Florida Festivals and Events

What Florida Festivals and Events does

Florida Festivals and Events Association (FFEA), legally Florida Festivals & Events Association, Inc., is a 501(c)-style nonprofit professional association founded in the mid-1990s and headquartered at 2115 Alameda Avenue, Orlando, Florida. It serves as the statewide membership body for Florida's festival and event industry, connecting approximately 760 member organizations — including municipal event planners, parks and recreation departments, chambers of commerce, nonprofit event producers, and a network of B2B suppliers — that collectively produce roughly 5,500 events annually and represent approximately $30 billion in combined economic impact. The organization operates a hybrid association-management platform built on the Saffire membership management system, including a website (4,000+ monthly visitors), a bi-weekly newsletter reaching 3,000+ subscribers with ~50% open rates, an iOS/Android mobile app with 650+ active users, a Supplier Directory across 50+ vendor categories, an Event Calendar, a Job Board, and a Resource Library of templates and operational guides.

FFEA's commercial engine centers on the annual Convention & Expo — the 32nd edition scheduled for August 4-6, 2026 at the Luminary Hotel in Fort Myers — supplemented by recurring revenue from membership dues, tiered sponsorship packages ($500 to $20,000), exhibitor booth fees ($700-$850), Sunsational Awards application fees ($30-$50 per category), supplier advertising (newsletter, mobile app, web banners, push notifications), and an Entertainment Showcase for performers. The association's core moat is the only statewide community of its kind in Florida, reinforced by a 20+ year awards tradition, 32 consecutive annual conventions, and durable multi-year sponsor relationships with suppliers such as Saffire, Pyrotecnico, Zambelli Fireworks, Complete Ticket Solutions, and Lightning Wireless Solutions. Recent operational activity includes a Resource Library launch in October 2025 and a mobile app revamp in December 2025, alongside a scholarship pipeline with six Florida universities to cultivate emerging event professionals.

The organization operates with a small staff (1-10 employees) under CEO Suzanne Neve, relies heavily on volunteer committees and a board-governance model, and has no disclosed external funding, M&A activity, or geographic expansion beyond Florida. Its product roadmap is focused on deepening digital member engagement (mobile app, resource library, virtual events) rather than expanding into new geographies or adjacent verticals, positioning it as a mature, membership-stable nonprofit with incremental digital-investment-led growth.

Name

Florida Festivals and Events

Legal name

Florida Festivals & Events Association, Inc.

Website

https://ffea.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Florida Festivals and Events Association (FFEA) is a nonprofit statewide membership association serving approximately 760 Florida event organizers, municipalities, nonprofits, and suppliers through an annual convention, awards program, mobile app, supplier directory, and resource library.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Trade Association Services

NAICS

Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events without Facilities (71132), Other Spectator Sports (711219)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Professional & Association Conferences (MPAGAGAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Local Community & Multi-Category Fairs (MPAGAFAO)

Keywords

• Professional association services
• Event industry networking
• Festival management education
• Membership association programs
• Event trade shows

Headquarters

HQ city

Orlando

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees providing access to member center, resource library, directory, job board, event calendar, newsletters, and networking opportunities.
2. Annual Convention & Expo: Registration fees for the 32nd Annual Convention August 4-6, 2026 in Fort Myers. Includes educational sessions, tradeshow, meals, awards luncheon, and networking events. 350+ delegates expected.
3. Exhibitor Booth Fees: Exhibitor booth fees at annual convention: $700 for members, $850 for non-members, with additional attendee badges at $450 each.
4. Sunsational Awards Applications: Award application fees ranging from $30 (early entry by April 30) to $50 (late entry by June 12). Distinguished Awards nominations are free.
5. Sponsorship Packages: Corporate sponsorship packages ranging from $500 to $20,000 offering online marketing, on-site presence, and title sponsorship of various conference areas and programs.
6. Supplier Advertising: Advertising opportunities including newsletter display ads ($300/month), advertorials ($500/month), website banners ($250/month), mobile app ads and push notifications ($300/notification).
7. Entertainment Showcase Fees: Performance showcase fees for entertainers at convention: Video showcase $150-$250, live roving performance $200-$300, live stage performance $350-$450, plus optional exhibit booth add-on.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Florida Festivals and Events Association (FFEA) is a statewide nonprofit professional association serving the Florida events industry through member-based networking, education, and recognition programs. It produces the Annual Convention & Trade Show, the Sunsational Awards Program, and various digital resources including a mobile app, event calendar, supplier directory, and job board for event professionals, vendors, and municipalities.

Product overview

Florida Festivals & Events Association (FFEA) operates as a membership-based association management platform serving Florida's events industry. The platform consists of multiple integrated modules including an Event Calendar for member-submitted events, a Supplier Directory with 50+ vendor categories, a Membership App (iOS/Android) with directory and conference features, a Resource Library with templates and educational content, and a Bi-Weekly Newsletter reaching 3,000+ subscribers. The annual Convention & Expo is the flagship offering with 40+ educational sessions, a 70+ exhibitor tradeshow, Entertainment Showcases, Sunsational Awards, and Scholarship Programs. The platform also includes a Job Board, advertising opportunities, and virtual event capabilities via Zoom.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SUNsational Awards Program: Annual awards program recognizing innovation, individuality and creative collaboration among FFEA members in event marketing, programming, service and innovation.

Products and services

• FFEA Mobile App Member-facing mobile application providing access to FFEA resources including an event calendar, member directory, job board, and event registration for event professionals and vendors across Florida.
• FFEA Event Calendar Online calendar listing Florida festivals and events, available to members and the public, supporting event promotion across the state.
• FFEA Supplier Directory Searchable directory of event industry suppliers and vendors that members can use to source products and services for festivals and events.
• FFEA Job Board Online job board where members and event organizations can post and search employment opportunities in the Florida events industry.
• FFEA Bi-Weekly Newsletter Bi-weekly email newsletter providing FFEA members with association news, industry updates, and information on upcoming events and opportunities.
• FFEA Resource Library Online library of educational content, templates, and reference materials developed to support the professional development of Florida event professionals.
• Annual Convention & Trade Show Annual multi-day convention and trade show featuring keynote speakers, behind-the-scenes event tours, educational sessions, an exhibit hall, and the Entertainment Showcase for Florida event professionals and vendors.
• Entertainment Showcase Showcase program held during the Annual Convention where entertainers present to event organizers and buyers to secure bookings for festivals and events.
• Sunsational Awards Program Annual awards program recognizing excellence in Florida festival and event marketing, programming, and operations, open to members and non-members for an application fee.
• FFEA Scholarship Program Scholarship program providing financial support to students and emerging event professionals pursuing education and careers in the festival and events industry.
• Supplier Advertising Program Paid advertising placements offered to supplier members across FFEA newsletters, website, and digital platforms to reach event-organizing buyers.

Quantifiable outcome

• 760 members representing 5,500 events with $30B economic impact annually
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• PyrotecnicocoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAssociation partner providing fireworks and pyrotechnic entertainment services. One of two association-level sponsors supporting FFEA year-round programs and services.
• Zambelli FireworkscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAssociation partner and 25-year consecutive conference exhibitor. Family-owned fireworks company since 1893 providing pyrotechnic displays nationwide.
• SaffirecoreTechnology or IntegrationTitle sponsor and technology partner providing membership management platform. Nationwide company with 25+ partner events in Florida since 1998. Winner of 2018 Supplier of the Year.
• Complete Ticket SolutionsmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerTitle sponsor providing ticketing solutions for events industry.
• Balkum Pro AudiomajorGTM or Marketing PartnerTitle sponsor providing professional audio equipment and services.
• Eastern SecuritymajorGTM or Marketing PartnerTitle sponsor providing security services for events.
• Jeffrey Allen IncmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerTitle sponsor in the events industry.
• Light FX ProsmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerTitle sponsor providing lighting effects and production services.
• Lightning Wireless SolutionsmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerTitle sponsor and 2024 Outstanding Supplier award winner. Provides wireless communications, vehicle tracking, and lighting equipment solutions.
• National RentalsmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerTitle sponsor providing rental equipment for events.
• Event HubmajorTechnology or IntegrationOfficial sponsor providing event management and ticketing technology platform. Recommended resource for event budget planning and ROI calculation tools.
• Rico SolutionsminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerOfficial sponsor providing consulting services to the events industry.
• Luminary Hotel & Caloosa Sound Convention CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost venue for the 32nd Annual Convention & Expo, August 4-6, 2026. AAA Four Diamond hotel overlooking the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers, FL.
• Florida State UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner receiving student scholarship recipients through the Harvey Franklin Campbell Student Scholarship program.
• University of Central FloridaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner receiving student scholarship recipients through the Harvey Franklin Campbell Student Scholarship program.
• University of FloridaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner receiving student scholarship recipients through the Harvey Franklin Campbell Student Scholarship program.
• Florida International UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner receiving student scholarship recipients through the Harvey Franklin Campbell Student Scholarship program.
• Florida Gulf Coast UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner receiving student scholarship recipients through the Harvey Franklin Campbell Student Scholarship program.
• Florida Atlantic UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity partner receiving student scholarship recipients through the Harvey Franklin Campbell Student Scholarship program.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Destination International: Destination International is the global trade association for destination marketing and management organizations (DMOs/CVBs), many of which are FFEA members. It shares FFEA's association model and overlapping member base of tourism/event organizations.
• Meeting Professionals International (MPI): MPI is the largest meeting and event industry association worldwide, offering education, networking, and certification to meeting and event professionals. It mirrors FFEA's professional association model but focuses on meetings/conventions rather than festivals.
• Event Industry Council (EIC): EIC is the umbrella trade organization for the events industry, providing certification (CMP), research, and advocacy, comparable to FFEA as an industry association serving event professionals but with a national/international rather than state-level scope.
• International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA): IFEA is the international umbrella organization for festival and event professionals, directly comparable to FFEA in mission (supporting festival/event industry professionals through networking, education, and recognition) but operating at a global rather than state level.
• International Live Events Association (ILEA): ILEA is a global association for live event professionals offering networking, education, and certification, directly paralleling FFEA's association model but serving the broader live events industry rather than festivals specifically.
• International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE): IAEE represents the exhibitions and events industry globally, offering education, advocacy, and the CEM certification program. Comparable to FFEA as an industry association serving event/exhibition professionals, with broader scope including trade shows.

Broad incumbents

• Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA): PCMA serves business events and convention management professionals globally with education and networking programs. Comparable to FFEA in operating an association for event professionals but focused on conventions/business events rather than community festivals.
• ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership: ASAE is the umbrella organization for trade and professional associations themselves, providing resources, benchmarking, and certification to association executives. Comparable to FFEA in operating an association structure but as a meta-association serving associations across all industries.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/ffea
• Facebookfacebook.com/FloridaFestivalsandEvents
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/florida-festivals-and-events-association
• Instagraminstagram.com/FlFestivals

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Florida Festivals and Events