Speakers & Sessiongs Announced for CalFest 2025

2025 ConventionConvention News
Written By CalFest

Hear from experts on the future of the events industry, best practices in festival operations, marketing, sponsorships, launching new festival concepts, and more!

View the full schedule and speaker bios on our the EventHub-provided convention site:

Day 1 Keynote:
The Future of the Events Industry Panel

Learn how leaders from government-run and privately-run events see the events industry evolving in the next 5 years. What skills should you be honing to stay ahead of the curve? How should be planning long-term for your events org?

  • Ira Rosen MA, CFEE - Consultant, veteran events producer, and educator

  • Rich Sherman - President & CEO, Omega Events

  • Sonia Batres - Recreation Superintendent, City of Norwalk

  • Lucas Wilder - Assistant Director Parks & Special Events, Redwood City

Session Highlight:

Learnings from a First Year Festival

Steve Clayton, President of The Soundskilz Group

Unpack key takeaways from producing a 10,000 person one day music festival for a city in Texas!

Session Highlight:

Food & Wine Festival MasterClass

Michelle Metter, Owner & Co-Founder, Fast Forward

Take a master class in wine and food festival production from Michelle Metter, the founder of USA Today’s #1 ranked Food+Wine Fest in the country.

Convention Highlights:

  • Exclusive networking opportunities with California and Nevada’s top event professionals from for-profit, non-profit, and government sectors

  • Expert-led sessions featuring the latest trends in event planning and technology

  • Curated marketplace showcasing premium production service providers

  • Mentorship program connecting industry veterans with emerging talent

  • Invaluable connections for career advancement and contract opportunities

  • Opening reception hors d'oeuvres, two lunches, gala dinner, and morning coffee is included with registration!

Don’t miss out - use code ‘100OFF’ while registering to save $100. See you there!

CalFest

Helping members to achieve the goals of their festivals and events by providing networking, education, and leadership development opportunities.

The purpose of CalFest is to assist members in achieving the goals of their events by providing opportunities for improvement through networking, education, and leadership development. We do this to enhance the quality of life in our communities and promote a better understanding of special events.

Next

Announcing EventHub as Presenting Sponsor of CalFest + $100 Off