New Venue, New Vibe - Register Today for the 2026 Conference in Fort Myers

In this Issue: 2026 Annual Conference in Fort Myers • Apply Today for 2026 SunSational Awards • Our Next Virtual Happy Hour • Join a FFEA Committee • Welcome New Members • FFEA on Social • Latest Industry Job Postings

A MESSAGE FROM SUZANNE

Feb. 10, 2026 - In case you missed it, registration is officially open for the FFEA 2026 Annual Conference and Expo! Each year, our convention brings together Florida’s festival and event professionals for a few energizing days of learning, connection, and inspiration— and this year will be no exception as we convene in a brand new venue for FFEA August 4-6, 2026 in Fort Myers.

Attendees can look forward to:

Insightful education sessions led by industry experts
Meaningful peer-to-peer networking
Fresh ideas you can put to work right away
An expo hall of the top industry suppliers providing the newest goods and services for your next event

Whether you’re a longtime member or new to FFEA, the Annual Conference is where our community comes together to share ideas, spark creativity, and strengthen the future of festivals and events across Florida. REGISTER HERE>

This year, we are bringing our Annual Conference to the beautiful Luminary Hotel & Co. in Fort Myers! All conference activities will take place in the adjacent Caloosa Sound Convention Center & Amphitheater. FFEA has secured a hotel group rate of $179, plus applicable sales, for single or double occupancy per night. Self-parking is included for one vehicle per room. BOOK HERE>

If you are an FFEA Member Supplier - now is the time to grab your sponsorship! You can review full partnership opportunities here. If you have any questions, or would like to go ahead and secure you spot, please email me at suzanne@ffea.com.

Suzanne Neve

CEO, Florida Festivals & Events Association

UPCOMING EVENTS...

Now - Feb. 16 | Florida State Fair

North Tampa

Feb. 13 | Rhythm in the Wild

West Palm Beach

Feb. 13 - Feb. 15 | 35th Annual Palm Beach Cavallino Classic

Boca Raton

Feb. 13 - Feb. 15 | 28th Annual Thunder By The Bay Music & Motors Festival

Sarasota

Feb. 14 - Feb. 15 | ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival presented by Tampa General Hospital

Palm Beach Gardens

Feb. 14 | Florida Craft Brew and Wingfest

Vero Beach

Feb. 18 | FFEA Virtual Hospitality Happy Hour

Zoom

Have an event you'd like to promote?

Be sure to post it on the official FFEA event calendar.

View Full Calendar

FFEA Updates & Member Resources

2026 SunSational Award Applications are Open!

You work hard all year producing incredible events and programs and deserve some recognition for all that you do - we invite you to join this elite group and apply for your SunSational Award today! Deadline for final submissions is June 12, however, don't wait! The sooner you submit your nomination, the smaller the application fee.

Application & Guidelines

Become a Speaker at the FFEA 2026 Annual Conference

There is no better resource than FFEA members when it comes to event expertise. If you have a topic, presentation, success story, or strategies you would like to share that are industry-specific and actionable, please submit them for consideration by our volunteer education committee. We want to hear from you!

Submit Here

Get Involved! -- Join a Committee and Help Shape FFEA's Future

FFEA Committees will begin meeting this month, and we want your expertise! FFEA is fortunate to have such a talented and diverse membership from across the state. The experiences, creativity, and passion you bring are what make FFEA truly special. View volunteer opportunities here.

Volunteer to Serve

Feb. 18 | Our Next FFEA Virtual Happy Hour

FFEA is now offering members a way to connect each month from the comfort of the office or home - join us tomorrow for our next Virtual Happy Hour! Occurring on the third Wednesday of each month, this is a great way to connect with your industry peers. Attend when you can and enjoy the conversation and networking.

Add to Your Calendar

Welcome New Members!

AWP Safety

We deliver comprehensive traffic control services in support of utility, broadband and infrastructure construction work that improves roadways and communities across the country. At AWP Safety, we go above flagging to offer comprehensive traffic management capabilities. From traffic control planning, to flawless work zone set up - and everything in between - we specialize in guiding traffic safely around the work zone.

Pyro Shows

Pyro Shows, Inc. is celebrating 55 years in business! Before our corporate office in Tennessee and our additional offices in Texas, Alabama, and South Carolina, we had to start somewhere. That place in time was 1969 when Lansden Hill, Jr. began a professional fireworks service. Rave reviews of the shows would prove that he appropriately named the company Pyro Shows. With each passing year of business, Pyro Shows maintained the momentum and achieved success both nationally and internationally.

City of Palm Coast

Incorporated in 1999, Palm Coast is a rapidly growing, scenic city in Flagler County, Florida, known for its extensive network of saltwater/freshwater canals, the Intracoastal Waterway, and proximity to Atlantic beaches. Located between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach, it offers a suburban, nature-focused lifestyle with over 130 miles of trails, numerous parks, and golf courses.

Industry Job Postings

Post on the FFEA Job Board

FFEA on Social...

FFEA Monday Member Spotlight: ARTIFICIAL ICE EVENTS

Looking to bring winter magic to your festival, holiday celebration, mall event, or community gathering next season? Artificial Ice Events has carved out something truly special in the world of event attractions.

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Conversations are underway with organizations about sponsoring the FFEA Annual Conference this August, and this could be a strong fit for the right partner.

The conference brings together decision-makers, planners, and producers who power festivals and events across Florida

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Florida State Fair is Here!

The Florida State Fair kicks off this week, which means 12 straight days of rides that test your bravery, food that ignores your diet, and entertainment.

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Supplier Members: Put Your Business Front and Center

FFEA offers exclusive advertising opportunities designed specifically for our Supplier Members.

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Thank You to Our Sponsors!