Virginia Festivals and Events Association

Virginia Festivals and Events Association 2007 Seminar

"The Art of Communicating "

February 9-10, 2007
Fairfax County Government Center
Fairfax, VA

The Virginia Festivals and Events Association, in response to the needs of its members and the industry, has adopted a new format for its 2007 educational programs. Recognizing tht all individual needs cannot be accommodated with a single program or format, the VFEA has developed an exciting one day program focusing on communication with the media and is partnering with Celebrate Fairfax's successful "Events 101 Workshop" to meet the needs of both experienced and new professionals in the industry.

The "2007 VFEA Seminar-The Art of Communication" will feature experts from television, radio, and print media who will share information on successful techniques for promoting an event. Specific components will include interview preparation and on-camera training, building partnerships with readio and print affiliates, and Guerilla Marketing techniques.

The "Events 101 Workshop-Maximizing the Success of Your Programs and Events" offers sessions for newcomers to the industry such as Event Basics, PR/Communications, Programs and Operations but also topics for m ore experienced professional such as Effective Management, Community Impact, and Contracts and Risk Management.

As a special service to the VFEA members and potential members outside the Fairfax region, participants may attend both of these informative and information packed programs for a fee of $139 for VFEA members and $149 for non-memberes. The fee includes registration, refreshment breaks and lunch on both days. A one day registration fee for Friday only is also available at $89 for VFEA members and $99 for non-members. Those interested in attending only the Saturday Events 101 program must register directly with Celebrate Fairfax at www.events101.org or by contacting the office at 703-324-5303.

Who Should Attend

The VFEA Seminar and the Events 101 Workshop are open to both member and non-member professional and volunteer leaders responsible for large and small events, arts festivals, sporting events, ethnic festivals, fairs, parks and recreation departments, cith special event offices, main street managers, downtown developers, social and civic organizations, convention and visitor bureaus, chambers of commerce, and suppliers and service providers. Each group will benefit from the ideas shared at the seminar and through an association with VFEA.

Why You Should Attend

VFEA is the only statewide association focused on networking and educational opportunities for festival and event producers, and the annual seminar is its primary program to bring togehter industry professionals. The 2007 seminar will feature industry experts, exciting educational sessions and opportunities to network with your professional colleagues, to learn from each other and share experiences about this important industry.

Lodging & Location

The VFEA Seminar and the Events 101 Workshop will be held at the Fairfax County Government Center in Fairfax, Virginia. Directions to the Center are available by clicking here.

For participants who need lodging during the programs, The Residence Inn Fair Lakes in Fairfax, Virginia, is holding a block of rooms at the special rate of $84 plus applicable taxes per night. This comfortable, all suites property is just a short drive to the Fairfax County Government Center and offers a complimentary hot breakfast buffet to all overnight guests. To make your reservations, call the hotel locall at 703-266-4900 or toll free at 800-228-9290 and as for the VA Festivals & Events Association Room Block or provide the 7 letter group code-"VFSVFSa" by January 26, 2007. You may also register on-line at www.marriott.com and use the 7 letter group code for the special rate. For those who would like to extend their stay either before or after the two programs, the group rate will be honored, based on availability for Thursday night, February 8 and Saturday night, February 10.

Attention Exhibitors and Sponsors

We are offering vendors an opportunity to exhibit both days at the participant registration rate of $139 for members and $149 for non-members for one representative per exhibit. Additional representatives will be expected to pay the full registration fee as applicable. One day exhibitor fees will be $89 for members and $99 for non-members. Sponsors have an option of choosing an event to sponsor or be a general sponsor and have the fee used to support all seminar activities. All sponsorship fees of $275 and above include an exhibit space at the seminar. For a copy of the exhitor/sponsor package, click here or you may contact:

Linda Stevens
Suffolk Festivals
P.O. Box 1852
Suffolk, VA 23439
Phone: 757-539-6751, Fax: 757-539-6762
Email: lstevens@suffolkfest.org

How to Register

To register on-line, click here. If you prefer to mail a check, you may download and print a copy of the registration brochure by clicking here. The deadline for registration is January 26, 2007.

Seminar Schedule

Friday, February 9, 2007

8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.	Seminar Registration & Trade Show Opens
8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.	Continental Breakfast
9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.	Defining Your Message to Media Outlets A panel of experts representing all aspects of the media will share ideas for presenting a concise, well-defined and effective message to your media outlets, including tips for success.
9:45 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.	Media Training Part 1 - Interview Preparation Join industry pros to discuss media interview preparation tips and techniques.
10:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.	Refreshment Break Use this time to meet and learn from your colleagues.
10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.	Media Training Part 1I - On Camera Effectiveness Learn new tools and techniques as selected participants are interviewed on camera and critiqued for successful delivery of the promotional message.
11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.	Annual Meeting and Lunch A brief VFEA busienss meeting will be held after lunch followed by an update on current Festival & Events trends by Tom Kwiatek.
1:30 p.m . - 3:00 p.m.	Effective Radio & Print Partnership Find out how you can get the media in your market to see your event as an asset to their promotion team. "After this training session, you may have the media asking you to be their partner, how great is that?" Dave Carwile, Clear Channel Radio
3:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.	Refreshment Break
3:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.	Guerilla Marketing - PR Techniques for the 21st Century Explore and discuss the effectiveness of new tools for marketing such as email blasts, viral and targeted website marketing, use of street teams and innovative promotions, word of mout capaigns, and non-traditional advertising venues.
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.	Dinner on Your Own Participants will be given an opportunity to have dinner with their colleagues and VFEA board members at a selection of restaurants around the Fairfax area .

Saturday, February 10, 2007

EVENTS 101 WORKSHOP PRODUCED BY CELEBRATE FAIRFAX

8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

For a complete and updated agenda, check out the website at www:events101.org.

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