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Benefits & Services

Get an even greater value for your TFEA/IFEA membership investment by taking advantage of these local services and programs offered exclusively by TFEA.

Professional Development

TFEA places a premium on the exchange of ideas and offers several exciting programs to help events, and the professionals who manage them, continue their professional training and growth.

  • TFEA Annual Conference and Trade Show
  • Behind the Scenes Tours at Member Events
  • Certified Festival & Event Associate (CFEA) The Certified Festival & Event Associate (CFEA) program is built upon a required course / training curriculum, presented by many of the top global professionals in our field today. It is ideal for anyone looking for a well-rounded understanding of the festival and event management field, with a desire to elevate their game and strengthen their resumes (paid professionals and volunteers; new professionals and students; sponsors, suppliers, government / municipality representatives, and other industry stakeholders). The CFEA course of studies is also a required and important component for reaching the Certified Festivals & Events Executive (CFEE) level of professional recognition.

    Program Requirements

    • Educational Curriculum (Required for both CFEA and CFEE recognition)
    • Membership
    Applicants must successfully complete one of the following. A combining of the programs is not acceptable and applicants should pick the program that best suits their professional goals.
    • IFEA Certification Training - Six (6) one day, in-depth, educational / training seminars (a total of 40+ hours of training) centered on the following topics:
    • IFEA Event Management School – An intensive two-year (one week per year) program, presented at the Oglebay National Training Center in West Virginia (United States) each January. The Event Management School provides 64+ hours of education and applied project experience covering a thorough overview of festival and event management from feasibility studies to final evaluations and everything in-between. The IFEA Event Management School is presented in partnership with the National Recreation & Parks Association (NRPA) and offers a unique opportunity for those attending to build a powerful, professional network as their ‘class’ lives, learns and works together on-site at the Oglebay Resort.
    • Texas Festivals & Events Executive (TFEE) Program – Offered through the Texas Festivals & Events Association (TFEA) this broad-based program includes 40+ hours of educational / training seminars, covering a through overview of topical areas critical to success in the festivals and events field, together with the creation of a professional business plan for a new or existing event. The TFEE program is designed to allow participants to work at their own pace and courses are offered at the annual TFEA Conference each July, as well as selected TFEA regional workshops.
    • Sponsorship & Sponsorship Service
    • Administration & Management
    • Project Management
    • Marketing & Mediums
    • Operations & Risk Management
    • Non-Sponsorship Revenue Programs
    All of the above courses have been created and are presented within a set course curriculum developed by The IFEA Academy of Event Education and delivered by IFEA approved industry professionals with direct, first-hand experience in each topical area. Courses are geared to global regional realities as much as possible, to ensure the relevance of each class to those attending. Participants will be given certificates of achievement at the end of each course as proof of completion. Attendance at all courses is required to obtain CFEA / CFEE recognition, but courses may be taken independently as desired. Courses are offered in groups of three rotating topics annually leading into the IFEA Annual Convention & Expo (usually in September in North America), and may also be presented (singularly, as a whole, or in other determined groupings) in our seven global regions by our IFEA Global Affiliates, approved state / regional chapters, government organizations, festival umbrella organizations, tourism agencies or other industry stakeholders. An official IFEA designated representative must be present at all educational / training programs. All Event Management School courses are developed and presented within a set course curriculum created by The IFEA Academy of Event Education and are delivered by IFEA approved industry professionals with direct, first-hand experience in each topical area. All Texas Festivals & Events Executive Program courses are developed and presented within a defined course curriculum created and approved by The IFEA Academy of Event Education and are delivered by IFEA / TFEA approved industry professionals with direct, first-hand experience in each topical area. All participating candidates are required to be a current IFEA member in good standing before receiving their CFEA certification designation. Those members fully completing any of the educational/training curriculums above will receive designation / recognition as a ‘Certified Festival & Event Associate (CFEA)’ and be eligible to continue working to complete the next level of certification as desired.

  • TFEA Mystery Shopper Program

Even the best events can benefit from a fresh perspective. TFEA’s Mystery Shopper program will assemble a team of professional colleagues to attend and experience an event as a customer and submit an evaluation and critique to help that event improve. There is no charge for this service other than reimbursement of the evaluator(s) travel expense. To request a Mystery Shopper please call the TFEA office at (830) 997-0741 at least 30 days prior to your event.

Communication

A primary strength of the TFEA is the communication channel we create among our members. Our communication program is designed to share information about emerging event planning trends, create revenue opportunities, and update our members on upcoming events and opportunities.

Recognition of Professional Excellence

TFEA strives to promote the professional standards and business practices of its members and continuously maintain its high code of conduct. The association prides itself on recognizing and rewarding cutting-edge ideas and the professionals who work in this exciting industry.
  • KALIFF Zenith Awards Each year TFEA honors the brightest and best in its annual Marketing Awards Contest. Entries from our members are judged by a panel of industry experts and awards are presented in over 50 categories.
  • TFEA Hall of Honor Award As TFEA’s highest honor, this award inducts those who have exceeded the expectation of those around them and shined brightly as an example of dedication, Integrity and professionalism.
  • Professional of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Vendor of the Year At the Annual Conference, three members are recognized for their tireless service and exemplary commitment to their events, clients and to our Association.

Strategic Partnerships

In addition to supporting our membership from within, the Texas Festivals and Events Association, represents its members by creating partnerships and channels of communication to external audiences.
  • Legislative Monitoring Working in partnership with its other association and travel industry partners, TFEA monitors any legislation that impacts the festivals and events industry. Members are kept abreast of potential legislative changes by email alerts.
  • Media Clearing House TFEA understands the value of positive media coverage of our member's events and strong communication about the value these events have on the economy of Texas. The TAF&E office serves as a clearing house for media calls, sharing leads with its members and providing requested data to qualified journalists.

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