Carnival celebrations have a deeply rooted and colorful history that spans continents, with each culture bringing unique flair and meaning to these vibrant festivals. This panel will explore the evolution of carnivals across the globe, from their historical beginnings to modern transformations. Panelists will share insights into how these festivals continue to thrive by blending cross-cultural influences, yet also face unique challenges in preserving authenticity amid globalization.

A major theme will be the growing financial demands of staging carnival today. Rising costs—from elaborate costumes and float designs to venue rentals and essential supplies like gas—have made carnival production an increasingly expensive venture, putting a strain on organizers who work to keep these festivals accessible. Experts will discuss how sustainable approaches and diversified revenue streams are now vital to carnival’s survival, with sponsorships, partnerships, merchandise, and ticket sales becoming essential to cover escalating costs.

Additionally, the session will examine the balance between preserving carnival’s traditions and embracing modern innovations to attract and engage younger generations. Through exploring carnival’s present and envisioning its future, attendees will gain a comprehensive look at what it takes to keep these joyous celebrations alive and how they can continue to evolve and thrive on a global stage. Join us in celebrating carnival’s legacy and the creative resilience that sustains it.

At the heart of carnival lies the mesmerizing art of masquerading, a tradition that combines creativity, cultural symbolism, and meticulous craftsmanship. This session at the Global Carnival Summit brings together a diverse panel of artists: mas maker/costume designer, an artistic director and a cultural theatrical makeup artist, who will dive into the complexities and dedication behind the costumes that define carnival. Panelists will discuss the significant time and expense involved in designing and constructing these wearable works of art, from conceptualization to the final stitch.

As materials for costumes and elaborate masks become increasingly expensive, creators are faced with new challenges in maintaining high-quality production while also exploring more eco-friendly solutions. This panel will highlight innovative approaches to sustainable materials and methods that honor carnival’s spirit while reducing environmental impact.

In addition, our artisans will share insights into the techniques passed down through generations, including traditional wire bending and fabric crafting, that bring these larger-than-life creations to the streets. Whether you’re an organizer, artist, or enthusiast, this panel offers a rare opportunity to appreciate the artistry and dedication behind the scenes and understand how rising costs impact the future of masquerading within carnival culture.

Having produced major celebrations around the world, our expert shares their process in creating and executing live out loud themes.

As carnivals worldwide grow in scale, so too does the need for sustainable practices that honor the environment while preserving the vibrant spirit of celebration. This session brings together experts who have pioneered effective, eco-conscious solutions within their respective carnivals, showcasing strategies that reduce environmental impact and foster economic resilience. Our panel will explore the integration of recyclable materials and upcycling within costume design, creative re-use of floats, and energy-efficient technologies such as biodiesel-powered generators. We’ll also discuss sustainable transport options that mitigate the environmental costs of large-scale events and encourage greener participant and audience involvement.

Following an interactive discussion with two experts in the field, a global leader in sustainability will deliver a special presentation on best practices for incorporating sustainable measures into carnival planning. Attendees will gain insight into how these initiatives not only reduce carbon footprints but also attract new revenue streams and partnerships, positioning environmentally responsible celebrations as both feasible and economically advantageous. This session aims to inspire festival organizers, designers, and community leaders alike to implement sustainable methods that enhance carnival’s vitality while respecting the planet.

Join us as we welcome Dr. Salah Wilson for an enlightening exploration of how rhythms, rhymes, and resilient traditions have shaped Trinidadian culture and its dynamic Carnival. This masterclass unpacks the historical influences that contributed to Trinidad’s unique cultural identity, including the late influx of enslaved Africans under Spanish rule and the island’s vibrant multicultural tapestry, woven by French, Spanish, and British colonizers. Each colonizer brought distinct traditions, languages, and values that deeply influenced the lives, resistance, and eventual celebrations of those in Trinidad, creating a rich and diverse cultural rhythm that endures today.

Learn how African Trinidadians preserved their heritage, carrying rhythms in their hearts and using makeshift drums, while Spanish Canboulay cane burning events symbolized both labor and resistance. From the early banning of drums in neighboring colonies, Africans in Trinidad turned to rhythmic gatherings as a form of unity and defiance, planting the seeds of the Trinidadian Jump-Up. As the class traces the timeline from Emancipation in 1834, we’ll examine how African Trinidadians’ celebration of newfound freedom merged with French Mardi Gras festivities, evolving into the celebrated Trinidad Carnival. This fusion encapsulates the spirit of survival, cultural reclamation, and identity.

Explore how calypso, an expressive, satirical art form blending African and European musical influences, took root as calypsonians became community voices. After drums were banned in the late 1800s, African descendants innovated with Tamboo Bamboo and, later, the creation of the steelpan, marking another act of cultural resilience. This instrument, refined in Trinidad and honed by masters, stands today as the only complete family of musical instruments invented in the 20th century.

With historical accounts, traditional music, and iconic songs, Rhymes and Rhythms delves into the powerful stories of resistance and innovation that pulse through Trinidadian culture. Understand the enduring messages within calypso, soca, and chutney, the symbols of reclamation, and the ongoing global impact of Trinidadian culture. Embrace the heartbeat of a culture that continues to thrive, weaving history into music and dance, an ever-evolving anthem of freedom.

An in-depth presentation and discussion with a world renowned artistic director on the importance of theme, from installations and activations citywide to the integration of theme in parade celebrations.

Carnival is not just a cultural celebration; it is a powerful driver of tourism that energizes local economies, promotes cultural exchange, and creates lasting memories for attendees worldwide. In this panel, representatives from tourism boards and the travel industry will share insights into how carnival celebrations serve as essential pillars in the tourism economy. From boosting local businesses to generating significant revenue for regional hospitality and retail sectors, they’ll explore how well-orchestrated carnival events attract visitors, invigorate industries, and support sustainable tourism development.

The discussion will delve into the strategic planning behind tourism-centered carnivals, revealing how careful coordination maximizes both visitor satisfaction and economic impact. Our panelists will discuss how destination branding, promotional efforts, and partnerships between cultural and tourism sectors contribute to the success of these vibrant events. Additionally, we’ll examine the role of international marketing campaigns, the significance of community involvement, and the economic impact that carnivals have on markets like hospitality, dining, and entertainment.

Join us to explore the intricate relationship between carnival celebrations and tourism, with perspectives from experts who understand both the local and global value these events bring. This session will illuminate how festivals can balance authentic cultural experiences with tourism growth for mutual, lasting benefits.

Ensuring the safety of carnival attendees is paramount to hosting successful and memorable celebrations. In this discussion, global experts in festival security and crowd management reveal the intricacies involved in safeguarding large, vibrant gatherings while protecting the festival spirit. From the challenges of managing hundreds of thousands of attendees to adapting protocols for heightened political or social tensions, panelists will share their frontline experiences, tools, and strategies that prioritize public well-being.

The session will cover essential measures, from advanced crowd-control technologies and rapid response teams to extensive pre-planning with local authorities. With costs continually rising due to sophisticated technologies, specialized personnel, and logistical expenses, carnival organizers must navigate budget constraints without compromising security standards. By examining the economic factors tied to safety, our experts will highlight the importance of strategic investments and partnerships that uphold safety while controlling costs.

Attendees will gain insight into the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into every successful carnival and explore best practices from industry leaders. This essential conversation is not only for festival organizers but for anyone invested in the future of safe, inclusive, and joyful public celebrations in an increasingly complex global environment.

In an ever-evolving festival landscape, securing financial viability relies heavily on investment from government bodies, corporate sponsors, and influential partners. This insightful panel will delve into the art and strategy behind attracting and maintaining these essential relationships. Our esteemed panelists, each experienced in securing high-level sponsorships, will discuss what top investors are looking for in a carnival partnership, from cultural impact and reach to long-term value and brand alignment.

Attendees will gain insider perspectives on how to effectively convey the unique value of carnival events, creating win-win collaborations that resonate with potential sponsors' missions and interests. The panelists will explore new and innovative approaches, such as digital engagement metrics, brand activations, sustainability initiatives, and community impact programs that captivate sponsors looking to elevate their brands in a meaningful way.

From forging initial connections to nurturing lasting relationships, this discussion will highlight the vital aspects of sponsorships that go beyond financial support, fostering community growth, cultural appreciation, and sustainable economic impact. Join us for an in-depth look at how strategic alliances can amplify carnival celebrations and secure their future, revealing key insights on how to attract, engage, and retain invaluable sponsors and partners.

At the virtual Global Carnival Summit 2024, we are thrilled to welcome Nova Lorraine as she leads an inspiring masterclass, Transform Your Carnival Experience: Embracing Innovation & Social Engagement. In this session, Nova will explore how emerging technologies and authentic social engagement can invigorate carnival experiences, creating lasting connections and sustaining cultural traditions. Join us on November 21 at 10:30 AM PCT | 1:30 PM EST | 8:30 PM UK for a transformative journey into the future of carnival.

Nova will guide participants through the following:

• Harnessing the Power of Innovation: Carnival is a celebration of creativity, and Nova will demonstrate how to incorporate advanced technologies like AI, augmented reality, and immersive storytelling. These tools offer new ways to enrich carnival’s cultural impact, connecting deeply with both traditional and modern audiences while maintaining authenticity.
• Building Lasting Social Connections: Carnival’s core has always been community. Nova will share strategies to sustain audience engagement throughout the year, turning occasional attendees into dedicated ambassadors who carry the carnival spirit into their communities and beyond. Learn how digital platforms and meaningful storytelling can spread your festival’s reach worldwide.
• Forging Purpose-Driven Partnerships: Collaboration fuels carnival’s growth, join Nova as she discusses ways to form partnerships that enhance your festival’s mission and amplify its impact. Through sustainable co-creations with shared values, carnival can generate new revenue streams and ensure its vitality for future generations.

Designed as an interactive experience rather than a standard presentation, Nova’s session invites you to engage, share, and envision a carnival that merges innovation with deep-rooted tradition. Join us as Nova Lorraine charts a future where carnival’s cultural legacy endures, adapting to a digital world while celebrating its unique heritage. This is a movement—a step forward in creating a carnival that resonates across generations and borders.

The Ice Breaking Carnival Trivia game aims to energize participants with fun, interactive questions based on the session "The History of Carnival: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow." This engaging activity fosters connections and friendly competition, enhancing participants' knowledge of carnival history while setting the stage for meaningful discussions and collaborations. Listen carefully and win a prize from one of our partners!

A vibrant evening of mingling and connection awaits you at our Networking Cocktail. Attendees can engage with global leaders, cultural practitioners, and industry experts in a relaxed atmosphere, building relationships, exchanging ideas, and exploring potential collaborations within the diverse world of carnival arts, culture, and commerce.

Join us for the “Show Us Your Carnival” Cocktail and Gala, the premiere closing event at this year’s. Global Carnival Summit! Featuring a decadent international finger food menu, refreshing cocktails and delectable wines, all guaranteed to delight the palate, the Show Us Your Carnival Cocktail and Gala encourages attendees to accessorize with traditional carnival attire or makeup, adding a vibrant touch to the evening. Enjoy music, dancing, and entertainment, creating a lively atmosphere perfect for celebrating the diverse spirit of carnival.