Building a network of partners around the Palmetto State...

Association Overview

The South Carolina Festival & Event Association is a 501(c)6 organization of professional and volunteer event planners.

SCFEA was founded in 1984 by a group of dedicated organizers from across the Palmetto state.  The goals and objectives of SCFEA are:

•  To develop and improve the quality of festivals and events held throughout South Carolina
•  To assist individual festivals in all manners possible, especially in their efforts to develop and promote appreciation for the visual and performing arts  and to attract in and out-of-state visitors to their communities
• To act as a clearinghouse for information and supply sources for festivals
• To act as liaison with state agencies in the scheduling and promotion of festivals
• To provide opportunities for education, promotion, networking and leadership development
• To enhance the South Carolina tourism industry
  

The SCFEA offers many services to event planners and suppliers alike.  In addition to year-round services, the SCFEA produces an annual Conference & Trade Show each January/February to bring special event producers together for networking, educational seminars, and introduce them to event vendors and suppliers. The Association also produces an annual Summer Seminar each July/August providing quality education from regional and national experts in the fields of special events, marketing, and management.

In 2017, SCFEA was comprised of 116 events and 37 for profit businesses, tourism offices, and other tourism and event related organizations.  SCFEA works each year to exceed those numbers by introducing themselves to event planners and new event producing organizations across the state.

The SCFEA Board of Directors is comprised of twelve members - 10 SC Tourism District representatives, 2 Associate representatives, and 4 Ex-Officio members representing USC, Clemson University, SC Parks, Recreation & Tourism, and the SC Tourism District. 

Board members are elected annually at the Membership Meeting and serve a three year term.  The SCFEA is managed by Event Consulting Services, headquartered in Charleston, SC

Board Outline & Duties

Meetings
The SCFEA Board of Directors meets once per quarter with face-to-face meetings - three in Columbia, SC and one in conjunction with the annual conference.  Meetings are normally held the 3rd Wednesday of January, April, July and October.  Lunch is provided at meetings in Columbia along with all necessary meeting materials.

Planning Committees
Each Board Member is asked to volunteer their time on one of several planning committees for the annual Summer Seminar and annual Conference.  Committee duties vary from committee to committee but can include Marketing, Speakers, Exhibits, ShowCase, and Awards.  Letters, supplies, and other materials for each committee and coordinated planning are all facilitated through the administrative office.

Recruiting New Members
The SCFEA Board of Directors represent South Carolina events by Tourism Districts.  SCFEA Board Members are asked to promote membership to all festivals and events in their respective tourism district as well as actively recruit new members to the Association.  The SCFEA office mails informational packets upon request and also provides Board members SCFEA materials for individual mailings.

Liaison
SCFEA Board members are asked to serve as a liaison between the Association and members within their respective tourism districts.  Occasional telephone calls and emails are requested of Board Members to follow-up with membership renewals and inquiries.

Governing Body
The government of the Association, the direction of its work and control of its property is vested in the Board of Directors whom are elected annually for a term of 3 years.   All policies are adopted by a majority of the Board and proceedings are governed by Robert’s Rules of Order.  Association By-Laws are provided to all Board of Directors and to all members annually.