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ShowFest 2025

Interested in serving on the ShowFest planning committee?
Please send us an e-mail! info@ncfestivals.com

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Save the date for ShowFest 2025!
Monday, Jan. 27 & Tuesday, Jan.28
Charlotte, NC

-Networking
-Educational Sessions
-Exhibit Hall
-Entertainment Showcase
-Awards Program
-Scholarship Auction
& MORE!

Festival & Event Planners: Click HERE to Register!

Supporting Members: Click HERE to Register!

Sponsorship Opportunities: Click Here

Hilton Charlotte University Place Hotel

Book your room for the 2025 conference HERE.

A special rate of $115 will be available until the room block sells out.

2024 ShowFest Conference Program

Conference Program

2024 ShowCase Entertainment

2024 Speakers & Panelists

Ira Rosen Mr. Ira L. Rosen is the President and CEO of Ira L Rosen, LLC, a consulting firm providing services to the worldwide festival and event industry. He is a highly regarded consultant with decades of global industry experience.

Brad Panovich Brad Panovich is a well-known and respected meteorologist who has been working for WCNC-TV in Charlotte since 2003. Brad is also a social media influencer with over 425,000 followers on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.

Cheryl Pigott President & Founder, BG Digital Group

Lillian Koontz Health Director for Davidson County, NC. Throughout her career she has placed high value on engagement and advancing the public health system through professional involvement and leadership. 2023 President of the NC Association of Local Health Directors.

Charlie Fuller Charlie Fuller currently serves as Vice President of Alcohol Management LLC. Charlie recently retired from the NC ABC Commission after 18 years of service. Charlie worked as an Information & Communication Specialist.

Erin Derry BG Digital Group

Theresa Mathis Director-North Carolina Whirligig Festival

Stephanie McIntyre Staircase Events and Sponsorship Management
Stephanie is an International Award Winning, Certified Event Planner with over 25 years of experience in the industry.

Julie Beck President, Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce
Chairperson, North Carolina Pickle Festival
President, North Carolina Festival & Events
Board Member, SouthEast Festival & Events
World Traveler-50 states, 89 countries, 7 continents to be exact!

Stephanie Saintsing Naset Stephanie is the Director of NCAF&E & the Director of the Barbecue Festival in Lexington, NC. Naset received a BA in Economics from ECU. She is currently a proud member of the Nido. R. Qubein School of Communication Dean's Advisory Council at HPU.

2024 Excellence Awards Details

Excellence Awards Info. & Forms

Submit you Excellence Award Entries HERE

Nominations are now open for the 2024 ShowFest Excellence Awards with 21 different categories. All event and supporting members are encouraged to enter. You gotta be in it to win it!

All nominations will be submitted on line through the Eventeny portal. (no paperwork, no email) Click on the link to get started:

All Nominations are due by January 16!

Follow these 3 easy steps:

* Step 1 - Award Registration - Complete the ShowFest Awards Registration form, mark all the entries you plan on submitting and make one easy payment.

* Step 2 - Award Nominations - Upload all nomination materials for each award entry. Select only the award forms for which you want to enter a nomination. Make sure to have all your materials ready to upload. Once a nomination is complete, it cannot be altered. All nominations are due by Tuesday, January 16, 2024.

* Step 3 - On-Site Submissions - Nine (9) of the award categories also require on-site submissions of original items for review. After completing the online nomination, you will need to bring the original item to the conference for the judges to see in person. Online nomination must be completed by Jan. 16 and then the on-site submissions must be turned in by 5 pm on Saturday, January 27, during conference check in. Awards requiring on-site submissions include: Event of the Year, Press Kit, Photo of the Year, Sponsorship Packet, Merchandise, Brochure, Print Media, Poster and T-shirt.