Held from February 12-14, 2025, at the Mar Monte Hotel in Santa Barbara, CA—along with some of the city’s most iconic music venues—this year’s FestForums was an electrifying convergence of festival industry leaders and visionaries. With an eye on the future of festivals, the event explored everything from launching groundbreaking festivals to implementing sustainable solutions, and, of course, redefining the experience of live events in the years ahead.
Day 1: Kicking Things Off with Innovation
The festival opened with a deep dive into the thrills (and trials) of launching a first-year festival. The panel “Launching a First-Year Festival” gave attendees a behind-the-scenes look at the highs and lows of bringing a brand-new event to life. Industry veterans shared real-world lessons, offering invaluable insights for those looking to break into the festival scene.
Another standout discussion, “Artist-Led Festival Curation,” highlighted the growing trend of artist-curated festivals and how they are reshaping the future of festivals. Bruce Flohr, a legend in the artist relations world, unpacked how musicians are taking charge of festival identities, influencing talent bookings, and crafting immersive experiences that go beyond the stage.
The day wrapped up with an exclusive networking session, where attendees forged connections, exchanged ideas, and geared up for even more in-depth panels ahead. As the sun set, a local showcase featuring emerging talent from Voracious Records kept the festival energy alive well into the night.
Day 2: Sustainability & Legacy in the Future of Festivals
Day 2 was all about sustainability and longevity in the festival world. “The 10 R’s of Sustainability” panel explored innovative ways to create eco-friendly festivals, from reducing waste to achieving carbon-neutral goals. The conversation reinforced how festivals can positively impact both the environment and the communities that host them.
Later in the day, discussions shifted to maintaining legacy festivals while staying fresh and relevant. Industry veterans shared strategies for keeping long-standing festivals at the forefront of the industry. The key takeaway? Continuous innovation and strong partnerships are essential to thriving in the evolving future of festivals.
As night fell, attendees were treated to an unforgettable performance by FestForums Honored Artist, Sophie B. Hawkins. Beyond her iconic music, Sophie spoke passionately about the power of festivals as platforms for social change, reinforcing the idea that festivals are not just about entertainment—they’re catalysts for impact.
The evening concluded with a benefit concert supporting Californians displaced by wildfires. Featuring stellar performances by Sophie B. Hawkins and Kenny Lee Lewis, the event showcased the heart and soul of festivals: community, resilience, and giving back.
Day 3: Ending on a High Note
The final day paid tribute to one of the industry’s greats—Kevin Lyman, the mastermind behind Warped Tour. His session was a thrilling journey through the evolution of festivals, packed with behind-the-scenes stories and lessons learned from decades in the business. From hilarious backstage anecdotes to deep insights into the challenges of building a festival empire, his reflections were a masterclass in festival innovation.
To end the event on a sweet note, a Champagne and Chocolate networking event celebrated Valentine’s Day, offering a perfect closing moment for three days of inspiration, education, and connection among those shaping the future of festivals.
Looking Ahead
FestForums 2025 was a powerful reminder of the festival industry’s adaptability and resilience. From groundbreaking technology to practical sustainability solutions, the conversations sparked at this year’s event will undoubtedly shape festivals for years to come. Despite the industry’s challenges, FestForums provided a vision for festivals that are more inclusive, eco-conscious, and creativity-driven than ever before.
With its reputation solidified as a must-attend event for anyone in the festival space, FestForums has set the stage for an even bigger and more impactful gathering next year. For those eager to glimpse the future of festivals, this is the event to watch.
