The EFI Fellowship is more than a credential—it is a mark of leadership, impact, and professional distinction in the global events and festivals industry. Achieving EFI Fellowship status allows professionals to:

 ✅ Gain international credibility as experts in the field.

 ✅ Increase career opportunities, earning potential, and leadership prospects.

✅ Build influential industry networks, creating new opportunities for collaboration.

✅ Contribute to shaping industry standards, policy, and sustainable event strategies.

✅ Join an elite community of professionals driving the future of events and festivals.

Fellow

At this level, individuals are developing their foundational knowledge and practical understanding of the events and festivals industry. They focus on learning core principles, frameworks, and methodologies, supporting tasks under supervision. Responsibilities include gathering information, assisting with planning and execution, and following established processes. Fellows are expected to demonstrate curiosity, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn. Their role is primarily tactical and operational, contributing to short-term outcomes while building the skills needed for greater autonomy and influence in their professional journey.

Senior Fellow

At this level, professionals take ownership of event-level leadership and management, overseeing planning, coordination, and execution of key event components. They apply strategic thinking and problem-solving skills to optimize logistics, stakeholder engagement, and operational efficiency. Senior Fellows manage teams, vendors, and partners, ensuring seamless event delivery while mitigating risks. They influence on-the-ground decision-making, adapt to challenges in real-time, and contribute to the overall success and sustainability of events. Their role extends beyond execution to improving processes, enhancing attendee experience, and ensuring financial and environmental responsibility, positioning them for larger-scale leadership and strategic oversight.

National Fellow

National Fellows operate at a national level of leadership and management, shaping event industry standards, large-scale strategies, and policy integration. They lead high-profile, multi-stakeholder events, managing relationships with government bodies, sponsors, and key industry players. Their role involves developing long-term strategies, influencing funding models, and ensuring major events align with national priorities. They drive innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, ensuring that events leave a lasting impact. National Fellows are recognized thought leaders, leveraging insights, research, and emerging trends to enhance industry-wide best practices, ensuring events contribute to economic, cultural, and social development.

Distinguished Fellow

Distinguished Fellows operate at the highest level of strategic influence, shaping national and global industry standards. They lead large-scale initiatives, advise policymakers, and pioneer innovations that transform the sector. Their work involves driving cross-sector collaborations, influencing governance frameworks, and mentoring future leaders. They anticipate and respond to emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities, ensuring the industry remains resilient, sustainable, and forward-thinking. Distinguished Fellows have a profound, long-term impact, setting visionary agendas that define the future of their profession and leave lasting legacies at organizational, national, and international levels.

Take the EFI Fellowship Quiz to help you identify which level you may align to best. 

The EFI Fellowship Framework defines four levels of impact within the events and festivals industry, detailing the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to excel at each stage. This structured pathway ensures professionals develop expertise, leadership, and strategic influence, whether they are managing event operations, leading large-scale festivals, or shaping global industry standards.

The levels apply to all event professionals, including: 

• Those working across different roles, from event delivery to strategic management.

• Employees, consultants, freelancers, and entrepreneurs.

• Specialists in festival management, major event operations, sustainability, policy, and more.

The framework will help you understand the knowledge and behaviours that will enable you to maximize your impact—whether you move through the levels or excel in a particular one.

Download the EFI Fellowship Framework.

Self-Assessment & Eligibility

EFI Fellowship Quiz: Start by completing the EFI self-assessment quiz to align your experience, expertise, and career aspirations with the appropriate Fellowship level.

Professional Development Framework: EFI provides a clear competency framework, guiding applicants in understanding the expectations of each level and how their experience fits within the fellowship structure.

Pathway to Progression: Applicants who do not yet meet eligibility criteria will receive recommendations for professional development opportunities within the EFI community to enhance their skills and support future applications.

Application Submission

Applicants must provide evidence of their professional impact, leadership, and contributions to the sector through the following:

Professional Impact Statement (PIS)

A structured reflection (word limit dependent on level) demonstrating how the applicant meets the knowledge, skills, and behaviors outlined in the EFI Professional Development Framework. This should highlight real-world contributions to event planning, strategy, operations, sustainability, and leadership.

National and Distinguished Fellows must include examples of shaping the wider industry, influencing policy, or driving innovation.

Supporting Evidence

Applicants must provide:

Relevant documents such as project reports, strategic plans, case studies, research, or industry presentations illustrating their industry impact.

Two professional endorsements from peers, employers, or industry leaders affirming the applicant’s contributions.

Distinguished Fellows require a nomination from another Distinguished Fellow, plus two endorsements supporting the nomination.

Submission

Applications are submitted through the EFI Fellowship portal, where endorsements and supporting documentation can be uploaded. The platform provides a structured template to guide applicants through the process. 

Review Process

Expert Review Panel

Applications are assessed by a panel of experienced industry professionals and academic experts.

Evaluation Criteria

• 🔍 Alignment with the EFI Competency Framework: Demonstrating mastery of the knowledge, skills, behaviours, and values outlined in the framework.
  

• 🌍 Depth of Impact: Assessing the applicant’s contributions to their organization, the sector, and the future of events and festivals.

• 📈 Commitment to Professional Growth: Showcasing ongoing engagement with learning, innovation, and leadership in the sector.

Outcome

Applicants will receive a decision within 4 weeks, along with constructive feedback.

EXAMPLE

Fellow: £150

Senior Fellow: £230

National Fellow: £350

Distinguished Fellow: £600

EFI is committed to making the application process straightforward and accessible, ensuring every applicant has the tools they need to succeed:

Fellowship Quiz – Identify the right category for your experience level.

EFI Fellowship Grading Framework - a concise guide on how to apply industry experience based on the EFI Professional Development Framework.

Application Writing Guide – A step-by-step guide to crafting a compelling application.

Strategic Writing Support – Online workshops, templates, and video tutorials.

Pre-Submission Review – Request preliminary feedback to refine your application.

Mentorship Program – Get guidance from senior EFI Fellows.

Flexible Submission Timeline – Applications are accepted year-round.

Have more questions? Discover the answers here.