Arkansas Festival Association To Host Annual Workshop
February, 2001

By Donna L. Perrin
Department of Parks and Tourism

On February 25-26, festival and event producers and suppliers from across the state will gather for the Arkansas Festival Association's 17th Annual Workshop. The workshop theme is "Fiesta of Festivals." Sessions will take place at the Pine Bluff Convention Center and Ramada Inn Hotel & Suites.

Keynote speaker Michael Marks of San Clarita, California will present "Creating Sponsorship Materials and Making the Most of Them." The City of Clarita won a Pinnacle Award last year at the International Festivals & Events Association convention for their sponsorship solicitation package. Workshop attendees will learn all the steps to create an award winning sponsorship solicitation package that will interest sponsors.

Delegates will also have a large offering of educational topics to choose from such as: how to recruit and keep volunteers; how to select vendors for your event; how to promote sporting events; holiday lighting; and waste management at a festival or event. 

The workshop also features an opportunity to network with vendors of special event products and services at the Vendor Showcase. The showcase will be on Sunday, February 25, beginning at 10a.m. At 6 p.m. that night, attendees will enjoy dinner and entertainment at the annual Talent Showcase. 

The Alfie Awards ceremony is scheduled for Monday, February 26th at the noon luncheon. The Alfie Award honors the best and the brightest of Arkansas' festivals and events. 

Accommodations can be made at the Ramada Inn Hotel & Suites, Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Call 870-535-3111 for reservations. For AFA workshop registration information, contact Lara Schock at the Festival Association at 501-223-5416.

This release, along with others by the Department of Parks & Tourism, is available electronically through the Arkansas Press Association Bulletin Board: apa@lr.cleaf.com (in-state only) and the Department’s Web site: www.arkansas.com under media information.