FestForward Advisor Talks

Jun 05 2023

FestForward Advisor Talks Podcast artwork

There’s a lot of work and responsibility that goes into producing a festival. Join industry experts on FestForward Advisor Talks, a podcast series where we break down the different strategic or operational areas that are essential to successful festival and event organizations. Add experts to your team and learn industry best practices to help you solve problems, make decisions and realize your creative visions as a festival producer. FestForward Advisor Talks is brought to you by the Ottawa Festival Network, a not-for-profit service organization that works cooperatively with members and partners towards a vibrant, inspired, and prosperous festival capital.

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On Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) with Taib Boyce, pt 2

Jun 05 2023 25 mins

Taib K.Boyce (Tay-eeb) (he/him) is a local Ottawa Anti-Racism Consultant, at TKB Consulting. As a consultant for the past 7 years, Taib has supported the development and implementation of online and in-person trainings on anti-racism and anti-oppression for senior leaders at the Department of Justice, Somerset West Community Health Centre, Oxfam and others. Taib earned a B.A. in Po

On Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) with Taib Boyce, pt 1

May 29 2023 26 mins

Taib K.Boyce (Tay-eeb) (he/him) is a local Ottawa Anti-Racism Consultant, at TKB Consulting. As a consultant for the past 7 years, Taib has supported the development and implementation of online and in-person trainings on anti-racism and anti-oppression for senior leaders at the Department of Justice, Somerset West Community Health Centre, Oxfam and others. Taib earned a B.A. in Po

On Structuring Your Organization with Benjamin Miller

May 03 2023 30 mins

In this episode, our Advisor is Benjamin Miller, a staff lawyer on the Nonprofit Law Ontario project of Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) breaks down the different legal structures available to organizations. Each structure comes with its own set of characteristics and rules that you must consider and align with the goals of your organization. So whether you are establishing

On Emergency Planning with Amanda Mullins

Mar 20 2023 16 mins

In this episode, we are joined by Amanda Mullins, Program Manager at the City of Ottawa’s Event Central Office. Amanda will be providing an overview of the importance of Emergency Planning and what resources and support services are available to festival organizers in their efforts to avoid, minimize and mitigate emergency risks at their events. Episode Links: City of Ottawa Even

On Financial Risk Management with Victoria Steele

Mar 16 2023 22 mins

The unpredictable nature of funding and revenue for festivals and events, coupled with the rising costs of inflation makes sustainable financial management a tricky task. On this episode, we break down the core considerations involved in financial risk management and some best practices festival organizations can implement to minimize, mitigate or eliminate different types of risk.

On Volunteer Management

Feb 06 2023 26 mins

Volunteers are the lifeblood for the festival sector. As both event-day support staff and core organizing or leadership team members, volunteers are key to the success and longevity of a festival. In this episode, the Advisors, Gina Maddalena and Cynthia Allan are bringing you a lively discussion on the latest trends and challenges in volunteer management. We talk about some best p

On Insurance & Security Risk Management

Jan 25 2023 35 mins

Protecting your staff, BOD, volunteers and attendees, as well as your physical and intellectual property is the most important component for any festival organization. It can be complicated, expensive and dangerous if the risks involved in event planning and production are not thoughtfully considered and strategically mitigated or prevented. On this episode we are joined by Scott H

On Grant Writing and Funding with Kyra Cole

Jan 12 2023 31 mins

A core process for many festival and event organizations is grant writing. In this episode, expert Kyra Cole provides a run down on simple, yet effective methods to up your grant management processes and communicate a compelling story to funders. We cover the different types of grants available, what to look for when searching for grants, and how you can write and organize your app

On Event Health & Safety with Janet Sellery

Dec 01 2022 41 mins

In this episode, Janet provides us with a fantastic run-through of the fundamental health and safety considerations festivals and events need to incorporate into their operations. She also speaks to what we’ve learned from the pandemic and how we can ensure proper health and safety protocols carry forward and continue to evolve. About Janet Janet Sellery (CRSP, CHSC) is one of Ca

On Sponsorship with Ian Fraser

Nov 24 2022 34 mins

Today we are joined by Ian Fraser, Executive Director of Run Ottawa and he’ll be speaking to the experiences he’s had and lessons he’s learned from working with sponsors to produce the Tamarak Ottawa Race Weekend and other Run Ottawa events. You will hear many of the strategies and tactics Jenny Mitchell outlined in our first episode are one’s that are applied by Ian and hi