Convention and Trade Show Educational Program

2009 Convention Schedule At A Glance

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Tuesday, August 4th

Wednesday, August 5th

• Identifying Marketable Assets and Packaging Them to Maximize Revenue
• Creating Effective Proposals and Getting Them in the Right Hands
• Adding Value to Your Offer beyond Basic Benefits
• Selling Strategically and Negotiating Effectively to Close Deals

DON'T COPE - CONQUER
Presenter: Sharon D'Eusanio, Victim Services Administrator, Office of Civil Rights, Boca Raton, FL

Get ready to hear firsthand the powerful personal story of Sharon D'Eusanio and her transformation from crime victim to advocate to professional motivational speaker. Sharon was leading a typical life, married with three children and a career woman, until one night, life as she knew it changed in an instant. A victim of a violent crime, which took her eyesight and nearly her life, she could have given up, or even simply learned how to cope. But instead, she made a decision to "conquer" her new life's challenges and began seeing them as opportunities rather than barriers. As professionals in the field of event and festival planning, we all face day to day trials and tribulations. Most of the time we deal quickly with the situation, but sometimes unexpected circumstances beyond our control occur and test even the most optimistic person. Sharon will share her insights on how she took control of her life and moved beyond coping and into conquering life's seemingly insurmountable problems - and she'll provide tips on how you can do the same.

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Opening Reception
Featuring the Trade Show with Vendors Who Can Float Your Boat The Opening Reception is a great opportunity to get to cruise the trade show floor and get to know the 39 exhibitors showing their latest and greatest products and services. You'll find marketing sources, tourism partners, equipment to rent, security staff, insurance companies to compare, ATM's for your events' big bucks, consultants, radios to try, colorful balloons of all sizes, easy-to-assemble stages, entertainment and talent for everyone's liking, flags to fly, beads to wear, tickets to take, inflatables to view, fabulous fireworks, outdoor movies (and screens) to rent, golf carts to consider, and even beer and a port-a-let (in that order).

(Food stations/soda included in registration fee. Cash bar.)

Sponsored By:

8:30 PM - 10 PM
S'mores by the Fire Pit
(S'mores goodies included in registration fee. Cash bar. Entertainment.)

10:00 PM - 12 Midnight
Late Night Hospitality Hours
(Complimentary beverages and snacks included in registration fee.)

Sponsored By:   

Thursday, August 6th

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Networking Breakfast
Wake up early and head to the Tanglewood, 3rd Tier, for an informal FFEA Networking Breakfast with speakers and delegates. You can order the Hyatt’s awesome buffet or off the menu (Dutch-treat). It’s a great opportunity to mix, mingle and learn.

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Registration

8:30 AM - 9:45 AM


STARTING WITH YES - THE ULTIMATE SPONSORSHIP SUCCESS
Presenter: Deb Johnson, Executive Director, Updowntowners, Lincoln, NE

Knowing what decision-makers want for their sponsorship dollars is the key to negotiating a winning proposition.  With the right tools you can avoid spending time on sponsorship proposals that lead to the dreaded "no."  After this session, you will no longer "spray and pray," but learn how to build a targeted sponsorship program in order to stand out from the competition and create value for your brand.

This session is designed to take a person with a limited understanding of the Internet and give them a detailed understanding of the steps necessary to successfully market a website on the Internet.  In this session, you can expect to learn about the following:

• What is the purpose of search engines and how they work.
• The steps necessary to get your web site listed on the search engines. Both naturally and with paid advertising.
• What are black hat practices? What are the common mistakes made when marketing a web site that will hinder your ranking on search engines?
• Search engine advertising methods.
• Pay Per Click management.
• Analytics. How to track the traffic on your web site and the importance of doing so.

This session will give you a detailed description of the steps necessary to market a website today in an easy-to-understand presentation.

In this session, Mat will give tips on how and where to locate quality bands of different genre in all price ranges.  He will also share how to negotiate contracts and riders, providing samples.  He will also share his opinions on what styles of music work best for certain situations and what bands tend to increase revenues of food and beverages.  Mat will cover his successes with media partnerships to secure, sponsor, and promote bands. And finally, Mat will just be happy to answer questions and talk bands!
 

ALLIGATORS, ALLIGATORS, ALLIGATORS: EVERYWHERE ALLIGATORS
(FIVE TIPS TO SURVIVING THE SWAMP)
Presenter: Greg Efta, Managing Director of Marketing and Development, Waterman Communities, Mount Dora and Tavares, FL

Think back to that awful day, when everyone seemed to be breathing down your neck. Your co-workers seem to be working in slow motion when you've got a million things to get done. Your supervisor chooses today to unload a year's worth of goals on you and you're ready to tear your hair out, strand by strand. As you look around, you can feel the alligators beginning to surround you. Everywhere you look, alligators, alligators. Okay, maybe you don't have to think that far back. Maybe that was yesterday. Maybe that's everyday. This program examines five "lessons" Greg learned on surviving the "swamp" of today's business climate. Simple rules, like "Never hunt gator's alone" and "Even gator's deserve respect", highlight the basic truths of working together and surviving a tough environment. Fun filled and entertaining, this program will leave a lasting impression while providing hands on tips and tools participants can implement immediately!

9:45 AM - 10:00 AM
Beverage Break
(Complimentary coffee/soda included in registration fee.)

Sponsored By: Coconut Grove Arts Festival 



10:00 AM - 11:15 AM

ADVANCED SPONSORSHIP STRATEGIES
Presenter: Julie Kimball, Senior Project Director, IEG Advisory Services, Chicago, IL

Far more than strictly a "sales" seminar, the session will give you the tools and knowledge to take full advantage of current and potential corporate partnerships, ensuring that these important relationships represent profitable revenue and have a positive impact in other critical areas beyond the bottom line.

WRAPPING FESTIVALS & EVENTS INTO CONSUMER VACATION PACKAGES
Presenter: Joe Veneto, The Opportunity Guy, Quincy, MA

Grow the customer base of your festival or event by creating compelling consumer vacation packages. Joe Veneto, a.k.a. "The Opportunity Guy", will provide his secrets on the trends, tools and techniques for creating consumer vacation packages. You will also learn about Lee County Visitor's & Convention Bureau's strategies to wrap fall festivals into consumer packages. Finally, you will discover how to wrap your event, regardless of its size, into different types of packages to create success and increase attendance.

SITE OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT - HOW TO SAVE YOURSELF TIME AND MONEY
Presenter: Suzanne Neve, Director of Programs and Services, Northern Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce, Jupiter, FL

Are your site operation expenses getting out of control?  This session teaches you how to effectively evaluate your current inventory and spending practices to eliminate any unnecessary spending.  During the session we will also discuss best practices and procedures for budget reduction sponsorships, RFP templates and organizational tools to help manage your event operations from a time and cost perspective.

UNLEASHING THE POWER OF VOLUNTEERS
Presenter: Wendy Spencer, CEO, Governor's Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (Volunteer Florida), Tallahassee, FL

In today's economy, event organizers are struggling to meet sponsorship and attendance goals, even from tried-and-true supporters who are hesitant to give – or to give as much – in the face of economic uncertainty. But the current economic climate also has a bright side; it has created a renewed spirit of service in America! Learn cutting-edge techniques for recruiting first-rate volunteers to make your event a success. There's no better time than now to unleash the power of volunteers!

11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Trade Show Tour


12:15 PM - 1:15 PM
Trade Show Lunch
The Trade Show Tour and Lunch is all about networking with the vendors and learning how they can help you keep your boat afloat. You’ll be seated with vendors and together you’ll be challenged to compete and identify the shell game testing your knowledge of shells. Each winner at the table will receive a sand bucket of sand, shells and cash!

(Lunch included in registration fee.)

1:30 PM - 2:45 PM

WORKING WITH CORPORATIONS IN THE DOWN ECONOMY
Presenter: Charisse Brown, Director of Corporate Sponsorship, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America

Tough economic times have hit corporations and cause major changes in how corporate sponsorship is approached. So how do events work with corporations now? How can nonprofits and events secure deals amid the turbulent economy? How are consumer cause marketing campaigns fairing in this economy? Learn more about corporate trends and gain valuable tips for working smarter to develop and revitalize corporate relationships in spite of market pressures.

HANDLING A CRISIS
Presenter: Don Silver, Chief Operating Officer, Boardroom Communications, Inc., Plantation, FL  

This presentation covers pertinent topics that will enhance your understanding of the various crisis communication concepts and tools, and will leave your staffers better prepared to guide your event through difficult times. Topics include:

• Anticipating potential crisis those who count
• Communications techniques and tools

In addition to reviewing the basics, we will also conduct an audience mindshare of crisis that have afflicted your events so we can discuss what went right, what didn't and lessons learned.  So, be prepared to share your "war stories" with the group.

GO GREEN - ADD A FARMER'S MARKET TO YOUR COMMUNITY
(OR IMPROVE YOUR EXISITING ONE)
Presenter:  Sandi Moore, Main Street Manager, Leesburg Partnership, Leesburg, FL

Farmers markets continue their remarkable contribution to the allure of Florida's communities.  They are bustling hubs that can highlight the local culture and food culture of a community as well as provide a source of pride and prosperity.  This session will prove valuable to both communities aspiring to start a farmer's market or those looking to improve an established market.  She will provide a case study, as well as practical how-to direction on running a thriving farmer's market that boosts foot traffic and is representative of your community.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: UTILIZING LOCAL NON-PROFIT FOOD VENDORS AT YOUR EVENT
Presenter: Sandy Price, Executive Director, Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival, Fernandina Beach, FL

Maximize your event's community support and economic impact by using local non-profit groups as the food vendors. Follow an actual 3-day event from set-up to break down, from pitfalls to profits, from application to the final report. And keep your local restaurants happy, too!

2:45 PM - 3:00 PM
Beverage Break
(Complimentary coffee/soda included in registration fee.)

Sponsored By: Coconut Grove Arts Festival 

3:00 PM - 4:15 PM


CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP: TIPS, TRENDS AND TECHNIQUES
Presenter: Mary G. Lewis, Vice President of Development Services for the Waters Pelton Organization (WPO), West Palm Beach, FL

Have you ever wondered if you were talking to the right person when you are making a presentation about your sponsorship opportunity? Maybe you are and the information you are giving isn't what they want. Or, maybe they aren't the right person at all. Corporate sponsorship can be secured from many different sources within an organization and it can be a maze to figure out if you should be asking the marketing department, foundation or the president. This session will cover, from start to finish, approaches to securing sponsorship dollars and who would be most likely to give you the most. It will also cover current trends and what sponsors are seeking to get the most “bang for their buck”. We will breakdown an event, create levels of giving and incentives and review strategies for approaching corporations. You usually only get one chance to present your idea and you need to be clear, focused and, most importantly, speak to the right decision maker.  

LET'S GIVE 'EM SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT:
UNDERSTANDING AND PARTICIPATING IN THE SOCIAL MEDIA CONVERSATION
Presenter: Mande White, Head Social Media Coach, FreeSocialMediaHelp.com, Boynton Beach, FL 

You've heard about Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin...but have you figured out how to harness the power of these applications to build relationships with clients, recruit future clients/employees/business partners or spy on the competition?  In this session you'll learn how to not just listen in on the conversation, but how to come up with valuable, insightful and witty things to converse about so people will be lining up in droves to do business with you.

ASSEMBLING A SPECIAL EVENT COMMITTEE FOR TODAY'S ECONOMY
Presenter: Chris Carson, Recreation Supervisor, City of Winter Springs, Winter Springs, FL

This session will include how to create an event planning committee and whom to consider as members. You will learn a step by step approach on how to build an efficient and effective group that shares the same vision. Included will be an overview of budgeting, fund raising, community education/marketing, roles of committee members as well as execution of the event. Discussion will occur on goal setting and long term planning which may make all the difference in the world when it comes to today's economy.



EMBRACING CHANGE
Presenter: Jeannette Peters, Nonprofit Management Consulting, LLC, Gainesville, FL

The biggest threats to your organization's survival and success may come from the inside: complacency, resistance to change, and refusal to accept changes in the political and funding environment.  Learn strategies to help your staff, board and stakeholders The biggest threats to your organization's survival and success may come from the inside: complacency, resistance to change, and refusal to accept changes in the political and funding environment.  Learn strategies to help your staff, board and stakeholders move past anger and denial and embrace opportunities to adapt, evolve and grow through organizational change.

6:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Thursday Night Social
where you have permission to be a PARROT HEAD for the night Parrott Head Costume Contest! Don’t miss this; it’s not going to be your typical dinner and dance! It’s a laid back affair...all you need to do is come in your best Parrot Head attire...you may even win a Margaritville basket full of all good things for Parrot Heads. (The judges, the board of directors of the Southwest Florida Parrot Head Club, are tough...so be creative.)gh...so be creative.)

After dinner, None Other is going shake up the party like "none other" band has done in FFEA’s convention history! They will start the evening with a little Jimmy Buffet and Bob Marley and then get down with all your favorite dance tunes.

And, yes, we have to have a few silly games planned... the limbo, hula hoop contest with grass skirts and leis, and much more. Then, follow the Parrot Head dance line outside to watch the skies light up with a spectacular Zambelli Fireworks Show.

None Other
With a song list that spans more than five decades and a show that makes the dance floor come alive, it is no small wonder that event and meeting planners across the country make None Other their choice for winning programs time and time again. The very best national quality entertainment, production and stage show that exceeds even the most demanding client's expectations, Clint Wiley's None Other has traveled the country performing for SRO audiences. Florida is the band's home base and it is not uncommon for them to play Key West one night and Orlando just two nights later, for corporate clients or for fairs and festivals. Under the guidance of their musical director Clint Wiley, None Other continues to push the boundaries of event entertainment and deliver unparalleled quality and showmanship.

Zambelli Fireworks
Again this year, Zambelli Fireworks, known as the "First Family of Fireworks", will light up the sky with a top-notch fireworks show following the Thursday night dinner and dance, which they also sponsor. Zambelli is one of the oldest and largest American fireworks companies and synonymous with quality, creativity and safety. As America’s leading manufacturer and premier exhibitor of domestic and international fireworks displays, they can create spectacular custom designed indoor and outdoor productions, electronically choreographed to music and lasers.

Anheuser-Busch
As the leading American brewer, Anheuser-Busch has a vested interest in the responsible consumption of its beers. Anheuser-Busch, and its team of more than 600 independently owned wholesalers, have invested more than $675 million in awareness campaigns and educational initiatives to solve alcohol abuse. They are proud to be industry leaders in the fight against alcohol abuse. In addition to providing an educational session on how to make events better with responsible drinking campaigns that protect the organizers and festival goers, Anheuser-Busch sponsors Thursday Night's Social and the Late Night Hospitality Hours.


Tickets may be purchased for spouses and guests. Adult tickets are $50 and tickets for children under 12 are $25. Dinner and soda. Cash Bar.

Sponsored By:   

Friday, August 7th

7:30 AM - 8:30 AM
Networking Breakfast
We know, it's early, but you’ll need a little "pick-me-up" after last night, so head to the Tanglewood, 3rd Tier, for an informal FFEA Networking Breakfast with speakers and delegates. You can order the Hyatt's awesome buffet or off the menu or maybe a cup of coffee is all you need (Dutch-treat). It’s a great opportunity to mix, mingle and learn.

8:00 AM - 1:30 PM
Registration

8:30 AM - 9:45 AM

KEEPING IT GREEN!!
Presenter: Patti W. Hamilton, Vice President / Director of Business Development, Southern Waste Systems LLC / Sun Recycling, Lantana, FL

Have you been wanting to "Go Green" and are worried about the time and expense? Take a look at some simple low cost ways to green your event that can actually help generate additional sponsorship income and media exposure. Learn how you can introduce ecologically safe and responsible recycling solutions into your event that will prolong the life of our environment and your event.
 

THE ZEN OF COLLABORATION
Presenter: Jeannette Peters, Nonprofit Management Consulting, LLC, Gainesville, FL

Why is effective collaboration -- between staff members, board members, and partner organizations -- so difficult to achieve, and almost impossible to maintain?  Our minds tell us that collaboration is less efficient than just doing the job ourselves, but history shows us that collaboration is the only approach that creates permanent, positive impact.  In this workshop we'll discuss the cultural expectations that make it hard for us to collaborate effectively, and explore ways to break through collaborative barriers for continuously higher performance.

JUST BECAUSE YOU'RE TWEETING, FRIEND-ING, & BLOGGING DOESN'T MEAN ANYONE IS LISTENING: HOW TO MAXIMIZE THE RETURN ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA INVESTMENTS
Presenter: Mande White, Head Social Media Coach, FreeSocialMediaHelp.com, Boynton Beach, FL

If you know how to tweet, ping, post and poke, but you want to take it to the next level in terms of revenue generated, pipelines filled, events attended or time managed then this session will give you the blueprint.  We'll work through the aspects you need to be paying attention to as well as what you can start outsourcing or ignoring.  You'll get some insider tips on creating tweets that spread like wildfire as well as how to automate things so you can spend more time playing.

ARTS FESTIVAL EVENT PLANNING - KEEPING IT COOL
Presenter: Christina Smith, Executive Co-chair, Mount Dora Center for the Arts, Mount Dora, FL

The Mount Dora Center for the Arts Executive Team will provide attendees a behind the scenes perspective on Arts Festival Event Planning. We will share with you how this small arts celebration grew from a shoe box to a fully staffed nationally ranked event. During this session attendees will have the opportunity to see a behind the scenes view of the planning process of one of the highest attended and longest running events in the central Florida region. In these challenging economic times it is more important than ever to be creative and flexible when developing strategies for your event.

"Keeping it Cool" Artists = Your client!
Prospect Research = Your funders!
Disaster Planning = A must!
Volunteer Management = No volunteers = no event!
Hospitality = Kindness is key!
Community = Local resources!



9:45 AM - 10:00 AM
Beverage Break
(Complimentary coffee/soda included in registration fee.)

Sponsored By: Coconut Grove Arts Festival 



10:00 AM - 11:15 AM

SPONSORSHIP 2010: TOUGH QUESTIONS, TOUGH ANSWERS FOR TOUGH TIMES
Presenter: Darrell Stefany, President EventFest, Inc.

Has sponsorship really changed in the current economy, or has the economy simply caused sponsors to re-evaluate what they are doing? Is your property threatened by municipality budget cuts or shortfalls? This interactive session will share current and upcoming trends in sponsorship, and discuss what properties must deliver to sponsors (and municipalities) for success in today's environment. A portion of this session will address budgets, revenue line-item(s) and the tough decisions we all currently face in our industry. Bring your tough questions, and be ready for some tough love responses!  

ENHANCING YOUR EVENT'S REPUTATION IN THE COMMUNITY
Presenter: Don Silver, Chief Operating Officer, Boardroom Communications, Inc., Plantation, FL  

Are you satisfied with your organization and event's reputation in the community?  How can you measure what people really think?  How can community leaders and centers of influence be swayed to support your event?  What role can new media play in building support?  Is community relations still a viable option when trying to generate positive publicity for an event? These are just some of the topics we will cover in a getting back to the basics session on image enhancement.  Come prepared to discuss your challenges.  This session will include an overview by Mr. Silver followed by a forum discussing your individual challenges with the group.  You will be surprised how much you may have in common with the other attendees and just how much help a room full of experienced event professionals and an experienced public relations executive can be when the issues are put on the table.

FOOD.....CREATING AN ATTRACTION BY ATTRACTING THE CREATIVE
Presenter: Dave Schlabach CFE, Executive Director, National Independent Concession Association (NICA), Tampa, FL

Most of the events and festivals in the country are finding, through their exit polls, that food is almost always rated in the top three reasons for attending and more often than not, food is in the number one or two positions. These events are using the talents, resources and experience of mobile independent food concessionaires. These concessionaires are family owned, and have created their own specialty items. Independent concessionaires are equipped to be on the road and are trained to present their product at an event safely and esthetically. This workshop will explore how to attract and keep the most creative concessionaires.

TIMES ARE HARD - HOW TO TAKE ADVANTAGE!
Presenter: Lorna Kibbey, Lorna Kibbey Leadership Solutions, Fort Myers, FL

We know these are difficult times. We also know opportunities grow from difficult times! We will look at examples of people who have had great success when faced with great failure. We'll examine ways to improve your attitude, your confidence, and your enthusiasm. Then, we'll talk "cutting edge." What future are you creating for your organization? How can you attain great success by creating change?

Learning Objectives:

• Learn how to flip your perspective
• Examine ways to remain confident - and why you should
• Explore change - see how you can create change andPractice techniques that will help you to come up with that next great idea
  
  
  
  

11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
Trade Show Tour
Trade Show Open

12 Noon
Silent Auction Closes

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Trade Show Tour
Featuring the Trade Show with Vendors Who Can Float Your Boat and SUNsational Awards Luncheon
Last Chance to Bid on your Silent Auction items (12 Noon – Silent Auction Ends) You’ve heard all about them at the Trade Show Lunch and you have partied with them throughout the night, now it is time to make your last rounds of the trade show and talk business, one-on-one. After the Trade Show Tour, sit with your crew and cheer as we showcase the 2009 SUNsational Award entries and present award plaques to the winners. We will also give you a little "State of FFEA Address."
(Lunch included in registration fee.)

2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Exhibitor Break-Down



1:45 PM - 3:00 PM

IT'S NOT YOUR MOTHER'S SPONSORSHIP APPROACH
Presenter: Charisse Brown, Director of Corporate Sponsorship, Make-A-Wish Foundation of America

In this day and age we can't afford to be mundane and usual when it comes to finding corporate dollars. Innovation is a must, as is applying the latest and greatest in measurement, language and presentation appeal when approaching corporations. You'll learn how to approach sponsorships and corporate partnerships from a completely new level, including how to build partnership opportunities that are measurable and tangible for businesses.

"THE PLAY'S THE THING" (William Shakespeare)
"BUT IT'S NOT THE ONLY THING" (Michael Kilgore)
Presenter: Michael Kilgore, Vice President of Marketing and Customer Experiences, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center (TBPAC), Tampa, FL

Everything affects your patrons' impressions of you and your venue or event.  It starts with a response to your advertising and runs through every interaction from website to telephone operator to parking to volunteers.  How your customers feel about all of that is ultimately how they will feel about you (and themselves!).  And whatever they feel, they have unprecedented ways of sharing their feelings with others.  Learn how experiential marketing can be good for business and peace of mind.  It's not just customer service anymore; it's a business model and a way of life.

SYSTEMIZE, ORGANIZE AND CATEGORIZE
Presenter: Sharon McAllister, Executive Director, ArtFest Fort Myers, Inc., Ft. Myers, FL

Do you think you just can't get it all done?  Well guess again - it's the dilemma of most event directors, staffs, volunteers and boards. Let's pause, take a breath and talk about solutions. This session is targeted to events of all sizes because it does not matter the size of your event or the size of your staff, the solutions are the same.  We'll start analyzing your own job and determining what your time is worth and whose job(s) are you doing.  Then, we will move on to solutions for effective use of time, staff, outsourcing, technology, and much more.  We will end with providing systems for organizing and categorizing your equipment, warehouses and offices.  You will leave this session learning current systems for operating more effectively.

LEARN YOUR PERSONALITY AND SUCCEED
Presenter: Greta Schulz, President and CEO, Proactive Training and Consulting, West Palm Beach, FL

What determines superior performance?  What makes a prime candidate?  If you were to pick just one skill, what would it be?  Personal accountability is not only an important skill to possess, but it is also in high demand.  In over 95% of the jobs Proactive Training studied, personal accountability was one of the top seven personal skills that are required for superior performance on the job.  Most companies would agree that responsibility for actions is a major component to success on the job and will look for this skill in any employee review or selection situation.  Unfortunately, personal accountability can be difficult to gauge and is often times not genuine until you can scratch through the surface.  In this session, you will learn how you react to certain situations and why.  You will also learn why others react they way they do.  These techniques will help you relate more easily to all different personality styles. All participants will complete their own personality profile during the session! 

3:00 PM - 3:15 PM
Beverage Break
(Complimentary coffee/soda included in registration fee.)

Sponsored By: Coconut Grove Arts Festival 



3:15 PM - 4:30 PM

PLANNING YOUR SPONSORSHIP SUCCESS
Presenter:Deb Johnson, Executive Director, Updowntowners, Lincoln, NE

Learn the key steps to sponsorship success such as building your pipeline, sales strategies, implementation and follow through. These steps will ensure a solid plan leading to sponsorship success, renewal and growth.

ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL - HOW TO HARNESS THE POWER OF MULTICULTURAL AND ETHNIC MARKETING
Presenter: Cornelia "Corky" Dozier, Executive Director, Greater Miami Host Committee, Inc., Miami, FL

Multicultural marketing is defined as targeting and communicating to marketing segments based on their diverse cultural framework.  This session will be an interactive workshop with activities to include simulations, role playing, and group projects.  The session will begin with identifying the characteristics and nuances of target ethnic markets in Florida-(Asian, Native African, Hispanic/Latino American), and their subcultures.  It will also explore other multicultural groups to include: women, youth, mature, disabled, urban and gay/lesbian.  Participants will receive key demographics, and be exposed to the top trends in multicultural/ethnic public relations, media preferences, as well as traditional and non-traditional multicultural marketing strategies - grassroots, non-traditional, word of mouth, text, internet, guerilla, and street marketing, for an effective multicultural marketing plan.  Workshop will conclude with a multicultural calendar team selection to develop a marketing and public relations plan for a culturally specific event.
 

IMAGINATION STATION: USING COLLABORATION WITH EVENT SPONSORS TO CREATE CHILDREN'S ENVIRONMENTS
Presenter: Danielle Black, Associate Director of Museum Experiences, Miami Children's Museum, Miami, FL

From conception to the end product, learn how to work with your event sponsors to create an original and inventive children's environment. Discover how to craft and shape your children's area to increase the market value of a sponsorship and enhance the likelihood of repeat sponsorship. Discuss how working with the sponsor to produce "made to order" programming enhances both the reputation of the sponsor as well as your own. Study different examples of this collaboration in action as well as learn different activities that can be tailored to your own event.

WANNA GO HOME WITH ME TONIGHT? (DESIGNATED DRIVER PROGRAM)
Presenter: Mandy Llanes, Southeast Region Manager/CSR, Anheuser-Busch, Inc., Miami, FL

Are you ready to learn how to make your great event better and have a great time while doing it?  See your event from the eyes of your Budweiser partner on how to serve responsibly.  A to Z coverage of the "Sound Attitude" and "Good Sport" designated driver programs.  You will experience the programs and win great Bud prizes by attending.  See you at the Bud workshop.




6:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Friday Night Dinner and Social Poolside
It's 6 O'clock in Paradise and that Gives You the License to Chill (because it's all over) and if you are lucky, you’ll win one of the cruises to the Bahamas! (must be present to win)

Come for an hour or stay for the night to Friday's FFEA Finale. It doesn’t get any better in paradise then sitting outside under palm trees watching a beautiful sunset while listening to the island sounds of Howard Livingston and starting off dinner with a cold one and conch chowder. You’ll watch the pro from Team Sandtastic create a sand sculpture and then it's your turn to get a team together and compete in the "Best Sand Sculpture Contest". Mixed in-between all this, will be opportunities to compete in a beach bag relay, try your arm at coconut bowling, and race with a shark on your head - all for great prizes. And, if it’s too hot for you, Coconut Dave will be there to weave you a hat!

Then, as the evening darkens, look to the skies for a perfect ending to the convention and trade show… a colorful fireworks display high in the sky above the palms by Pyrotecnico.

(Dinner/soda included in registration fee. Cash bar.)

Howard Livingston and his Mile Marker 24 Band
Singer-songwriter, Howard Livingston and his Mile Marker 24 Band, are the real deal – an honest to goodness Florida Keys island band that knows how to transform any event from typical to tropical! In addition to their original music, this turnkey beach party includes props, state-of-the-art sound and the atmosphere to make your event a memorable island paradise. Howard and his high energy band enjoy national popularity as they tour and share Howard’s lyrical version of island fun with people looking for a break in the routine. Fans have again embraced Howard’s most recent release and fourth album, "I’m Living On An Island." The title track quickly became another fan-favorite of his more than 40 original songs. Howard Livingston offers you event flexibility with band configurations able to please crowd sizes from thousands to hundreds. Howard Livingston has appeared on the TODAY Show, The CBS Early Show, Good Morning America and soon, The Travel Channel with Samantha Brown.

Coconut Dave
Raised in the Virgin Islands, Dave made his living on fishing boats. During these years, he learned from the natives how to weave incredible baskets, hats, and animals from a single palm frond. Dave was the original coconut hat weaver in Mallory Square, Key West starting in the '50s. Jimmy Buffet even used one of Dave's hats to collect money when he was a street performer. Dave was also featured in a beer commercial in the '80s for his palm tree climbing abilities. Dave prides himself on being able to weave [almost] anything.

Sponsored By:


       

Saturday, August 8th