Entertainment Booking and Talent Management - Leesa Paul

In this presentation, we will cover the essentials of contacting and booking bands or family entertainment for your next event. Whether you're planning a small gathering, a festival, or a large celebration, we'll guide you through the process of finding the right performers, reaching out to them, and negotiating contracts. You'll learn how to assess your entertainment needs, and ensure smooth communication with artists, all while creating a memorable experience for your audience. Perfect for event planners, community leaders, and anyone looking to bring professional entertainment to their event!

How To Use Canva - Steph Castelein

Design like a pro using Canva! In this engaging session, participants will begin by learning basic features of Canva and dive into advanced functions to create stunning visual content for all parts of events. Attendees will learn how to use time-saving templates, event branding kits, social media post examples and consistencies across platforms, and how to create promotional materials. By the end, attendees will leave with practical skills to enhance design, marketing, and communication efforts to take their event to the next level!

Sponsorships - Ian Kemp

Liquor Control - State of Michigan

MLCC – Michigan Festivals & Events: We will be covering Special Licenses (Requirements/Process), Catering Permit Requirements, Wine Auctions and Raffles, Sampling Events, Brand Promotions, Minors and ID Checks, Intoxicated Patrons, MLCC Violations, and the MLCC website resources. We will be available to answer questions and concerns after our presentation.

Vendor Speed Dating Session

Welcome to our Speed Dating session designed to facilitate quick and meaningful connections between tradeshow vendors and attendees. Here’s how it works:

Introduction: Each attendee will have a 5-minute one-on-one session with a vendor. This time is for attendees to learn about the vendor’s products or services and for vendors to understand the attendee’s needs and interests.

Rotation: After 5 minutes, a signal will notify everyone to switch. Vendors will then move to the next attendee's station. This process will continue until all attendees have met with the schedule they are provided.

Objective: The goal is to maximize networking opportunities, allowing attendees to discover a variety of offerings and vendors to showcase their products to a broad audience in a short amount of time.

Follow-Up: Attendees and vendors are encouraged to exchange contact information for further discussions and potential collaborations after the session.

We hope you find this format engaging and productive. Enjoy your networking!

Round Table Discussions

Volunteers, Pros and Cons of Having a Beer Tent, Insurance,

Getting Legislation Involved - Sonja Skerbeck

Sonja Skerbeck, Co-Owner of Skerbeck Entertainment Group, will have a workshop to review the importance of foreign labor at outdoor entertainment events and how it impacts the ability for carnivals to operate. The workshop will update attendees on the political situation with carnival workforce availability, and includes strategies for reaching out to your event's Congressional Representative for advocacy.

Grant Writing Resources - Dawn Reha

You keep hearing that grant money is available. Where and how do you look for it? How do you write a winning grant? What's your story and how to convert it to dollars? This workshop will give an overview of successful grant projects, where to look for the grant money and how to tell your story to "win" a grant.

Food Safety at Michigan’s Festivals and Events - State of Michigan

Rodney Blanchard, a food safety specialist for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, will present information and answer questions about the licensing of food at festivals and events and highlight key food safety requirements required by the Michigan Food Law and FDA Food Code

Your Smart phone IS listening to you and so is your Smart Speaker and your Car too - Darrell Jacobs

During this workshop we will discuss the diverse types of Digital Marketing tactics Festivals and Events can use affordably and effectively to attract attendees. It will be engaging, relevant and a little bit of fun.

MACC Grant Writing

Michigan’s vibrant arts and cultural scenes are important to the state’s communities,
excellent quality-of-life and thriving economy. Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC) is the state’s key conduit for arts
and cultural information, grant funding and more. Join MACC as they presents State of
Michigan grant programs for arts and cultural projects, application process, and
competitive grant writing tips.

Media Relations 101 - Dianna Stampler

Connecting with media is vital to promoting your events and building a relationship – with two-way communication – is key. How should you be prepared to deal with media inquiries for free access to your event? What information should you have on hand in advance so that media can adequately cover your event? And what about these bloggers and influencers – are they really legitimate media contacts? Longtime promoter, and freelance writer, will share some insider tips on how to easily and affordably foster those relationships to garner coverage for your event.

Charitable Gaming - State of Michigan

Michigan Lottery's Charitable Gaming offers fundraising options with Raffles, Bingo and Carity Game Tickets - Pull Tabs for Michigan's Non - Profits. Topics include: Overview of License Types, Maximizing Profits, Ensuring Accountability, Game Ideas, 50/50 Raffles, and Game Records

Outdoor Event Planning and Weather Contingencies - Daniel Gretzner & Carlin Smith

10 Tips for a safe and successful event when planning ahead for inclement weather and other “unforeseen” circumstances. The session will be co-led by: Carlin, former Petoskey Chamber of Commerce President and current Consumers Energy Community Affairs Area Manager in Northern Michigan; and Dan, Consumers Energy Manager of Brand Events and Sponsorships.

TAM Certification - State of Michigan

After successful completion of this class, those in attendance will be fully certified
as a responsible server/seller of beverage alcohol in Michigan and will receive a
TAM card which is recognized by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission as a
valid server training requirement. Special registration is required. $35.00

Creating a Disney Like Experiance: Kids Day - Richard Paul

Together with Kyle Langlois the Parks and Rec Director from the City of Sterling Heights. This session will delve into the magical techniques behind Disney's exceptional customer service, offering valuable insights that can be applied to enhance your attendee's experience.

During this interactive session, you and your team will explore the significance of going the extra mile, treating customers as honored guests, and thinking creatively to introduce new and exciting ideas to your festival or event. Topics such as sponsorship tips, proper signage, attention to detail, staff/volunteer dress code, and the value of kindness towards attendees and volunteers will be covered in depth.

We are confident that this session will infuse a touch of Disney magic into your festival, leaving a lasting impression on your patrons and ultimately contributing to your success.

Non Profit Event Board of Directors and Operations

Just what the heck is a Board of Directors supposed to do, or in some cases, not do, anyway? This class will go over the key elements of board operations and best practices that your board can use to be the most efficient and high functioning for your organization. We will talk about board responsibilities, both assumed and legal, board make-up and leadership, how to effectively manage a board meeting and answer your burning questions. A not to be missed session for anyone who works with or for a Board of Directors

ABC's of Promotions, Promoting and Planning - Alicia Shoults

Does your fair have a slow time of day? Low-traffic area? Whether you are deciding which types of programming to offer, or developing promotions to drive attendance, learn how you can think like a fairgoer to build a customized plan that works best for your fair, your budget, and your community.

Creating a Budget and Sticking With It - Mike Cwik

Information will be provided on how to accurately develop a festival budget, using Gaylord Alpenfest as an example. What are your revenue sources and where does the money go? Do you have any other income and how do you figure it out? Tips on the budget approval process will also be discussed.

The Timing of Advertising - Amber Rood

This session will delve into the critical importance of timing in advertising for festivals, fairs, and events. Participants will learn how to strategically plan their advertising campaigns to maximize attendance and engagement. Key topics will include understanding audience behavior, identifying peak times for promotion, leveraging social media and traditional media channels effectively, and analyzing case studies of successful campaigns. By the end of the workshop, attendees will have a comprehensive toolkit for optimizing their advertising schedules to ensure their events reach the right audience at the right time.

Communicating A Crisis - Alicia Shoults

On Opening Day of the 2017 Ohio State Fair, a ride malfunctioned resulting in loss of life and injury. This presentation will outline the firestorm of media coverage and the crisis communications strategies employed to put out the flames. You will hear about the lessons that were learned and will take away strategies you can use to ensure your fair is prepared to communicate about a crisis of any size.

Event Social Media Marketing 101: The Basics With Lisa Thomas and Ashley Edwards, Bay-Rama Fishfly Festival

Whether you’re hosting small gatherings or large-scale events, you’ll learn the essentials for creating eye-catching content, reaching your audience, and driving engagement. We’ll cover the basics of top platforms like Instagram, and Facebook, and provide you with easy-to-implement strategies to make your event stand out online. Don’t miss this chance to boost your event’s visibility and start turning followers into attendees!

Event Emergency Managment - Matthew Blythe

Safety planning and coordination for events.
An overview of safety planning considerations and resources available for event planners.
We will take some of the mystery out of “What If”.

Event Social Media Marketing 202: Elevate Your Strategy With Lisa Thomas and Ashley Edwards, Bay-Rama Fishfly Festival

You'll discover the powerful tactics that professional event marketers use to amplify their reach and drive results. Learn how to harness the full potential of paid ads, collaborate with influencers, and leverage advanced platform features to create buzz and increase ticket sales. You’ll also dive into analytics, allowing you to track your success and refine your strategy in real time. This is your chance to master cutting-edge techniques that will give your events the competitive edge they need. Join us and take your event marketing to new heights!

Importance of Creating Relationships With Your Community - Dianna Stampler

Planning and executing an event doesn’t happen in a bubble…there are countless community organizations that can help support you in your efforts – from the local media to the chamber of commerce, municipalities (city, township and county representatives) and regional groups like the convention and visitor bureau or even the state tourism office (Travel Michigan with Michigan.org). Building these relationships is easier than you think and you’ll leave this session with some simple things you can do to create or enhance your network.

Work Smarter, Not Harder: Time Saving Tips and Tricks - Alicia Shoults Ohio State Fair

When to-do lists are long and the days are short, we have got to find ways to make every minute count. Learn timesaving “hacks” and strategies that can streamline your day. (Workshop)