of life. Driving to various cities for events after Friday night football games was commonplace for Chris. To Chris, this is an adventure, a dream come true, a chance to travel the country doing what he loves—supporting and recognizing students for their outstanding accomplishments in music. Chris is inspired by Music for All’s mission to create, provide and expand positively life-changing experience through music for all. Chris’s impact extends far beyond a single event or series of events. Chris has been the bridge to Music for All’s future. He began volunteering when Music for All had a staff of nine, and now that staff has doubled. In many cases, he has helped train and orient new staff for Music for All events. His institutional knowledge is unmatched. Chris believed in the organization from the beginning. When it was a fledging organization striving to evolve and professionalize scholastic marching band events—Chris believed in the mission. When Bands of America and Music for All Foundation merged in 2006 resulting in many organizational pains—Chris believed in the mission. When Music for All faced devastating budget cuts in 2009 exacerbated by the recession, staff morale was low and Music for All considered closing its doors forever—Chris believed in the mission. Simply put, Chris was at his best, when the organization was not at its best. He has been an energizing force throughout Music for All’s evolution. Today, Music for All is stronger and more stable than it has ever been, thanks to the dedication and commitment from Christopher Protho. 2014 Mary Bernaski (D) Nominated by BorderFest Association and Festival of Lights Hidalgo, TX Mary Bernaski, a “Winter Texan” and “Volunteer Extraordinaire” came to Hidalgo in 1986 to square dance for the kick-off of BorderFest and

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receive her International Pin. She did not know then that she would soon find herself knee deep in volunteering for BorderFest, Hidalgo’s Festival of Lights, community Schools, the Chamber of Commerce and anything else that needed a hard working volunteer, including serving as a narrator and volunteer for Festival of lights for 20 years and serving on the official BorderFest Committee for 25 years, first as co-chair and then chair of the International Square Dance Jubilee. Mary certainly is not ready to slow down, regardless of the fact she is 93 years young. When Mary and her husband first came to Hidalgo they were here for 3 to 4 months. But as she became more involved she stayed 4 to 5 months and then 6 months and before long she was staying 8 months out of the year. And even though Mary is considered a semi-permanent resident, she has a genuine passion for the community, leading the charge in getting thousands of Winter Texans involved in BorderFest and Festival of Lights as well as leading the “Hot Peppers,” a top-notch volunteer club of Winter Texans. Not only this, but she also helped to add a new dimension to Festival of Lights when the Santa House was built by serving as Mrs. Claus each December. Mary was a floral designer before she and her husband retired and came to Hidalgo from New York. She is creative and can do absolutely anything she puts her mind to, from helping to design, repair and build parade floats to sewing hundreds of “Hot Pepper” vests each year. With each year of BordeFest, a new country is celebrated. Mary designs and makes new costumes every year for mascots Pepper and Cha Cha Rita including Cha Cha Rita’s wedding dress a few years ago! She even makes her own Mrs. Claus dresses! Mary has saved BorderFest thousands of dollars every year. Her work with the Hot Peppers and the International Square Dance Jubilee has required Mary to travel across the Rio Grande Valley from Brownsville to Rio Grande City and all cities in between to organize and promote the Jubilee, drawing more than 2,000 square dancers. The Jubilee continued to grow steadily until 2009, when the concern of border violence across the river in Mexico threatened to keep the square dancers from dancing in Mexico. Mary did everything she could to keep that from happening. No is not a word in her vocabulary when it comes to Hidalgo festivals. Her enthusiasm, interest and

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of his major roles, we need three different people. His work during the festival helping volunteers is priceless. Filling that hole will be enormous. The even bigger impact he brings is a lifetime of knowledge of our area (he immigrated to Skagit County when he was 12) and the willingness to share that knowledge and his contacts with the festival. He is the voice of logic and reason on our board, constantly working to encourage and mentor others on how to make the festival a bigger success. He is the “go-to” volunteer for the festival – without him, running the festival and the day-to-day business operations would be much more difficult and certainly less fun. Former Board President Kristin Garcia noted, “Marinus continues to inspire and encourage the Board and reminds us of our role and the importance of our involvement – that what we do not only impacts Festival operations, but the Valley as a whole.” Please help us welcome and congratulate our 2015 IFEA/Zambelli Fireworks Volunteer of the Year Award Winner, Marinus Rouw. 2016 Barbara Ehrlich Nominated by the National Cherry Blossom Festival Washington, D.C Barbara Ehrlich has volunteered with the National Cherry Blossom Festival since 1991, this year celebrating a significant milestone of 25 years of service with the organization. She has fulfilled many critical roles and has provided essential support for the Festival from boots on the ground to hands-on assistance in planning and executing an event, being a sounding board and director oversight. Her support and involvement has been a priceless asset and key component to the Festival’s success each year. Barbara provides leadership as a dedicated member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee, where she has taken on officer roles and has served as a chair on many committees throughout the years. Year-round, Barbara has devoted countless hours of dedication, hard work and expertise each and every week, augmenting the efforts of the Festival’s full-time staff. Understanding the importance of the evolution of the Festival, she has provided critical support 112

and guidance as the National Cherry Blossom Festival has transitioned from an all-volunteer organization 16 years ago, to being staffed with a year-round Executive Director, to today’s staff of 11 employees. Over the years, Barbara has made it her personal mission to connect the Festival to both local as well as global communities. She has lead in the creation and management of Festival community events by directly reaching out to residents of the District of Columbia, attracting national and international visitors. One of Barbara’s most significant efforts was her ability to lead in the creation of the Southwest Waterfront Fireworks Festival. Through her dedicated engagement and strong ties to the community, Barbara worked with the Festival’s staff to rally support and participation for the first-ever Fireworks Festival in 2004, which had 200 attendees. Through years of hard work, the event has earned its place as a Festival tradition that now attracts over 50,000 people annually and includes a lighted boat parade, family-friendly activities, two stages of live performances, and much more in addition to the fireworks finale. The event is attended by area residents and national and international visitors alike. Wearing two hats, one as an active member of the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood and another as a volunteer for the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Barbara has connected the neighborhood’s professionals, senior citizens, community folks, businesses, and government organizations together as one group of volunteers. Barbara has also lead and participated in three goodwill trips to Japan, where she developed and maintained relationships with members of the Japanese government, businesses, and civic groups in order to strengthen the Festival’s legacy of honoring the original 1912 gift of trees from Tokyo. One of Barbara’s fondest moments was participating in one of Japan’s major festivals and being a part of the community’s annual parade. Barbara has maintained wonderful relationships with the city officials and communities that she visited while on these trips. Through these relationships and the groundwork that Barbara laid, the Festival was able to build a strong foundation and flourish into a world-renowned event. Barbara encourages and inspires volunteerism to the next generation, recruiting and building a new core of Festival volunteers for the future. Barbara exemplifies the National Cherry

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Blossom Festival’s spirit and joy and fully embraces its cultural and historical significance. While the Festival has evolved enormously throughout the past 25 years, Barbara has always embraced these changes as an advisor and champion of the organization. Barbara consistently goes out of her way to attend all of the Festival’s many events, and takes the time to soak in new and unique experiences. Although some events don’t relate to Barbara’s interests, such as the Cherry Blast dance party aimed at a millennial demographic (she is over 70 years old), she attends them anyway and has a great time trying new things. Barbara continues to grow and learn with the staff each year, and is always open to new ideas and sharing her thoughts. Barbara’s impact has been immeasurable in its contribution to the Festival, and the energy, strong relationships, and positive experiences that she has brought have provided a clear vision for the possibility for growth and grandeur of this international celebration. At its core, the National Cherry Blossom Festival is about making joyous memories and Barbara Ehrlich helps make that possible. 2017 Becky Browder Nominated by the Riverbend Festival Chattanooga, Tennessee, U.S.A. Becky Browder has volunteered with the Riverbend Festival since 1983. This year, Friends of the Festival is honoring and celebrating her 30 plus years of service with the organization. Becky portrays the epitome of leadership and hard work by being a dedicated member of the Board of Directors and devoting countless hours assisting the Festival’s full-time staff. Throughout the years she has served in various roles with Friends of the Festival, most recently as Vice President and chair for the Festival Visitor Enhancement Committee. She has been an effective member of the Executive Committee and chair of the VIP Hospitality Committee and served in other positions during her tenure with the Festival. She has taken on many critical roles and has provided vital support for the Festival, such as serving as an active hands-on member of various committees. Understanding the importance of the growth and progression of the Festival, she has provided valuable support and guidance. Throughout Becky’s professional career

personal satisfaction in helping is one of her many attributes. Mary met with tourism authorities in Mexico and the BorderFest Committee, making it her mission to reach out to more than 200 RV Parks and Square Dance groups across the Rio Grande Valley to assure them that the International Square Dance Jubilee would continue. The first year of the troubled time, the dance took place in the middle of the International Bridge and it was much smaller. Immediately afterwards Mary set out to make sure it got back on track working with all the Square Dance Callers and dancers across the Rio Grande Valley and Mexico, it has now moved back to the City Hall Plaza in Reynosa, Mexico and more than 500 dancers are back enjoying the international activity following the ABRAZO (Friendship Embrace with Mexico) in the middle of the International Bridge on opening day of BorderFest. Mary knows BorderFest from the inside out. She never misses a committee meeting. She is the one we call on to personally take care of VIP guests at BorderFest because of her leadership and dedication. She takes the time to make sure they have the opportunity to see and learn everything they can about the event right down to getting them a ride in the Weinermobile or on a float with her during the parades every year. Kellogg’s’ Tony the Tiger has always said it right. “Volunteers are Greaaaat”! Mary’s positive attitude is exactly that… Greaaaat. And the Energizer Bunny never stops. We call Mary our Energizer Bunny. She is the cheerleader for both festivals, the City of Hidalgo and State Farm Arena. Volunteers look up to her and strive to emulate her. She is a take charge person and always gets the job done. She is the first one to arrive every day and usually the last one to leave making sure that absolutly everyone had a great time and will be back the next day or for the next event. Mary Bernaski is a natural with a heart of gold and a passion for helping and that is hard to replace. It would mean finding a new seamstress, creative designer, Square Dance Jubilee organizer, volunteer recruiter, a spokesperson for BorderFest and Festival of Lights, a State Farm Arena BorderFest Hot Pepper Greeter for 100 plus events, a trained leader, teacher, narrator, Mrs. Claus and “Volunteer Extraordinaire”. A task we never want to have to do.

2015 Marinus Rouw (D) Nominated by the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival Mount Vernon, WA Marinus’ joined the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in 1983, before there was even a festival! He was part of the initial group of local leaders who thought there needed to be a festival to celebrate spring. Initially organizing a brief three-day event, after two years the founding members decided that wasn’t big enough and moved the festival to a 10-day event. Looking for ways to improve the festival, Marinus was instrumental in organizing a parade, gathering local Farmers Insurance agents to help sponsor. He continues to Chair the Parade Committee (now nearing its 20-year anniversary), having moved it from the small bulb grower venue in its early days to its current location in downtown La Conner, WA. Marinus retired from Farmers Insurance in 2001, but he didn’t retire from the festival. In fact, he became more active. He not only developed a distribution system for our festival brochures in the valley (about 125,000), ensuring that each sponsor and each event (225 sponsors, 40+ events and activities) would have their brochures delivered to them, but he also decided that volunteers needed more of a voice on our festival Board of Directors, so he became a Board Member, going on to be President in 2010. During his Presidency, Marinus recruited his wife to help Chair and organize the World Tulip Summit in Skagit Valley, bringing in Tulip Festival people and growers from around the world. Of course Marinus wasn’t content to be a dignitary during the event, he could be found on the bus transporting the delegates as their tour guide for all three days of the summit. After his term as President ended, Marinus volunteered for a new position on the board, Advisor, and remains in that position today. When Marinus takes on volunteering at one of our events, he is an over-achiever. He goes all out helping people who are seeking information. Marinus starts talking to a group and pretty soon he is selling them a commemorative poster, designing a tour for a two-day stay and talking about the best field to visit for a particular photo shoot. Marinus is passionate about the festival, tulips, and gardening. The hundreds of 70th Anniversary

acres of tulips that bloom in our valley are here for only a short period of time. Every evening Marinus takes it upon himself to drive around the tulip fields so we know the status of the fields and gardens for the next day. He takes the time to talk with the owners of the gardens about how things are going and how the crowds have been for the day. He then reports in to us, alleviating the need to send staff members out to do the same. As a downtown office, we do not have flowerbeds in front of our headquarters so we make do with potted flowers (after all, a flower festival should have flowers, especially tulips when they are blooming). Marinus coordinates with the tulip growers to get bulbs donated, potted and ready to be displayed, rotating the pots to keep the front of the office looking good the entire month of April. Marinus giggles – life is a fun adventure and the festival is something he gets to be involved with each year. He enjoys the comedy of helping the public and works to help others find the fun in working with the public and for the festival. He insists on participating in the annual volunteer training, acting as tour director for our volunteers, showing them directions and locations of various festival events and activities and gladly showing them his famous “right-hand turn only” tour of the tulip field area. Promoting the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is something Marinus does wherever he goes. He travels extensively and comes back telling us who he met at a visitor center and with new ideas for the festival. During one trip to Hawaii, he was hopeful he could meet President Obama (who was vacationing just down the beach) and tell him about the festival. Instead, Marinus talked to the Secret Service team and gave them festival souvenirs. When visitors arrive from his native country, Holland, Marinus can be found speaking Dutch and then translating for the rest of us. He even brings in papers from his home town, written in Dutch, on occasion showing us references to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in articles. When a visiting TV crew from British Columba stopped by unexpectedly, Marinus recorded a welcome in Dutch for our Canadian/ Dutch fans! Marinus is one of those people who has always been there, ready, willing and able to help with just about anything. He is now in his late 70s and we find ourselves needing to plan to find assistants for Marinus so the things he does can be learned and continued. So far, to fill some

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with Hamilton County Government, she has been active in community service. For example, she was a founding member of the committee that launched the annual Hamilton County Fair, serving as publicity chair for ten years, in addition to being named the publicity chair for the Hamilton County Bicentennial Committee for the State of Tennessee. She has worked on fundraising campaigns for Girls Preparatory School, United Way, Allied Arts, Bright School and other non-profits. Becky also played a key role in the Walnut Street Bridge restoration that saved the iconic Walnut Street Bridge in downtown Chattanooga as well as being instrumental in the transfer of land at Moccasin Bend to the National Park Service. Becky’s enthusiasm is contagious. You cannot be around Becky more than a few minutes without buying into her vision. Not only does she bring excitement to any group she is working with, she also promotes an attitude of teamwork. Her unique approach to problem solving has a proven record of success in organizing and involving all committee members with specific roles. Becky never waits to see if someone else is going to make things happen. She takes the initiative and leads by example when a need arises from “working in the trenches” to serving on the Board of Directors. Through her years of service, she has been an instrumental part of Riverbend becoming an award-winning festival that attracts more than 350,000 people annually and includes 8 days, 5 stages with over 100 live musical performances and much more. Consistency is the key word in describing her dependability. There is no substitute for the 30 plus years she has tirelessly volunteered to ensure the continued viability of the Riverbend Festival as it serves the community she loves. Becky has seldom missed a Board or committee meeting or a night of the Festival. When assigned a task, Becky takes that assignment seriously and accomplishes it on time and with dedication. Becky has a great attitude and her passion for the Riverbend Festival and Chattanooga in general is evident. While the Festival has evolved enormously over the 36 years, she has worked and supported the organization’s direction and embraces its many changes. Although she has responsibilities assigned to her during the Festival, Becky always walks the entire mile and a half taking notes and giving positive and constructive feedback to assist the staff. Each day of the Festival,

Becky visits the Communication Director to check on her and to see if there is anything that needs to be done. You can count on her to have a smile on her face and her trademark hat on her head. Becky’s impact on the Festival is meaningful and long-lasting due in large part to the relationships she has developed and fostered throughout the years with local government leaders, prominent business people, and charitable foundation board members. Her contacts have proven to be invaluable over the years in promoting the Festival. Without her leadership and the countless number of hours she volunteers, the Festival surely would not be experiencing its current level of success. She is a go-to person for newer Board and staff members for her institutional knowledge about the Festival’s history and growth. Becky was a driving force and instrumental in the transition of the Festival from an all volunteer staff to a permanent paid staff of 10 and a temporary staff of almost 250. Although volunteers are an essential part of the Festival that help it remain financially viable, without her presence and support it most assuredly would never have attained the world class status it now enjoys. Becky has the Festival and its guests’ best interests at heart and she demonstrates a deep understanding of how the Festival operates. She continues to motivate and inspire, not only her fellow board members, but our staff as well. 2018 Jean A. Lawler Nominated by the North Carolina Azalea Festival Wilmington, North Carolina. Jean A. Lawler has served the North Carolina Azalea Festival in almost every way imaginable. She began her Festival journey in 1960- and has since given over fifty years of continual service to the Azalea Festival. For many years she served as committee chair for the Festival’s Souvenir Book, and thereafter served as Concerts Ushers chair for numerous years. In 2014 Jean stepped onto the Board of Directors, where she eventually held the role of Azalea Festival President in 2017. Jean continues sharing her legacy by staying involved in the Festival, even as a Past President. We continue to see Jean at every event… she’s always up-front smiling and cheering everyone on! Not only that, after her presidency Jean has volunteered as chauffer for our Princess, 70th Anniversary

driving her in various regional Parades. Additionally, Jean continues to support the Festival financially as a Patron. In her life Jean has made an impact throughout Wilmington, not only within the Azalea Festival. Jean was one of the first female sales representative in Wilmington. She is the Vice President of Wilmington WWII Home Front Coalition. Always helping others, she was the volunteer coordinator for 4 WWII Honor Flights from Wilmington, NC to the WWII Memorial in Washington, DC. Jean also is a proud Seahawk Club Member and former president of the Seahawk Club for the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She was awarded the William J. Brooks Distinguished Service Award by UNCW. The Daughters of the American Revolution awarded her an “Excellence in Community Service” award. She was also inducted into the “Order of the Vikings” for her volunteerism at John T. Hoggard High School. She is also an American Red Cross VIP Blood Donor. She has served on numerous boards with Bradley Creek Marina, Hanover Seaside Club, and Cape Fear Museum to name a few. Jean was a founding organizer and chair of the inaugural “Enchanted Airlie,” a holiday light show at historic Airlie Gardens, now in its 14th year. Jean also supports the Parrot Head Club, Step up for Soldiers, Toys for Tots, and is a mean shagger! Within the Azalea Festival, Jean served as committee chair of two of our larger committees. She first began as Souvenir Book chair. In this role she was tasked with selling advertising and the creation of a bound, commemorative souvenir book. She had to work under very tight deadlines and with many people whose financial support was crucial to the Festival. The Azalea Festival Souvenir Book later grew to become an IFEA Pinnacle Award winner. Jean also worked for many years as the chair of the Concerts Ushers committee. This committee has seen many transformations throughout the years. With the dawn of on-line ticketing in the 2000’s, Jean had to retrain her front entrance volunteers to use ticketing scanners and new technology. In 2013, Jean and her team had another huge transition when the Azalea Festival moved the Concerts from an inside, reserved seating coliseum to an outdoor, general admission standing room venue. Additionally, at this outdoor venue we introduced alcohol sales for the first time. Jean and her team, again, had to re-configure their roles to include managing more attendees (3x more attendance) and dealing with all

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the pleasantries that go into managing an outdoor, open-standing venue with alcohol present. In 2014 Jean stepped in to fill a vacancy on our Board of Directors, and continued on the board until 2017 when she became the 70th President of the North Carolina Azalea Festival. During this time on the board she was an avid supporter of all volunteers and staff, always offering to stop by the office or show up to any event early to help setup. It was during this time we really saw Jean as a servant leader – she always puts the needs of others first and encourages us all to perform as highly as possible. Jean makes it a point to welcome everyone she can to our events. As Board President, she stood at the front entrance of our Volunteer Appreciation party and literally thanked every person who entered. Jean doesn’t care if a person gives 100 hours or 1 hour to the Festival; all deserve to be thanked and appreciated. Jean’s lasting impact on the Festival is most easily seen through this love and support of her fellow volunteers. During her Presidential year, the Azalea Festival established an Emeritus Chair Program, in large part due to Jean’s calling to thank the hardest workers of the Festival. This was the Festival’s way to honor volunteers who served 10 or more years in a chair or co-chair capacity on an Azalea Festival committee. To date we have 22 Emeritus volunteers who will forever be honored…not to mention the many more Emeritus members to come in future years. Immediately after Jean gave up her presidency, we named the Emeritus Program the Jean A. Lawler Emeritus Program in her honor not only as a volunteer herself, but for her inspiration in creating this program. A few months after Jean’s presidency, the Azalea Festival won the North Carolina Governor’s Medallion Award for Volunteer Service, another nod to all the efforts Jean led to honor our volunteers. After 50+ years of volunteering, it is safe to say Jean excels in dependability! She has served under 50+ Presidents, under 50+ Boards, with multiple staff and team members, and alongside 50+ years of committee chairs and co-chairs. Jean’s dependability comes with her easy, care-free attitude. She truly will work with anyone who wants to see the Azalea Festival be a success. Jean’s dependability is most shown through her un-wavering support of others. The first Festival with a full-time staff (a major change for our volunteers) was also the same year the Festival hosted 116

Carrie Underwood’s first concert outside of American Idol. This was a sold-out show, and for new staff, hosting a 3,500 reserved seating show was daunting to say the least. Jean, as Concerts Ushers chair, helped and encouraged staff throughout that whole night. She was right there when any issue with seating came up, and staff and volunteers worked together to solve all issues. She and her team were such a big support system…helping a young, fresh staff team succeed. #jeantakethewheel Jean has an infectious laugh and eternal positivity. Jean did not enjoy the accolades that came from being Festival President; she was quick to always give her team (volunteers and staff) the credit they deserved for the work they put in – and let them share the stage. By the time Jean joined the Board of Directors, she had volunteered in a committee role on the Festival for over 50 years. Many who served on the Board with Jean were many years her junior. As a “finale” prank for her Festival year, the Board members and staff donned gray wigs and hobbled on canes …as a tribute to her many, many years serving the Festival. Jean’s infectious laugh could be heard all around North Carolina that day; she was crying she was laughing so hard. She even begged us to show video of this prank to all her Festival volunteer friends and family. This spirit epitomizes Jean A. Lawler! 2019 LuAnn Chapman Gatts Nominated by the Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau Grapevine, Texas LuAnn Chapman Gatts has been an outstanding volunteer for both of Grapevine’s annual festivals for many years. Her expertise, relationship with vendors, and willingness to give countless hours every year make her a vital part of the success of both Main Street Fest and GrapeFest. LuAnn oversees load-in of vendors at both festivals; manages the food vendors; is co-supervisor for admission gates; and part of the leadership team of People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic. She does all of this with enthusiasm, positive attitude and energy. She gives 14+ hours every day of the festival and countless hours before and after to ensure the success of the festival. LuAnn’s involvement began in 2001 at Main Street Days where she volunteered

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for the Heritage Ambucs, a local service group, as a gate attendant. During load-out, she was able to help get vendors off the street efficiently and kept the normal chaos under control. She was awarded the Joey Kramer Volunteer award and invited to be on the steering committee for 2001 GrapeFest. After becoming the Food Vendor chair in 2002, LuAnn realized that vendor check-out needed to be overhauled. She invited the vendors to bring left over food to share to give the time waiting at check out more of a party feeling. She is able to ensure that the vendor not only receives their pay-out but leaves satisfied and ready to sign-up for the next festival all while making the time go much quicker. In the early days of Grapevine’s festivals, the emergency management team consisted of the Director of Festivals and Events, the Fire Marshall, and a police lieutenant. LuAnn quickly became part of this team. She could diffuse many problems with a smile, a joke or her famous tag line “Hey, I’m just a volunteer”. When LuAnn learned that Gayle Hall, Grapevine’s Director of Festivals and Events, needed help from someone with computer skills, they would work together on many of the operational and logistical festival requirements, including developing the festival plan of work and inputting all needs/requirements into Excel so that the set-up team could do a more efficient job during the load-in process. As Vendor chair, LuAnn noticed that there was no information on where artisans were located. She put together a directory of vendors both by location and category. She also designed the pocket size volunteer handbook that is still updated each festival. In 2007, LuAnn became part of the GrapeFest People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic leadership team. Her initial job was to move from hand vote counting to scanned electronic ballots. This helped on the integrity side as well as time involved. She helped produce the wine reference guide, participates in the wine ordering and developed the signage for the wineries. She “recruited” her two high school aged sons to assist with the heavy lifting in between sessions. After they graduated, she worked with local schools to fill this assignment. With the rest of the People’s Choice leadership, LuAnn has helped grow the event to 11 sessions and over 7,500 attendees. LuAnn is the go-to person for new events. She chaired the Professionals Only Wine Tasting when the CVB was

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working to add more Texas wines in Dallas/Fort Worth area restaurants. Her enthusiasm and willingness to do whatever is necessary was also evident when the new Culinary area was added at GrapeFest in 2004. Though she is notorious for not cooking, she can be quite the foodie, so she was willing to chair this event and develop it as a new venue. LuAnn has participated in festival exchanges with the National Cherry Festival and Heritage Harbor Days. When other festivals visit Grapevine, she helps with tours of the festival. She serves on the Vendor Selection Committee for both festivals and is part of the team that collects tickets at the end of each evening. LuAnn also assists the Marketing team to provide information on wines and wineries for the People’s Choice Wine Tasting Classic, despite having all the operational needs of the event happening simultaneously. Festival Set-up has been streamlined by her addition of booth location signs in the window of the vendor vehicle. Her helping train vendors on the most effective ways to tear-down at the end of the festival has made the process more efficient. In addition to her other festival responsibilities, she was made the Admission Gates co-chair in 2013. The gates are staffed by local school and civic groups and her team does all the training to these groups. LuAnn also recruits hard working volunteers into management roles for future festivals. To LuAnn, it is much more than just being onsite open to close for the festivals. She also volunteers for other city-sponsored events in Grapevine. She has taught knitting at Nash Farm; works set-up and wrangles the judges for Butterfly Flutterby; helps set-up on the Blessing of the Vines and has worked operations on the Grapevine Wine Trail. LuAnn prepared the winning application for Grapevine when we won the IFEA World Festival and Event City award and has helped with many Pinnacle award entries. As Chairperson of the 2010 GrapeFest, her motto was to have fun while you do great work. Her top 10 lists kept meetings moving and she was great at mixing volunteering and leadership. In 2017, LuAnn was diagnosed with breast cancer just before Main Street Fest. Fortunate not to have chemo or radiation, she delayed reconstruction surgery to allow for her to work her usual 14-hour days at GrapeFest. As a leader, LuAnn trusts her volunteers to accomplish their tasks while she 118

problem solves any unusual situation. Customer service is her credo, and she can always be found with her two-way radio on, taking off to help another volunteer or staff member with any number of interesting tasks, many of which are unrelated to her actual assignment. Her involvement does not end with festivals and events in Grapevine. She is very active in other areas throughout the community. LuAnn has been on the Grapevine Heritage Foundation and PTA Board of Directors, is on the board of FOGSAC and Heritage AMBUCS, a current member of the Heritage Foundation, Grapevine Historical Society and is a charter member helping the form the Craft Brew Guild of Grapevine. This year she chaired the silent auction for the GCISD Education Foundation and operations for the AMBUC’s charity bike ride. Her enthusiasm, willingness to do whatever is necessary, love of her community, energy, positive attitude, vision, leadership and initiative are all reasons while LuAnn Chapman Gatts is IFEA’s Volunteer of the Year. 2022 David Williams Nominated by the City of Lago Vista | Lago Fest Lago Vista, Texas David Williams has been with Lago Fest since the very first festival in 2016. That first year it was a small local event but has since grown to become the largest live music, art, and food festival on the north shore of Lake Travis, outside of Austin, TX. Each year Dave has been a key player in the planning, development, and production of Lago Fest, and is, in fact, the only person who has worked with Lago Fest every single year. In late 2016 after the first Lago Fest, a new City staffer was hired and given the additional role of Lago Fest Director with the mission to develop Lago Fest into a sustainable, annual event. Planning the second annual Lago Fest turned to revamping the event from a local party to a larger, branded festival with a clear mission and plan for how to restructure the festival style and format. David is well versed in the importance of brands, professionalism, sponsorships, customer experience, and most importantly, relationships! His business experience as a retired Senior Sales Executive with Coca-Cola North America has brought

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invaluable insight and management into our sponsorship sales and food and beverage areas of the festival. The new Lago Fest EATS concept was developed and is now managed by David. Lago Fest EATS has the best selection of local and area food trucks that David lovingly curates. He spends months personally visiting potential applicants. Not all trucks cut the mustard. But for those that show promise, David will work with them and give them tips on how to improve and encourage them to apply again. Lago Fest EATS food trucks have experienced increasing sales each year. And in 2022, despite preparing for a bigger turnout than in previous years, even sold out! David has been instrumental in managing our Lago Fest VIP Lounge which was part of the 2017 rebranding. It allows for sponsorship perks and non-sponsorship revenue. He has worked to secure in-kind sponsorships to host the lounge with an open bar, finger foods, and even hearty meals. One of the first VIP Lounge in-kind sponsors, credits Lago Fest with their own business success – going from a small local start-up to a nationally distributed alcohol brand. David manages festival sponsorship sales with a level of success that has enabled the festival to grow bigger each year. And this, like everything else, he does with aplomb and personal attention. David much prefers to drive an hour to a sponsor’s place of work to give them their VIP tickets than to pop them in the mail. This is what keeps our sponsors coming back – their relationship with David! David Williams must have more than the average person’s 24 hours in a day, because never has there been a volunteer more devoted with his time and energy to making a difference in our community. He served two terms on City Council, is on the City’s Economic Development Advisory Committee and is an active member and volunteer for countless other groups including the Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, St. Mary’s Church, and Men’s Golf Association. He has a proven track record of solving challenging problems, producing results, and functioning as a team leader AND player. As a self-motivated and innovative thinker, he is an absolute keystone to the operations of Lago Fest. Lago Fest and the City of Lago Vista are forever grateful to him for his enormous amount of hard work and heart. He keeps us moving, motivated, and constantly slapping our knees in laughter. He is truly one of a kind

Stay Informed – Stay Connected – With the IFEA! The IFEA is here to support you, share resources with you, help educate you, provide important information updates to you, help establish and strengthen your industry connections, and so much more! Gain access to important and valuable member benefits and resources:

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– a volunteer for all time! 2023 John White Nominated by The Parade Company Detroit, Michigan John White’s volunteer journey began in 1958 when he was a young man working for J.L. Hudson Department Store. Back then, employees of the department store were “volun-told” to participate in the Thanksgiving Parade. Fast forward 64 years and John is still rocking and rolling! As a dedicated volunteer for America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner White, John has volunteered for all but three Parades! Over the years, John has held just about every position in the Parade. He has volunteered as a Banner Carrier, Balloon Handler, Band Marshal, and Clown. He also serves as one of our rockstar tour guides! With a wealth of knowledge about the Parade, John has a warm, personable demeanor that makes him one of The Parade Company’s best tour guides. Whenever John conducts a tour, he goes above and beyond to make it a memorable experience. Usually, he shows up an hour before the tour, wearing his famous penny loafers (usually two different color shoes), a colorful fedora hat or a Parade Company baseball cap, Parade buttons, a Parade vest, and a Parade shirt. John has parade spirit in spades! As a result, John is often requested for specialty tours and VIP groups. Guests who have enjoyed his tours often recommend him to their friends and family as well. The Parade Company receives many requests for its paper mâché (Big Heads) to appear at grand openings, corporate events, and other local parades. Volunteers usually wear the Big Heads at these events. The paper mâché heads weigh anywhere from 5lbs to 50lbs depending on the head. John has been a remarkable helper at these events, whether he is wearing a Big Head or serving as a Handler for another volunteer. He always shows up on time and with a smile. Besides volunteering with The Parade Company, John is very active in the community. Over the past 15 years, he has served as a docent tour guide at the Detroit Zoo, as a volunteer at the Detroit Grand Prix for 5 years, and as a volunteer with the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy since 1990. 120

Despite his busy schedule, he still manages to donate an average of 150 service hours a year to The Parade Company, and spend time with his partner Larry, son Brian, daughter JoLynne Marie, and grandchildren Conor, Preston, Brennan, and Braden! The Parade Company staff have come to know and love John over the years. Whatever task John is asked to do, he gives it his all and never complains. There is passion in everything he does. It’s in his strut as he marches down Woodward as a Band Marshal for the Parade. It’s in his smile when he greets guests at events, and it’s in his spirit when he connects with the guests on his tours. John is one of a kind. We at The Parade Company are beyond thrilled and happy to congratulate John White - the IFEA Volunteer of the Year! 2024 Stevan Ryan Nominated by The Kansas City Irish Fest Kansas City, Missouri Stevan Ryan has been a cornerstone of the Kansas City Irish Fest since 2004. In his 20 years of dedicated service, he has led in various roles, always prioritizing the success of the festival. Stevan approaches each position with pride and a commitment to excellence, regardless of the size or complexity of the task. His leadership spans across multiple committees, including signage, transportation, infrastructure, site hosting, and the Legacy Lounge. Stevan’s involvement is not limited to the festival week; he works tirelessly year-round to ensure everything is meticulously planned and executed. His discipline, honed through his service in the Armed Forces, makes him an indispensable asset to the festival. Without Stevan, a significant void would undoubtedly be felt across all areas of the event. Stevan’s journey with the Kansas City Irish Fest began with his participation in the Irish Fest Run, leveraging his expertise from his involvement with the Mid-America Running Association and Kansas City Marathon committee. His early contributions included helping with site setup by distributing tables, chairs, and other furniture. Recognizing the need for better organization, Stevan created a Site Requirement manual, a key tool for the Site Setup committee, facility staff, and festival staff. This manual mapped

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individual event requirements to their site locations, streamlining the setup process. Stevan’s leadership extended to the signage committee, where he identified a need for more organized efforts. As the Signage Coordinator, he created a Signage handbook, listing all signs and banners with their locations annotated on the site map. This enabled multiple volunteers to efficiently place banners and signs. To further improve management, Stevan obtained storage containers for the signage inventory. Stevan’s discipline and leadership qualities, deeply rooted in his military background, have been instrumental in creating and organizing committees. He and his wife, Gretchen, manage the festival’s transportation, coordinating airport transfers for all the bands and entertainers to ensure their timely arrival. Stevan also oversees on-site transportation, securing and labeling the necessary number of golf carts for easy tracking. His unwavering determination and attention to detail led him to develop a check-in and labeling system for over 30 golf carts, ensuring their proper use and maintenance. His efforts ensure that items and people are efficiently transported across the festival grounds. Stevan’s role as a site host highlights his dedication to guest services. He serves as a primary source of information for guests and assists with special needs such as wheelchairs and strollers. His involvement with the Legacy Lounge committee provides a secluded area where volunteers, staff, and board members can relax and recharge, reflecting his commitment to the well-being of his fellow volunteers. Stevan’s dedication extends beyond the festival week. He attends every meeting throughout the year, always being one of the first to arrive and the last to leave during the festival. His proactive communication and readiness to assist with any needs make him a reliable and trusted team member. Despite being the oldest volunteer at 83, Stevan’s work ethic remains unparalleled. Beyond the Kansas City Irish Fest, Stevan has a long history of community service. He was a board member for the Wichita River Festival and served as General Chairman for two years. He helped create the Wichita Running Club and proposed adding the Wichita River Run to the River Festival schedule, which has become the largest race in Kansas. Stevan has also volunteered for the Kansas City Sports Commission for

many years as a member of the Big 12 Basketball Championship Committee and was also a member of the Kansas City Marathon committee, which he first helped by tethering his hot air balloon at the starting line! Every year, he and Gretchen return to Hartwick, IA, where he grew up on a small farm, to host the Hartwick school reunion. Stevan Ryan exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding volunteer. His extensive involvement, specific contributions, enthusiasm, organizational assistance, and leadership have made a lasting impact on the Kansas City Irish Fest. Stevan’s dependability, positive attitude, and ability to inspire others make him a deserving recipient of the IFEA Volunteer of the Year award. His dedication to the festival and his unwavering commitment to excellence serve as a testament to the power of volunteerism and the difference one person can make. Stevan Ryan is not only a volunteer; he is a vital part of the festival’s heart and soul. 2025 Robert Grenfell Nominated by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Robert Grenfell has been a crucial part of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society for over 20 years, serving as a vital volunteer across multiple committees, including the Competitive Classes and Early Morning Tour Guide Committees. His deep knowledge, dedication, and enthusiasm have made him an indispensable presence before, during, and after the Philadelphia Flower Show each year. He has attended 67 out of the past 69 Flower Shows, starting when his father was an exhibitor in the Hourticourt. Robert’s commitment to ensuring every aspect of the Flower Show runs smoothly reflects his passion for PHS and his genuine care for all who participate. As Chair of the Competitive Classes Committee, Robert oversees approximately 120 members who plan, manage, and execute the nonprofessional exhibitor sections of the Show. He works year-round with staff and subcommittees covering the Horticourt, Design Classes, and Artistic Classes to create rules, organize volunteer support, and recruit

participants. During the Show, Robert is a visible presence on the floor, offering guidance, resolving conflicts, and serving as the primary point of contact for exhibitors. He also produces comprehensive post-show Mop-Up Notes, providing critical feedback and recommendations to improve future events. Robert’s leadership extends to the Early Morning Tour Guide Committee, where he is a consistently requested guide due to his vast knowledge of Flower Show history and current exhibits. He plays a central role in training new guides, sharing insider insights, and coordinating tours for donors and VIPs. By providing historical context and personal stories from decades of volunteering, Robert enhances the visitor experience and helps other guides deliver memorable tours. In addition to these core responsibilities, Robert serves on the Awards Committee and the broader Flower Show and Event Committee, collaborating with staff, board members, and lifelong PHS members to shape programming, logistics, and annual recognitions. Across all committees, Robert demonstrates exceptional organizational skills, ensures subcommittees function effectively, and maintains a welcoming, supportive environment for volunteers. His calm demeanor, professionalism, and proactive problem-solving make him a trusted leader and role model for all who work with him. Robert’s enthusiasm and dedication extend well beyond his formal roles. He recruits volunteers by speaking at local garden club meetings, encourages participation in all areas of the Flower Show, and engages guests on the Show floor with energy, friendliness, and expert guidance. Whether offering suggestions to exhibitors, answering

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questions about competitive classes, or assisting visitors with directions and recommendations, he exemplifies stellar customer service and a warm, approachable presence. The impact of Robert’s service is immeasurable. His historical knowledge, leadership, and unwavering commitment have left a lasting footprint on the Flower Show and the PHS community. Committee members, volunteers, and staff consistently rely on his guidance, and the event’s success is enhanced by his involvement in every stage of planning, execution, and post-event reflection. Robert ensures that every attendee enjoys a meaningful, memorable experience, setting the standard for volunteer excellence and inspiring others to follow in his footsteps. Robert Grenfell embodies the very best qualities of a volunteer: dedication, expertise, leadership, and an infectious positive attitude. His decades of service have helped make the Philadelphia Flower Show a world-class event while enriching the experiences of everyone who participates.

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IFEA WORLD FESTIVAL & EVENT CITY

AWARD PROGRAM

RECIPIENT CITIES

The IFEA World Festival & Event City Award was designed and created as a way for the global festivals and events industry to openly encourage, support, learn from and recognize positive local environments for festivals and events worldwide. Festivals and events create tremendous community and economic capital in the markets that they serve, but the partnership with and support from the local community, at all levels, is critical to the success and sustainability of existing festivals and events, as well as the ability to attract and encourage new events. Through this special award the IFEA is pleased to recognize and fly the flag of those cities and markets who have worked, through concerted efforts, to provide an environment conducive to successful festivals and events. We congratulate all of our recipient cities to-date, listed below. For more information about each winning city CLICK HERE.

2025 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award Recipients

2024 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award Recipients

2022 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award Recipients

• Dublin, Ireland

• Gwangju Dong-gu, Republic of Korea

• Chiang Mai, Thailand

• Dublin, Ohio, United States

• McAllen, Texas, United States

• Jinju, South Korea

• Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do,

• Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States

• McAllen, Texas, United States

• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

• Penghu, Taiwan

• Phuket, Thailand

• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

South Korea • Historic Kailua Village, Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i, United States • McAllen, Texas, United States

• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

2019 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award Recipients

• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

2023 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award Recipients

• Rotterdam, The Netherlands

• McAllen, Texas, United States

• Gimje-Si, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea

• Songkhla, Thailand

• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

• Vaughan, Ontario, Canada

• Sukhothai, Thailand

• Rotterdam, South Holland, The Netherlands

• Tongyeong, South Korea

• Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

•

• West Palm Beach, Florida, United States

• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

• 122

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• Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia

2018 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award Recipients • Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea

• Rotterdam, The Netherlands

• Meizhou Island of Putian City,

• Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Fujian Province, China

2014 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award Recipients

• Reykjavik, Iceland • São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil • Shanghai, China

• Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia

• Dubai, United Arab Emirates

• Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

• Dublin, Ohio, United States

• Moscow, Russia

• Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

• Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

2010 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award Recipients

• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

• São Paulo, Brazil

• Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea

• Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

• Edinburgh, Scotland

• Taichung City, Taiwan • Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

2017 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award Recipients

• Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

2013 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award Recipients

• Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea • Hidalgo, Texas, United States • Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, Korea

• Boston, Massachusetts, United States

• Louisville, Kentucky, United States

• Hwacheon-Gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea

• Norfolk, Virginia, United States

• Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia

• Nice, Côte d’Azur, France

• Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

• Des Moines, Iowa, United States

• Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

• Rotterdam, The Netherlands

• Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

• Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

• Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

• Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do,

• Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

• Salvador, Bahia, Brasil

• Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

• Taupo, New Zealand

South Korea • New Taipei City, Taiwan • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States • Port Macquarie Region, New South Wales, Australia • Sydney, New South Wales, Australia • Tucson, Arizona, United States

2016 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award Recipients • Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia

2012 IFEA World Festival & Event City Awards Recipients • Ballito-KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa • Campos do Jordão, São Paulo, Brazil • Denver, Colorado, United States of America • Dubai, United Arab Emirates • Dublin, Ohio, United States of America • Grapevine, Texas, United States of America

• Dubai, United Arab Emirates

• Hampyeong-gun, Jeonlanam-do, Korea

• Greater Palm Springs, California,

• Lhasa, Tibet Autonomous Region,

United States

People’s Republic of China

• Krakow, Poland

• London, England

• Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

• Maribor, Slovenia

• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

• Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

• Sydney, New South Wales, Australia • Taupo-, Waikato Region, New Zealand

• Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, The

2015 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award Recipients

2011 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award Recipients

• Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia

• Dubai, United Arab Emirates

• Gimje-si, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea

• Jinju City, Gyeonsangnam-do, South Korea

• Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

• Louisville, Kentucky, United States

• Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

• Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

• Joinville, Santa Catarina, Brazil

• Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States 70th Anniversary

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IFEA Staff

“The Premiere Association Supporting and Enabling Festival and Event Professionals Worldwide”

STEVEN WOOD SCHMADER, CFEE IFEA World President & CEO schmader@ifea.com

NIA HOVDE, CFEE Vice President/Director of Marketing & Communications nia@ifea.com

KAYE CAMPBELL, CFEE Director of Finance & IFEA Foundation Liaison kaye@ifea.com

SCOTT SCHMADER Director of Membership & Data Management scott@ifea.com

CARRIE RING, CFEE Director of Partnerships & Programs carrie@ifea.com

CRAIG SARTON Creative & Publications Director craig@ifea.com

IFEA WORLD HEADQUARTERS

International Festivals & Events Association 10400 Overland Rd. #356, Boise, ID 83709, U.S.A. phone: +1-208-433-0950 • www.ifea.com 124

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EVENT MANAGEMENT SCHOOL

A Comprehensive Training and Educational Experience for those producing and/or working closely with community events.

The Event Management School at Oglebay National Training Center in West Virginia is designed around the concept of bringing new and mid-career industry professionals together with some of the most highly-respected and experienced professionals in the field for a comprehensive educational and networking opportunity that will cover the critical basics of successful event management – from sponsorship/revenues to operations/risk management, media/marketing to volunteers/team building, business/budgeting to community/city partnerships and more – and then test your knowledge/skills/creativity against your peers. A two-year program, second year students will work closely with Event Management School expert advisors/instructors to design/create a complete event template to be presented as part of their final assessment project. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity. REGISTRATION INFORMATION AT WWW.IFEA.COM!

Presented by a Partnership For Excellence in Event Education.

For more information: www.IFEA.com +1. 208.433.0950

www.NRPA.org 800.626.NRPA (6772)

oglebay.com/NTC 800.624.6988, ext. 4126

J O I N T H E IF E A T O D AY !

WHAT DOES MEMBERSHIP WITH THE IFEA PROVIDE YOU?

Membership in the IFEA provides value from all directions, including invaluable contacts and savings worth many times the membership investment. The more you use them, the higher your return. In addition to “ie” The Business of International Events, membership with the IFEA provides you . . .

Sponsored by

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ONLINE WEBINAR

Sponsored by

SE R I ES

If you’re not a member of the IFEA, join now at www.ifea.com, or contact Scott Schmader, Director of Membership, at scott@ifea.com.

International Festivals & Events Association

IFEA World

YEARS OF IFEA CHAIRS We would like to pay tribute to those who have led the way during our first 70 years and laid the foundation for the future.

1956-58

1969

1959

1970

1960

1971

1961

1972

1962

1973

1963

1974

1964-65

1975

1966

1976

1967-68

1977

JOHN P. GEISLER (D) Saint Paul Winter Carnival

MAX COLWELL (D) Pasadena Tournament of Roses

JOESPH R. MICKLER (D) Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla

HERBERT C. MELLENEY, CFEE (D) St. Petersburg Festival of States

REYNOLDS L. ANDRICKS (D) Fiesta San Jacinto Assoc.

WALTER A. VAN CAMP (D) Seattle SEAFAIR

DOROTHY WALKMEYER (D) National Cherry Festival

FREDRICK H. LOWRY (D) Tucson Festival Society

HARRISON D. KOHL (D) Sun Bowl Assoc.

MADELINE NEUPERT (D) Barnum Festival Society

CLAYTON W. HANNON, CFEE Portland Rose Festival

KENNETH R. WALSTAD (D) Minneapolis Aquatennial Assoc.

LEON S. CAZIN (D) Latin American Fiesta Assoc.

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

ROBERT G. FINKE (D) Buccaneer Days Celebration

JOHN R. “JACK” GUTHRIE Kentucky Derby Festival

JOSEPHINE HAUCK, CFEE (D) (Indy) “500” Festival Associates 128

REGINALD W. “REG” HATCH Austin Aqua Festival

70th Anniversary

EUGENE R. STROMMEN St. Paul Winter Carnival

1978

1987

1979

1988

1980

1989

1981

1990

1982

1991

1983

1992

1984

1993

1985

1994

1986

1995

DANIEL A. MANGEOT, CFEE (D) Kentucky Derby Festival

WILLIAM G. LAWSON (D) Pasadena Tournament of Roses

T. DOYLE HEFFRON, CFEE (D) National Cherry Festival

NED W. HARDEN Circleville Pumpkin Show

DON E. WHITELEY, CFEE (D) Salute 2 America Parade

P.G. “PIP” MARTIN Edmonton Klondike Days

MARLEEN R. PEDROZA, CFEE Fiesta San Antonio Commission

FERRELL VAIL Anchorage Fur Rendezvous

JOHN H.B. “JACK” FRENCH (D) Pasadena Tournament of Roses

WILLIAM H. HAUSMAN, CFEE Three Rivers Festival

CHARLOTTE J. DEWITT, CFEE Waterfront Festivals

JANICE MEYER, CFEE Pro Football Hall of Fame

JAMES W. AUSTIN, PHD. Houston International Festival

BRUCE E. SKINNER, CFEE Fiesta Bowl

RICHARD NICHOLLS, CFEE (D) Gilroy Garlic Festival

JARVIS HARRIMAN Tucson Festival Society

JOANN ANDERA, CFEE Texas Folklife Festival

JAMES GRAY WALLS, JR. Dogwood Arts Festival 70th Anniversary

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International Festivals & Events Association

IFEA World

YEARS OF IFEA CHAIRS We would like to pay tribute to those who have led the way during our first 70 years and laid the foundation for the future.

1996

2004

1997

2005

1998

2006

1999

2007

BILL LOFTHOUSE (D) Phoenix Decorating Company

MICHAEL E. BERRY, CFEE Kentucky Derby Festival

MARY BRIDGES Bridges Marketing & PR Group

ERIC MARTIN, CFEE Bands of America

DERRICK FOX Alamo Bowl

STEVEN WOOD SCHMADER, CFEE Boise River Festival

PAUL JAMIESON, CFEE SunFest of Palm Beach County, Inc.

2008

2000

KAREN CHURCHARD, CFEE Fiesta Bowl

TOM BISIGNANO, CFEE Meeting Biz

‘K’ ALFERIO, CFEE Capital One

2010

2002

JOHAN MOERMAN Rotterdam Festivals

BILL CHARNEY, CFEE Charney & Associates, Ltd.

2011

2003

THÉRÈSE ST-ONGE, CFEE (D) National Capital Commission

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HENRY “PETE” VAN DE PUTTE, JR., CFEE dfest ®

2009

2001

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THOMAS KERN, CFEE National Cherry Festival

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WRIGHT TILLEY, CFEE Watagua County Tourism Development Authority

2012

2020 - 2021

2013

2022

2014

2023

2015

2024

2016

2025

BRUCE ERLEY, APR, CFEE Creative Strategies Group

TED BAROODY, CFEE Norfolk Festevents

BECKY GENOWAYS, CFEE ON THE WATERFRONT

DIANA MAYHEW, CFEE National Cherry Blossom Festival

JAMES L. HOLT, CFEE Memphis in May International Festival

KAREN CHURCHARD, CFEE City of Scottsdale, AZ

CINDY LERICK, CFEE Cultural Festivals

JAZELLE JONES City of Philadelphia

GUY LAFLAMME Ottawa

JOE VERA, CFEE (D) City of McAllen

2017

2025-2026

STEPHEN KING, CFEE Des Moines Arts Festival

VANESSA VAN DE PUTTE DFEST®

2018

JEFF CURTIS Portland Rose Festival Foundation

2019

JANET LANDEY, CFEE, CSEP IFEA Africa / Institute of Event Management

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GLOBAL AFFILIATES IFEA Global Affiliates work to support our industry and members around the world. We encourage you to contact them regarding programing and resources available in your area.

IFEA AFRICA

CONTACT INFO: Peter Kagwa, President IFEA Africa • Events Warehouse - Plot 1085, Kiwafu Estate - Kansanga, Kampala - P.O. Box 2906 - Kampala, Uganda - Mobile: • Email: peter@eventswarehouse.biz

IFEA ASIA

CONTACT INFO: Professor Gang-Hoan Jeong, PhD, CFEE, President - IFEA Asia/Korea • Director, Center for Tourism and Event Management • Pai Chai University • Doma-dong 439-6 • Seo-gu, Daejeon • Republic of Korea 302-735 Phone: +82-42-520-5717 • Mobile: +82 (11) 438 6368 • Email: tourman82@naver.com

IFEA AUSTRALIA / NEW ZEALAND

CONTACT INFO: William O’Toole, CFEE • EPMS, Events Development Specialist • 30 Cox Avenue • Bondi Beach NSW 2026 Australia • Phone (Australia): +(61) 418 419322 • Email: otoole2006@gmail.com CONTACT INFO: Warwick Hall, CFEE • Operational Risk Consultant • Safety Set Consulting • 4 Motutere Avenue Taupo 3330 • New Zealand • Mobile: +64-021-633-128 • Email: contact@s646.com

IFEA EUROPE

CONTACT INFO: Johan Moerman • Consultant • Wipperspark 74 • Maasslus, 3141RD • The Netherlands Phone: +31-6-53893092 • Email: johan.moerman54@gmail.com CONTACT INFO: Colm Croffy • Executive Director AOIFE / IFEA Europe CLG • Festivals/ Events Consultant c/o 307, Ballinasloe Enterprise Centre • Creagh • Ballinasloe, Co. Galway • Ireland • Phone: 00 353 9096 45831 Mobile: 00 353 (0) 87 2215406 • Email: colm@aoifeonline.com

IFEA LATIN AMERICA

CONTACT INFO: Daniel Baldacci, President, IFEA Latin America • President, Brazilian Festivals & Events Association Rua Verbo Divino, 431 • Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil, 04719-001 • Phone: +55-5182-0860 • Mobile: +55 11 99752 1696 Email: dbaldacci@ifealatam.com

IFEA MIDDLE EAST

CONTACT INFO: William O’Toole, CFEE • EPMS, Events Development Specialist • 30 Cox Avenue • Bondi Beach NSW 2026 Australia • Phone (Dubai): +(0) 507022731 • Phone (Australia): +(61) 418 419322 • Email: otoole2006@gmail.com

IFEA NORTH AMERICA

CONTACT INFO: Ira Rosen, MA, CFEE, CED, Director, IFEA North America • Ira L. Rosen, LLC Festival & Event Consulting 2005 Monmouth Blvd. • Wall, New Jersey 07719 • Mobile: +1-908-618-0991 • Email: irarosen1011@gmail.com 132

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Turn-Key Drone Light Shows Telling your story in the sky.

YEARS OF FOUNDATION CHAIRS

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVALS & EVENTS ASSOCIATION

We would like to pay tribute to those who have led the way during our first 33 years and laid the foundation for the future.

or 33 years the IFEA Foundation has helped ensure that the IFEA is financially secure and able to serve as the pivotal hub for our industry’s professional global network, providing on-going support through quality education and training, media representation, industry advocacy, up-to-date information on current issues and trends, and affordable access to the latest products, services and resources that we all need to succeed. Today, that role has never been more important or critical. We would like to pay tribute to those who helped to lead the way throughout that 33 year history, laying the literal ‘foundation’ for the future successes of our common industry.

1998

1993 - 95

2004

1996

2005

1997

2006

BRUCE STORY, CFEE (D) Cherry Creek Arts Festival

ALEXANDER P. DURTKA, CFEE Holiday Folk Fair International IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

1999

PAT CRAIG CORDA, CFEE (D) Gator Bowl Association

2000

BILL LOFTHOUSE (D) Phoenix Decorating Co.

2001

BRIDGET SHERRILL, CFEE (D) Kentucky Derby Festival

2002

WRIGHT TILLEY, CFEE Macon, Georgia’s International Cherry Blossom Festival

2003

BRUCE WICKS, PH.D. University of Illinois, Office of Recreation and Tourism PAUL JAMIESON, CFEE SunFest of Palm Beach County, Inc.

CAROLYN CRAYTON, CFEE Macon, Georgia’s International Cherry Blossom Festival

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PETE VAN DE PUTTE, CFEE DFEST®

70th Anniversary

BRUCE ERLEY, CFEE, APR Creative Strategies Group

JANET KERSEY, CFEE Daytona Beach Area CVB

2007

2016

2008

2017

2009

2018

2010

2019

2011

2020 - 2021

2012

2022

2013

2023

2014

2024

2015

2025

STEVE REMMINGTON, CFEE University of Oregon

JEFF ENGLISH, CFEE Kentucky Derby Festival

MINDY RABINOWITZ Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc.

VANESSA VAN DE PUTTE DFEST®

JOE VERA, CFEE (D) BorderFest

SAM LEMHENEY, CFEE Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

KAY WOLF, CFEE (D) BorderFest

KELI O’NEILL WENZEL, CFEE O’Neill Marketing and Event Management

MIKE BERRY, CFEE Kentucky Derby Festival

KEVIN GROTHE, CFEE Memphis in May International Festival

JEFF CURTIS Portland Rose Festival Foundation

ALISON BARINGER, CFEE North Carolina Azalea Festival at Wilmington, Inc.

CINDY LERICK, CFEE Cultural Festivals

CASSIE DISPENZA, CFEE Saffire

PAM SARTORY (D) Sunfest of Palm Beach County

IRA L. ROSEN, MA, CFEE Ira L Rosen LLC. Festival and Event Consulting

MARY ANN DILLING, CFEE Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)

KAT PAYE, CFEE National Cherry Festival 70th Anniversary

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GRA DUATES The following festival and event professionals have obtained their CFEE (Certified Festival & Event Executive) designation, placing them among the very best in our industry. They have shown their commitment to excellence; dedicated themselves to furthering their events, their profession and their careers; and clearly understand the difference between “good” and “great”. We salute these individuals who represent the successes of the past and the visions for the future.

Ann Marie Adler Moani Akana K Alferio Sylvia Allen Sandy Althouse Jo Ann Andera Pat Armstrong Erin Atkinson Marie Atwell Zet Baer Vance Baird D. C. Baker Jennifer Baker Kathy Baker Daniel Baldacci Alison Baringer Lu Barron Jeanine Battle Ed Bautista Michael Baxter Alexa Beasley Emily Beck Linares Tracy J. Becker Jill Joseph Bell Iona Bentley Mike Berry Vern Biaett, Jr. Sue Bila Tom Bisignano Laura Blake Chuck Blische Toni Bodenhamer Dennis Boese Karen Bonomo Bonnie Bostian Nancy Bove C. Weymouth Bowles Anna Bradford Emily Bradley 136

Kay Brake Sheilla Brashier Alexis Bremer Richard Brewer Treva Brockman Shary Brown Nalani Brun James Bruton Christine Bryan Kristin Bryant Syeira Budd David Bullard Ashley Bush Jennifer Byard Jason Cameron Kaye Campbell Carey Capers Carlene Carey Heidi Carlstedt Mary Carter Nancy Chapman Bill Charney Marilyn Chewning Paul Chiaravalle Karen Churchard Keith Citrine Dr. Brianna Clark Barbara Claybaugh Doug Cleverley Marilyn Clint Bill Collins Billy Collins Judy Combs Sheila Cordill Pat Craig Corda (D) Matt Cranford Dianna Craven Carolyn Crayton Shelley J. Crossley

Curt Crowhurst Betsy Crusan Jim Curtis Peggy Curtis Terry A. Damerel Kathy Danielson Sandra Dartus Wanda Daza Cassandra Lee-Anne Delgado Lynane Dellerman Laura DeOrio Charlotte J. DeWitt Randy Dewitz Mary Ann Dilling Daphne Dickens TaKeyia Dickens Martin Dickey Cassie Dispenza Stephanie Donoho Tammy Dooley Jay Downie Alexander Durtka Sally Edwards Michelle Elliott Jeff English Bruce Erley Tim Estes Geoff Fairchild Saeed Al Falasi Lorena Farrell Kathryn E. Farrington Dick Farrow Joel A. Feingold Celine Filbee Christine Filice Jon Fillman Jo Finlay Zach Fisher

IFEA’s ie: the business of international events

Sean Fitzgerald Judy Flanagan (D) Torise Flay Dave Fooks Erin Fortune Ron Foss Pamela Fowler Judith Fox-Goldstein Niki Frank Allen G. Freeman Jasmine Freeman Antoinette (Annie) Frisoli Janice Gary Michel Gauthier Cheree Gayre Tammy Gazzola Janice Genova Becky Genoways Daris Gibbons William Gilmore Suhaila Gobash Bob Gobrecht Faith Gorman Sylvia Green Vernon Gresham Skye Griffith Elizabeth Grigsby Kevin Grothe Jeremy Gross Rick Groves John Haak Maura Haberman Cyndie Hall Gayle Hall (D) Baylor Hall Warwick Hall Patricia Haller Jack Hammer Joseph Haneman

70th Anniversary

Clayton W. Hannon Andrew Hansen Tiffany Harben Shelly Harris Janet C. Hart Michael Hartman Wendy Hartnett Sharon Hasson Jo Hauck (D) William H. Hausman (D) Kramer Hayden Denise Hedges T. Doyle Heffron (D) Benjamin Hemi Baylor Hendrickson Angie Henley Jonathan Herrera Kassie Hilgert Melissa Hinkle Ruth Hinojosa Eric Hjellming Jessica Hodges Ellesor Holder Dodie Holderfield Joanne Holhouser Jan Holland-Malcom Stephen Hollingshead James L. Holt Peter Horak Nia Hovde Harriet Hoxton Joy Humphries Janet Hyrne Kelly Ingram Erin Jackson Paul Jamieson Erin Jenks Binna Jensen Professor Gang Hoan

Jeong Carina Jimenez Dale Johnson Mark Johnson Julie Johnston Bailey Judson John Junker Claudia Kalaola Robbie Kane Brian Katze Jennifer Kehl Walter C. Keiper, Jr. Robin H. Kelley Kasey Kelly Allen Brian Kendall Tom Kern Janet Kersey Joann Kessler Sandra Kiehm Britt Kimball Stephen M. King Jason Kingsley Beth Knox Vivian Koontz Mikaela Kornman Hayden Kramer Kathy Kramer Carlton Kranz Kathy Krautter Gene Krcelic Dave Kronenberg Eleanor Jean Krusell Nan Krushinski Glennas Kueck Arlene Kuper Tom Kwiatek Valerie Lagauskas Janet Landey Marcello Langoni

Sponsored by

Sondra Lanza Brandon Laue Cheryl Lawrence Dianna Lawrence Deja Lawson Holly Leiferman Sam Lemheney Cindy Lerick Harry Lightvoet Joseph Lillis (D) William Lomas Eduardo Lopez III Rick Lott Kelly Luberda Katie McFadden Beatrice (Bea) MacGregor Julie Machon Don MacTavish Virginia E. Mampre Dan Mangeot (D) Michael Marks Carla Marshall Eric Martin Gary Masters Lexi Matthews Clare Mawae Karlee May Diana Mayhew Penny McBride Jill McCullough Angelique McKay Marianne McLeod Barry McNamara Alex McNulty Joy Meierhans Denny A. Meline John R. Melleky Lori Mellenbruch Herbert C. Melleney (D) Delores Mendoza Shelley Merlo-Orzel Brende Farney-Merrill Mike Metoxen

Janice Meyer Kevin L. Meyer Stephen Millard Anna Miller Dave Miller Nancy Gitner Miller Penny Mitropoulos Sara Montoya-Hernandez Alice Moon Jim Moore Curt Mosel Colleen Murphy Julie Myers Scott Nagel Drew Naika Barbara Neff Robyn Nelson (D) Eric Ngan Richard Nicholls (D) Charlotte Nicholson Thomas Nizo James O’Brien Chuck O’Connor Elaine O’Connor Joe Ochoa Dianna Offutt David Olivares Keli O’Neill Wenzel Jeff Orswell Kristin Ostarello William O’Toole LaDonna Page Zis Parras Joanna Parrish Ateesh Patel Greg Patterson Suzi Patterson Marleen R. Pedroza Mairin Petrone Kat Phillips Ligaya Pierson Terry Pimsleur (D) Mary Pinak

Heather Pingry David R. Pinson Angela Poco Jon Pollock Karen Pope Carol Popejoy-Hime Lisa Potvin Sai Powers Rachel Prebble Jodi Preston-Thomas Nathanael Pretlow Heather Price Angela Prosser Philip Purevich Richard Quattropane Tim R. Quigley (D) Nicole Ramage Sotero David Ramirez Bulinda Rea Michael Rea Nick Reader Mike Redding Steven D. Remington Janet Renfro Traci Ridling Carrie Ring Diane Rinkes William Roberts Dale Rochelle Bobby Rodriguez Bob Rose Ira Rosen Steve Rosenauer Patricia Rowe Scott Rowitz Vladimir Rukavina Samuel Sankar Mark Santoki Mary Margaret Satterfield Nick Scala Evan Schaefer Eric Schechter 70th Anniversary

Karen Scherberger Carrie Schlobohm Steven Wood Schmader Ruth Schnabel Rissa Schultz Wendy Schultz Corie Schweser Jenny Scothern Lara Scott Pat Scully Leo Sears Lisa Sewell Dave Shepherd Bridget Sherrill (D) Karen Shostak Jim Simmons Ron Simpson Bruce Skinner Bruce Smiley-Kaliff Peter Smith Dennis Snider Casey Snyder Celia Southward Brooke Spain Mark Sternberg John Stewart (D) Patrick Stewart Nancy StewartFranczak (D) Irene L. Stillwell Thérèse St-Onge (D) Bruce Storey (D) Katherine StoutzBowman Glendia Strandin Sherri Strayer Priscilla Suarez Laila Suhail Charlotte Sullivan Kelven Tan Brad Thomas Vic Thomas Wright Tilley

Trevor Tkach Molly Tomasallo Johnson Virginia Topitzes Fabian Obregon Torres Rachel Trice Mark Tucker Sue A. Twyford (D) Sarah Umlauf Linda Valencis Laura Valente Sarah Vallely Sally Van de Putte Henry “Pete” Van de Putte, Jr. Gary Van Horn Jr. Azeneth A. Vasquez Joe Vera, III (D) Cynthia Verge Nancy Viking Linda Wakeland Susan Wallace Annette Wallenmeyer James Walls, Jr. (D) Shanna Ward Amanda Watson Casey J. Watts Winston Welch Nancy Hedges Wendler Don Whiteley(D) Barry Wilkins Carolyn P. Williams Lila Wilson Nick Wolda Kay Wolf (D) Jenny Wright Barbara Yarnell Stacey Yates Will Young Kelly Zanders Megan Zaranek Cindi Zuby *(d)=Deceased

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Remember the Helping Hands that Got You Where You are Today?

Lend yours through a gift to the IFEA Foundation – IFEA’s key partner in helping to support and enable festivals and events worldwide. Every dollar adds to our ability to improve and expand on the resources and services available through

the IFEA – from convention scholarships, to hosting top-quality industry presenters and programming, to online education, access and more – all designed to raise the bar for everyone in our global industry, no matter how big or small.

Pay It Forward. Help Sustain the “Premier Association Supporting and Enabling Festival & Events Worldwide”

Give Today IFEA.com / Foundation / Ways to Give Questions? Contact Kaye Campbell, CFEE, Director of Finance

at kaye@ifea.com or +1-208-433-0950, ext. 8150

IFEA Friends Lost Max Colwell Pasadena Tournament of Roses IFEA Board Chair 1969 1903 - 1978

James Walls, Jr. Dogwood Arts Festival IFEA Board Chair 1986 1934 - 1995

Don Whitely, CFEE Argonne Parades IFEA Board Chair 1989 - 1999 1938 - 1999

John Geisler St. Paul Winter Carnival Founder of IFEA IFEA Board Chair 1956-58 1922 - 2002

Ken Walstad Minneapolis Aquatennial IFEA Board Chair 1964-65 1926 - 1983

Josephine Hauck, CFEE (indianapolis) 500 Festival IFEA Board Chair 1967-68 1918 - 1997

William Lawson Pasadena Tournament of Roses IFEA Board Chair 1978 1914 - 2000

John Stewart, CFEE La Fete Colombienne Des Enfants IFEA/Miller Brewing Company Hall of Fame 1997 - 2002

Robert Finke Buccaneer Days Celebration IFEA Board Chair 1975 1916 - 1992

Dan Mangeot, CFEE Kentucky Derby Festival IFEA Board Chair 1987 1939 - 1997

Dorothy Walkmeyer National Cherry Festival IFEA Board Chair 1972 1917 - 2001

Sue Twyford, CFEE SunFest of Palm Beach County IFEA/Miller Brewing Company Hall of Fame Inductee 2003 1956 - 2003

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George Zambelli, Sr. Zambelli Fireworks Internationale IFEA/Miller Brewing Company Hall of Fame Inductee 1993 1924 - 2003

Bob Kemp Kemp Balloons Founder, Kemp Balloons 1931 - 2005

Bob Jackson INNOVA Marketing 1931 - 2008

Bruce Storey, CFEE Cherry Creek Arts Festival 1940 - 2014

Fred Lowry Tucson Festival Society IFEA Board Chair 1962 1916 - 2004

Dick Nicholls, CFEE Gilroy Garlic Festival IFEA Board Chair 1994 1944 - 2005

Herb Melleney 1931 - 2009

Joe and Gloria Vera

Gretchen Lofthouse Beloved Spouse of Bill Lofthouse and Industry Supporter 1944 - 2004

Bill Lofthouse Phoenix Decorating Co. 1940 - 2008

Robyn Nelson, CFEE Utah Arts Festival 1956 - 2013

Jim Thomson Dynamic Displays Hall of Fame 2004 1932 - 2016

70th Anniversary

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IFEA Friends Lost Lee Crayton Beloved Spouse of Carolyn Crayton and Industry Supporter 1923 - 2015

Pat Craig Corda, CFEE Gator Bowl Association Hall of Fame 2002 1941 - 2019

Elizabeth ‘Bo’ Black Summerfest 1946 - 2020

Bridget Sherrill, CFEE Kentucky Derby Festival Hall of Fame 2004 1944 - 2022

Judy Flanagan, CFEE, M.S. University of Tennessee 1950 - 2020

Scott Spencer Founder, Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic 1954 - 2020

Marie Atwell, CFEE Shows, Etc. 1941 - 2023

Blaine Kern Sr. Founder, Kern Studios 1927 - 2020

Gayle Hall, CFEE Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau Hall of Fame 2022 1952 - 2021

Thérèse St-Onge, CFEE Canadian National Capital Commission 2003 IFEA World Board Chair 2006 IFEA Hall of Fame inductee 1952 - 2023

Jean McFaddin Macy•s Thanksgiving Day Parade 1942 - 2018

Don Lunday Pasadena Tournament of Roses/CalFest Executive Director, International Festivals Association (IFA now IFEA) 1988 - 1990 1931 - 2019 142

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Joseph Lillis Sausalito Arts Festival 1952 - 2024

Nancy Stewart Franczak Festival Management Group / Delray Beach Arts / Delray Beach Garlic Fest 1955 - 2025

Kay Wolf, CFEE Texas Festivals & Events Association 2010 Foundation Chair 2007 Hall of Fame 1946 - 2025

Joe Vera, CFEE City of McAllen, Texas 2025 IFEA World Board Chair 2009 Foundation Board Chair 2005 Hall of Fame 1956 - 2025

No Picture Available Walter Van Camp Seattle Seafair IFEA Board Chair 1961 Joseph Mickler Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla IFEA Board Chair 1959

John H.B. (Jack) French Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association 1991 IFEA World Board Chair 1996 Hall of Fame 1938 - 2025

Pam Beiter Sartory SunFest 2014 Foundation Board Chair 1966 - 2025

Reynolds Andricks Fiesta San Jacinto Assoc. IFEA Board Chair 1960 - 1984 Leon Cazin Latin American Fiesta Assoc. IFEA Board Chair 1966

70th Anniversary

Robert E. Meyer, Jr. Author of Festivals, U.S.A. IFEA Founder 1911 - 1994 Harrison Kohl Sun Bowl Association IFEA Board Chair 1973 - 1998 Madeline Neupert Barnum Festival IFEA Board Chair 1963 1927 - 2009

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Rising to New Heights Together The IFEA Foundation provides a source of support that allows the IFEA to confidently provide convention scholarships, host top-quality industry presenters and programming, and to help raise the bar for everyone in our global industry. A very special thanks to all those who have contributed along the way, and we look forward to working with you towards the success of our industry for many years to come.

ie volume 36 issue 70thAnniversary