Inducted in 2024

From the Burlington Sound of Music Festival…welcome Dave Miller to the Festivals and Events Ontario Hall of Fame

Dave Miller went from being a seasoned professional with two decades of experience in the manufacturing field, to seamlessly pivoting into event management. showcasing unparalleled dedication and leadership.

From high school Social Convener to Executive Director of Burlington's Sound of Music Festival for 13 years, Dave was known for his relentless work ethic, leadership, and unparalleled dedication to bringing live music to the masses.

Dave's profound commitment to music and the arts was evident, through successful band selections at the festival to consulting for arts organizations.

He is Extensively certified in business administration, event execution, and board governance. Serving on boards like FEO for over 6 years. Dave also has a passion for volunteering at diverse organizations like Red Cross and Big Brothers.

With his impressive history in our industry and significant contributions to tourism….Dave is a perfect candidate for the FEO Hall of Fame

Inducted in 2023

Welcome Joanne Robbins from Port Elgin Pumpkinfest to the Festivals and events Ontario Hall of Fame.

Joanne has played a key role in the festival industry for over 30 years and has helped to grow Pumpkinfest from 10,000 attendees in the early years, to more than 50,000 annual visitors to the small town of Port Elgin

Joanne helped to develop the first Special Event Resource centre in the Province 24 years ago and obtained a grant to build an inventory and a facility capable of signing out event equipment to over 50 events a year. Events across the Province can obtain resources such as training, signage, games, PA Speakers and so much more.

Another innovative impact that Joanne has had on the community is ability to get non-profit groups to participate in Pumpkinfest. Her passion for the event has helped her convince high school teams, Rotarians, Girl Guides, Air Cadets and the local church to take on various jobs at the festival.

Joanne tends to stay in the background…making sure her board and volunteers get all the credit….but without her experience and positive attitude, Pumpkinfest would never have grown to the heights it has…especially during the pandemic

Inducted in 2024

From Ticketpro….welcome Ann Barker to the Festivals and Events Ontario Hall of Fame.

A seasoned Director of Operations and Business Development, with over 30 years in the festival and event box office and ticketing industry.

A Wilfrid Laurier University graduate, Ann has orchestrated and executed hundreds of conferences and conventions. She brings a wealth of expertise in non-profit organizations, business planning, sales, customer relationship management, and the hospitality sector.

Her leadership and experience proved invaluable, as she helped steer Festivals and Events Ontario through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic while President of the organization.

Ann's enduring impact and extensive experience make her a standout candidate for the FEO Hall of Fame.

Inducted in 2022

Christine started her career in Richmond Hill in the early 90’s as the Wave Pool Supervisor.  Later she transitioned into an Event Supervisor role before becoming the Manager of Event Services. Her tenure with the city spans decades and her achievements over those years of dedicated service are to be celebrated.

Her leadership was instrumental in guiding her team to plan and deliver cherished City-led festivals and events like none other in York Region. Her hard-work and passion brought festival and event experiences to thousands of residents in Richmond Hill. Some of these included the Volunteer Achievement Awards, Canada Day Celebrations, Concerts in the Park, Ribfest, the Santa Claus Parade, and others including City anniversary celebrations, park openings, Olympic/Pan Am Games torch relays, SESQUI and more.

Christine has served her industry as well over the years, as a Board Member and past Awards Chair for Festivals and Events Ontario. She is well respected amongst her peers, but also the industry she so humbly served for all these years.