What a Great Line-Up

One of my favorite jobs as Executive Director of TFEA is working with the program committee to establish a curriculum and line up speakers for the Annual Conference I owe a special thanks to Barry Box and Kay Wolf who served on this year's committee.

Throughout the year, I listen to member conversation and take cues about their learning needs and expectations. Putting together the conference is how we respond to that conversation. Sometimes it is by placing a topic that is receiving lots of buzz on the agenda. Often times it is inviting a member to conference as a speaker to share their incredible creativity. To me, both are enormously satisfying.

With technology tools changing moment-by-moment, many sessions this year will be dedicated to helping our members better understand and use these tools. Sheila Scarborough, Tourism Currents, will offer a full day social media session. And Enrique Garza, BIBISI Corp, will demonstrate the tidal wave of mobile media applications to use before, during and after our events.

During my travels, I also get to see talented people outside of Texas and invite them to come share with us. This year, Alex Moorshead with Canada's Word on the Street Festival, will demonstrate a process for brainstorming ideas and then distilling them into measureable and trackable festival management documents. Joelle Baugher with The 500 Festival in Indianapolis will join us to share ideas on building volunteerism and educational components within a festival. And Megan Hundahl, who recently moved back to Texas after a stint as a producer for CNN, will teach us how to cut through the clutter and pitch ourselves memorably to the media.

People from outside our industry are also a valuable component of learning. Corpus Christ Police Chief Troy Riggs, who formerly held the same position in Louisville, KY, will share ideas for working in partnership with local emergency management officials. Teri McCarthy, who owns a wonderful green printing company in Austin, will offer tips for saving a bundle on printing. Our friend Roger Hanagriff, Ph.D., will be back with a simple to use methodology for assessing event economic impact.

But perhaps my favorite sessions come from within the ranks of our own membership. Mark Avelar and Scott Carrigan with the Buccaneer Commission attended TFEA for the first time in 2009 and used what they learned to make sweeping changes to the event with great success. Don't miss their story. Tony Alvarado, President of the Fiesta Flambeau Parade Association will offer building blocks for parades of any size. Plus many more.

Our industry is so creative and so willing to share ideas, energy and fun. Over the years I have said countless times that I have never asked a TFEA member for help and received what I wanted and its TRUE! I have always received even MORE than for what I asked! Make plans to attend TFEA this year and see what it is all about. The cost is only $200, which includes all the sessions, 5 meals, talent showcases, the trade show, and great networking activities. It is an investment you'll be glad you made.