By Mike Baxter
The podcast currently has 13 episodes available.
In this episode of Festival Soup, host Mike Baxter sits down with Jenny Carattini-Wright, Executive Director and CEO of The Woodlands Arts Council and The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival. They explore the unique role of art festivals in fostering community, discuss the intricacies of planning large-scale arts events, and reflect on the journey of building a nationally recognized festival. Jenny shares valuable insights for those looking to create meaningful cultural experiences and highlights the enduring appeal of art in public spaces.
Key Points:
- [0:00] - Introduction to The Woodlands Waterway Art Festival
Mike introduces Jenny Carattini-Wright and gives an overview of The Woodlands Arts Council, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting public art and fostering creativity in the community.
- [4:45] - Art’s Role in Community Building
Jenny shares how art festivals act as the “fabric of a community,” bringing people together, inspiring reflection, and fostering creativity along the picturesque Woodlands Waterway.
- [6:37] - Volunteers: The Backbone of Success
Jenny highlights the contributions of over 500 volunteers who make The Woodlands Art Festival possible, with dedicated teams handling everything from artist relations to logistics.
- [16:36] - The Challenge of Keeping Events Fresh
Jenny discusses the strategies used to make each festival unique, such as relocating artists, adding new performance stages, and integrating different art forms.
- [17:30] - Expanding Accessibility and Diversity
After experiencing record attendance, Jenny discusses the evolution of the festival to include dog-friendly policies and family-oriented art spaces.
- [22:45] - Advice for Starting an Art Event in Smaller Communities
For newcomers, Jenny emphasizes starting small, understanding local audiences, and collaborating with other community events like farmers markets.
Quotable Moments:
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Tune in to learn how to bring art into your community, the importance of innovation in festival planning, and tips from Jenny for creating art-focused events on any scale. Don’t miss this insightful episode on the power of art to unite and inspire! Be sure to subscribe and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
In this episode of Festival Soup, host Mike Baxter sits down with Mary Margaret Campbell, founder of the Dobie Dichos storytelling event. Together, they dive into the unique storytelling culture of Texas festivals, celebrating folklore, the legacy of J. Frank Dobie, and how storytelling can be the heart of any event. Campbell shares her insights from running Dobie Dichos and the historic George West Story Fest, explaining how stories bridge generations, teach cultural values, and bring communities together.
Key Points:
[0:00] - The Importance of Storytelling in Festivals
Mary Margaret explains the Dobie Joes festival, a Texas event dedicated to honoring the famous folklorist J. Frank Dobie.
[3:15] - Origins and Legacy of J. Frank Dobie
Details about Dobie’s contributions to Texas folklore and the mission behind Dobie Joes in preserving his work.
[10:37] - Building Community through Storytelling
Campbell discusses George West Story Fest and how it began as a small gathering, growing into an event with thousands, showcasing storytelling, cowboy music, and a Texas Liar’s Contest.
[16:54] - Memorable Guests at Dobie Joes
From local historians to famous authors, Dobie Joes has hosted storytellers like Paulette Giles, author of News of the World, and Lonesome Dove screenwriter Bill Wittliff.
[24:42] - Incorporating Storytelling into Any Event
Mary Margaret shares tips on using storytelling to engage festival audiences of all ages, even in non-storytelling-themed events, such as holiday festivals.
[30:55] - Tips for Creating a Storytelling Festival
From themes to music, she outlines the steps to weave storytelling into festivals and create a welcoming environment for all.
Quotable Moments:
[2:02] “If it weren’t for J. Frank Dobie, much of the folklore of Texas and the Southwest would have been lost.” — Mary Margaret Campbell
[5:26] “Stories help us see how other people think about life… and maybe understand ourselves better.” — Mary Margaret Campbell
[25:08] “You don’t want to just ‘dump’ storytelling into a festival; bring it in gradually and see where it resonates.” — Mary Margaret Campbell
Storytelling brings a festival to life, connects audiences, and preserves cultural history. Whether through a dedicated storytelling event like Dobie Joes or as an addition to any festival, these narratives spark engagement and community. Ready to add some storytelling magic to your event? Subscribe to Festival Soup and join us next week for more insights and expert advice.
In this episode of Festival Soup, host Mike Baxter chats with Joe Vera, Assistant City Manager of McAllen, Texas, about the inspiring story and behind-the-scenes magic of the McAllen Holiday Parade. Celebrating over a decade of tradition, this parade has grown to become one of the largest in Texas, drawing in hundreds of thousands of attendees. They discuss the logistics, community impact, and the four pillars behind McAllen’s success in transforming a local event into a celebrated holiday destination.
Key Points:
- [0:30] - The Parade's Impact on Community
Joe shares how parades unite the community, especially children, through tradition and celebration.
- [2:12] - From Vision to Spectacular Reality
The McAllen Holiday Parade began as a simple vision from a 2013 city retreat, evolving into a nationally recognized event.
- [6:38] - Handling Unexpected Growth
The inaugural parade’s massive turnout of over 200,000 guests taught the team crucial lessons in event logistics.
- [10:15] - Maximizing Parade Profits
Joe explains the strategic use of a local stadium to host spectators, sell tickets, and integrate sponsor visibility.
- [15:48] - Adding Star Power
Celebrities like Dallas Cowboys players and popular TV stars attract spectators, blending entertainment for diverse demographics.
- [20:04] - A Broadcast Extravaganza
The parade's TV broadcast reaches over 30 major U.S. markets, reinforcing McAllen’s brand and regional impact.
- [24:33] - McAllen Parade’s Fourfold Mission
Joe explains the event’s guiding goals: enhancing quality of life, promoting safety, creating a tourism destination, and boosting economic impact.
Quotable Moments:
[1:19] “A parade is all about celebration… the joy and wonder of bringing the community together.” – Joe Vera
[17:02] “We found the right mix with Dallas Cowboys’ players—suddenly the sea of blue lined the parade route.” – Joe Vera
[27:04] “This parade was our way of showcasing McAllen’s safe, vibrant, and welcoming environment.” – Joe Vera
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The McAllen Holiday Parade illustrates the power of festivals to foster community spirit and drive economic growth. Joe Vera’s insights reveal how thoughtful planning and strategic partnerships have transformed a city tradition into a major cultural draw. Subscribe to Festival Soup for more insights on crafting memorable festivals and join us next time as we explore more stories from the world of festivals and events.
In this episode of Festival Soup, host Mike Baxter dives into the art of hosting large-scale, open-air events with Will Blackstock, Director of Parks and Rec for Clute, Texas, home of the Texas Mosquito Festival. Will shares unique aspects of organizing an outdoor event, from the advantages of expansive, flexible spaces to the unexpected challenges of weather, security, and safety. With lively traditions like the mosquito calling contest and a popular BBQ cookoff, the Texas Mosquito Festival offers valuable lessons on adaptability, community involvement, and the complexities of large venue logistics.
Key Points:
- [0:00] - Welcome to the Texas Mosquito Festival
Introduction to Will Blackstock and the 45-year legacy of the Texas Mosquito Festival.
- [3:42] - Event Activities and BBQ Cookoff
Will explains the logistics of hosting a BBQ cookoff within the larger festival, and how it enhances the attendee experience.
- [6:59] - Benefits of an Open-Air Venue
Using open spaces for sponsor visibility and convenience, including ample parking and flexible setups for vendors and events.
- [12:15] - Unique Competitions: Mosquito Calling & Leg Contests
A look at the quirky and beloved contests, like mosquito calling and "mosquito legs," that give the festival its distinct character.
- [17:12] - Weather-Related Challenges
How Will and his team manage adverse weather conditions, cancellations, and the importance of weather insurance.
- [24:45] - Security & Safety Measures
With a large, open area to cover, Will discusses essential security and safety protocols, from volunteer involvement to public safety in the summer heat.
- [27:40] - Community Support and Volunteers: The ‘Swat Squad’
The Swat Squad volunteer team’s role in event operations and community support.
Quotable Moments:
- [6:12] “It's just a great way to get the community involved—going from team to team in the BBQ cookoff is always a highlight.” - Mike Baxter
- [17:15] “Weather insurance is essential; it’s saved us from total loss more than once!” - Will Blackstock
- [24:55] “Our Swat Squad volunteers keep everything running smoothly, rain or shine.” - Will Blackstock
Links Mentioned:
Join us as we wrap up a fascinating exploration of the Texas Mosquito Festival’s successes and challenges. If you’re inspired by the unique blend of tradition, community involvement, and strategic planning that makes this festival a success, be sure to subscribe to Festival Soup. Share your thoughts in a review, and visit our website for more industry insights and consulting services.
In this episode of Festival Soup, host Mike Baxter interviews Glenda Black from TSE Entertainment. Glenda shares her journey from a high school teacher to managing a successful talent booking agency and offers insider advice on booking top talent for fairs, festivals, and rodeos. They dive into the decision-making process, the role of an agency, contract nuances, and the rising popularity of tribute bands. This episode is a must-listen for event organizers looking to elevate their talent booking game and ensure smooth, successful shows.
Key Points:
- [0:42] Glenda Black’s Journey from Teaching to Entertainment
Glenda discusses her background and how she took over her father’s business, rebranding it as TSE Entertainment in 2018.
- [3:01] Why Hire a Booking Agency?
Glenda explains the benefits of working with a professional agency like TSE to save time, leverage industry relationships, and secure better pricing.
- [6:15] Budgeting and Audience Considerations
A key part of booking talent is understanding your audience and working within a budget, considering the type of event and target demographic.
- [8:05] The Offer Process and Booking National Acts
Glenda breaks down the official offer process, emphasizing the importance of booking headliners first and using an expiration date for offers.
- [9:45] Navigating Contracts and Riders
Contracts often come with non-negotiable clauses like bad weather policies and stage requirements, but many other elements of the rider can be discussed or modified.
- [16:15] Advancing the Show: Essential Communication
Glenda explains the importance of clear communication between event organizers and artists to ensure logistics like ground transportation, meal plans, and meet-and-greets run smoothly.
- [22:12] The Growing Popularity of Tribute Bands
Tribute bands are a budget-friendly and popular option for events, allowing attendees to enjoy familiar songs and iconic performances from acts like The Beatles and Taylor Swift.
Quotable Moments:
- [2:36] "I left teaching and didn’t know the first thing about booking, but I grew up in the music world. It was a great fit, and I haven’t looked back." – Glenda Black
- [9:03] "Always put an expiration date on offers; it keeps the process moving and avoids limbo." – Glenda Black
- [21:23] "If the artists are fed well, they will remember that more than anything else." – Glenda Black
Links Mentioned:
Thanks for listening to Festival Soup! If you're new to booking or looking for ways to streamline the process, make sure to visit TSE Entertainment's website for more tips and insights. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for more expert interviews, and leave us a review on your favorite platform!
In this episode of Festival Soup, host Mike Baxter sits down with Jessica Bybee-Dziedzec of S Saffire, a leading player in the event ticketing tech space. They discuss how online ticketing, reserved seating, and cashless payments have revolutionized the festival and event industry. From small-town fairs to major state festivals, Jessica shares insights on overcoming resistance to new technologies, the growing importance of cashless transactions, and how presale tickets can boost event profitability.
Key Points:
- [0:40] - Introduction to Online Ticketing
Mike welcomes Jessica Bybee-Dziedzec from Saffire. They dive into how her company grew from a small team to an industry leader by focusing on event websites and online ticketing.
- [3:43] - Serving All Sizes of Events
Jessica highlights the variety of festivals they work with, from the small Mosquito Festival in Clute, Texas, to the large San Diego County Fair.
- [5:33] - Shifting to Online Ticketing
Discussion on how even smaller festivals are embracing online ticketing, with many customers now expecting to purchase tickets in advance.
- [6:11] - Benefits of Presale Tickets
Jessica explains the advantages of selling tickets in advance, including year-round revenue and reduced day-of logistics.
- [10:53] - The Return of QR Codes
QR codes have made a comeback, and Jessica recommends using them everywhere—from parking lots to grocery stores—to drive ticket sales.
- [15:06] - Real-Time Ticket Payments
Unlike many third-party platforms, Saffire ensures ticket payments go directly into clients' accounts the same day.
- [17:16] - Going Cashless at Events
Jessica discusses the move towards kiosks and cashless gates, highlighting the benefits in terms of security, staffing, and reduced fraud.
- [26:58] - New Trends and Future Innovations
Fraud mitigation and real-time tracking of attendee behavior are the next big things for event ticketing, including geo-targeted marketing messages for event-goers.
Quotable Moments:
- [5:33] "Even smaller fairs are now seeing that people welcome online ticketing with open arms." – Jessica Bybee-Dziedzec
- [6:33] "Presales are great because they give your event cash flow year-round, not just in the event month." – Jessica Bybee-Dziedzec
- [10:53] "I love QR codes back as a tool! People know how to use them, which makes me so happy." – Jessica Bybee-Dziedzec
Links Mentioned:
Thank you for tuning into this episode of Festival Soup. If you’re planning a festival or event, now’s the time to embrace online ticketing and new technologies like QR codes and cashless systems. Want more festival insights? Be sure to subscribe to Festival Soup on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review. See you next time for more industry tips and tricks!
In this episode of Festival Soup, host Mike Baxter sits down with Kelly Augustine from the Nacogdoches Chamber of Commerce to dive deep into the unique aspects of hosting festivals in historic downtown settings. They explore the Texas Blueberry Festival, its roots, growth, and the benefits of organizing a large-scale event in a small town. From community involvement to the challenges of brick streets and balancing modern amenities with historical preservation, this episode provides a rich discussion on creating a successful, culturally connected festival.
Key Points:
[0:00] – Introduction
Mike Baxter introduces the podcast and the episode's focus on the Texas Blueberry Festival, featuring guest Kelly Augustine from the Nacogdoches Chamber of Commerce.
[1:29] – The Roots of the Blueberry Festival
Kelly shares the origins of the Texas Blueberry Festival, founded by Drs. Patsy and Leon Hallman in the late 1980s to celebrate Nacogdoches’ rich blueberry production and historic downtown.
[3:16] – Festival Highlights
Kelly gives an overview of the festival, which features blueberry pancakes, pie-eating contests, a pet parade, and various family-friendly activities, all while emphasizing the involvement of local businesses and community partnerships.
[5:06] – Challenges and Benefits of a Downtown Festival
The discussion shifts to the logistical hurdles, such as shutting down streets and managing vendor spaces, and how the historic charm of the area makes it all worthwhile.
[12:33] – Managing Power and Noise
Kelly talks about the importance of sound management during the event, balancing generators and electrical hookups to ensure the festival maintains its lively, welcoming atmosphere.
[21:53] – Festival Park Activities
A breakdown of the additional activities held in Festival Park, including petting zoos, car shows, and carnivals, making it a hub for kids and families during the event.
[28:15] – Economic Impact
Kelly highlights the positive economic impact of the festival on the local community, from job creation to increased lodging, dining, and shopping revenues.
Quotable Moments:
[0:01] – "The Blueberry Festival is a true example of a community coming together to celebrate its unique heritage." – Kelly Augustine
[5:35] – "Even the downtown shops have come to embrace this festival because of the traffic it pulls in." – Kelly Augustine
[28:15] – "This festival brought in over $1 million in total business sales for our community—it's supporting local businesses and jobs." – Kelly Augustine
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This episode provides a fascinating look at the benefits and challenges of hosting a festival in a historic downtown setting. Kelly Augustine’s insights offer invaluable lessons for anyone planning a community event, especially in small towns with rich histories. Be sure to follow Festival Soup for more festival planning tips and insights, and don’t forget to visit Nacogdoches next June for the Texas Blueberry Festival!
In this episode of Festival Soup, host Mike Baxter interviews David Olivares, festival insurance expert. They explore the often-overlooked topic of insurance for festivals and fairs, breaking down the essential types of coverage event organizers need. From general liability to the intricacies of weather insurance, David provides expert advice on protecting your event from unexpected disasters.
Key Points:
- [0:41] - Introduction to David Olivares and Cliff Insurance
David explains Cliff Insurance's history and their specialization in outdoor amusement and entertainment coverage, offering both retail and wholesale insurance services.
- [3:15] - Why Work with a Specialist?
Mike and David discuss the challenges of working with local agents unfamiliar with the festival industry, and the importance of partnering with an experienced festival insurance agent.
- [6:59] - Essential Insurance Policies for Festivals
David outlines the most critical insurance policies for festivals, including general liability, liquor liability, workers' compensation, and event cancellation.
- [9:19] - Weather and Event Cancellation Insurance
David highlights the benefits of weather insurance, using real-life examples of how festivals avoided financial disaster.
- [13:22] - Additional Coverages to Consider
Discussion on less common but vital coverages like E. coli coverage for petting zoos, volunteer accident policies, and drone insurance.
- [18:16] - Golf Cart Hazards and Coverage
Golf carts present significant liability risks, and David shares how proper coverage is crucial to mitigate potential accidents.
- [19:45] - Determining the Right Level of Coverage
Advice on assessing your event’s exposure based on size and activities, emphasizing that insurance requirements can be similar regardless of event scale.
- [25:19] - Emerging Risks: Active Shooter Coverage
The growing need for coverage related to active shooter incidents, including firearm exclusions in some general liability policies.
Quotable Moments:
- [4:24] “Insurance is hard enough to comprehend by the layperson. Now imagine doing that in a hard market with shrinking options." - David Olivares
- [9:19] “You can save for a rainy day or buy an insurance policy that helps recoup some money when your event can’t happen." - David Olivares
- [18:40] "Golf carts are one of our largest exposures for claims in the industry. It's crucial to have the right coverage in place." - David Olivares
Links Mentioned:
If you’re planning a festival or event, insurance is a critical part of your preparations. Don’t leave your event exposed to potential risks. Reach out to experts like David Olivares or attend workshops at events like the Texas Festivals and Events Association conference. For more insights and tips, be sure to subscribe to Festival Soup on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review!
In this episode of Festival Soup, host Mike Baxter gets into the world of AI with special guest David Ramirez, founder of SDM Ramirez Event Marketing. They explore how AI can revolutionize festival and event planning by saving time, improving creativity, and streamlining operations. From using ChatGPT for quick content generation to advanced AI tools for managing traffic patterns and lost children, this episode is packed with practical tips for festival organizers. Learn how to harness AI’s potential to enhance efficiency, boost engagement, and make your events unforgettable.
Key Points:
[0:00] - Introducing AI in Event Planning
Mike and David discuss the growing role of AI in festivals and how it can simplify various tasks, from marketing to operations.
[1:42] - ChatGPT as a Gateway to AI
David highlights ChatGPT as an entry-level tool for festival professionals to get started with AI, from writing press releases to drafting safety plans.
[3:06] - Using AI for Visual Planning
Discover how AI tools like Midjourney can help you visualize event layouts, even placing tents and attractions on digital maps.
[6:15] - Automating Tedious Tasks with AI
From generating parade lineups to analyzing post-event surveys, AI helps eliminate the most time-consuming parts of event planning.
[12:54] - Enhancing Event Security with AI
The conversation touches on how AI technologies like Venus can boost security by tracking lost children and monitoring crowd patterns.
[22:13] - Predictive AI for Ticket Sales
David discusses how AI can predict ticket sales and help event organizers plan their budget based on historical data and market trends.
Quotable Moments:
[0:55] "You can't put AI into a single bucket. It’s like Baskin-Robbins with its many flavors—there’s a version of AI for everyone." — David Ramirez
[6:34] "AI isn't going to take your job—someone using AI is going to take your job." — David Ramirez
[24:45] "Predictive AI is the dark horse that’s really going to make waves in our industry." — David Ramirez
Links Mentioned:
AI is already transforming the way events are organized, and it's only going to become more accessible. Whether you're a small festival or a major event, now is the time to start experimenting with AI to improve efficiency and creativity. Subscribe to Festival Soup on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to stay ahead in the festival world!
In this episode of Festival Soup, host Mike Baxter sits down with Jeff Krebs of Mesmeric Entertainment to discuss the intricate details of planning successful music festivals, fairs, and rodeos. Jeff shares insights from his 38 years of experience, touching on everything from the importance of infrastructure and strategic planning to booking talent and maximizing sponsorship opportunities. Whether you're organizing a small-town festival or a major city event, this episode provides valuable lessons for creating memorable experiences.
Key Points:
[0:00] Introduction to Festival Soup
Mike Baxter introduces the podcast and his guest, Jeff Krebs, who shares his journey in the festival industry.
[0:55] The Scope of Mesmeric Entertainment
Jeff discusses his wide-ranging experience, working on over 500 events annually, from small local festivals to large, prestigious events.
[3:10] Transforming the Bluebonnet Festival
Jeff explains how he helped revitalize the Bluebonnet Festival in Ennis, Texas, growing it from a small event into a major draw for the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
[8:25] The Importance of Strategic Planning Before Booking Talent
Jeff emphasizes the need to define your event's goals and value proposition before securing musical acts, especially for festivals combining multiple elements like arts and food.
[13:32] The Role of Talent Agents
Jeff advocates for using agents when booking talent, outlining the benefits of professional relationships and the potential pitfalls of going it alone.
[16:17] Maximizing Sponsorships Through Stage Design
Jeff highlights the importance of leveraging stage design and technology, such as LED video walls, to maximize sponsor visibility and engagement.
[20:05] Enhancing Events with Close Proximity Fireworks
Jeff shares innovative ideas like using close proximity fireworks to elevate the audience's experience at the end of each night.
[25:53] The Importance of Vendor Placement
Discussing the strategic placement of vendors to avoid the acoustic impact zone and ensure a better business environment for them.
Quotable Moments:
[3:45] "It’s been interesting to see how the community has found its identity and differentiated itself from the other little rural towns surrounding DFW through their festivals and events." - Jeff Krebs
[13:20] "Sometimes you have to buck the system a little bit and try some different things if you think it's going to bring the audience that you're trying to bring." - Jeff Krebs
[27:17] "Approach it with a fresh set of eyes every single year and say, 'What can we implement that's new, that makes it better for our guests?'" - Jeff Krebs
Links Mentioned:
This episode provides a wealth of knowledge for anyone involved in festival planning. Be sure to apply Jeff’s insights on infrastructure, talent booking, and sponsorships to elevate your own events. Stay tuned for future episodes where we’ll dive into topics like new technologies in sound, the art of hosting downtown festivals, and the rising trend of tribute bands.
The podcast currently has 13 episodes available.