Annual Festivals and Events Conference
February 20-22, 2012, Kingsport, TN
Join your event peers at the 9th Annual Southeast Festivals & Events Conference, February 20-22 in Kingsport, TN. Whether you are new to event planning or a seasoned veteran, this conference will add to your event’s success for a value that is unsurpassed. Convention delegates include festival and events professionals representing both large and small events, parks and recreation departments, government agencies, event facilities, consultants, chambers, welcome centers, main street organizations, vendors and suppliers.
Hear from the Festival and Event Industry’s Top Professionals on: Sponsorship, Social Media, Arts and Crafts, Board Relations, Marketing and Public Relations, Operations and Logistics.
Don’t Miss: Networking, Pre-Conference Function, Industry Trade Show, Nightly Hospitality Suite, Entertainment Showcase, Kaleidoscope Awards Banquet & Reception.
Special thanks to our presenting sponsor East Coast Pyrotechnics.
Just the Facts
- Conference location:
MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention
1901 Meadowview Parkway, Kingsport, TN 37660-7375
(423) 578-6600 - Room rate: $109.00 plus tax (guaranteed until February 3)
- A room block has been reserved for the conference and the nightly rate is guaranteed until February 3. The nightly rate for single or double occupancy is $109.00/night plus tax. To make reservations: Attendees may call directly to 1-888-632-3697 or 1-800-228-9290 and ask for the Southeast Festival Annual Conference or go directly to the MeadowView’s website and use Group Code: sfesfea
- Conference Check-In/Registration: February 20, 9:00 – 5:00 pm
- Opening Session: February 20, 1:00 pm EST
- Closing Session: February 22, 8:30 am EST
- Trade Show: February 20, 3:00-5:00 pm & February 21, 11:30 – 1:15 pm
- Pre-Conference Function: February 19
- Scholarship Application deadline: December 15
- Early bird registration deadline: January 20
- Kaleidoscope Award initial deadline: November 23, Final deadline: December 16
- Notebook Ad: Due to SFEA Office by February 1, 2012
- Airport: Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI), www.triflight.com
- A shuttle is available from the hotel for $20 per person/one-way
- To coordinate shuttle times – please note your flight arrival/departure times on the registration form
- Recommended Dress: Business Casual or Festival Attire is encouraged. Business Dress is suggested for the Kaleidoscope Awards Banquet.
Registration Fee
- Before Jan. 20: Member $290, Non-member $390, Student/Spouse $225
- After Jan. 20: Member $330, Non-member $430
- After February 15, for registrants, please call our office at 678-443-9619 to confirm availability to register
Trade Show Fee
- Before Jan. 20: Member $400, Non-Member $500, Additional Attendee $225
- After Jan. 20: Member $500, Non-Member $600
- After February 10, for tradeshow participants, please call our office at 678-443-9619 to confirm availability to register
Schedule At a Glance
Sunday, February 19, Pre-Conference
- 7:00p - 9:00p Dinner in Kingsport *
- 9:30p - 11:30p Hospitality Suite
Monday, February 20
- 9:00a – 5:00p Conference Registration
- 8:00a – 10:30a Bus Tour of Bristol Motor Speedway*
- 11:00a – 12:30p Roundtable Discussions
- 1:30p – 3:00p Welcome and Opening Session
- 3:00p – 5:00p Tradeshow and Tradeshow Reception
- 5:00p – 6:00p First Time Attendees Reception, (invitation only)
- 5:00p – 6:00p Session for Return Attendees
- 6:15p – 7:00p Shuttle to Opening Night Event
- 7:00p – 9:30p Opening Night Event
- 9:00p – 9:30p Shuttle begins departing to Hotel
- 9:30p – 11:30p Hospitality Suite
Tuesday, February 21
- 8:00a – 8:45a Breakfast Reception & Networking
- 8:00a – 5:00p Registration re-opens
- 8:45a – 9:45a General Session
- 10:00a – 11:15a (3) Breakout Sessions
- 11:30a – 12:30p Tradeshow
- 12:30p – 1:30p Tradeshow Luncheon
- 1:30p – 2:45p Breakout Session/Panel Discussion
- 3:00p – 4:15p (3) Breakout Sessions
- 4:30p – 5:30p (3) Breakout Sessions
- 6:00p – 7:30p Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction
- 7:30p – 9:30p Kaleidoscope Awards Banquet
- 10:00p – 12:30a Hospitality Suite
Wednesday, February 22
- 8:30a – 10:30a Breakfast Buffet and Closing Session
*Sunday Evening Dinner is not covered in registration fee and Monday morning tour is a separate fee
Comments from attendees
"As a first timer I was not sure what to expect. I found participation to be very positive, got some great vendor contacts, good discussions on shared issues/strategies."
Phil Cuthbertson, Grant Park Conservancy, Atlanta GA
"Thanks for a great conference. Loved the abundant networking hospitality sessions and comfortable environment to meet and talk with sponsors."
Comment submitted from the Survey Monkey evaluation.
"Overall a great conference! Extremely well put together, great staff, and valuable education sessions. We will definitely be coming back!"
Comment submitted from the Survey Monkey evaluation
For more information, please call 678.443.9619.