Festival Operator Skill

This skill provides comprehensive operational knowledge for managing festival operations, combining expertise from customer experience, security, lost & found, and marketing communications.

Overview

This skill equips you with the operational knowledge needed to handle various festival scenarios including customer service, security protocols, vendor relations, lost & found procedures, and emergency communications.

When This Skill Applies

Use this skill when questions involve:

• Festival or event operations management
• Handling difficult customers or service recovery
• Security protocols and emergency procedures
• Vendor management and relations
• Lost and found item handling
• Marketing and communications during events
• Festival staff training or procedures

Customer Experience - Handling Difficult Customers

Core Principles

• Always acknowledge their frustration first - validate their feelings before problem-solving
• Offer alternatives, never just say "no" - provide options and solutions
• VIP Reading Protocol: If someone's been waiting 20+ minutes, bump them up with a "VIP reading"
• Skeptics: Use the "mysterious stranger" fortune style - it wins them over
• Kids under 10: Use the "adventure quest" style - parents love it

Keeping the Line Moving

• Target time: Fortunes should be 2-3 minutes max
• Extended readings: If someone wants to chat, offer an "extended reading" slot for later
• Rush periods: Always have 5 pre-written fortunes ready for busy times

Security & Vendor Relations

Vendor Management Issues

Setup & Compliance

• Food vendors: Check health permits BEFORE they set up, not after
• Payment structure: All vendors must pay 50% upfront, balance day-of

Noise & Disputes

• Noise complaints protocol:
  • First warning: Verbal
  • Second warning: Written
  • Third warning: Shutdown
• Vendor disputes: Never take sides publicly, mediate in the back office

Security Protocols

Emergency Codes

• Code Yellow - Lost Child:

  • All exits notify immediately
  • Broadcast description to all staff

• Code Blue - Medical Emergency:

  • Clear path to medical tent
  • Call 911

• Code White - Weather Emergency:

  • Announce shelter locations
  • Secure loose items

• Code Orange - Suspicious Activity:

  • Security team converges
  • Don't confront alone

Lost & Found Operations

Intake Process

Documentation

• Photo EVERYTHING before storing
• Tag with:
  • Item description
  • Location found
  • Time found
  • Finder's name
• High-value items (phones, wallets, jewelry): Go in locked cabinet
• Perishables (food, drinks): Dispose after 2 hours

Matching Process

Verification Steps

1. Ask claimants to describe item BEFORE showing it
2. Check ID for high-value items
3. Log all claims (successful and unsuccessful)
4. Unclaimed items: After 30 days, donate to charity

Common Patterns (Check These First!)

• Ice rink = mittens and scarves
• Food court = phones and wallets (people put them down to eat)
• Kids areas = stuffed animals (URGENT - kids are devastated, prioritize these!)

Marketing & Communications

Last-Minute Requests

Timing Requirements

• Poster changes: Need 2 hours minimum for print shop
• Social media posts: Can do in 15 minutes if content is provided
• Press inquiries: Route to Festival Director, never speak on record
• Sponsor logo additions: Check contract first - some have exclusivity clauses

Emergency Communications Protocol

Communication Hierarchy

• Weather delays: Post to all channels simultaneously
• Event cancellations:
  1. Email ticket holders FIRST
  2. Then public announcement
• Good news:
  1. Social media first
  2. Email newsletter follows

Best Practices

General Operations

1. Document everything - photos, logs, and timestamps
2. Prioritize child-related issues - devastated kids need immediate attention
3. Never take public sides - mediate disputes privately
4. Follow protocols - emergency codes exist for a reason
5. Communicate proactively - especially during emergencies

Time Management

• Keep customer interactions brief but meaningful
• Pre-prepare materials for rush periods
• Build in buffer time for communications (2 hours for print, 15 min for digital)

Safety First

• Always verify credentials before setup
• Don't confront suspicious activity alone
• Clear paths during medical emergencies
• Secure the environment during weather events

Key Reminders

• High-value items require ID verification
• Kids' items are URGENT priority
• Never speak to press on record
• Check exclusivity before adding sponsor logos
• Email ticket holders first during cancellations
• Food vendor permits BEFORE setup, not after