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***all programs subject to change***


Join us this year at our 19th Annual Convention scheduled November 4 – 6, 2011 at the Kalamazoo Radisson Plaza Hotel. We will provide you with the tools to grow your event through quality educational programming.

EDUCATION…EDUCATION…EDUCATION


Friday, November 4, 2011
1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

ENGAGE WITH GOOGLE
Colby Chilcote * Google – Ann Arbor
Matt Mergener * Google – Ann Arbor

Google employees, Colby Chilcote and Matt Mergener, will provide an overview of Google tools including Google Places, Google Analytics, Google AdWords, and YouTube, that will help you increase awareness for your events and engage with you audience online.

TIPS AND TRICKS TO HELP YOU DOUBLE YOUR FESTIVAL FUNDRAISING, SPONSORSHIPS AND VOLUNTEERS
Terry Terry * Michigan Institute for Contemporary Art *

Nothing keeps festivals going and growing so much as the contributions of sponsors and volunteers. This interactive, hands-on session shares tools and lessons from the experience of producing major music/art festivals in Old Town Lansing to catalyze community development.

You’ll learn how a fledgling nonprofit became a powerhouse in festival production, creating high-end events that draw tens of thousands of people and have resulted in tens of millions of dollars of investment in the community. You’ll also gain practical tools to assist in raising funds, developing cash and in-kind sponsorships, and developing your base of volunteers (another in-kind sponsor). From the value of media sponsorships to ways to make volunteers feel valued and keep returning, this session will share nuts and bolts.

WHY HOST A FESTIVAL IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Ann Conklin *Michigan Recreation & Parks Association
Tom Hepp * Bayrama Fishfly Festival
Jon LeFever * Canton Leisure Services
Ron Reinke * Livonia SPREE


This session will feature a panel discussion that will focus on the benefits of a festival for your community and parks/recreation department. The panels members, who have decades of experience hosting, supervising and implementing community festivals, will demonstrate the economic impact and benefits of a festival and will introduce and discuss the various components of a festival.

WINNING SUPPORT THROUGH ECONOMIC IMPACT ANALYSIS
Sherwood Smith * Avenue ISR

Festivals and events need support from elected officials, business leaders, sponsors, media, community members, etc. But, how, in a competitive environment can you make the case that your event is critical to your local and regional economy? The key is effective economic impact analysis. In this workshop, we’ll walk you through best practices for calculating and presenting economic impact as well as share tips for effectively communicating with key audiences.

3:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

CULINARY TOURISM – A GROWING TREND IN TOURISM
Ann Dougherty * Learn Great Foods
Linda Jones * Michigan Grape & Wine Industry Council



A panel of speakers will outline the growth in consumer interest in culinary travel and explain how Michigan businesses and organizations are responding to the demand for authentic, educational and fun experiences around local food and beverages. Presenters: Linda Jones, Executive Director of the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council leads the newly formed Michigan Culinary Tourism Alliance; Ann Dougherty from Learn Great Foods (a company that leads tours of Michigan agricultural and culinary assets); and we will round out the discussion with examples of how to take advantage of the opportunities to meet the needs of a growing number of “foodies”.

PARADES & PLANNING
Deb Droppers * The Event Company

It’s true, everyone loves a parade and even more true that only a few understand the delicate balance of walking a logistical tightrope for the performance that everyone will walk away from with the ahh’s and smiles that make a parade so memorable. Learn how to engage volunteers, sponsors, parade participants, and a downtown community into the planning of a parade with the end result that’s not only natural, but crowd pleasing.

THE ANATOMY OF A CONTRACT
David Meyer, Attorney * Smith Bovill, P.C.

Have you ever wondered “What if?”...You won’t want to miss “A review of the basic fundamentals of a properly structured contract, including a discussion of do’s and don’ts; what makes a contract enforceable; clear drafting; planning for dispute and dispute resolution.”

FESTIVALS + FOOLS = FESTIFOOLS*
Mark Tucker * FesitFools, Ann Arbor

Tap into your town’s inner creative Fool and you might just find a Festival waiting to happen. This is the story of how a new event called FestiFools snowballed into an annual outdoor festival featuring an extravaganza of Giant Puppets and a procession of hand-made glowing Luminaries—all created by a dedicated community of people who weren’t afraid to make Fools of themselves.

Mark Tucker, founder and creative director of FestiFools (and it’s newest nighttime version FoolMoon) discusses how designing an event that allows everyone involved to get really creative, can result in so many unexpected creative collaborations and wide-spread community benefits.

*FestiFools and FoolMoon is part of a planned effort to spotlight Ann Arbor as a vibrant place to create, live, entertain and do business. FestiFools and FoolMoon are created by University of Michigan students, in collaboration with Ann Arbor community members, who strive to create unique public art that is free and accessible to everyone.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

SOCIAL MEDIA: EXTENDING THE EVENT
Andy Wolber * Wolberworks

Learn how -- and why! -- vendors and performers use social media to connect with people before and after events. You’ll learn how to promote using scheduled Tweets; and how to use #hashtags, QR codes and Foursquare check-ins to encourage on-site engagement. Everyone at Convention will want to attend this workshop!

EMERGING PROGRAMS - ENCOURAGING THE NEXT GENERATION AT YOUR EVENT
Corinn VanWyck * East Lansing Arts Festival

Corinn VanWyck, Director of the East Lansing Art Festival will discuss the ELAF's successful. Emerging Artist programming and will help you explore ways in which your organization can encourage the next generation to participate in your event - now and into the future.

BOARD BUILDING
Larry Nielsen * Village of Paw Paw.

This fast paced workshop will cover practical and easy suggestions to strengthen your volunteer board. This session will also cover ways you can overcome 'human' factors which lead to dysfunction. It will cover board roles and responsibilities with emphasis on 'team', planning and measurement.

INDIVIDUAL DONOR MOTIVATIONS AND BASIC FUNDRAISING STRATEGIES
Matthew Downey, Director of Nonprofit Services & Development * Grand Valley State University

Do you struggle to meet your event’s annual budget? Could you use more unrestricted income to fund your event’s operating expenses? Veteran fundraiser Matthew Downey, Nonprofit Services Program Director at GVSU’s Johnson Center for Philanthropy, will provide conference attendees vital information on what motivates individual donors to give to nonprofit organizations along with what research tells us about how much they give and who they give to. He will also share some of the truths about fundraising and basic tips on fundraising strategies.

5k 101: INCORPORATING A CHARITY RACE INTO YOUR FESTIVAL OR EVENT
Stacey Lind * Michigan Youth Arts
Allen Wolff * Game Changer, Crowdrise


Stacey Lind, race director of the Arts in Motion 5k, will present the basics of planning a 5k event, the ways races differ from other events, and growing events through strategic partnerships. Allen Wolff from Crowdrise will share a unique online platform designed to help runners (and their networks of friends) become enthusiastic and successful fundraisers.

10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

THE WHY'S AND HOW'S OF A QUEEN AND COURT
Nancy Bliss * Armada Fair
Sue Vagi * Michigan Peach Festival
Shelley Tayor * Miss Michigan Scholarship
Miss Michigan 2011 - Invited


This session will review the advantages of having a Queen and Court. Additional topics will cover the how's and why's of having a pageant, rules and regulations to keep your festival and the Queen and Court safe and productive, what qualities to look for in your contestants, how a Queen and Court can best serve your festival or event for years to come and the professional pageant contestant.

BUSINESS ORGANIZATION ALTERNATIVES
Andy Richards, Attorney * Smith Bovill, P.C.


Keeping it legal...A review and analysis of commonly used and recommended business entities for non-profit organizations, including a commentary on tax and legal requirements, appropriate “maintenance,” and regulation by state and federal governmental agencies.

BUILDING THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD
Larry Nielsen * Village of Paw Paw


Getting a vision of what you want your festival, fair, or event to become is critical to not only surviving but your future success. This is not a scary, boring, time-consuming or threatening process. It can and should be creative and exciting. Besides, it IS necessary. This workshop covers it all!

EVALUATING YOUR EVENT - WHY YOU’RE DOING WHAT YOU’RE DOING THE WAY YOU ARE DOING IT
Brittney Hoszkiw * Old Town Main Street

Producing an event is overwhelming and all-encompassing and sometimes we get so caught up in the event after 1, 10 or 30 years that we lose sight of why we are there in the first place. Brittney Hoszkiw, community development professional in Old Town Lansing, home of 111 festivals and events, will go through a check list of the who, what, why, and how that everyone should be asking themselves after every event to keep your event working for you.

2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

SMARTPHONE SOCIAL MEDIA: AT THE SITE
Andy Wolber * Wolberworks

Manage your organization’s social media on-the-go during your event from your smartphone: track and respond to guest conversations, share event news, photos, and even live video! Join us to learn how, while keeping your phone safe and powered. We’ll also cover how group messaging tools simplify communication on-site.

EVENTS RECYCLING 123: TAKING RECYCLING ON THE ROAD
Roger Cargill * Schupan Recycling

Learn the simple and easy steps to recycle at your event from the experts. Attend this workshop to find out ideal recycling methods for your festival, fair or special event, as well as how to get your attendees to follow your recycling standards.

FESTIVALS & KIDS A TO Z
Kay Relyea * National Cherry Festival

Planning creative children’s activities at festivals is a great way to entice the whole family to attend your events. Let us give you our A – Z’s to Awesomely, Awesome and Fun Kids events.

INSURANCE PROCESS
Dale Johnson * Francis L. Dean & Associates
Bob Bucko * American Fraternal Agency


Festival/event planners, What can you do to make the "Insurance Process" as painless as possible?

While insurance may sound boring, we all know and realize the importance of insuring our events. At this year’s Convention you will have the opportunity to learn a new and creative approach to event insurance. Dale Johnson, Program Administrator/Manager for Francis L. Dean & Associates, the leader in sports, leisure and entertainment insurance, will engage you in a fun, but extremely educational session on what things an insurance company asks for when preparing a quote for your event (and why?). Securing your protection for your yearly events can be quite the daunting task. Let Bob Bucko, President of the AFA Fair and Festival program, show you how to avoid the pitfalls and hassles of obtaining the proper coverage. This educational and animated discussion will ease your mind on you and your organizations’ liability. Discussion will also include how to prepare your event from a Risk Management perspective.

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

REDUCED REVENUE SHARING – ALTERNATIVES TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUNDING OF YOUR FESTIVAL
Mike Espich * Owosso Curwood Festival
Brittney Hoszkiw * Old Town Main Street
Tom Kaszubski * Troy Family Daze Festival


Reduced revenue sharing and a struggling Michigan economy have strained local municipal government budgets. Community festivals and events that have historically received local governmental support are being cancelled. This workshop panel discussion will offer alternative solutions to help fund your local festival.

HOW TO INTERGRATE LOCAL MERCHANTS INTO YOUR EVENT
Karen Delhey * The Guild of Artists & Artisans, Ann Arbor

In this session we will talk about how to incorporate the local business community into your event and the benefits that come from being a good business friend. Large and small businesses alike can be a good friend to your event. We will focus on how to develop these mutually beneficial partnerships and how they can grow from year to year.

BEHIND EVERY SUCCESSFUL EVENT PLANNER IS THEM-SELF
Kelly Brennan, CMP, CPCE * Michigan Governor's Residence

Through our ever changing economic climate, you will find that it is you who will generate your own success. Let Kelly help you think outside the box so your business doesn't feel the aftershock. See how Kelly battles these economic times, the challenges she faces and how she uses core values & outside the box thinking to adjust to our industry's ever changing lifestyle. The world is completely different in the Public Sector and so are the Events!

Learn How to Brand Beyond Marketing
Jill Doederelein * Baker College - Owosso


You are about to plan your festival for next year. Despite what many believe, a brand isn’t just about your logo, tagline or glossy brochure. An effective brand integrates multiple facets of your festival. Your brand extends to your staff, board, volunteers, the media and most important, the general public who are your customers attending the festival. This hour long workshop will show you how to create brand equity, add value and take away any misconceptions about your festival.

Workshop Speaker Bio’s


Colby Chilcote
Colby Chilcote received her BA from Adrian College and her MFA from the University of Notre Dame. She has worked as an AdWords Account Strategist in Google's Ann Arbor office since 2007, specializing in business to business and industrial markets. Though her full-time job is in Online Sales, she devotes much of her time to the office's various community affairs initiatives. As a native of Michigan, she is grateful for the opportunity to speak to businesses and nonprofits across the state.TOP OF PAGE

Matt Mergener
Matt Mergener graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Public Administration and Communication. Before joining Google he worked for the City of East Lansing and The Taubman Company as a Community Events Assistant and Marketing Coordinator respectively. He has a love of movies, non-profits and Detroit and is fortunate to be able to combine these passions by volunteering and serving on the FDFT (Friends of Detroit Film Theatre) Board of Directors. He currently works as an Account Manager in the retail vertical at Google.TOP OF PAGE

Terry Terry
Terry Terry is president and co-founder of Michigan Institute for Contemporary Art, the producer of Lansing JazzFest, Old Town BluesFest, Michigan Mosaic Music Festival.TOP OF PAGE

Ann Conklin
Ann Conklin is the Chief Operating Officer of the Michigan Recreation and Park Association (MRPA), the state-wide trade association representing the agencies, advocates and vendors who provide public parks and recreation services to more than 4.5 million Michigan residents annually. MRPA’s member agencies include the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority, local municipal and county park systems, conservation organizations and trails advocates, we well as regional, statewide and national park and recreation products and service providers. By providing leadership, strategic direction, financial stewardship, corporate relations and membership enhancement objectives, Conklin works to cultivate an innovative association that provides members with the tools needed to administer (and advocate for) parks, recreation and leisure services in Michigan today. Conklin has been involved with the Michigan Recreation and Park Association as an active member since 1979; she served as Association Vice President in 1988 and 1993, and as Association President in 1989 and 1999. A 30 year veteran of the park and recreation field, Conklin assumed an administrative role with MRPA in 2011 following ten years as the Director of Canton Leisure Services (CLS), the park and recreation department serving the 85,000 residents of Canton Township. With a budget of $13 million, CLS employs 60 full-time and 300 part-time and seasonal employees. As lead administrator, Conklin was responsible for developing business practices, policies and procedures to enhance operations of the CLS community center, performing arts center, sports complex, 300 acres of park land and amenities, two 27-hole golf courses with banquet facilities, seven miles of green infrastructure, and a seasonal farmer’s market. She was additionally responsible for the implementation and evaluation of more than 2,000 annual programs and special events. During her tenure, Conklin led Canton Leisure Services through the National Recreation and Park Association’s accreditation process in 2004 and 2008. The department was recognized as the top park and recreation agency in the county serving populations 50,000 – 100,000 when it received the 2008 NRPA National Gold Medal Award, a prestigious award honoring communities throughout the United States that demonstrate excellence in long-range planning, resource management and agency recognition. Conklin entered the park and recreation profession in 1978 with the City of Howell’s Parks and Recreation Department. Following ten years with Howell, Conklin served 11 years as the Parks and Recreation Director of Independence Township. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Community Recreation from Central Michigan University, as well as the Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) designation.TOP OF PAGE

Ron Reinke
Ron Reinke was born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan and attended Central Michigan University where he received his Bachelors and Masters degrees. Ron is married with two adult sons and a newly arrived granddaughter and currently resides in Livonia. He was employed in the public sector for nearly forty years with the Saginaw, Livonia and Wayne County Parks and Recreation Departments as an administrator prior to his retirement in 2008. In 2007 he founded LRG, Inc. a consulting and management firm. He has also served as an Adjunct Associate Professor at Madonna University and Eastern Michigan University teaching Facility Design and Event Management courses. He has served the Livonia Anniversary Committee, Inc. as a Committee member and Member of the Board of Directors since 1975 and has participated in the growth of the event from 3 days to the current six day format that draws more than 300,000 participants annually. Ron has also served on a number of other event committees in Livonia including the Open House for Livonia City Hall, Livonia’s 50th Birthday Celebration, and the Livonia Community Center Groundbreaking and Opening.TOP OF PAGE

Sherwood Smith
Woody Smith is a 15-year veteran of marketing research and predictive analytics. He has conducted client engagements to guide business turnarounds, new product and new market entry, brand strategy, customer loyalty, and marketing efficiency. His client experience includes successful engagements with Wells Fargo Bank, the Healthy Foods International Conference, iVillage, DePaul University, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. His work in the area of economic impact includes engagements with The National Cherry Festival, Traverse City Film Festival and the Michigan Early Childhood Investment Corporation. Smith is the author of numerous articles concerning marketing research, brand development and retail strategy. He holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a BA from Williams College.TOP OF PAGE

Ann Dougherty
Ann Dougherty, P.E., is owner/founder of Learn Great Foods (LGF). In 2005, she formed LGF, an agri-culinary experience of farm tours, cooking classes, and environmental knowledge. LGF is an alliance of 50 farms and food artisans, 12 chefs and eight tour guides offering tours in three Midwest regions. In 2008, Learn Great Foods received the MSU Product Center Best Innovative Business Idea. In 2010, LGF Consulting was started, offering workshops for culinary rural tourism startup and licensing for new LGF locations.TOP OF PAGE

Linda Jones
Linda Jones has served since 1998 as Executive Director of the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council, a program of the Michigan Department of Agriculture. The 10 member Council is Chaired by Michigan Department of Agriculture Deputy Director Gordon Wenk and its mission is to support the growth of the grape and wine industry in Michigan. Linda has a Masters Degree in Food Science from the University of British Columbia. Linda worked in Technical Service and Marketing positions in the food and tourism industries in Canada. In 1997, she moved to Michigan with her husband, Mike, a faculty member in Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University. In 2007, she took a 6 month unpaid educational leave of absence from the Department to study the wine industry in Australia. She participates in several national and regional organizations on behalf of the Michigan wine industry, including WineAmerica’s State Associations Council and the Wine Grape Growers of America. In 2009, the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council applied for and received a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop and promote Culinary Tourism product in Michigan. The Michigan Culinary Tourism Alliance is a group of interested stakeholders in this growing tourism market, with key partners the Michigan Department of Agriculture, Travel Michigan, the Michigan Restaurant Association and the International Culinary Tourism Association.TOP OF PAGE

Chef Justin Dalenberg
A professional chef for nearly 10 years, Dalenberg’s experience spans various positions at hotels, resorts, private clubs, and restaurants across Michigan, Colorado, Rhode Island and St. Lucia. His most recent post was as the executive chef at The Snowmass Club in Snowmass Village, Colorado. His cooking interests started well before his professional experience, as Dalenberg’s mother was a pastry chef, and he spent much time with her in the kitchen as a young boy.TOP OF PAGE

Deb Droppers
Deborah Droppers owns The Event Company that manages five major city festivals, 2 signature parades, and 36 special events. The Event Company also provides consulting services for nonprofit event management as well as marketing and public relations services. Deborah Droppers is an adjunct Instructor at Western Michigan University where she teaches nonprofit marketing, event marketing, and event strategic planning. The Event Company is a learning environment that supports internships and experiential learning opportunities and is in its 16th year of operation as a limited liability corporation.TOP OF PAGE

David Meyer
David is a partner at Smith Bovill, P.C., where he has practiced since 1974. He has a general practice which focuses on municipal law, real estate, land use and zoning, business, commercial law and construction litigation. As one of the first lawyers in Michigan to focus on that area, David is also one of the preeminent Environmental Law specialists in the state. David represents a number of municipal clients including townships, counties and governmental authorities and has set up governmental authorities and written ordinances and governing documents. Prior to joining Smith Bovill, P.C., David served as law clerk to the Honorable Clifford O'Sullivan, Senior Federal Judge for the United States District Court in Port Huron, Michigan. David is currently a member of the National Panel of Neutrals of the American Arbitration Association. He has served as Arbitrator on a variety of cases in the commercial, construction and environmental areas. He has also served as mediator in the Saginaw County Circuit Court and has been appointed as Special Mediator for environmental and toxic tort claims. Dave is active in numerous nonprofit and civic organizations. He has served on the Covenant Medical Center Board of Directors since its inception in 1997. He has served on various committees of the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce, and has been active in the Saginaw County Bar Association, serving as its President in 1992-1993. He also serves on the board of directors of the Saginaw YMCA, and I was Council President of the Navy League of the United States, Tri-Cities Council. David is a member (President, 2004 - 2005) of the Torch Club International.

David received his Law Degree (Cum Laude) from Wayne State University Law School, Detroit, Michigan, 1973, and his B.S. degree in Education from Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, 1970.TOP OF PAGE

Mark Tucker
Mark grew up in Rutland, Vermont. Instead of learning to ski, he amused himself by riding a unicycle, juggling, and performing magic and ventriloquism. After receiving his BFA in Art at Ohio Wesleyan University and an MFA in Painting at the University of Michigan (including a post-grad year in Germany), Mark began his artistic career building parade floats for America’s Thanksgiving Parade. Later, he moved to Boston and became a freelance scenic painter. For ten years he painted sets for opera, ballet, television, TV commercials, and movies.
After moving back to Michigan with his wife Trish, and their three sons, Mark began teaching art (mostly to non-art majors) through the Lloyd Hall Scholars Program at the University of Michigan. In 2006, while trying to find a way to bring undergraduate students from his “Art in Public Spaces” course together with community members to make an exciting piece of public artwork, the Street Theater Art (START) Project was born. FestiFools is START’s very first public art venture.TOP OF PAGE

Andy Wolber
Andy Wolber provides technology consulting for the nonprofit community. His experience includes staff positions with Michigan Nonprofit Association & NPower Michigan, the Dallas Historical Society, Dallas Theatre Center, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, and volunteer leadership of the Dallas Arts District Friends. Andy holds an MBA/MA in Arts Administration from Southern Methodist University, and a BA in Music Theory and Composition from Spring Arbor University. He resides in Ann Arbor, MI with his wife, Liz, and daughter, Katie. Learn more at www.wolberworks.com.TOP OF PAGE

Corinn VanWyck
Corinn VanWyck is Coordinator of the East Lansing Art Festival - a nationally renown Fine Art and Fine Craft festival held in the downtown streets of the city of East Lansing annually. The festival is ranked in the top 100 fine art festivals in the nation - making art accessible to the community for over 48 years. Corinn has nearly two decades of experience in corporate communications, graphic arts studio management and small business ownership, with a multi-faceted management and organizational style. As a working artist Corinn has an inherent understanding of, and strong ties to, the local arts community. She seeks to perpetuate artistic cultural opportunities in the region and encourage the artists of the future.TOP OF PAGE

Larry Nielsen
Larry has served for over 70 years cumulatively on all sorts of not-for-profit and public boards. He has been Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, Vice-Chairman, and as a 'lain old' Board and Committee Member. Today, he remains a member or officer of four different Board of Directors. In addition to Boardmanship Training, Larry conducts long-range planning sessions, visioning sessions, as well as, conflict resolution sessions. As Larry says, "YOU are responsible for your Board's and your organization's success."TOP OF PAGE

Matthew Downey, Director of Nonprofit Services & Development
Matthew Downey has worked in the nonprofit sector as a consultant, program manager and development officer for more than 18 years. Presently, Matthew serves as the Nonprofit Services Program Director for the Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University. In this position he oversees the Johnson Center's technical assistance and capacity building services for nonprofit organizations. Matthew has a distinguished career as a nonprofit executive, holding such positions as Director of Development and Community Programs, Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival (Kalamazoo, MI); Development Specialist, St. Mary's Hospital for Children (Bayside, NY); Development Manager, Queens Borough Public Library (Jamaica, NY); Director of Development, Child Care Action Campaign (New York, NY) and Development Consultant, United Negro College Fund (Detroit, MI). Matthew is the Vice President of Wellspring/Cori Terry and Dancers, a professional nonprofit modern dance company in Kalamazoo, MI, and serves as a board member of Indian Trails Camp (Grand Rapids, MI). He holds a Bachelor of Science in nonprofit arts administration from Butler University (Indianapolis, IN) and a Master's of Public and Nonprofit Administration from Grand Valley State University (Grand Rapids, MI). In 2010 Matthew was recognized by Grand Rapids Business Journal as one of West Michigan’s 40 top executives under the age of forty. He is a member of the Grand Rapids Rotary Club.TOP OF PAGE

Stacey Lind
Stacey Lind is Associate Director of the nonprofit Michigan Youth Arts, an alliance that develops, recognizes and advocates excellence in arts education for all. She created the Arts in Motion 5k as a fundraiser for the organization, and has grown the event from an 60-person, nearly-shirtless ramble, to a solid 300-person family event, presented in conjunction with a major urban festival. She a runner and the owner of many, many tech shirts.TOP OF PAGE

Allen Wolff
Allen Wolff currently serves as "Game Changer" at Crowdrise - a social charitable network co-founded by actor and philanthropist, Edward Norton. The goal at Crowdrise is to make giving back fun and addictive. With an incredibly modern solution that's unique to the entire philanthropic space, Crowdrise helps an event turn runners and their friends into passionate fundraisers all under a unified event page.TOP OF PAGE

Nancy Bliss
Nancy, who is Vice-President of MFEA, has been involved with Queen's and their Courts since 1986, as a chaperone, judge and pageant director.TOP OF PAGE

Sue Vagi
Sue was the chaperone for the Miss Michigan Peach Queen of Romeo for 25 years. She has also served as a judge for other area queen pageants. The experience she has acquired is priceless.TOP OF PAGE

Andy Richards
Andy has been a Partner in the law firm of Smith, Bovill, P.C., since 1991, with clients throughout Michigan. Andy specializes in Estate Planning and Business Succession Planning, Taxation, and Business Law, including Nonprofit, Tax-Exempt and Charitable Organizations. Andy graduated from Hillsdale College in 1981, Summa Cum Laude, with an A.B. degree in Economics and Business Administration with a dual major in American History. He received his Law (J.D.) degree from the Columbus School of Law, The Catholic University Of America in Washington, D.C. in 1984, and a Master of Science in Taxation from Walsh College of Accountancy and Business Administration in 1990. Andy is a member of The Northeastern Michigan Estate Planning Council and served as its president in 1996- 1997). He is a member of the Probate and Estate Planning Section of the Michigan Bar Association, was a founding member and served as charter President of the Mid-Michigan Planned Giving Council in 1995-1996. Andy has served on the St. Mary's Medical Center Foundation Board since 1999, is a voting member of The Saginaw Community Foundation, and currently serves on the Saginaw Valley State University Foundation Board. He is an adjunct professor in Saginaw Valley State University's School of Law and Business, teaching Business Law, and is an estate planning instructor in the Saginaw Valley State University CFP Certification Program.TOP OF PAGE

Larry Nielsen
Larry has served for over 70 years cumulatively on all sorts of not-for-profit and public boards. He has been Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary, Vice-Chairman, and as a 'lain old' Board and Committee Member. Today, he remains a member or officer of four different Board of Directors. In addition to Boardmanship Training, Larry conducts long-range planning sessions, visioning sessions, as well as, conflict resolution sessions. As Larry says, "YOU are responsible for your Board's and your organization's success."TOP OF PAGE

Brittney Hoszkiw
Brittney has found herself come full circle. Volunteering in the Old Town Commercial Association office is where she discovered her interest in community and economic development and the overwhelming sense of empowerment that grassroots organizing provides. From there she has worked under the National Main Street Four Point Approach starting both the Iron Mountain Main Street Program and the Scottville Main Street Program, then returning to Old Town and the community that first inspired her. As Executive Director, Brittney has welcomed over 40 new businesses in the past three years and oversaw over 200 festivals and events. Though her proudest moment was returning from the National Main Street Conference in 2011 with the Great American Main Street Award, proving the power and impact that vision and perseverance can have on a neighborhood.TOP OF PAGE

Andy Wolber
Andy Wolber provides technology consulting for the nonprofit community. His experience includes staff positions with Michigan Nonprofit Association & NPower Michigan, the Dallas Historical Society, Dallas Theatre Center, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, and volunteer leadership of the Dallas Arts District Friends. Andy holds an MBA/MA in Arts Administration from Southern Methodist University, and a BA in Music Theory and Composition from Spring Arbor University. He resides in Ann Arbor, MI with his wife, Liz, and daughter, Katie. Learn more at www.wolberworks.com.TOP OF PAGE

Roger Cargill
Roger Cargill has been employed in the Waste and Recycling industry for 20 years. At Michigan State University, Roger effectively combined two separate departments to create what is known today as the Office of Recycling and Waste Management. Roger’s other contributions while at Michigan State University include introducing construction demolition recycling, toner cartridge recycling, as well as expanding the University’s Pack Up-Pitch In Program. Roger is now a Special Events Manager with Schupan and Sons, Beverage Recycling Division. In this role he focuses on non-deposit container recycling. In his three year tenure, the Special Events Division has provided recycling access to over 5 million people and collected over 80,000 pounds (1.76M individual bottles) of recycled material that would have ended up in the landfill. The Schupan program also promotes and participates in recycling efforts with sporting events, school programs, community events, and business recycling. Roger has been a presenter at numerous recycling conferences, including the National Recycling Conference on data collection. He is a 2008 graduate of the Michigan State University Great Lakes Leadership Academy, and is proud to have received Michigan State University Dorothy Millbrook award for working with people with disabilities.TOP OF PAGE

Dale Johnson
Dale Johnson has been working with Festivals, Fairs and Events for 23 years. He is a Certified Festivals & Events Executive (CFEE) and Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) has been in the insurance Industry since 1985. Dale is on the Board of Directors of California Festivals & Events Association, Michigan Festivals & Events Association and Kentucky Festivals & Events Association. A graduate of Purdue University, he resides in Fort Wayne, Indiana with his wife and 2 children.TOP OF PAGE

Bob Bucko
Bob Bucko started in the insurance industry as a senior underwriter for the Insurance Company of North America (INA) in 1980. As a Midwesterner, he graduated from Valparaiso University with a degree in business management and Drake University with a MBA in finance. In 1984, Bob became a risk manager for Kenrick Corporation for the Michigan Township Participating Plan and the Municipal Insurance Alliance. These two programs provide the risk management services to nearly 1,700 townships, villages, cities, counties, housing commissions and fire departments. In 1987, together with Kenrick Corporation the American Fraternal Agency was formed to provide a program for veteran, civic, and fraternal organizations. Over 300 organizations are members in this unique program.
As President of the American Fraternal Agency, he began to service the fairs and festivals formerly of the Liberty Group. The re-named program, “AFA Fair, Festival, and Event Program” is the leader in the specialized leisure and entertainment marketplace. Today, Bob resides in Washington Township with his wife Carol. Sons Steven and Anthony live in Minneapolis and son Rob resides in Lake Orion and is currently a Vice President of the American Fraternal Agency. Steven works with “at risk” and autistic children and Anthony is purchasing manager for the new Children’s Hospital of the University of Minnesota.TOP OF PAGE

Michele Andres
Michele Tracy-Andres resides in Cedar Springs, Michigan with her husband Nick and two college-aged children. She has been the President of the Red Flannel Festival all volunteer Board of Directors for the past 9 years. Michele served on the Cedar Springs City Council, Planning Commission, Chairperson of the Solon Township Zoning Board of Appeals and has over 30 years of volunteer community service. She graduated from Aquinas College with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, and will finish a Masters of Management with a Concentration in Organizational Leadership at Aquinas in the Spring of 2012. Michele has over 25 years of Purchasing/Materials Management experience and is the Director of Materials Management at North Ottawa Community Health System in Grand Haven.TOP OF PAGE

Brittney Hoszkiw
Brittney has found herself come full circle. Volunteering in the Old Town Commercial Association office is where she discovered her interest in community and economic development and the overwhelming sense of empowerment that grassroots organizing provides. From there she has worked under the National Main Street Four Point Approach starting both the Iron Mountain Main Street Program and the Scottville Main Street Program, then returning to Old Town and the community that first inspired her. As Executive Director, Brittney has welcomed over 40 new businesses in the past three years and oversaw over 200 festivals and events. Though her proudest moment was returning from the National Main Street Conference in 2011 with the Great American Main Street Award, proving the power and impact that vision and perseverance can have on a neighborhood.TOP OF PAGE

Tom Kaszubski
Tom lived in Troy, Michigan from 1967 thru 2008 and presently resides in Auburn Hills, Michigan. He attended the University of Detroit, and has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering. He was a member of the Troy Board of Education for 12 years, member of the Troy City Council from 1999 to 2002. He was involved with the Troy Daze Community Festival from 1986 to 2007 being Chairman of Opening Ceremonies from 1985 thru 2004, Parade Chairman from 1995 thru 2005, member of the Executive Advisory Committee from 1992 thru 1998 and was General Chairman of the Festival in 2006. He is now the 2010-2011 President of the Troy Family Daze Festival Executive Board. Tom has been the Chairman of the City of Troy’s Ethnic Issues Advisory Board from 2002 to 2006, and the co-chair of the City of Troy’s Futures 2020 Task Force in 2006 and 2007. Tom is also a member of the U.S. Government Selective Service Board since 2007. He was honored for his volunteer work in Troy by being named Distinguished Citizen in 1996 and Volunteer of the Year for Leadership Troy and the Troy Daze Festival in 2006. Tom has also served as President of the North Woodward Community Foundation from 2003 to 2008 and is presently its Executive Director.TOP OF PAGE

Karen Delhey
Karen Delhey is the Senior Director of Marketing and Partnerships for the Guild of Artists and Artisans. The Guild is an artist membership organization that produces 6 fine art fairs each year including Art Birmingham, Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair, and Common Ground’s Birmingham Street Art Fair. Prior to joining the Guild, she was the Director of Marketing and Partnerships for 6 years with the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original. Karen has more than 7 years experience developing corporate partnerships on every level.TOP OF PAGE

Kelly Brennan, CMP, CPCE
Kelly graduated from Western Michigan University with a Masters Degree in Sports Management and Athletic Administration with an emphasis in Event Coordination. While getting her masters she was the Athletic Corporate Relations Graduate Assistant where she began coordinating such events as Man and Woman of the Year, Annual Olympic Sport Banquets, Hall of Fame Inductions, thirteen (13) Annual Golf Outings and Varsity Letter Celebrations.
Upon graduating Kelly accepted an Executive Meeting Manager position at the Radisson Plaza Hotel and Suites in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She advanced through such positions as Catering Sales Manager, Convention Services Manager, Hotel and Department Training Manager, and lastly overseeing Food, Beverage and Operations for both the Fetzer Center and the WMU football stadium suites.
In November of 2007 Kelly accepted the Residence and Events Director position for the Michigan Governor. She runs and operates both residences along with their staff, manages and maintains all family activity while coordinating and executing all events. These events range from family functions, private dinners, fundraisers, galas and awards.
Kelly’s education includes an Undergraduate degree in Business Marketing and Administration (2002), a Masters of Arts (2003), Certified Meeting Professional (2005) and Certified Professional Catering Executive (2009). She is the Immediate Past President for the National Association of Catering Executives and had resided on the board since 2005. Kelly is also the 2009-2010 NACE Caterer of the Year and recently the 2010 MPI Speaker of the Year!TOP OF PAGE

Jill Doederelein
Jill graduated with a Masters Degree in Instructional Design with an emphasis on adult learning. While pursuing her master’s degree, she taught college courses for Baker College Online and Lansing Community College. She also worked as an independent consultant for the Hotel, Travel and Tourism Institute (2002), Kellogg Community College, Montcalm Community College, Westwood College, Thompson Publishing and Wiley Publishing. Upon graduating with her M.A., Jill accepted an Online Faculty Trainer position at Baker College in Flint, MI. She has since teamed up to develop the faculty online and hybrid training. Jill has also developed the internship program for Baker College, Career Services. She serves as a member of the Academic Improvement Model and is on the advisory committee for Effective Teaching and Learning. Jill’s education includes an Undergraduate degree in Business Marketing and Administration, a Master of Arts (2005), Michigan Virtual University training (2001), coach and trainer for World Instructional Design System (WIDS, 2002), and Peer Reviewer and Subject Matter Expert for Quality Matters (2009). Jill has taught as adjunct faculty for two colleges in their Hospitality and Tourism Program. Jill is co-editor and author of The Event Gatekeepers (The EGG, 2011) published by Michigan Festivals and Events. She is actively involved with MFEA. Jill is also actively involved with the arts, volunteers and teaches children and adult art programs. She was the Gallery Manager at the Shiawassee Arts Center and promoted the children’s activities during the Curwood Festival. Some of the largest events Jill worked on while working as the International Sales Manager for Amtrak in Washington D.C. include Pow Wow and ASTA held at Union Station in Chicago and Washington D.C.TOP OF PAGE

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