As Degy Entertainment continues to grow in the fair and festival space, I knew it was important to connect with the professionals driving live events here in Florida. Since our company is headquartered in Delray Beach, Florida it’s home turf for us. We have strong roots across the state and long-standing ties to many of its communities, so being part of a gathering that celebrates and advances the Florida festival and event industry felt especially meaningful.
Several colleagues and vendor friends recommended FFEA, and I quickly understood why. The energy was contagious. Attendees were not just there to network; they were eager to find new ways to excite their audiences and elevate their events. I was also thrilled to reconnect with current clients like the team at Visit Panama City Beach, who host the Beach Home for the Holidays event every Thanksgiving. Getting the chance to see their programming team in person reminded me how valuable these conferences are for strengthening relationships while also building new ones.
The conference began with booth set up and a “first timers” orientation that quickly turned into one of the most engaging networking experiences I have had, and I’ve had many! Within the first hour I was already connected with a group of newcomers, and those conversations continued throughout the week. The expo hall was alive with energy, creating countless opportunities to share what we do at Degy Entertainment and how our concert talent buying and entertainment booking services help organizations, colleges, and venues bring live performers to their events. Educational sessions throughout the week highlighted marketing strategies, event planning approaches, and the growing importance of data driven decision making. Peer to peer conversations gave me valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities shaping Florida’s entertainment and event industry today.
One of the best moments came when Morgan Joyce Hart, an indie folk and soul artist from the Degy roster, performed during lunch in the expo hall. Her music drew attendees in from every corner of the room, and watching the crowd connect with her performance was a powerful reminder of the value of live entertainment booking. The week concluded with Casino Night, a perfect nod to the License to Thrill theme and a fun way to wrap up three days of connecting, learning, and celebrating the power of live events.
Spending the week in Orlando at FFEA was both productive and inspiring. The professionals in the FFEA community are genuine, creative, and passionate about producing unforgettable festivals and events. I left with new friendships, fresh ideas, and a clear sense of how Degy can continue supporting the Florida festival and event community in meaningful ways. Expect to see me back in Florida this time next year!