Since its inception in 2015, FestForums has become the premier conference for festival organizers, producers, and industry leaders across North America. A conference where innovation meets collaboration, this B2B conference is a powerful testament to the future of the festival industry.

With guests over the years including Alicia Silverstone, Jeff Bridges, and executives across the film, event, music, food, and beverage industries, Forbes has deemed this event, “the conference for power players in the festival space.”

This week, from February 12th through 14th, FestForums returns to the stunning Mar Monte Hotel in Santa Barbara, bringing together some of the most influential voices in the business. Located right across from East Beach, the Mar Monte Hotel is the perfect backdrop for attendees, offering a mix of elegance, history, and Santa Barbara’s signature coastal energy. With expertly curated panels, networking opportunities, and vibrant evening events, this year’s gathering promises to be one of the most impactful yet.

The brainchild of Laurie Kirby, an industry veteran with a background in law and festival management, FestForums was born out of necessity. While leading the Newport and Ojai Film Festivals, Kirby saw firsthand the need for a dedicated space where festival professionals could share knowledge, tackle industry challenges, and build lasting relationships.

Today, that vision has solidified the forum as an essential hub for festival innovation. “This event isn’t just about panels and discussions—it’s about fostering meaningful connections,” Kirby shares. “FestForums is a space where the industry’s best minds come together to inspire, collaborate, and drive real change.”

An Unmissable Speaker Lineup

The 2025 edition boasts an impressive roster of speakers, thought leaders, and trailblazers, including:

• Matthew Modine (Full Metal Jacket, Stranger Things) – Award-winning actor, filmmaker, and FestForums® Living Legend
• Sophie B. Hawkins (Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover) – Trailblazing musician and FestForums® Music Awardee
• John Giddings (Promoter, Isle of Wight Festival) – Recipient of the Festival Promoter of the Year Award, presented by Arthur Fogel
• Other industry heavyweights taking the stage include:
• Kevin Lyman (Founder, Vans Warped Tour)
• Hamish Pinkham (Founder, Rhythm and Vines, New Zealand)
• Emily White (Music industry entrepreneur and author)
• Bruce Flohr (VP, Red Light Management / Partner, ATO Records)
• J. Kevin Swain (Emmy- and Grammy-nominated director/producer)
• Michelle Smith (National Director of Operations, Rhino Staging)
• Jasa Laliberte (Marketing Director, Latitude 38 Entertainment)

These visionaries will share their insights on topics such as sustainability, sponsorship, brand partnerships, artist-curated festivals, technology, operations, production safety, and more. The conference kicks off with the highly anticipated State of the Industry panel, tackling the pressing challenges facing festival organizers today—including event cancellations, weather disasters, and the evolving sponsorship landscape.

FestForums: A Celebration of Creativity, Connection, and Community

Beyond the panels and discussions, the conference offers an unparalleled mix of networking opportunities and entertainment, ensuring that attendees leave not just informed about current industry trends but also inspired.

Signature events include:

• Cocktail Reception
• Artist Showcase – Hosted by Voracious Records, highlighting rising talent
• The FestForums Awards Ceremony– Recognizing excellence across the festival industry
• Benefit Concert at SOhO Restaurant & Music Club – Featuring Grammy-winning artist Alan Parsons, Kenny Lee Lewis (The Steve Miller Band), and Sophie B. Hawkins

This year’s benefit concert holds special significance. In response to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, all proceeds will be donated to the Santa Barbara South Coast Firefighter Foundation, providing direct relief to those affected.

Coinciding with Valentine’s Day, the event embraces The Power of Love, a theme that resonates deeply within the festival community. Festivals, at their core, bring people together through music, art, film, food, and shared experiences. This year’s conference will be a powerful testament to the love and passion that fuel the industry and the global impact of festivals.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Mar Monte Hotel, join the festivities to experience tge unparalleled opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate alongside the most innovative minds in the business.

Register here for this year’s experience: https://events.humanitix.com/festforums-2025