Fall Convention News

We hope you join us this year for the 2008 Indiana State Festival Association's annual convention in Indianapolis. Since 1985, this annual gathering of festival producers has empowered each of us through education, networking and leadership development. That remains our mission as we equip you with the tools that can assist you in taking your festival to the next level.

The 2008 Fall Convention will be held at the Adam's Mark Hotel in Indianapolis at the airport location. The convention provides our members with the benefits of educational seminars, focus groups, vendor marketplace, networking, pinnacle entertainment performing at our Friday night showcase, a great preview of entertainment you can book for your next festival or event and the Scholarship Dinner and Pageant Saturday night. Sunday morning features roundtable focus groups and you won't want to miss the Final Attendees Gathering for 2008 - Surprises too huge to miss ... Win fabulous door prizes and a chance for  Full Convention Registration for 2009!

It is our goal that everyone in attendance throughout the weekend is a participant, not just merely an attendee. What's the difference between an attendee and a participant, you ask? Here are a few tips to enhance your convention experience:

• Attendees believe networking means others introduce themselves ... participants introduce themselves to others.

• Attendees think any educational session should be full of dozens of things they have never heard before ... participants know that a good speaker can often make you think in a new way about an everyday topic - and that's often better than anything.

• Attendees are concerned that their festival may be too small or different to be of any interest to others ... participants know that no matter what size an event is, they are all basically the same and share the same joys and challenges.

• Attendees listen ... participants hear.

• Attendees wonder ... participants ask.

• Attendees smile in response ... participants smile first. 

I hope you enjoy your convention experience by making new friends, creating lasting memories and being energized along the way. may it be a smiling success for you! 

Toni Meyer, 500 Festival, Indianapolis
ISFA President

  Important Convention Information

Full convention registration includes: all Educational Sessions, Focus Groups, Vendor Marketplace, Late Night Networking, Friday Night Dinner and Entertainers Showcase, Saturday's Scholarship Dinner and Pageant and meals: Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner

Congratulations! The Elwood Glass Festival, Back to the Fifties Festival, Inc., Frankton Heritage Days and Daleville Autumn Fest are the Indiana State Festivals Assoc. Ann Retseck Memorial
Grant Award Winners for 2007. Remember that you can apply for the Ann Retseck Memorial Grant for 2008 if you are in need of financial assistance for the convention fees.

Book your rooms today, our block will fill up fast at this great rates of: $99.00 per room for double or king, $129 for king w/balcony or $149.00 for a suite. 
 

Please mark your calendars with these dates for the next two years:
November 7-9, 2008
November 6-8, 2009
Do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions. More information about the convention is coming soon.  Watch your inbox for our new ISFA News emails. If you are not receiving our emails, you can sign up on our homepage so that you do not miss any updates or information.

CONVENTION REGISTRATION FORMS
will be available August 1, 2008