Festival Soup

In this episode of Festival Soup, host Mike Baxter sits down with Jenny Carattini-Wright, Executive Director and CEO of The Woodlands Arts Council and The Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival. They explore the unique role of art festivals in fostering community, discuss the intricacies of planning large-scale arts events, and reflect on the journey of building a nationally recognized festival. Jenny s...

In this episode of Festival Soup, host Mike Baxter sits down with Mary Margaret Campbell, founder of the Dobie Dichos storytelling event. Together, they dive into the unique storytelling culture of Texas festivals, celebrating folklore, the legacy of J. Frank Dobie, and how storytelling can be the heart of any event. Campbell shares her insights from running Dobie Dichos and the historic George We...

In this episode of Festival Soup, host Mike Baxter chats with Joe Vera, Assistant City Manager of McAllen, Texas, about the inspiring story and behind-the-scenes magic of the McAllen Holiday Parade. Celebrating over a decade of tradition, this parade has grown to become one of the largest in Texas, drawing in hundreds of thousands of attendees. They discuss the logistics, community impact, and the...

In this episode of Festival Soup, host Mike Baxter dives into the art of hosting large-scale, open-air events with Will Blackstock, Director of Parks and Rec for Clute, Texas, home of the Texas Mosquito Festival. Will shares unique aspects of organizing an outdoor event, from the advantages of expansive, flexible spaces to the unexpected challenges of weather, security, and safety. With lively tra...

In this episode of Festival Soup, host Mike Baxter interviews Glenda Black from TSE Entertainment. Glenda shares her journey from a high school teacher to managing a successful talent booking agency and offers insider advice on booking top talent for fairs, festivals, and rodeos. They dive into the decision-making process, the role of an agency, contract nuances, and the rising popularity of tribu...

In this episode of Festival Soup, host Mike Baxter sits down with Jessica Bybee-Dziedzec of S Saffire, a leading player in the event ticketing tech space. They discuss how online ticketing, reserved seating, and cashless payments have revolutionized the festival and event industry. From small-town fairs to major state festivals, Jessica shares insights on overcoming resistance to new technologies,...

In this episode of Festival Soup, host Mike Baxter sits down with Kelly Augustine from the Nacogdoches Chamber of Commerce to dive deep into the unique aspects of hosting festivals in historic downtown settings. They explore the Texas Blueberry Festival, its roots, growth, and the benefits of organizing a large-scale event in a small town. From community involvement to the challenges of brick stre...

In this episode of Festival Soup, host Mike Baxter interviews David Olivares, festival insurance expert. They explore the often-overlooked topic of insurance for festivals and fairs, breaking down the essential types of coverage event organizers need. From general liability to the intricacies of weather insurance, David provides expert advice on protecting your event from unexpected disasters. Key...

In this episode of Festival Soup, host Mike Baxter gets into the world of AI with special guest David Ramirez, founder of SDM Ramirez Event Marketing. They explore how AI can revolutionize festival and event planning by saving time, improving creativity, and streamlining operations. From using ChatGPT for quick content generation to advanced AI tools for managing traffic patterns and lost children...

In this episode of Festival Soup, host Mike Baxter sits down with Jeff Krebs of Mesmeric Entertainment to discuss the intricate details of planning successful music festivals, fairs, and rodeos. Jeff shares insights from his 38 years of experience, touching on everything from the importance of infrastructure and strategic planning to booking talent and maximizing sponsorship opportunities. Whether...

In this episode of Festival Soup, host Mike Baxter dives into the world of live event production with Scott Powers from Bayou City Sound. They explore the essential elements of setting up sound, stage, and lighting for festivals, fairs, and concerts. From the latest innovations in stage technology to crucial considerations like terrain, weather, and sound management, this episode is packed with ex...

In this episode of Festival Soup, host Mike Baxter chats with Mitch Maxine from BAM Mascots about the power of custom mascots for festivals, fairs, and events. They explore the appeal of mascots, the process of creating a custom mascot, and why investing in a unique character can significantly boost your event’s brand recognition and engagement. From practical tips on choosing the right actor to t...

Festival Soup, is the ultimate podcast for festival, fair, rodeo and event professionals! Hosted by Mike Baxter, a certified festival and event executive, this podcast is your go-to resource for expert advice, industry insights, and behind-the-scenes tips on creating unforgettable events. Each episode features interviews with industry leaders and professionals, covering a wide range of topics—from...