OFEA Spring Workshop 2026 - CANCELLED

 OFEA Spring Workshop - CANCELLED

Tuesday, April 14
Linn County Expo Center(3700 Knox Butte Rd, Albany)
9:30 AM – 2:00 PM

This workshop brings together innovative tools and community-focused strategies to help you plan better, more impactful events. Designed for event organizers, community leaders, and industry professionals, the day focuses on practical ideas you can implement right away.
 
Explore how emerging tools like AI can elevate your marketing efforts, helping you plan, promote, and personalize your outreach across social media, advertising, and email. You’ll also gain valuable insight into creating and sustaining free community events that foster connection, accessibility, and long-term engagement … without relying on ticket revenue.
 
In addition, attendees will dive into building strong volunteer programs that support event success, from recruitment to retention. The workshop also features a collaborative open forum over lunch, giving you the opportunity to ask questions, share challenges, and learn directly from peers facing similar situations.
 
By the end of the day, you’ll walk away with fresh ideas, practical strategies, and meaningful connections to help you create smarter events and stronger communities.

Cost: $45 for OFEA Members | $60 for Non-Members
Lunch included
 
Workshop Schedule (subject to change)
9:00 a.m.
Check-in Opens
 
9:30 a.m.
Welcome & Introductions
 
9:40 a.m.
AI for Event Marketing: From Zero to Wow
Tim Fahndrich, WhirLocal
Using AI to plan, promote, and personalize event marketing across ads, social media, and email campaigns.
 
10:50 a.m.
Building Community: Creating Successful Free Public Events
Kerstin Motsch-Reiter, City of Hillsboro Parks and Recreation
Learn how to plan, promote, and sustain free community events that bring people together. This session will cover funding strategies, partnerships, and creative ways to deliver value without relying on ticket revenue.
 
Noon
Ask Anything Open Forum (working lunch)
It’s a meeting of the minds! Bring your questions, your needs, and your wants for an engaging open forum session that encourages open dialogues and a free exchange of ideas.
 
1:00 p.m.
Volunteer Programs: Rethink, Rebuild, Reengage
Jill Ingalls, 360 Events NW
Learn how to rethink traditional recruitment methods, restructure your program for success, and create a more engaging experience for your volunteers. Walk away with new strategies to attract the right people, better utilize their time and talents, and build a program that lasts.
 
1:50 p.m.
Closing

Tim & Pam Fahndrich, WhirLocal

Tim and Pam are active volunteers in their community and believe that local businesses, nonprofits, and events are the heart of what makes a place feel connected and alive.Together they bring a practical and encouraging approach to navigating new technology and modern marketing, helping local leaders strengthen their impact in the communities they serve.

Kerstin Motsch-Reiter, City of Hillsboro Parks and Recreation

Kerstin Motsch-Reiter is the Special Events Supervisor for the City of Hillsboro. Her experience with event building and management over the past 12 years has ranged from international conferences to smaller community-based engagement. In her work she strives to build strong partnerships, foster teamwork, and promote equity and inclusion. Building and sustaining events that work for you and your community is her passion. 

Jill Ingalls, 360 Events NW

Jill Ingalls has worked with nonprofit organizations in various capacities for over 30 years. She has served as a volunteer, served on volunteer boards, and managed various volunteer programs along the way.