Future Fests: Forum and Writers 

Santa Barbara-based FestForums hosts its seventh iteration on February 15-17, moving again this year – from the Music Academy to the Mar Monte oceanfront resort. The convention is a business-to-business gathering of festival producers, organizers, and industry leaders representing a wide variety of offerings – Coachella, SXSW, Sundance, Burning Man, Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Woodstock, Austin City Limits, Vans Warped Tour, Tribeca Film Festival, Glastonbury, Toronto Film Festival have been past participants – there to network, learn or brush up on skills, and collaborate; not to mention party down.

The weekend features panels, exhibitors, awards, concerts and parties in a relaxing, convivial environment just steps from the ocean. But unlike most previous years, there are no one-shot public events, so you’ll have to pony up for a pass to partake of performers and guests including Alicia Silverstone and Dane Cook honoring director Marty Callner; and Skip Martin of Kool & the Gang, The Dazz Band, Beastie Boys’ DJ Mix Master Mike, Johnny Irion, and local heroes Spencer the Gardener, DJ Darla Bea and The Tribe. Visit https://festforums.com for info and passes. 

The workshops, panels, seminars and guest speakers for the 2024 Santa Barbara Writers Conference have been announced for the June 9-14 event, also at the Mar Monte. Writers of all experience are welcome to immerse themselves at whatever level suits them, to improve their craft and make lifelong connections, much like Montecito’s own Fannie Flagg did here decades ago. You can catch the keynote addresses as a guest for just $15, or dive deeper via passes that range from $199-$899. But one lucky winner can get in for free via composing a short essay (100 words max) on what you like about the Santa Barbara Writers Conference (or for newbies, hope to experience). Deadline to submit at info@sbwriters.com is Feb. 8, so no chance to agonize over re-editing your entry. Visit www.sbwriters.com for all things SBWC.