Annual conference to help festival organizers prepare for 2014

The Northwest Festival Hosting Conference is taking place in New Westminster over three days this January. It is a presentation of the Hyack Festival Association, which holds many annual events, including the city-promoting Hyack Festival Week.

The conference will consist of business meetings to discuss upcoming plans; Festival Feedback, which looks back at 2013; several speakers; and a breakout discussion session. There will also be social events like breakfast buffets, lunches and a dinner.

The scheduled speakers include Leah Bach, who will be talking about ‘Social media and engagements’, and Deborah White and Associates, who will discuss ‘Conflict management’. It will give those involved in planning special events and festivals a chance to network with their peers and to learn new skills.

With many annual events and festivals, organizers in New Westminster often work closely with local printing companies to boost their advertising efforts. This could include investing in services such as booklet, brochure and flyer printing; the products are then distributed throughout the area and, in some cases, across the rest of the country.

The Northwest Festival Hosting Conference is being held at the Inn at the Quay from January 17-19. Tickets for the full conference are $155; for those who just want to attend the dinner, the cost is $50, breakfast is $25, and access to the hospitality room is $25. Guests can also get a special discounted hotel rate. The deadline to register is January 11. For more information, call 604-522-6894.