Learn more about

festivals & Events Ontario

Together, we can help make the festival and event industry stronger for everyone.

become a member

Learn more about

festivals & Events Ontario

Together, we can help make the festival and event industry stronger for everyone.

become a member

Learn more about

festivals & Events Ontario

Together, we can help make the festival and event industry stronger for everyone.

become a member

PROFILE

FEO aims to captivate and inspire visitors and residents alike to travel and explore Ontario’s uniqueness through festival and event celebrations.

Festivals & Events Ontario (FEO) is a non-profit organization that has been representing the festivals and events industry in Ontario for 30 years. We make sure communities continue to produce unique, quality festivals in all corners of the province. Providing education, professional development and networking while fostering a community of passionate people invested in the festival and event industry, FEO works hard to deliver membership benefits that help support the growth of the industry.

Our membership includes festivals, events, suppliers, municipalities, schools, RTOs and DMOs, students, BIAs, and everyone in between! Each member contributes to our growing community of people who know what it’s like to run successful festivals and events. Together with FEO, our members have an active role in the growth of the festivals and events community in Ontario.

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Ontario Municipalities
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Ontario Residents
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Ontario Visitors Annually
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Ontario Festivals & Events Annual Contribution to Local GPD

We are committed to grow the festivals and events community in Ontario.

Vision:

Festivals and Events Ontario aspires to facilitate the development of an exemplary festival and events industry in Ontario and be the recognized resource to champion excellence.

Mission:

Festivals and Events Ontario supports a lively, engaged, and dedicated festival and event industry by sharing knowledge, enabling networking, and providing leadership on education, advocacy, and promotion.

FEO was established in 1987 as an association devoted to the growth and stability of the festival and event industry in Ontario. We’re always looking to assist. Is this your industry? Let’s talk.

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Full time jobs supported by festivals and events in Canada
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Spending support in tax revenue at all three levels of government
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Ontario Festivals & Events economic impact on a yearly basis
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FEO Member Events across Ontario annually

Together, we can help make the festival and event industry stronger for everyone.

GOVERNANCE

FEO executive team and board of directors are committed to sound principles of corporate governance.

Currently located in Kitchener, Ontario, FEO operates with a team of four and is governed by a Board of Directors. FEO continues to serve the industry through a number of projects throughout the year.

FEO provides festival and event organizers across the province, with a networking forum and offers professional development opportunities and resources aimed at encouraging professionalism and excellence in the industry.

FEO acts as an advocate for the industry by identifying, and working towards solutions on issues such as legislation, governance, product development, and more.

FEO serves the interests of festival suppliers whose goods and services are of use and benefit to Ontario’s festival and event organizers.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kyle Sipkens | President | Founder of INCIRQUE and creator of Lucky Barber Show

Tina Myer | Past President | Business Development Manager, Niagara Grape & Wine

Hayley Berlin | Director, Investment and Development Office Ministry

Dr. Luke R. Potwarka | Associate Professor Founder & Director, S.E.A.T. Lab. Faculty of Health Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, University of Waterloo

Bonnie Ruddock | Executive Director RTO9 Southeastern Ontario

Steve | Manager, Special Events | Economic Development | City of Kitchener

Tracie Wallis | Coordinator for Events & Pemits at The Niagara Parks Commission

LANDON LOGIE | VICE PRESIDENT, Suppliers | FOUNDER, Landon Logie Events

Ian Thompson | Treasurer | General Manager of the Caledonia Fair & Secretary-Treasurer of District 6 of the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies

Rob Marois | Sponsorship & Donation Coordinator, Stewart Park Festival

Louise Jackson | Louise Jackson Media, Aim High Go Higher

Haney Mikhael | Founder & CEO Rescounts

Dave MacNeil | Ex-Officio Board Member Chief Executive Officer Festivals and Events Ontario

Marnie Lapierre | Vice President, Festivals | Owner & Consultant, Northern Events and Tourism Consulting

Peter McClusky | Secretary| Founder, Toronto Garlic Festival

Dan Di Ruscio | Manager, Cultural Services at City of Richmond Hill

Victoria Mahoney | Head of Marketing & Partnerships Harmony Marketing

Kathleen Douglas | Zonta Club of Brampton-Caledon, President-Elect, Advocacy Chair. A Proud leader in Zonta International.

FEO TEAM

FEO TEAM

RESPONSIBILITY

FEO proudly represents Ontario's diverse landscape, enriching the lives of others by promoting a balanced, healthy exploration of its historically and naturally rich assets.

For more than thirty years, FEO has worked tirelessly to serve the needs of the entire festivals and events community, while curating a welcoming and inclusive environment and delivering membership benefits that stimulate and grow the overall industry. Through recognizing and emphasizing the diverse cultures and communities that span the beautiful provincial landscape, FEO leads and inspires domestic and international residents and visitors alike to safely explore the magnificent heritage, culture, and destinations that call Ontario home.

Representing an industry designed to connect and bring one another together, FEO is committed to promoting a culture of safety and wellbeing, transparency, openness and inclusivity to all. Through continuous educational opportunities, an extensive support network and ongoing opportunities to maintain open dialogue amongst industry leaders, FEO is committed to breaking down barriers and coming together as one.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS
As individuals begin to feel more secure, adventuring out and exploring various festivals and events, the safety and security of all remains paramount. Always check directly with event hosts and current local guidelines for the most up to date protocols.

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INCLUSIVITY & DIVERSITY
Encouraging safe and welcoming places for people of all backgrounds, beliefs, genders, and race to gather, celebrate history, and culture, together, we share the best of what everyone has to offer one another.

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CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Focused on creating greater efficiencies, producing less waste, and pushing for innovation geared to a more sustainable and futureforward footprint, more businesses and municipalities are shifting towards circular models.

AWARDS

FEO is honoured
and humbled to
be recognized by
industry leaders in
Ontario and beyond.

Festivals and Events Ontario is committed to promoting and growing the festival and event industry. Awarded a Pinnacle Award by the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA), the FEO Guide has been a renowned source designed inspire readers to explore Ontario’s vast landscape of historical, diverse, and naturally inspired arts and culture scene.

Delivering a strong digital presence through community collaboration, FEO has been recognized by Online Revealed Canada for Best User Generated Content Online and continues to deliver industry-valuable content through several channels, such as Tuesday Talks weekly podcast.

The FEO team has been recognized for executing its mission with great passion and dedication, including Debbie Mann, Business Development Manager, being recognized as an Employee of the Year Finalist by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC).

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Best Miscellaneous
Printed Materials
2015/2016 FEO Guide
International Festivals & Events
Association (IFEA) Pinnacle Award
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Best User Generated
Content Online
Online Content
Online Revealed Canada
Canadian e-Tourism Award
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Employee of the Year
Finalist
Debbie Mann
Tourism Industry Association of Canada
(TIAC) Canadian Tourism Award

#FEOntario

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Festival & Events Ontario

PHONE: (519) 742-2226, FAX: (519) 742-206
155-50 Ottawa Street S. Kitchener, ON N2G 3S7

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