Jonathan Baden
Director of Production, AEG/Panorama

Jonathan has been in the world of live music production since 2001. In 2012, he was named AEG Live Director of Production for the Northeast and works with different venues all across the world - from professional sports stadiums to festival grounds, from theaters to arenas as well as live event productions for certain feature films. A few of the tours and festivals Jonathan has produced include events with Miley Cyrus, Denis Leary, All Points West, Coachella, Stagecoach, Paul McCartney, Justin Bieber and Panorama.

Meira Blaustein
Co-Founder / Executive Director, WOODSTOCK FILM FESTIVAL

Meira Blaustein is the Co-founder / Executive Director / Programmer of the Woodstock Film Festival (WFF). Launched in 2000, WFF is one of the most respected and influential regional film festivals in the USA. Blaustein also co-founded and developed the Cabo International Film Festival in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, now the Baja International Film Festival. In 2014 Blaustein consulted and mentored the emerging film community at the Faroe Islands, and served as Head Consultant for the first annual Bhutan International Film Festival, set in the Himalayan country of Bhutan. Blaustein has over twenty years of experience in filmmaking, writing, producing and directing numerous projects. As a writer Blaustein has covered film, film festivals and related events for daily and monthly publications including Indiewire, Poughkeepsie Journal and i-D Magazine.

C R Capers
Founder, Hip Hop Film Festival

C R Capers (aka Cha-Boogie) is the Founder and CEO of Revolution Media – a “new media” company that leverages social media and large scale events to change the narrative. Called a "new media socialite”, she is the founder and CEO of the award winning Hip Hop Film Festival, named “BEST OF THE FESTS” for 2016. Her popular radio show and podcast “Why You Mad Son?” has over 4 million listeners worldwide. She has also directed and produced three films and two shorts through her film company MBS Films.

Andrea Helfrich
Host, Producer

As the on camera host for the biggest electronic music festival in the world, Andrea Helfrich guides millions of viewers through the live stream of ULTRA. Featuring the biggest DJs and live acts in 22 countries, she is your backstage pass to these electrifying concerts. Andrea has interviewed hundreds of artists and producers. She's welcomed guests as the host and producer of the popular YouTube series ‘Epic EDM.’ She works side by side with legendary prodcuer, Tiesto as the host of a docu-reality series on the Fuse network, ‘In the Booth.’

John Trumble
Managing Director, NYCWFF

As Managing Director for the NYCWFF, John is responsible for the strategic development, day-to-day operations and revenue goals for the festival with all net proceeds benefiting No Kid Hungry and Food Bank For New York City. Prior to this, John recruited and led an events team at Gilt City in planning and executing an overall national strategy for large and small-scale events in the biggest markets in the country. Originally from Colorado, John spent 10 years cutting his teeth producing live TV events for the Entertainment Group at Viacom Media Networks.

This year again Hotels for Hope continues to provide discounted rooms in NYC. Click below to book a hotel.

Book NYC Hotel

Our series of recorded sessions from FestForums Santa Barbara 2016 continues with a conversation with Rita Coolidge. Click below to watch.

20/20: Delta Lady

Rita Coolidge (recording artist)
Interviewed by Laurie Kirby (FestForums Co-President)

FestForums® will be at the following festivals and conferences. To book a meeting contact Stuart at Stu@FestForums.com or call 401-835-8813.

SXSW March 12-16, 2017
Laurie will moderate a panel on cannabis at festivals on March 15th.

Cannabis in the Event World:

Marijuana growing, selling and distribution has quickly proven to be a multi-billion dollar industry with a bright future. With nine states allowing adult use cannabis consumption how will partnerships between cannabis brands and events evolve?

What will this mean for festivals and live events in terms of sponsorship and programming (i.e. food festivals incorporating demos of cooking with pot, and named music festival stages i.e. The Leafly Stage)? How will permitting, transfer of funds, current legal restrictions, and distribution onsite be handled? Let the experts guide you through this new untested industry.

Primary Access: Platinum Badge, Music Badge
Secondary Access: Interactive Badge, Film Badge, Artist Wristband
Track: Music Industry

FestForums NYC Registration Is Now Open

NYC Passes

FestForums® NYC & Santa Barbara are diverse, interactive conferences and networking events for music, film, and food + beverage festival organizers. Addressing cutting-edge technology, talent, ticketing, scheduling, merchandising, operations, sustainability, charitable work, innovation, and safety, FestForums® brings together festivals and events from around the world of all sizes for lively collaboration, camaraderie, and professional development.

FestForums® Santa Barbara culminates with "Best of the Fests," an annual festival award ceremony recognizing North America’s leading festivals.

06.03.2017 | Fest Forums's blog

Cat. : PEOPLE

FestForums NYC Panelists Spotlight

20/20: Delta Lady

FestForums NYC Registration Is Now Open