Day 2 of FestForums 2025 was an exhilarating and inspiring experience, further cementing the event’s reputation as a pivotal gathering for festival organizers, producers, and industry leaders. The energy in the air was palpable as attendees dove into a packed schedule of workshops, panels, and networking opportunities that emphasized collaboration and innovation within the festival industry.
The morning sessions covered topics such as festival cancellation procedures, what it’s like to run a festival in its first year, and the success of artist-curated festivals. A welcome break arrived with a catered lunch and a chance to relax with rescue puppies from the local Paw Works shelter.
In the afternoon, workshops went into high gear with simultaneous discussions on maximizing ticketing platforms, risk management, and more. A particularly insightful session on “Legacy Festivals” featured anecdotes from the production of the New Orleans Jazz Festival and the Isle of Wight Festival.
That evening, the festivities moved to the Soho nightclub and restaurant in downtown Santa Barbara. FestForums presented an awards ceremony in the early evening, followed by a benefit concert organized to assist Californians displaced by the devastating fires in Los Angeles. Proceeds went directly toward providing relief and resources to those who have lost their homes and belongings.
The concert featured three distinctive music personalities, each playing a mini set of their biggest hits, backed by a band of veteran musicians. Sophie B. Hawkins opened the show with a spirited performance, beaming a wide smile as she belted out some of her Grammy-winning hits. She was followed by longtime local resident and singer-songwriter Alan Parsons, a regular participant in local charities and a major organizing force in Santa Barbara’s One805 concert to support first responders. The evening ended with a set of Steve Miller tunes performed by Miller’s longtime bandmate, Kenny Lee Lewis. The sold-out crowd reacted jubilantly to the hit-laden performances by all three singers and the exquisite backing band in one of Santa Barbara’s most treasured and intimate live music venues.
Day 3 of FestForums 2025 was nothing short of spectacular. It delivered a perfect blend of thought-provoking discussions, cutting-edge innovations, and unforgettable networking opportunities. As the final day of the conference, it left attendees buzzing with excitement and equipped with fresh ideas to transform the festival and event industry.
One of the day’s most timely sessions was the panel discussion on “The 10R’s of Sustainability.” A hands-on workshop led by top event experts showcased practical strategies for reducing waste, sourcing eco-friendly materials, and achieving carbon neutrality. Attendees left with actionable steps they could implement at their own events.
However, the day’s highlight was a closing panel honoring the godfather of indie music festivals, Kevin Lyman. As the creator of The Warped Tour—once the little festival that could, now one of the most sought-after tickets in 2025—Lyman shared inspiring insights on treating team members with respect and building lasting partnerships. He was joined by three of his former protégés, including Maureen Valker-Barlow. From her early days as an assistant on the Warped Tour to her current position as senior vice president at Insomniac Events, Valker-Barlow reflected on the inspirational and sometimes chaotic moments she experienced under Lyman’s mentorship.
Heather Rasmussen, who began her career as a summer production assistant to Lyman and eventually became Vice President of Creative at Redrock Entertainment, spoke about how working with Lyman shaped her approach to the industry. Finally, Shelleylyn Brandler, founder of TADA Catering—one of the largest catering companies for live events—shared her anecdotes from working with Lyman. Food became a humorous focal point during the discussion, with Lyman recalling the early Warped Tour days when there was barely any food on hand. In one instance, he had to suspend Sublime because lead singer Bradley Nowell was feeding the only cereal for the entire tour to his dog. Later, the bands started taking turns cooking for one another. Lyman stressed the importance of personal connections and treating everyone on the team with respect, echoing sentiments shared earlier by Shaun Tomson and Matthew Modine. The panel also pointed out that Lyman’s early decision to hire many qualified women was noteworthy in a male-dominated industry.
Day 3, which happened to fall on Valentine’s Day, ended with a Champagne and Chocolate get-together, allowing participants to network with the illustrious speakers and one another. It was a fitting conclusion to an extraordinary event—showcasing the latest trends and technologies, while underscoring the importance of collaboration, sustainability, and human connection in shaping the future of festivals. Attendees left inspired, energized, and ready to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of live events. Here’s to an even bigger and bolder FestForums 2026!
