MEDIA RELEASE

At the recent convention of the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA), September 15-17, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri, Leo Sears received professional designation as a Certified Festival and Event Executive (CFEE).

Initiated by the IFEA in 1983, and sponsored by K & K Insurance, the certification program recognizes professionals in the festivals and events industry who have attained the highest level of competency in their field.  

Requirements for obtaining the CFEE designation include experiential career achievements; required course work; published article(s) based on research pertaining to events; professional speaking requirements; and meeting the professional standards of the association and its assessment board.  The program typically takes three years to complete.

“The CFEE designation is a mark of distinction. These individuals have proven their commitment to continuous learning and professional growth, which in turn translates into the continued growth and success of their own festivals/events, as well as our industry as a whole,” states IFEA President & CEO, Steven Wood Schmader, CFEE.

Sears, a SAG actor, screenwriter, playwright, teacher and Executive Director of Big Island Film Festival, joins over 255 other festival/event professionals from around the world who have earned their CFEE certification since the program’s inception 25 years ago. 

The 2011 Big Island Film Festival is May 11-15 at Mauna Lani Resort on the Big Island.  Visiti: www.BigIslandFilmFestival.com

Headquartered in Boise Idaho, the IFEA is a non-profit membership organization with members spanning 40 countries and five continents, and offers the most complete source of ideas, resources, information, education and networking for festivals and event professionals worldwide. 

For more information on the IFEA, visit www.ifea.com