By Mike Baxter
The podcast currently has 6 episodes available.
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.
In this episode of Festival Soup, host Mike Baxter dives into the world of live event production with Scott Powers from Bayou City Sound. They explore the essential elements of setting up sound, stage, and lighting for festivals, fairs, and concerts. From the latest innovations in stage technology to crucial considerations like terrain, weather, and sound management, this episode is packed with expert advice for anyone involved in event planning.
Key Points:
- [0:00] - Introduction to the Episode
Mike introduces Scott Powers of Bayou City Sound and the focus on the essentials of stage, sound, and lighting setup.
- [1:21] - Pre-Production Planning
Scott discusses the importance of pre-production in determining the right equipment for an event based on location, terrain, and audience size.
- [4:00] - Dealing with Challenging Terrains
Insights on how different surfaces (pavement, grass, sloped areas) impact stage setup and accessibility.
- [6:07] - Managing Sound Levels
Strategies for designing sound systems that meet the needs of the event while avoiding disturbances in surrounding areas.
- [9:10] - Innovations in Stage, Lighting, and Sound
Discussion on new technologies in hydraulic stages, moving lights, and steerable sound systems that enhance live event experiences.
- [17:31] - Determining Sound Package Costs
Factors to consider when budgeting for sound, lighting, and staging, including the number of days, equipment needs, and complexity of the event.
- [20:41] - The Importance of Power
Scott emphasizes the critical role of dedicated, properly grounded power sources for running a successful event.
Quotable Moments:
[1:08] "It starts with something we call pre-production. That's where we meet with the festival board and staff and start to get some ideas." - Scott Powers
[9:38] "Speaker technology has made a big leap... Now we can limit sound within certain areas." - Scott Powers
[20:41] "Power is one of the most important things. You want dedicated power for your stage." - Scott Powers
Links Mentioned:
Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Festival Soup. If you're planning a festival or event and want to ensure top-quality sound and stage setup, consider reaching out to professionals. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform.
In this episode of Festival Soup, host Mike Baxter chats with Mitch Maxine from BAM Mascots about the power of custom mascots for festivals, fairs, and events. They explore the appeal of mascots, the process of creating a custom mascot, and why investing in a unique character can significantly boost your event’s brand recognition and engagement. From practical tips on choosing the right actor to the latest advancements in mascot technology, this episode is a must-listen for event professionals looking to elevate their game.
Key Points:
- [0:00] Introduction to the Power of Mascots
Mike introduces the episode's theme—why mascots can be a game-changer for events—and welcomes Mitch Maxin from BAM Mascots.
- [3:20] The Lasting Impact of Mascots
Discussing how a mascot can serve as an ongoing marketing tool, not just an event novelty, similar to the Disney model.
- [7:26] Custom vs. Off-the-Shelf Mascots
Exploring the benefits of custom mascots and why they offer greater value and uniqueness than generic options.
- [11:56] The Creation Process
Mitch explains the process clients go through when creating a custom mascot, from initial ideas to final design.
- [13:19] Advances in Mascot Technology
New technologies in mascot design, including better ventilation and lighter materials, make them more user-friendly.
- [19:55] Tips for Selecting a Mascot Performer
Important considerations when choosing and training an actor to bring your mascot to life effectively.
Quotable Moments:
- [0:00] "If you have [a mascot], you really need to think about it." — Mike Baxter
- [3:20] "It's ongoing marketing. We use it as a marketing tool." — Mike Baxter
- [7:03] "You get what you pay for. There's no doubt about it." — Mitch Maxine
Links Mentioned:
Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast and together we can make your event a standout success. See you next week!
Festival Soup, is the ultimate podcast for festival, fair, rodeo and event professionals! Hosted by Mike Baxter, a certified festival and event executive, this podcast is your go-to resource for expert advice, industry insights, and behind-the-scenes tips on creating unforgettable events. Each episode features interviews with industry leaders and professionals, covering a wide range of topics—from staging large festivals and booking talent to mascot creation, volunteer management, and the latest trends in event marketing and merchandising. Whether you're managing a local fair, a major festival, or anything in between, Festival Soup serves up the ingredients you need for success. Tune in and get ready to elevate your event to the next level!
Links Mentioned:
Festival Soup: https://festivalsoup.com
Texas Festival and Tourism Consulting: https://texasfestivalandtourismconsulting.com/
The podcast currently has 6 episodes available.