OFEA Conference for Festivals & Events 2027

THE Conference for Festivals & Events
Down the Rabbit Hole
February 25 - 27, 2027
Seaside Civic and Convention Center (415 1st Ave, Seaside, OR)

Everyone who works in events wears many hats and knows things can get a little mad sometimes. It’s hard to step away when you’re deep in problem-solving, losing track of time as you tumble further and further down the rabbit hole. For our 2027 Conference, we’re embracing that spirit as we explore the wonderland of events and festivals with our theme: “Down the Rabbit Hole.”

Whether you’re just starting out, like Alice, or a seasoned pro who’s navigated the twists and turns of wonderland before, there will be something for everyone. Dive into a mix of foundational sessions and expert-level courses, featuring insights from national-level speakers. Get ready to tumble into a world of festival and event industry insight with expert-led breakout sessions, a bustling Trade Show, and the prestigious Ovations! Awards celebrating the very best in the business.

Expect the unexpected as you explore new ideas, bold strategies, and creative inspiration around every corner. Reconnect with familiar faces, meet new industry friends, and gather the tools you need to make your next event bigger, better, and a little more magical. Don’t be late for this very important date… because 2027 is going to be curiouser and curiouser.

So straighten your top hat, grab a cup of tea, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure; this is one conference you won’t want to miss.

This year's sessions include:

Crisis Leadership
Increasing Your SEO
Team Communication
Project Planning
Event Mapping
And MORE!

Pre-Conference Workshop: (additional cost)
AI Beyond ChatGPT: Tools, Tricks & Time-Savers for Event Professionals with WhirLocal
When: Thursday, February 25, from 9am-Noon

AI is more than just ChatGPT. This hands-on workshop will introduce event professionals to a variety of AI-powered tools that can help streamline the work that goes into planning, promoting, and producing events. From content creation and design to research, organization, automation, brainstorming, and everyday administrative tasks, discover what tools are available and where they can actually save you time.

Rather than simply talking about what AI can do, we’ll explore how to put these tools to work. Learn how to identify the repetitive tasks eating up your time, choose the right AI tool for the job, and build AI into your existing workflow without adding another complicated system to manage. Come ready to experiment, ask questions, and rethink how you approach your workload. The goal isn't to replace the work you do, but to use AI strategically so you can spend less time on the tasks that slow you down and more time on the work that actually requires you.

Conference Registration Costs:

Members: $350.00
Non-Members: $450.00
Trade Show Booth: $175

Additional Attendees: $295 (members), $395 (non-members)
Save $50 when you register by December 31
Late fees apply after February 5

Registration Includes:

Conference Welcome Packet
Educational Sessions from Leading Industry Experts
Access to Trade Show
Entrance to all Hospitality Receptions & Networking Evenings
Meals: Thursday Night Dinner on the Town, Friday Lunch, Friday Ovations! Awards Dinner, Saturday Lunch