Festivals & Events Ontario (FEO) was established in 1987 as an association devoted to the growth and stability of the festival and event industry in Ontario. FEO supports a lively, engaged and dedicated festival and events industry by sharing knowledge, enabling networking and providing leadership on education, advocacy and promotion. If you would like to become a member of Festivals and Events Ontario, click here http://www.festivalsandeventsontario.ca/members/join-feo or you can email Debb ...
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FEO On The Air Podcasts

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Episode 86 - FEO on the Air - Festivals Helping Festivals - Culinary Tourism
1:22:00
1:22:00
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1:22:00In this episode of FEO on the Air - Festivals Helping Festivals SOS(Share Our Stories) - guest hosted by Dave MacNeil, we are joined by the Culinary Tourism Alliance and the Regional Services of the Ministry of Tourism Culture .Today's conversation is called “Destination Delicious: Exploring Food Festivals & Culinary Tourism”Here are some important…
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Episode 85 - FEO on the Air - Supplier Spotlight - Kyle and Jake of INCIRQUE
51:25
51:25
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51:25In this episode of FEO on the Air - Supplier Spotlight - hosted by FEO Marketing and Communications Manager Jay Nijhuis, we are joined by Kyle Sipkens and Jake Rice from INCIRQUE.Today's conversation is about how Buskers can be utilized for more than Entertaining, the benefits of FEO membership for suppliers and performer expectations for festival …
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Episode 84 - FEO on the Air - MasterClass - Emily Tell of IdeaTilt Inc.
1:00:48
1:00:48
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1:00:48In this episode of FEO on the Air - Masterclass - guest hosted by FEO's Debbie Mann, we are joined by Emily Tell, CEO, Founder of IdeaTilt Inc.Today's conversation is about AI tools to supercharge Festivals and Events marketing and more! AI is a perfect addition to any toolkit for all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes for fantastic Festi…
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Episode 83 - FEO on the Air - Experience Ontario - Luisa Sorrentino
34:48
34:48
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34:48In this episode of FEO on the Air-Experience Ontario- hosted by Dave MacNeil, we are joined by Luisa Sorrentino from RTO 11, Robin Tait from The Rockhound Gemboree, Angelica Ingram from Hike Haliburton Festival and Troy Young from Attractions Ontario as we "experience" Ontario's Highlands.Today we Experience the Ontario Highlands Region of the Prov…
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Episode 82 - FEO on the Air - Festivals Helping Festivals - Esther Azubegu
55:26
55:26
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55:26In this episode of FEO on the Air - Festivals Helping Festivals SOS(Share Our Stories) - hosted by Marnie Lapierre we are joined by volunteer Esther Azubegu .Today's conversation is about “From First Shift to Festival Pro: Volunteering Stories Across Generations”By Festivals and Events Ontario
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Episode 81 - FEO on the AIr- Supplier Spotlight - Prevail Activations
45:14
45:14
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45:14In this episode of FEO on the Air - Supplier Spotlight - guest hosted by Debbie Mann, we are joined by Matt Sobhy from Prevail Activations in London.With over 10 years of experience in the events industry, Prevail Activations offers clients the ability to elevate their events with a fun and interactive product line while our team of event enthusias…
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Episode 80 - FEO on the Air - Experience Ontario - Experience the South West
39:35
39:35
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39:35In this episode of FEO on the Air-Experience Ontario- hosted by Dave MacNeil, we are joined by Darren Winger from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Troy Young from Attractions Ontario and Joanne Wolnik from Southwest Ontario Tourism Corporation as we "experience" the South Western Region of the Province.Today we Experience the South West …
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Episode 79 - FEO on the Air - Festivals Helping Festivals - Pat Silver -SING! Toronto
1:00:56
1:00:56
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1:00:56In this episode of FEO on the Air - Festivals Helping Festivals SOS(Share Our Stories) - hosted by Marnie Lapierre we are joined by Pat Silver from SING! The Toronto International Vocal Arts FestivalToday's conversation is about the growth and history of the SING! Toronto festival.Here are some important links for you:SING! Toronto Official website…
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Episode 78-FEO on the Air - Supplier Spotlight - Laurie Schell of Bingemans
37:18
37:18
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37:18In this episode of FEO on the Air - Supplier Spotlight - hosted by FEO Marketing and Communications Manager Jay Nijhuis, we are joined by Laurie Schell from Bingemans in Kitchener.Today's conversation is about the Ins and Outs of Venue Rentals. Laurie shares her vast wealth of knowledge and expertise in the venue rental business leaning on 37 years…
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Episode 77 - FEO on the Air - Masterclass - Henrique Reis
50:02
50:02
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50:02In this episode of FEO on the Air - Masterclass - hosted by FEO CEO Dave MacNeil, we are joined by Henrique Reis from Reis Informatica.Today's conversation is about the importance of Keeping Your Business Safe in 2025: A Simple Approach That Works for I.T and Database Security.Here are some important links for you:Reis Informatica Official websiteh…
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Episode 76 - FEO on the Air -Experience Ontario - Experience the North
34:50
34:50
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34:50In this episode of FEO on the Air-Experience Ontario- hosted by Dave MacNeil, we are joined by David MacClachlan from Destination Northern Ontario, Troy Young from Attractions Ontario and Marnie Lapierre from Northern Events and Tourism Consulting.Today we Experience the Northern Region of the Province of Ontario. We talk about 3 festivals or event…
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Episode 75 - FEO on the Air Festivals Helping Festivals SOS with K-W Oktoberfest
39:01
39:01
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39:01In this episode of FEO on the Air-Festivals Helping Festivals SOS (Share Our Stories)- hosted by Marnie Lapierre, we are joined by Tracy Van Kalsbeek from Kitchener Waterloo Oktoberfest.Kitchener Waterloo Oktoberfest is entering it's 57th year of operation and over the years, many changes have been made to keep the festival relevant and to cater to…
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Episode 74-FEO on the Air Supplier Spotlight with NorthStar Fireworks Entertainment Inc.
48:51
48:51
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48:51In this episode of FEO on the Air-Supplier Spotlight- hosted by FEO Marketing and Communications Manager Jay Nijhuis, we are joined by Patrice Guy and Dustin Hadley from NorthStar Fireworks Entertainment Inc.With the May 2-4 weekend and Canada Day rapidly approaching, as well as, the US Tariffs stirring up a swell of Canadian Pride, it is more impo…
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Episode 73-FEO on the Air Masterclass with Darren Winger from the MTCG.
53:21
53:21
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53:21In this episode of FEO on the Air-Masterclass- hosted by FEO CEO Dave MacNeil, we are joined by Darren Winger from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming along with a panel of special guests including Kelly O'Rourke from the Town of Amherstburg, Mark Perrin from PM Entertainment, Pam Mulholland from Tourism Hamilton and Kristyn Gelfand of Uma …
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Episode 72 - Richard Anderson - Smart Serve Ontario & Hassel Aviles - Not 9-5
17:41
17:41
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17:41In this episode of FEO on the Air we are joined by Richard Anderson from Smart Serve Ontario and Hassel Aviles Executive Director of Not 9-5 to talk about the exciting new initiative that was launched on May 9, 2024.Smart Serve Cares launched a Workplace Mental Health portal in partnership with Not 9-5 and Greenshield Health specifically targeting …
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Episode 71 - Scott Palko - Revelree Music Festival
19:55
19:55
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19:55In this episode of FEO on the Air we are joined by Scott Palko, Festival Director of the Revelree Music Festival. The 2023 event takes place July 21 & 22 at Canatara Park in Sarnia. Scott talks to us about this years event, the challenges he and her team faced, and changes to the event because of the COVID-19 Pandemic.The Revelree Music Festival ha…
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Episode70 - Jeanetty Jumah - Thunder Bay Folklore Festival
25:09
25:09
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25:09In this episode of FEO on the Air we are joined by Jeanetty Jumah, Folklore Festival Coordinator and President of the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association. The 2023 event was the 50th annual and took place (May 6-7, 2023))and Jeanetty talks to us us all about this years event, the challenges she and her team faced, and changes to the event because…
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Episiode 69 - Chelsey Lokstet - Thunder Bay Busker Festival
19:39
19:39
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19:39In this episode of FEO on the Air we are joined by Chelsey Lokstet, Event Coordinator for the Thunder Bay Busker Festival. The 2023 event is coming (July 29-30, 2023))and Chelsey takes time out of her busy schedule to tell us all about this years event, the challenges she and her team face, and changes to the event because of the COVID-19 Pandemic.…
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Episode 68 - Kathleen Douglass - Carabram Festival
16:44
16:44
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16:44In this episode of FEO on the Air we are joined by Kathleen Douglass, Board Advisor for the Carabram Multicultural Festival in Brampton. The 2023 event is coming up fast (July 7-9, 2023))and Kathleen takes time out of her busy schedule to tell us all about this years event, the challenges she and her team face, and changes to the event because of t…
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Episode 67 - Tracy Murray - Gran Fondo Lake Huron
25:25
25:25
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25:25In this episode of FEO on the Air we are joined by Tracy Murray from the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation to talk about the Gran Fondo Lake Huron presented by Bruce Power & Suppliers. The 2023 event is coming up fast (Sunday, August 20))and Tracy takes time out of her busy schedule to tell us all about this years event, the challenges she and h…
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Episode 66 - Myles Rusak - CEO - Sound of Music
37:05
37:05
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37:05In this episode of FEO on the Air we are joined by Myles Rusak the CEO of Sound of Music Festival in Burlington. The 2023 Festival is just 3 weeks away (June 15-18)and Myles takes time out of his busy schedule to tell us all about this years event, the challenges he and his team face, struggles with Government funding and the slow climb back from 2…
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Episode 65 - Rob Gray - Creative Club Global
15:53
15:53
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15:53In this episode of FEO on the Air we are joined by Rob Gray from Creative Club Global. For those who attended the FEO Conference in Richmond Hill, you will remember that Rob was the Hospitality Suite sponsor and built the lounge furniture and bar area out of Lego Blocks.Creative Club is an educational organization committed to making learning come …
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Episode 64 - Naomi Campbell - Luminato Festival
18:51
18:51
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18:51In this episode of FEO on the Air we are joined by Naomi Campbell who is the Artistic Director of the Luminato Festival in Toronto.Luminato Festival Toronto is an international arts festival dedicated to performance, media and visual arts, and programming that cuts across traditional artform boundaries. Luminato works closely with Canadian artists …
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Episode 63 - David D'Cruz - Spotlight AV Industries (SAVI)
11:38
11:38
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11:38In this episode of FEO on the Air we are joined by David D'Cruz who is the President of Spotlight AV Industries (SAVI).SAVI provides clients with audio and video production services and rental solutions in and around Toronto. Putting your event in the spotlight is their goal. They accomplish this by helping you design a unique, one of a kind event.…
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In this episode of FEO on the Air we are joined by Matt Sobhy who is the Sales Director for XEvents.This is the first time we've spoken with Matt since he and his team set up the amazing experiences for our FEO Awards Gala evening in Richmond Hill. XEvents also created the look and feel for the Awards Gala the year before at our conference in the L…
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Episode 61 - Tala Kassar - Digiteau AVX Event Solutions Ltd.
12:35
12:35
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12:35In this episode of FEO on the Air we are joined by Tala Kassar who is the VP of Business Development for Digiteau AVX Event Solutions Ltd.This is the first time we've spoken with Tala since she presented at our annual conference this past February in Richmond Hill and since Digiteau provided all of the digital display screens set up all around the …
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In this episode of FEO on the Air we are joined by Adam Key from Impact Canopies Canada.This is the first time we've spoken with Adam since he hosted an information booth in the Marketplace at our annual conference this past February in Richmond Hill. Impact Canopy has been a long time supporter and member of FEO.Adam and Dave chat about the contin…
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Episode 59 - Judy Haber - Performance Sponsorship Group
10:49
10:49
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10:49In this episode of FEO on the Air we are joined by Judy Haber from Performance Sponsorship Group. This is the first time we've spoken with Judy since her highly rated presentations at our annual conference this past February in Richmond Hill. We get caught up on what has been happening in her world of corporate sponsorship since the pandemic hit, a…
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Episode 58 - Lisa LaVecchia - President and CEO of Destination Ontario
14:05
14:05
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14:05In this episode of FEO on the Air we are joined by Lisa LaVecchia, President and CEO of Destination Ontario.Lisa speaks about the plan moving forward for when the Province does eventually re-open for business and tourism. The health and safety of all Ontarian's continues to be the number one priority for Destination Ontario, and they have created a…
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Episode 57 - Hon. Lisa MacLeod, Ontario Minister and Beth Potter, President and CEO of TIAO
27:28
27:28
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27:28In this episode of FEO on the Air we are joined by the Hon. Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries and Beth Potter, President and CEO of TIAO.Minister MacLeod speaks about the Provincial response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the plans moving forward with Government assistance for festival and event organizers in n…
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Episode 56 - Minto Schneider - Explore Waterloo Region
24:22
24:22
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24:22By Festivals and Events Ontario
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Episode 55 - Jeff Clarmo - Northstar Fireworks
14:48
14:48
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14:48By Festivals and Events Ontario
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Episode 54 - Paul Samson - Celebrate Ontario
35:40
35:40
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35:40By Festivals and Events Ontario
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Episode 53 - Jason Shim - Pathways to Education Canada
23:25
23:25
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23:25In this episode of FEO on the Air we are joined by Jason Shim from Pathways to Education Canada.Jason and Dave discuss the mission statement of Pathways to Education Canada which is to "make Canada a country where all youth have an equal opportunity to graduate from high school and build the foundation for their future success". He talks about his …
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Episode 52 - Marie Zimmerman - Hillside Community Festival
21:17
21:17
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21:17In this episode of FEO on the Air we are joined by Marie Zimmerman from the Hillside Community Festival in Guelph.Marie and Dave discuss the fact that Hillside Festival was declared carbon Neutral this past September and what it takes for a festival or event to achieve that incredible status. They also spent some time talking about her session "Goi…
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Episode 51 - Andrea Johnston & Katie Pergau - Centre for Applied Human Dynamics
23:45
23:45
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23:45In this episode of FEO on the Air we are joined by Andrea Johnston and Katie Pergau from the Centre for Applied Human DynamicsThe ladies and Dave discuss the importance of volunteers to the festival and event industry and the need to ensure each volunteer is assigned tasks that best represent their interests. This makes for happy volunteers that re…
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Episode 50 - Landon Logie - Culinary Tourism Alliance
23:57
23:57
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23:57In this episode of FEO on the Air we are joined by Landon Logie from the Culinary Tourism AllianceLandon and Dave discuss the mission statement of the Culinary Tourism Alliance and how they can help plan culinary events for Festivals and Events in Ontario. They also chat about the upcoming Full Day educational session that Landon will be hosting at…
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Episode 49 - Patti Jannetta & John-Michael Erlendson- SING! The Toronto Vocal Arts Festival
24:15
24:15
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24:15In this episode of FEO on the Air we are joined by Patti Jannetta and John-Michael Erlendson from SING! The Toronto Vocal Arts Festival.Patti, J-M and Dave discuss the history of SING!, what makes the Accapella festival so unique, how they scout talent and how, through Innovation, they keep the festival vibrant and relevant year after year. They al…
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Episode 48 - Richard Anderson - Smart Serve Ontario
30:26
30:26
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30:26In this edition of FEO on the Air, we are joined by Executive Director of Smart Serve Ontario, Richard Anderson to discuss the relaunch of the updated training module on their website as of October 11, 2019.Richard talks about reducing your risk as it relates to selling alcohol at a Festival or Event. Cannabis regulations are also discussed as we p…
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Episode 47 - Judy Haber - Performance Sponsorship Group
22:41
22:41
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22:41In this episode of FEO on the Air we are joined by Judy Haber from Performance Sponsorship Group. Judy Haber was a highly rated speaker at our 2019 conference, and we have arranged for Judy to come back for our 2020 Conference in Richmond Hill. Judy will be conducting a full-day session on Tuesday, February 25 dealing exclusively with Sponsorship. …
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Episode 46 - Kevin Forget - Media Relations Destination Ontario
24:31
24:31
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24:31In this episode of FEO on the Air we are joined by Kevin Forget, Manager of Media Relations for Destination Ontario. At Destination Ontario, the consumer’s overall perception of Ontario as a place to invest their time and money while travelling is the number 1 priority. Kevin works with Festivals and Events in the Province to teach them how to cult…
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Episode 45 - Victoria Syme - Manager, Marketing and Communications at Harmony Marketing
34:50
34:50
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34:50In this episode of FEO on the Air we are joined by Victoria Syme, Manager of Marketing and Communications for Harmony Marketing in Toronto. Harmony Marketing specializes in Experiential Sponsorships for Festivals and Events on the Toronto Waterfront, including the huge Redpath Festival.Victoria will be one of the speakers at our upcoming FEO "INNOV…
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Episode 44 - Kevin Jones speaker at FEO Safety First Master Class in Hamilton on October 10, 2019
25:59
25:59
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25:59Festivals and Events Ontario along with Tourism Hamilton present a Safety First Master Class on Thursday, October 10, 2019.One of the speakers at this Master Class will be Kevin Jones from Odyssey Medical (www.odysseymedical.ca) to discuss how his company partners with local Emergency Medical Services to ensure your Festival or Event is covered in …
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Episode 43 - Janet Sellery speaker at FEO Safety First Master Class in Hamilton on October 10, 2019.
28:14
28:14
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28:14Festivals and Events Ontario along with Tourism Hamilton present a Safety First Master Class on Thursday, October 10, 2019.One of the speakers at this Master Class will be Janet Sellery from Sellery Health + Safety (www.selleryhealthandsafety.com) to discuss the need for a comprehensive Health and Safety plan for every Festival or Event no matter t…
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Episode 42 - Megan Henderson from The Growth Op
44:16
44:16
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44:16Last February, the most attended session at our Conference was the Cannabis round table discussion. Festival and Event organizers were desperate to get updates on the new laws and how they would effect them. Megan Henderson, Executive Producer of The Growth Op, was one of the speakers at that session and we thought it was important to speak with he…
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Episode 41 - Richard Anderson from Smart Serve Ontario
34:50
34:50
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34:50In this edition of FEO on the Air we are joined by Executive Director of Smart Serve Ontario, Richard Anderson to discuss the long list of new alcohol regulations introduced by the Provincial Government this past May 6th.Richard talks about the new alcohol related rules and regulations that Festivals and Events need to be aware of, SOP changes, fen…
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Episode 40 - Joe Czerwinski from Insuranceland
28:59
28:59
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28:59It's time for another Supplier Spotlight on this edition of FEO on the Air. Joe Czerwinski from Insuranceland joins us for an interesting conversation about why he's a a FEO member, different variables involved in determining rates, new trends in the Insurance industry and the growing popularity of Cyber Attack coverage.Insuranceland also offers ou…
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Episode 39 - Tim Progosh from WTF Festival in Sault Ste. Marie
21:33
21:33
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21:33In this episode of FEO on the Air we are joined by Tim Progosh from the WTF Festival in Sault Ste. Marie happening THIS weekend June 6-9. Tim talks about the challenges that a second year festival faces and shares the experience of putting together a festival NOT knowing whether or not it will be receiving the funding grant requested from the Ontar…
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Episode 38 - Georgina Country Fest 2019 organizer Forrest Jones
24:33
24:33
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24:33In this episode of FEO on the Air we are joined by Forrest Jones one of the organizers of Georgina Country Fest 2019. Forrest talks about all of the fun family activities planned for this one day event on Saturday July 27 up near Keswick, Ontario.. He also gives a great run down of the 9 incredible country acts they have lined up on stage for the e…
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Episode 37 - Meet the 2019 FEO Board and Executive
37:37
37:37
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37:37In this episode of FEO on the Air we introduce our new Executive and several Board Members to our FEO Membership. It's an opportunity to learn more about who they are, where they come from and what experience and knowledge they bring to their position.To see a complete list of our 2019 Board of Directors with photos, please click here https://www.f…
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