Providing the best practices and teaches new skills:

• Annual Convention and Trade Show – More than a hundred event professionals attend our convention to share information, build partnerships, learn about new event products and services, and generate new ideas for their events. During the sessions you’ll enhance your knowledge in areas such as sponsorship sales, running successful volunteer programs, developing cost effective marketing techniques, understanding safe operation practices, new technology, and the latest trends in events. The Trade Show features vendors showcasing products and services which support all areas of the event industry from rentals, staging and displays to entertainment, event management, insurance, and food and beverage.

• Workshops – These half-day and full-day sessions deliver the current information from top industry professionals.

• Behind the Scenes Tours – Enjoy exclusive tours of California and Nevada’s best-known events and discover how they are brought to life. Behind the Scenes Tours have included the California Strawberry Festival, Pasadena Rose Parade, Gilroy Garlic Festival and the San Francisco Chinese New Year’s Parade.

• Committee Involvement – Meet new friends as your share experiences and expertise on a CalFest Committee.

Generate business leads and connect with potential event resources:

• Associate with other individuals working in your field to share ideas and build strategic partnerships.

• E-Networking enables you to share your experiences and learn from members working in similar areas of the event planning process.

• Access to event vendors, suppliers and service providers who understand the unique challenges and successes related to the event industry.

Keeping you informed of the latest industry trends:

• Access to the member events calendar, membership directory and special members-only information.

• E-News – Keep up to date on timely festival and events industry developments.

• Posting Opportunities – Members can post promotional announcements about their events as well as volunteer and job opportunities.

• Membership Directory– An essential tool for every event professional’s desk. Find the best event contacts all in one place.

• Free Referral Service – When you need resources, we’ll find what you need.

• Membership Mailing List – This list is available to CalFest members only.

• Job Bank – Looking for a job, intern, or participant announcements? List it on www.CalFest.org

The CalFest Celebration Awards provides events with state and regional recognition. Your events’ award winning promotional materials and innovative programs can draw attention in your community and beyond.

• Ask an Expert – Need a quick answer to an important question? We’ll look for the answer or find a subject matter expert who can provide the information you need.

• Vendor Referrals – CalFest is the resource for everything from lighting equipment and stage rental companies to food vendors, consultants, entertainment agencies, souvenir manufacturers, carnivals, fireworks, communication tools, rentals, signs and banners, and specialty insurance agencies.

Vendors and suppliers are a vital element of CalFest as we work to connect producers, vendors, and suppliers with other members. Some of the many benefits of being a CalFest vendor/supplier member include:

• Free Member Listing on the CalFest website with description of your services and/or products.

• Discounts on trade show registration for the CalFest Convention.

• First Opportunity at the convention trade show’s limited and highly prized booth space.

• Member-Only Access to CalFest’s database of more than 2,000 listings.

• Advertising and Sponsorship Opportunities on the web site, at the convention and workshops.

Membership does have cost saving benefits:

• CalFest Annual Convention

• Workshops

• Behind-the-Scenes Tours