Q: Event Operations Essentials: Logistics, Leadership & On-Site Success (3 hours)

Facilitated by Emma MacKenzie , this three-hour workshop equips event organizers with the skills and tools needed to run smooth, safe, and well-organized events. Designed for organizers of all experience levels, the session focuses on strengthening on-site systems, streamlining logistics, and leading confident volunteer teams. Participants will learn to: Plan effective site layouts, manage equipment, and ensure safety Recruit, onboard, and coordinate volunteers for maximum impact Lead with confidence and handle challenges on event day Prepare for emergencies and design accessible, safe events Coordinate vendors and stakeholders for seamless operations Through hands-on, scenario-based exercises , participants gain practical, immediately applicable strategies, along with editable templates and tools to ensure their events run successfully from start to finish.

Q: Festival & Events Marketing, Storytelling & Social Media Strategy (3 hours)

Hosted by Leah Deveau-McNeill and Julie Jones with VMG , this three-hour interactive workshop is designed for festival and event organizers of all experience levels who want to attract more attendees, engage their audience, and amplify their event’s impact. In today’s competitive events landscape, success goes beyond a strong lineup—it’s about telling your story, connecting with your audience, and leveraging marketing channels effectively. Participants will gain hands-on experience with tools, templates, and strategies to: Define target audiences and craft multi-channel marketing campaigns Create compelling stories that resonate with attendees before, during, and after your event Develop social media strategies that convert followers into participants Engage media and influencers to maximize coverage and buzz This session emphasizes practical, actionable learning, leaving organizers with ready-to-use templates, checklists, and strategies they can implement immediately to make their events memorable, impactful, and well-attended.

Q: Growing Strong: Sustainable Practices & Evaluating Event Impact (3 hours)

Strengthen your event’s long-term success in this three-hour workshop facilitated by Emma MacKenzie . Designed for organizers looking to enhance sustainability and measure impact, this session provides practical tools to track success, communicate value, and plan for multi-year growth. Participants will learn to: Measure success through KPIs, surveys, and economic impact data Report results effectively to funders, boards, and sponsors Integrate realistic sustainability practices tailored to PEI events Develop multi-year growth strategies and align resources with funding opportunities With hands-on exercises, templates, and ready-to-use tools, organizers will leave with a growth-focused roadmap to improve their events, attract support, and ensure lasting impact in their communities.

Question 1

Partnership Development & Funding Fundamentals  (All Day)

Accepted Answer

Hosted by Kim Doyle with Resonate XM, this full-day training is designed to equip event organizers with the skills, tools, and strategies needed to secure meaningful partnerships, navigate funding opportunities, and build sustainable revenue streams. Participants will learn how to identify aligned partners, craft compelling proposals, and steward relationships through high-impact servicing, all while adapting to an evolving funding landscape.

The workshop emphasizes practical, immediately applicable learning and encourages collaboration within PEI’s events community. By the end, organizers will be better prepared to support the growth, sustainability, and impact of festivals and events across the Island.

Key Learning Goals:

Build practical skills and confidence for event organizers
Provide tools, templates, and strategies that can be used right away
Strengthen collaboration within the events community
Support the long-term sustainability and growth of PEI festivals and events

Topics Covered:
Understanding Your Event & the Funding Landscape

Identifying your product and target market
Exploring PEI and broader funding ecosystems
Fundamentals of funding programs, proposals, and applications
Positioning your event to align with funding criteria
Budget development and metrics for success
Alignment with industry strategy, community impact, marketing, and reporting
Free online tools and AI to streamline your work

Sponsorship & Partnership Essentials

Defining property assets and offerings
Prospecting sponsors and partners
Pricing, valuation, and understanding sponsor needs
Developing effective proposals and negotiation strategies
Barter and in-kind value considerations
Fulfillment, servicing, and building long-term relationships

Question 2

Building Strong Events: Foundations, Strategy & Confident Planning (3 hours)

Accepted Answer

Strengthen the foundation of your festival or event in this three-hour interactive workshop led by Emma MacKenzie, Director of Operations at VMG. Designed for organizers of all experience levels, this session provides practical tools and strategies to plan events that are strategic, financially sound, and well-structured.

Participants will learn to:

Define event purpose, goals, and success indicators
Create realistic budgets and manage financial risks
Establish governance structures and decision-making processes
Plan for risks and contingencies
Integrate sustainable practices for long-term success

With hands-on exercises and ready-to-use templates, you’ll leave with the clarity, tools, and systems needed to build sustainable, organized, and future-ready events.

Question 3

Event Operations Essentials: Logistics, Leadership & On-Site Success (3 hours)

Accepted Answer

Facilitated by Emma MacKenzie, this three-hour workshop equips event organizers with the skills and tools needed to run smooth, safe, and well-organized events. Designed for organizers of all experience levels, the session focuses on strengthening on-site systems, streamlining logistics, and leading confident volunteer teams.

Participants will learn to:

Plan effective site layouts, manage equipment, and ensure safety
Recruit, onboard, and coordinate volunteers for maximum impact
Lead with confidence and handle challenges on event day
Prepare for emergencies and design accessible, safe events
Coordinate vendors and stakeholders for seamless operations

Through hands-on, scenario-based exercises, participants gain practical, immediately applicable strategies, along with editable templates and tools to ensure their events run successfully from start to finish.

Question 4

Festival & Events Marketing, Storytelling & Social Media Strategy (3 hours)

Accepted Answer

Hosted by Leah Deveau-McNeill and Julie Jones with VMG, this three-hour interactive workshop is designed for festival and event organizers of all experience levels who want to attract more attendees, engage their audience, and amplify their event’s impact.

In today’s competitive events landscape, success goes beyond a strong lineup—it’s about telling your story, connecting with your audience, and leveraging marketing channels effectively. Participants will gain hands-on experience with tools, templates, and strategies to:

Define target audiences and craft multi-channel marketing campaigns
Create compelling stories that resonate with attendees before, during, and after your event
Develop social media strategies that convert followers into participants
Engage media and influencers to maximize coverage and buzz

This session emphasizes practical, actionable learning, leaving organizers with ready-to-use templates, checklists, and strategies they can implement immediately to make their events memorable, impactful, and well-attended.

Question 5

Growing Strong: Sustainable Practices & Evaluating Event Impact (3 hours)

Accepted Answer

Strengthen your event’s long-term success in this three-hour workshop facilitated by Emma MacKenzie. Designed for organizers looking to enhance sustainability and measure impact, this session provides practical tools to track success, communicate value, and plan for multi-year growth.

Participants will learn to:

Measure success through KPIs, surveys, and economic impact data
Report results effectively to funders, boards, and sponsors
Integrate realistic sustainability practices tailored to PEI events
Develop multi-year growth strategies and align resources with funding opportunities

With hands-on exercises, templates, and ready-to-use tools, organizers will leave with a growth-focused roadmap to improve their events, attract support, and ensure lasting impact in their communities.

Festivals & Events Training Series