Oregon Festivals & Events Association Annual Conference
Our spring conference is our biggest gathering for festival and event industry professionals. Our speakers, seminars, round tables, entertainer showcases, a trade show and the Ovations! Awards provide an unparalleled opportunity to meet your peers from around the state while learning from experts.
We hope you'll join us along with event producers, sponsors, entertainers, volunteers, vendors and suppliers from across the state. Together, we can share information, resources and contacts to make our events more successful.
Rhinestone Rodeo
February 27 - March 1, 2025
Seaside Civic and Convention Center
Saddle up, y'all! Bedazzle those boots and get ready to join us for educational breakout sessions from industry leaders, entertainment from top performers, a chance to network at our Trade Show, and our annual Ovations! Award night recognizing the most innovative and successful events out there and those that help make them happen. Plus a chance to catch up with old friends, make some new ones, and connect with others in the industry. We guarantee it's going to be a rootin', tootin', boot-scootin' good time!
Sessions and speakers are always being added so check back soon.
Featured Session
Inspect what you Expect: Who are YOU in the moment of truth?
Daren Libonati, Jampack
Friday, February 28 - 10:30am
Join industry veteran Daren Libonati as he shares key insights from his experience with the 2017 Route 91 Harvest Music Festival in Las Vegas. This session will focus on preparing for the unexpected, assessing risk, and managing logistics for large-scale events. Libonati will offer practical strategies for event planning, as well as ways to adapt and respond in high-pressure situations to safeguard attendees and staff. This candid discussion will be invaluable for those looking to deepen their understanding of security, logistics, and leadership in the face of unforeseen challenges in the event industry.
Daren Libonati is the Co-Founder of Jampack, a fintech platform that enhances event experiences through bundled packages that include tickets, hotels, dining, and entertainment. With over 36 years in stadium and arena management, he began as an intern at the Thomas & Mack Center, eventually leading high-profile venues, including MGM’s Grand Garden Arena and UNLV's special events spaces. In 2016, he joined MGM as VP of Entertainment & Sports, building major events like the Route 91 Harvest Festival and Rock in Rio. Through Jampack, he continues innovating by enabling global organizers to offer full-service event packages. Read full bio here
2025 Conference Schedule
We'll be updating the schedule as all our amazing speakers and sessions are confirmed. Some of the topics we'll be covering are: security, ticketing, sponsorship relations, digital marketing, event medical staffing, and event law.
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8:30am - Pre-Conference (additional cost): Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED Training Certification
9am - Pre-Conference (additional cost): Beyond the Booth: Optimizing Vendor Operations at Your Event
11am - Registration Opens
1:30pm - THE Conference Begins!
1:45pm - Opening Kick-off
2:40-3:40pm -
Breakout Sessions
3:50-4:50pm -
Breakout Sessions
5pm - Dinner on the Town - Check-in at the lobby no later than 5:30pm for your Dining Vouchers, then enjoy dinner at one of Seaside's great restaurants.
7pm - Networking Hospitality Night - Campfire Night, Flannels & Long Johns
Don your comfiest flannels and long johns, sip on your favorite drinks, gather 'round to sing some Karaoke songs, and make lasting connections with fellow event professionals. This is the perfect opportunity to meet some new folks, share ideas, build relationships, and unwind after a day of conference sessions. And be ready to compete in some rodeo games!
times subject to change
Click for Printable Conference Schedule (coming soon)
Pre-Conference Workshop
Beyond the Booth: Optimizing Vendor Operations at Your Event
Brandi Ebner, Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center
Haley Hamilton, HBA of Marion/Polk Counties
Dive into the essential strategies for managing commercial and food vendors effectively. Attendees will learn how to optimize vendor layouts, streamline logistics, and improve flow to create a seamless experience for both vendors and attendees. The session will also cover building strong vendor relationships to ensure mutual success. Whether you're coordinating booths or food trucks, this session offers practical solutions for enhancing vendor operations at your events.
When: Thursday, February 27
Time: 9 a.m. to Noon
Cost: $50 members ($70 non-members)
Register HERE
You can register for the workshop only, or use the add-on section if you're coming to conference too!
Pre-Conference Certification Course
Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED Training
Cody Nichols, presented by Maltese Medical
Enhance your skills and confidence before the Oregon Events Association Conference by enrolling in this course, led by experienced emergency responders from Maltese Medical. This hands-on training is designed specifically for event professionals who want to be prepared for emergencies in any setting.
You will learn to recognize and manage various emergencies, including life-threatening bleeding, and how to effectively use a tourniquet. The course also covers CPR techniques and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Practical exercises on wound care, choking relief, and injury management will enhance your confidence in real-life situations.
Upon completion, you will receive a Red Cross CPR/AED and First Aid certification valid for two years. This course is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their lifesaving skills. Space is limited.
Course Highlights:
- Comprehensive training on first aid, CPR, and AED use
- Special focus on life-threatening bleeding and tourniquet application
- Hands-on practice in realistic scenarios
- Expert instruction from Maltese Medical professionals
- Certification valid for two years
When: Thursday, February 27
Time: 8:30am - 12:30pm
Cost: $50 members ($70 non-members)
Certification Class cost normally $100
Register HERE
Register using the add-on section when registering for conference. If you've already registered and would like to add the certification course, contact the office at members@oregonfestivals.org.
2025 sessions to include:
Digital Marketing Sucks!
Jake Zufelt, Weldwood Marketing
Digital marketing sucks. It's complicated. It's constantly changing. And it's entirely necessary. As a business owner, you have a billion things to worry about: finances, events/products, staffing, troubleshooting, etc. But marketing is that thing to make all the effort turn into MONEY! Get these things in place to make your website, social media accounts, Google services, and email marketing NOT suck!
Winning Strategies for Successful Sporting Events
Jason Unruh, Hoopla
Explore best practices for organizing and managing successful sporting events. From local competitions to large-scale tournaments, learn how to engage audiences, secure sponsorships, and handle logistics. This session will provide valuable insights on how to elevate your sporting event, attract participants, and create memorable experiences for everyone involved.
Ways with No Means
Scott Ingalls, 360 Events NW
We’ll explore how to produce impactful events with limited budgets and resources. Learn from industry experts who have successfully navigated financial challenges and still delivered memorable, high-quality festivals and events. Discover tips on finding sponsorships, leveraging community support, and using innovative solutions to stretch your budget without sacrificing quality. Perfect for event planners who are looking to maximize their impact despite financial constraints.
Conflict Resolution on the Event Frontier
Michael Jonas, Chris Aiosa, & Rich Flamm, Narwhal Nonprofit Consulting
In the high-stakes world of event planning, conflicts can spring up like a spooked bronco—whether it’s a misunderstanding with vendors, internal team friction, or partnership misalignments. This session will delve into the unique challenges of handling conflicts in real time and within the framework of event management. Attendees will gain insights into recognizing the roots of organizational disputes, practicing effective communication strategies, and applying proven mediation tools. From navigating tense moments with team members to smoothing interactions with attendees, you’ll learn to handle conflict with confidence, create a cooperative atmosphere, and keep your event moving forward. Don’t miss this session to ride through common event conflicts with style, leaving you prepared to tackle any challenge the event trail brings!
More Stoopid Questions: An Open Forum
moderator: TBA
Back by popular demand - Join us again this year for an interactive open forum where you bring the questions, challenges, and ideas, and we bring the platform for conversation! This dynamic session invites all attendees to engage in open dialogues, share insights, and explore creative solutions for the unique challenges facing today’s festivals and events. Let's work together to inspire each other with fresh ideas, best practices, and innovations that can elevate our events to new heights.
Maximizing Impact Through Street Teams and Merchandise
Cheryl Bland, Harefest/J-Fell Presents
In this insightful presentation, Cheryl Bland explores two vital aspects of the events industry: Street Teams and Merchandise. Attendees will gain an understanding of best practices, strategies, and tools for optimizing each area to enhance event success. Topics include: Navigating the physical sales environment, creating an effective merch pro-forma, design and fulfillment, exploring various merchandise types and assessing demand through performance metrics, and more. While the primary focus is on mastering each of these individual areas, Cheryl will also touch on the natural synergy between street team programs and merchandise efforts, offering practical insights into how these elements can complement each other to create a more impactful event experience.
Board Success Through Guidance and Onboarding
Tina Andersen, Polk County Fairgrounds
Strong, effective boards are the backbone of successful events, but keeping everyone on the same page can sometimes feel like herding cattle! This session will guide you through best practices for board management, including effective onboarding, clear communication, and setting shared goals. It’s perfect for those looking to inspire engaged, collaborative board members who contribute positively to the organization’s mission. From welcoming new board members to working through different perspectives, you’ll gain strategies to help your board become a powerful asset for every event.
Own Your Relationship and Engage your Traveler Per Cap (TPC) with Each Event Announcement and On-Sale
Jampack Team
In this session, learn the importance of data-driven event marketing and revenue strategy with a focus on T.P.C. (Travel Per Cap) metrics. Discover new methods to announce and launch on-sales, maximize audience capture, and connect with “super fans” in ways that drive attendance and enhance travel revenue. The Jampack team will also discuss how partnerships with City Visitor Bureaus (CVBs) can support your data strategy and strengthen event marketing. This session is essential for event professionals looking to understand the power of data and increase and capture the incremental revenue you’re driving.
Partnering with Food Vendors for Festival Success
moderated by Brandi Ebner, Deschutes County Expo Center
Join a panel of seasoned food vendors as they share their perspectives on the festival experience. Gain insights into their biggest challenges, discover ways you, as a producer, can support their success, and hear their thoughts on the future of food vending.
Building Big Success in Small Communities
Bart Platt, Jefferson County Fair
Learn how to create impactful events in small communities by fostering local engagement and collaborating with businesses and agencies in your area. This session will explore practical approaches to building relationships, mobilizing resources, and promoting your event to draw in attendees. Whether you're launching a new event or looking to grow an existing one, you'll gain actionable insights on enhancing community ties, expanding your reach, and setting the foundation for long-term success.
Emergency Essentials for Event Professionals: Hands-Only Adult CPR and AED Training
Cody Nichols, Maltese Medical
Enhance your emergency preparedness with this engaging and concise, hands-on session is tailored for professionals like you who want to learn vital life-saving skills in an interactive environment. You'll master the essentials of hands-only CPR and the proper use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Our expert instructors will guide you through practical techniques in a supportive atmosphere, ensuring you leave with the confidence to respond effectively to a cardiac arrest. Don’t miss this opportunity to boost your skill set and enhance safety at your events.
Navigating the Future of Ticketing: Enhancing Operations and Mitigating Chargebacks
Ryan Kintz, Afton Tickets
As ticketing technology evolves, so do the challenges and opportunities it presents. This session dives into the latest trends in ticketing, offering practical insights to streamline your operations and improve customer experiences. Learn how to implement tools and strategies that simplify ticket sales, prevent fraud, and enhance accessibility. We’ll also tackle the growing issue of chargebacks, exploring proactive measures to reduce disputes and protect your bottom line. Whether you’re managing online ticketing platforms or on-site sales, this session will provide actionable takeaways to help you navigate the future of ticketing with confidence and success.
Plus sessions on:
- Site Planning and Logistics
- Drone Shows
- Attendee Security
- Event Programming Management
Check back for more info soon ...
Conference Attendee Rates
Registration Includes:
- Conference Welcome Packet
- Educational Sessions from Leading Industry Experts
- Access to Trade Show
- Entrance to all Hospitality Receptions & Networking Evenings
- Meals: Thursday Night Dinner on the Town, Friday Lunch, Friday Ovations! Awards Dinner, Saturday Lunch
Donate to our Silent Auction
Each year, auction proceeds help us fund valuable programs, workshops, and resources that benefit our members and the events industry across Oregon.
This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your unique products, services, or experiences, and gain visibility among peers and industry professionals. Let's go above and beyond to provide spectacular auction items this year.
Where to Stay
Our Partner Hotel this is Rivertide Suites. Reservations can be made by calling their toll-free number, 1-877-871-8433. Rates start at $125 per night (Wed. & Thur.) and $189 per night (Fri. & Sat.). Rivertide Suites Website
Group Name: The Conference for Festivals and Events 2025
Reserve before: January 26, 2025
Two-night minimum
Thank you to our Sponsors
Some memories from our 2024 Conference in Seaside, Oregon.
Mardi Gras in Seaside
To view/download more photos from previous conferences click here