To Our IFEA Industry Friends:
Given the continuing COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty that has caused throughout our industry, with many festivals and events still cancelling or postponing for 2021; many global travel restrictions still in place; multiple (and often conflicting) city, state/province and country regulations on mass gatherings; financial and human resources being stretched; and the current (and hopefully successful) rollout of COVID-19 vaccines that will hopefully allow our industry to make a full and normal return, sooner than later, our plans for a 2021 IFEA Convention & Expo are currently in a holding pattern. While we look forward to our next opportunity to gather in-person, with a focus on helping everyone prepare for a full and successful return of events to our communities and world, we cannot risk the health and safety of our members, attendees, and staff, nor the financial sustainability of our organization, until we see, further, how things progress. As the situation evolves, we will keep you updated.
In the interim, we are dedicated to continuing to provide the
important resources,
information,
publications,
education,
professional certification,
peer exchange, and access to the IFEA global network, online and virtually, that we have all come to depend on. We are here for you.
If you have not yet
renewed your 2021 IFEA membership, please take time to do so now. If you know of other peer organizations/individuals in our industry that would benefit from the IFEA, please encourage them to
join. If you are able, please register for and participate in one or more of our many
Affinity Groups,
Webinars,
Task Force Committees, et al. And please consider sharing your own experience and expertise with your peers by
writing for our quarterly magazine (ie: the business of international events). The power and value of the IFEA grows for everyone with your own active participation.
Thank you for your continued and highly appreciated support and industry leadership.
Stay safe and healthy,
Steven Wood Schmader, CFEE
President & CEO
International Festivals & Events Association
(IFEA)World Headquarters