Where Festivals, Fun, and Future Collide!

What happens when you bring the most passionate festival producers, industry giants, and creative minds together in one breathtaking location? You get FestForums, the ultimate festival of festivals! This year, Santa Barbara was once again the backdrop for three days of inspiration, collaboration, and, of course, some serious celebration. Held from this February at the stunning Mar Monte Hotel, this year’s event delivered dynamic discussions, powerful speakers, and electric networking opportunities, all wrapped in the vibrant energy that makes FestForums a can’t-miss experience.

Founded in 2015 by Laurie Kirby, a former entertainment lawyer and longtime Santa Barbara resident, FestForums has grown into the industry’s go-to conference for music, film, food, and beverage festival professionals. After weathering the challenges of the pandemic, it has roared back as an annual tradition, bringing together festival visionaries to share knowledge, celebrate achievements, and craft the future of live events.

Who better to kick off this powerhouse event than legendary world-champion surfer Shaun Tomson? With his signature blend of wisdom and charisma, Tomson reminded us of the deep connections between storytelling, resilience, and festival culture. His keynote speech set the tone for a conference rooted in purpose, community, and innovation.

This year’s FestForums boasted 570 attendees, 64 expert speakers, and 24 exhibitors, making it one of the most action-packed editions yet. Discussions covered everything from cutting-edge festival technology to sustainability and marketing strategies. Key panelists included John Lollo (NYC Wine & Food Festival), Michael Barclay II (Essence Festival), Sarah Pancheri (Milwaukee World Festival), and Hamish Pinkham (Rhythm and Vines, New Zealand), all of whom shared invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of global festivals.

I had the absolute joy of speaking on the “Savoring the Success of Food & Beverage Festivals” panel, alongside John Lollo and Joel Martin (ExperiHaus). Representing both my brand, Petite Wine Traveler, and my role as the Director of the Santa Barbara Culinary Experience, I had the opportunity to showcase the magic of Santa Barbara’s wine, food, hospitality, and artisans. We dove into what makes festivals truly unforgettable – curating top-tier talent, securing game-changing sponsorships, and crafting immersive guest experiences. The energy in the room was contagious, and it was exhilarating to connect with so many fellow festival enthusiasts.

One of the most memorable moments of FestForums was the deeply insightful talk by acclaimed actor Matthew Modine. Reflecting on his formative experience watching Little Big Man and learning about Indigenous perspectives, Modine emphasized the importance of treating every individual – whether a production assistant or a festival director – with respect. His words resonated deeply, leaving attendees inspired to bring that same ethos into their festival work.

Of course, no festival conference is complete without a little revelry! Evenings at FestForums transformed into full-on celebrations, including a high-energy concert at SOhO featuring performances by Sophie B. Hawkins, Alan Parsons, and Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads. As FestForums continues to thrive, it remains at the forefront of the festival industry, fostering innovation, education, and meaningful connections. Santa Barbara’s unique charm, paired with the conference’s commitment to excellence, ensures it will remain the go-to event for festival producers, organizers, and creatives.

With another unforgettable year on the books, FestForums 2025 proved once again why it’s the must-attend event for festival professionals. As the festival world evolves, FestForums will continue to inspire, educate, and lead the way into an exciting new era of event production.