WFEA Member Benefits

INTRO

The Washington Festivals & Events Association (WFEA) is a nonprofit tax-exempt 501(c)6 corporation dedicated to promoting the common business interests of the festivals and events industry in Washington State . The Association seeks to assist members and the special event industry to improve and advance industry standards by providing professional and leadership development, and technical assistance state-wide for the festivals & events industry. The association serves all manners of the event production industry including: chambers of commerce, community based non-profits, visitor and convention bureaus, park departments, government agencies, fairs, vendors, suppliers, consultants and hosts of volunteers.

Community festivals and events play a vital role in a region’s identity branding directly affecting their tourism and economic development potentials. WFEA works continually to improve the understanding, recognition and appreciation of festivals and events in this complex community identity and economic process.

Where else does a community come together to share and celebrate their arts, heritage and unique characteristics. As a result, Washington 's festival and special events industry makes a valuable contribution, both economically and culturally to the people of the Evergreen State . Community events held throughout the year generate millions of dollars for the economy through the millions of visitors the events attract.

CONVENTION/EXPO & SEMINARS

Convention/Expo

WFEA hosts an annual convention and expo each March at venues across the state. Nearly 150 event professionals gather to share information and their expertise. More than twenty-five diverse professional development sessions are offered, as well as keynote and round-table presentations, and participants enjoy socializing with fellow event colleagues as they meet and learn more about vendors who serve the industry. The three-day event is the highlight of the year for WFEA members, who receive a $100 registration discount.

Regional Seminars

These programs are for professionals in the region, and are designed as half or full day sessions with subjects focused on critical topics in the event industry. Well known experts address event issues ranging from creating sponsorship programs to social media, and many others. Members receive a discount for regional seminars.

PUBLICATIONS & MEDIA

Membership Directory

Our Festival Calendar Directory features membership information. It is published at the beginning of each year in a Festival Calendar Directory and distributed throughout the State of Washington .

Newsletter

The Northwest Festivals & Events Bulletin is sent each month to members, providing the latest details on upcoming events and issues related to the festival industry. It also provides a list of new members.

Website

Our website is designed for provide information about WFEA programs and seminars member event calendars membership listing and a marketplace to find suppliers and services from our members. We will also be able to link to a member’s website.

Festival Calendar Directory

Published annually, the festival calendar is designed to provide membership information, market events and offer members a discount on additional event listing advertisements. This is an important marketing tool with the state’s decreasing support of tourism.

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES

Networking Year Round!

Networking with fellow professionals is important throughout the year, and one way to network year around is with our WFEA linkedin.com group. Ask questions, and comment on where to find a special vendor – it works.

Programs

Attend programs designed to “grow” you and your event, and network with fellow attendees. Information about these programs will come to you throughout the year.

INDUSTRY RECOGNITION

Pacific Northwest Summit Awards

The premier annual competition among festival & event producers in the great Pacific Northwest region, this annual award event is held during the convention to recognize outstanding industry achievements.

Volunteer of the Year

Volunteers are the backbone of most festivals and events! Festival and event producers recognize a volunteer who symbolizes the “value” of event volunteers who continually go above and beyond to make their event a success.

Hall of Fame

By definition, this person is an extraordinary individual who has contributed to the festival industry.