“THE PREMIER GATHERING FOR FESTIVAL LEADERS.”
Upcoming Events
The Big Mix
Where Festivals Meet Recording Pros
January 10th, 2026 at 7 PM
Address provided upon RSVP
Join us on Saturday, for an incredible night to have fun, hear great music and explore and incredible new membership club/music studio in Santa Monica.
The Big Mix will feature a showcase of world‑class musicians. Pianist Greg Spero, celebrated for his work with Halsey, the Miles Electric Band, and his acclaimed ensemble Spirit Fingers, leads the Spirit Fingers Trio. Joining him are internationally renowned bassist Hadrien Feraud (Chick Corea, John McLaughlin) and powerhouse drummer Andy Prado, delivering a thrilling blend of originals, improvisation, and genre‑defying jazz fusion.
Also featured is bassist and musical director Brandon “Pastor Funk” Brown, performing with his band. Brandon’s career includes collaborations with icons such as Stevie Wonder, The Jacksons, and Smokey Robinson, and as Music Director for The Jacksons he continues to bring his signature groove and soul to stages worldwide.
Together, these artists represent the magnitude of contemporary jazz and funk at its finest, promising an unforgettable night of music.
What is FestForums?
FestForums® is the B2B live gathering for festival producers, organizers, and industry leaders to learn and network all in one place. The conference includes various panels, exhibitors, awards, concerts and parties galore presented in a relaxing convivial environment. We discuss technology, sustainability, safety, wellness, marketing, operations, and many more topics with mixers and a trade show designed to cultivate networking in beautiful Santa Barbara.
FestForums brings together industry professionals from food and beverage, music, and film festivals to provide expert insight on the multi-faceted festival space.
Festivals & Production Companies Featured in the Video: Vans Warped Tour, Insomniac Events, Goldenvoice-Coachella, Primavera Sound, SXSW, Sundance Film Festival, Danny Wimmer Presents, South Beach Food & Wine Festival, Bonnaroo, C3 Presents, Tribeca Film Festival, Essence Festival, Afropunk, Hawaii Food & Wine Festival, Summerfest, Life is Beautiful, Global Citizen, and Sonoma International Film Festival.
Our conference honors legends and leaders from all kinds of industries—music, film, food, and more! Watch the video to see who attends FestForums…you might recognize most of them!
Featured in the Video: Alice Cooper, Alicia Silverstone, Bruce Dern, Canned Heat, Cat Cora, Christopher Guest, Chuck Leavell, The Coen Brothers, Dane Cook, Dave Mason, Dennis Quaid, Dr. Steven Gundry, Fisher Stevens, Frances Fisher, Harry Shearer, Jack Johnson, Jeff Bridges, Jon Anderson, John Sloss, Kenny Loggins, Marty Callner, Matthew Modine, Michael McDonald, Mix Master Mike, Nancy Silverton, Penelope Spheeris, Quentin Tarantino, Congressman Jamie Raskin, Ray Parker Junior, Richard Burgi, Rita Coolidge, Skip Martin, Taj Mahal, & T-Bone Burnett.
2023 Travel & Leisure Nominated Host Hotel
Mar Monte Hotel
1111 E Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
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The diversity of the attendees is the key to the success of FestForums. It seems the attendees are as well curated as the panels.”
Kevin Lyman
Founder of Vans Warped Tour, FestForums Advisory Board Member
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“FestForums annual event is one of the most exciting events we have each year in Santa Barbara. It recognizes and honors those who infuse our community with enthusiasm for artistic endeavor and cultural awareness."
Michael McDonald
5 time Grammy award winner, Hall of Fame Recording Artist, and FestForums Advisory Board Member
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“A wonderful environment for experienced festival professionals to share news, flesh out ideas and explore market trends.”
Danny Hayes
Former CEO of Danny Wimmer Presents
FestForums is the B2B live gathering with panels, exhibits, networking, and parties galore to discuss the festival industry. Meet 100’s of festivals in one idyllic place!
Festivals have included SXSW, Sundance, Burning Man, Isle of Wight, Lollapalooza, Coachella, Life is Beautiful, Bonnaroo, Global Citizen, Woodstock, Summerfest, Austin City Limits, Ultra Festival, Vans Warped Tour, Tribeca Film Festival, Glastonbury, EDC, Essence Fest, Toronto Film Festival, South Beach Food & Wine, Bourbon & Beyond, Harlem EatUp, Governors Ball, and hundreds more.
Our speakers have included Jeff Bridges, Taj Mahal, Quentin Tarantino, T. Bone Burnett, Matthew Modine, Dave Mason, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Christopher Guest, Penelope Spheeris, Alice Cooper, Jack Johnson, Harry Shearer, Bruce Dern, Rita Coolidge, Mary Wilson, Cat Cora, Dennis Quaid, Chuck Leavell, Shep Gordon, The Coen Brothers, Jon Anderson, Nia Peeples, Ray Parker Junior, Frances Fisher and many more.
Interested in learning more? Explore the Event
