The Florida Festivals and Events Association 2009 Scholarships Recipients

The Florida Festivals and Events Association's (FFEA) mission is to promote professional development in the festivals, events, and fair industry. FFEA strongly believes that providing scholarships to its regional seminars and convention assists in fulfilling this mission. This year, FFEA will be awarding five delegate scholarships to its 15th Annual Convention and Trade Show at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort & Spa in Bonita Springs, August 5-7, 2009.

Amy Johnson, Executive Director
Deaf & Hearing Services of Lake & Sumter Counties
Amy Johnson viewed participation in the FFEA Convention & Trade Show as a way for her to expand outreach to her clients at Deaf & Hearing Services.  With over 48,000 clients in a two-county area, funding for her organization relies heavily on special events.  Annual fundraising programs include golf and poker tournaments, a plant sale, and a recently added bowling tournament.  Mrs. Johnson stated that receiving a scholarship to the FFEA Convention "gave her the opportunity to glean ideas and resources from a wide variety of programs.  We look forward to the chance to grow and develop new and creative ways to increase the excitement and profitability of the events we host each year."  The Deaf & Hearing Services of Lake & Sumter Counties has a unique mission with all of their programming, not just to host events to raise funds for their clients, but also to incorporate the Deaf and hearing communities into all of their activities. 

Lisa Moody, Special Events Coodinator
City of Cocoa, Florida
Ten years ago, Lisa Moody decided to change careers, after a stint in retail she decided to pursue her first love, event planning. After years of experience in the Flagstaff, Arizona region, Lisa moved to Brevard County and started over in Fenruary 2008 as Special Events Coordinator with the City of Cocoa. Understanding the importance of networking, Ms. Moody understands the importance of statewide education. Upon learning of her scholarship award, she stated "professionally, this scholarship opportunity will help provide the ability to attend the conference and network with established professionals in Florida. Although events can be similar from one state to another, there are different people doing unique things and I'm ecstatic to have the opportunity to meet these people and learn from them. Typically, I like to come away from a conference with one great idea that I can apply towards my career. With the upcoming FFEA Convention, I believe I can raise my standards and expect a whole lot more that will benefit me professionally."

Nancy Myers, Volunteer
Dunnellon Chamber of Commerce
Community involvement is important to Nancy Myers. As a member of the Dunnellon Chamber of Commerce, she serves on the Special Events Committee and has chaired the past two Boomtown Days and Jazz Up Dunnellon. In addition to her service to the community through the Chamber of Commerce, Nancy owns The Grumbles House, a local antique and gift shop with plant nursery. Nancy gained new resources available in producing great festivals. "In our town we have several obstacles to overcome and I need help in gaining a fresh perspective" Nancy stated. She continued by saying, "I enjoyed networking with veteran festival planners and learning tidbits that will help me immensely."

Nancy sent an email to FFEA after the convention..."Since taking Sandi Moore's class about Adding a Green Market to Your Community, I've come home and done just that, with the help of some ladies from our Historic Village Merchants Association.  It starts Tues. October 6th and will run weekly from 2-6 pm.  I've met some interesting birds while working on this one!  I really wish I come drag SEVERAL members of our community to FFEA next year.  Thanks SSSOOO much for the scholarship.  It was a great experience!"

Colleen O'Dea, Special Events Coordinator
City of Parkland
Special events have always been in Colleen O'Dea's blood; she began volunteering with events and festivals as a teenager. Now 11 years later, Colleen is the Special Events Coordinator for the City of Parkland. When Colleen joined the Parkland staff she didn't step into anyone's shoes, she built a department. The City of Parkland began with 12 events each year, now Colleen manages over 60. Colleen joined FFEA to stay fresh and educate herself on what is going on. Through her years as a Special Events Coordinator, she has developed corporate sponsorship programs for her events and a knowledge that has been influenced by her participation in FFEA. At the convention, Colleen indicated that she "met peers and new vendors that can help increase event attendance and new vendors." Continuing education is important to Colleen; she holds a Master's Degree from FIU in Parks and Recreation Leisure Services Management and is also CPRP certified with the Florida Recreation and Park Association.