Kate Johnston hosts Two Sessions

Hillside Festival welcomes over 1400 unique individual volunteers every year over the course of its three-day annual weekend outdoor music festival. From a brief dip shortly after the pandemic, interest in the volunteer program has roared back, stronger than ever, so much so that there is a waiting list each year for additional interested volunteers. Explore best practices of building and maintaining a strong volunteer program for festivals and events with Hillside's Executive Director and Volunteer Program Manager.

Outcomes:

1) Understanding of best practices in volunteer cycle: recruitment, orientation, training, and evaluation.

2)Understanding of best practices in volunteer communication and outreach.

3)Understanding of recommended volunteer management policies.

BIO:

Kate Johnston has over 20 years’ experience in arts, culture, and non-profit management. She was formerly the Artistic Director of the Goderich Celtic Roots Festival and General Manager of the Livery Theatre, and held a senior management role with Roosevelt Campobello International Park, an international heritage site. She is currently the Executive Director of the award-winning progressive and environmentally sustainable Hillside Festival in Guelph. Kate is passionate about community-building through arts and culture experiences.

Hillside Festival, operating for over 40 years in Guelph, Ontario, has been at the forefront of sustainability efforts in the live music outdoor festival space for decades. From Hillside's on-site dishwashing facilities and inventory of reusable dishes to its four-stream waste sorting system and electric shuttle buses, Hillside Festival has received awards, accolades, and recognition for its green and sustainable practices. Join Hillside's Executive Director, Kate Johnston, for an exploration of the details of Hillside's green initiatives.

Outcomes:

1) Understanding of trash, recycling, and compost sorting systems at outdoor event.

2) Understanding of reusable dish and dishwashing system at outdoor events.

3) Understanding of practices and initiatives that reduce festival and event carbon footprints.

BIO:

Kate Johnston has over 20 years’ experience in arts, culture, and non-profit management. She was formerly the Artistic Director of the Goderich Celtic Roots Festival and General Manager of the Livery Theatre, and held a senior management role with Roosevelt Campobello International Park, an international heritage site. She is currently the Executive Director of the award-winning progressive and environmentally sustainable Hillside Festival in Guelph. Kate is passionate about community-building through arts and culture experiences.