Your Data Helps Tell Florida’s Event Story

In this Issue: Metrics That Matter Survey • Degy Programming Showcase • Resources for Amendment 3 • Welcome New Members • Supplier Spotlight on National Rent-A-Fence

A MESSAGE FROM SUZANNE

September 15, 2026 - Last week, our Chair, Tasha Hyder, sent an email asking members to participate in Metrics That Matter: Beyond the Event, The Impact of Florida Events. If you have not responded already, we're asking our members to complete this short survey and share any data you have, including attendance, visitors, volunteers, vendors, partnerships and economic impact.

Festivals and events do far more than entertain. They support tourism, strengthen local businesses and nonprofits, engage volunteers, and create the traditions that bring our communities together.

As conversations continue across Florida about property taxes and municipal funding, it's more important than ever to demonstrate the value that events and programs bring to our communities.

You don't need every answer. Just share what you can. Every response helps us tell the collective story of Florida's festivals and events.

The information we collect will support FFEA's new #WorthCelebratingFL campaign and help us showcase the impact our members have across the state.

Complete the Survey

Thank you for helping us demonstrate that Florida's festivals and events aren't just fun. They're essential to our economy, our communities, and our quality of life.

Suzanne Neve

CEO, Florida Festivals & Events Association

FFEA Updates & Ways to Engage

Find Your Next Act at the DEGY Live Programming Showcase in January

Come watch nearly 30 acts perform live, in person, in one room at The Banyan Live in West Palm Beach on January 13, 2027. This event is FREE for FFEA members - registration is required. Find the talent that fits your season and start the booking conversation on the spot.

RSVP Here

WATCH | SENFC Partner Showcase on Sustainability

Check out this webinar from September 10 from the Sustainable Events Network Florida & Caribbean (SENFC) Partner Showcase. Suzanne discusses how FFEA is putting sustainability into practice at our own conference including FFEA's sustainability plan, measurable results, strategies for gaining member buy-in, and the educational tools and resources we provide to help members implement sustainable practices at their own festivals and events.

Watch Here

Amendment 3: Know What's At Stake and What This Means for Your Community

Before voting on Amendment 3 this November, learn how a “Yes” vote could reduce local property-tax revenue and negatively impact funding for essential services, community programs, and your events. The Florida League of Cities has compiled resources explaining what’s at stake. Take a look and be sure to share with your communities how Amendment 3 is not a tax cut, but a tax shift affecting local services.

Access Resources

Welcome New Members!

City of Cooper City

Cooper City, located in southwest Broward County, is a welcoming South Florida community known for its family-friendly atmosphere, strong neighborhoods, parks and recreational opportunities. Incorporated in 1959, the city has grown while maintaining the close-knit character reflected in its longtime motto, “Someplace Special.” With community events, quality public services and convenient access to destinations throughout Broward County and South Florida, Cooper City offers residents and visitors a comfortable blend of suburban charm and regional accessibility.

Hardee County Fair

We are celebrating the 80th annual Fair and each year we strive to provide good ol' fashioned fun with some unique experiences mixed in. If you've never been to the Hardee County Fair, you've been missing out! Our Fair, first and foremost, is all about the kids. We offer a range of livestock exhibitions, pageants, arts & crafts competitions and we added a Citrus program in 2014. Of course we also feature a thrilling midway provided by Arnold Amusements, along with all the Fair food you can handle.

South Florida PBS Immersive

South Florida PBS Immersive transforms education through world-class immersive experiences that combine entertainment with comprehensive educational programming. Unlike typical immersive venues that focus solely on entertainment, we partner with renowned cultural institutions to bring authentic art, history, and science experiences to life through cutting-edge technology, while providing free field trips for students, curriculum-aligned educational resources for all grade levels, teacher professional development, and innovative digital tools including AI-powered learning platforms.

Sponsor Spotlight: National Rent-A-Fence

From crowd control to behind-the-scenes event operations, National Rent a Fence helps event organizers create safe, organized and guest-ready spaces. Serving more than 275 metropolitan areas nationwide, the company provides temporary fencing, fence panels, barricades, portable toilets and sinks, restroom trailers, and portable storage solutions.

With experience supporting concerts, parades, sporting events, marathons and other large-scale gatherings, National Rent a Fence understands the unique logistical needs of the events industry.

FFEA is proud to have National Rent a Fence as a Sponsor and resource for Florida’s festival and event professionals.

Learn More

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📱 The conference may be over, but don’t delete that app!

The FFEA Member App isn’t just for conference week. It’s a year-round resource you can keep right in your pocket.

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Want more from your FFEA membership? Get involved!

One of the best ways to make connections, build relationships and have a voice in the future of our industry is to volunteer for an FFEA committee.

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