Published by Fest Forums

Feb 18, 2026

FestForums Convergence is a one-of-a-kind interactive conference and networking event for music, film, food + wine + beer festival organizers. Addressing cutting-edge technology, sustainability, innovation, safety & collaboration, FestForward will close with "Best of the Fests," a festival award ceremony...

FestForums 2026 Is Officially in the Books!

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Santa Barbara for our 9th FestForums! Let’s relive the highlights, the energy, and the moments that made this year so special. From inspiring panels and epic networking sessions to unforgettable afterparties and legendary performances, FestForums brought together the best and brightest in the festival industry. We hope you made lots of new connections and got to reconnect with some familiar faces along the way—that's what FestForums is all about. This year's theme, Celebrating Women in the Festival Industry, brought together festivals from around the world including Netflix is a Joke, SXSW, Coachella, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Sundance Film Festival, San Diego Food + Wine Festival, Broccoli City Fest, Bourbon & Beyond, Vans Warped Tour, Ultra Music Festival, Summerfest, Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, Slamdance, and many more!

The conference featured curated panels, forum discussions, and drill-down sessions covering technology, sustainability, safety, wellness, marketing, operations, and more—followed by cocktail parties designed for perfect networking opportunities.

Shot & Edited by Brandon LeBaron

Photos are here! We've compiled photos from the event that you're welcome to use. Please make sure to credit our incredible photographers, Claire Hart, Chris Jensen, and Veronica Slavin, when sharing.

📝 Share your feedback: We'd love to hear about your experience! Please take a few minutes to fill out our post-event survey and let us know what worked, what could be better, and any ideas you have for the future.

👉 FestForums 2026 Post-Event Survey

Shoutout to AFR Furniture Rental for providing the most beautiful furniture that made our panel rooms, networking lounge, and sessions absolutely magical! The comfort, style, and attention to detail didn't go unnoticed—you helped create spaces where real conversations happened and connections were made.

They're proud to support the work happening behind the scenes by providing elevated furniture solutions that enhance guest environments, VIP lounges, and branded festival activations.

“FestForums was a powerful reminder that the best festivals are built through collaboration, creativity, and shared challenges.” — Rachel Panczenko, Account Executive, AFR Furniture Rental