“HTA invests in dozens of festivals and events statewide and believes there is great value in providing organizations with this special training and educational program to further enrich the visitor experience and foster economic benefits for Hawaii’s communities. Participants will enhance the implementation of their events, gain new knowledge in management, marketing and operations, learn new ways to increase revenue, and can utilize the certification to attract potential sponsors,” said Caroline Anderson, HTA tourism brand manager, commenting on the upcoming series of training classes for event organizers.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) is encouraging organizers of festivals and events in the Hawaiian islands to enroll in a sponsored professional development program presented by the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) at a drastically-discounted rate.

Presented in partnership with IFEA and the County of Maui, the program’s curriculum will be offered in two phases on Oahu and Maui during February and April. Participants successfully completing both phases will earn a certificate of completion, and be on their way to earning the recognition of being a Certified Festival & Event Executive (CFEE).

“HTA is sponsoring this educational and certification program as a service to festival and event organizers in support of the important responsibility they have in sharing Hawaii’s culture and community traditions with residents and visitors,” said Caroline Anderson, HTA tourism brand manager.

Following are the schedules for the Oahu and Maui CFEE educational classes and course curriculum. Participants will receive certificates of achievement following completion of each course. This is the only IFEA CFEE certification program being sponsored by HTA and the County of Maui in 2018.

Oahu Schedule
Phase 1: Hawaii Convention Center, Honolulu
Monday, February 5: Project Management
Tuesday, February 6: Non-Sponsorship Revenue Programs
Wednesday, February 7: Sponsorship and Sponsorship Service

Phase 2: Hawaii Convention Center, Honolulu
Monday, April 9: Administration and Management
Tuesday, April 10: Marketing and Media Relations
Wednesday, April 11: Operations and Risk Management

Maui Schedule
Phase 1: Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Kahului
Wednesday, February 7: Project Management
Thursday, February 8: Non-Sponsorship Revenue Programs
Friday, February 9: Sponsorship and Sponsorship Service

Phase 2: Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Kahului
Wednesday, April 11: Administration and Management
Thursday, April 12: Marketing and Media Relations
Friday, April 13: Operations and Risk Management

With sponsorship support being provided for the professional development and certification program, the cost to attend the two phases of CFEE educational classes is $200.

The total CFEE program fee to participate has been discounted to $425, which is less than a fourth of the normal cost. This includes the $200 enrollment fee along with an additional $225 for IFEA annual membership, which is a requirement to receive the CFEE certification.

For more information about IFEA’s CFEE program and to register online click here.

The deadline to register is Friday, January 26.