Explore how festivals and events can honor beloved traditions while creating fresh, engaging experiences for today’s audiences. This session will share practical strategies for evolving programs, blending nostalgia with innovation, and keeping longtime attendees engaged while attracting new audiences.
Attendees of the session will:
- Learn how to recognize and honor cherished traditions by identifying the programs, experiences, and community connections that have become meaningful to a festival.
- Identify ways to preserve traditions while engaging new audiences by adapting familiar experiences and presenting them in fresh, accessible, and relevant way.
- Develop strategies for introducing new programs to established audiences by building excitement, communicating the value of change, and creating opportunities for longtime attendees to embrace new experiences.
Dianna Lawrence is the Superintendent of Community Events with the City of Richardson, Texas, where she leads a team producing five major events, including the Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival. With more than 20 years of event management experience, Dianna combines her passion for music and the arts with expertise in strategic planning, programming, marketing, entertainment and sponsorships.