About Us
Alberta Cultural Festivals & Events Association (ACFEA)
“Let us build stronger communities — one festival at a time”
Unity through culture is the foundation of a stronger Alberta.
The Alberta Cultural Festivals & Events Association (ACFEA) is a provincial organization dedicated to strengthening communities through the power of cultural festivals, community events, music, arts, sports, and culinary celebrations.
ACFEA serves as a collaborative platform that connects event organizers, cultural groups, artists, musicians, local businesses, volunteers, and community leaders to work together in building vibrant and inclusive events across Alberta.
Through festivals and events, ACFEA promotes cultural appreciation, cultural exchange, community connection, and economic development, while celebrating the diversity that makes Alberta a dynamic and welcoming place to live.
ACFEA also recognizes the important role that community gatherings play in supporting mental health and overall well-being. Festivals and events create spaces where people can connect, reduce isolation, celebrate identity, and experience joy through music, culture, food, sports, and shared traditions.
By fostering cultural understanding and meaningful human connection, ACFEA helps create healthier and more resilient communities.
Through partnerships with municipalities, sponsors, cultural organizations, and volunteers, ACFEA strives to elevate the quality, sustainability, and impact of festivals and community events across the province.
From neighborhood celebrations to large multicultural festivals, ACFEA believes that events bring people together, inspire unity, promote cultural exchange, and strengthen the social fabric of Alberta’s communities.
Our Mission
To support, develop, and promote festivals and community events across Alberta that celebrate cultural diversity, encourage cultural exchange, promote mental well-being, and strengthen community connections while contributing to local economic growth.
ACFEA is committed to empowering organizers, artists, cultural groups, and community leaders by providing resources, collaboration opportunities, and leadership that help festivals and events thrive.
Our Vision
To become Alberta’s leading network for festivals and events, recognized for building vibrant communities, promoting cultural exchange, supporting mental wellness, and inspiring meaningful connections through unforgettable community experiences.
ACFEA envisions a province where festivals and events serve as powerful platforms for culture, unity, creativity, tourism, and community well-being.
Our Goals
Promote Cultural Diversity
Support and showcase multicultural festivals and events that celebrate Alberta’s diverse cultures, traditions, music, arts, and cuisine.
Encourage Cultural Exchange
Create opportunities for different communities to learn from one another, share traditions, and build mutual respect and understanding through cultural interaction.
Strengthen Community Connection
Provide inclusive spaces where individuals and families can gather, connect, and celebrate together.
Support Mental Health and Well-Being
Promote events and activities that encourage social connection, creativity, physical activity, and community support, helping reduce isolation and improve overall mental health.
Support Event Organizers
Provide guidance, resources, and networking opportunities to help organizers build sustainable and impactful festivals and community events.
Boost Local Economies
Partner with local businesses, vendors, artists, and tourism organizations to generate economic activity and support local entrepreneurship through festivals and events.
Empower Artists & Cultural Ambassadors
Create platforms for musicians, performers, artisans, and cultural leaders to share their talents and heritage with wider audiences.
Encourage Volunteerism & Community Leadership
Promote volunteer engagement and leadership development to strengthen community involvement in festival and event initiatives.
Our Core Values
Community
We believe strong communities are built through shared experiences and meaningful connections.
Culture
We celebrate the rich diversity of cultures that make Alberta vibrant and unique.
Creativity
We support artistic expression and innovative event experiences that inspire and engage people.
Well-Being
We recognize the positive impact festivals and events can have on mental health, happiness, and community resilience.
Collaboration
We value partnerships with communities, organizations, and stakeholders to achieve greater impact.
Cultural Exchange
We encourage learning, dialogue, and understanding between communities through shared cultural experiences.
Integrity
We operate with transparency, respect, and accountability in all our initiatives.
Our Leadership
Our leadership team brings together experienced community builders, cultural advocates, and industry professionals committed to strengthening Alberta through meaningful events. Guided by collaboration and inclusivity, they work to support festivals that connect people, celebrate diversity, and create lasting impact.
CEO & President
Christian Rodriguez
Chris Rod
is a Central Alberta–based community leader, event producer, musician, and man of faith recognized for his dedication to building vibrant and inclusive communities through cultural celebrations, music, sports, and entrepreneurship.
He currently serves as the CEO and President of the Alberta Cultural Festivals & Events Association (ACFEA), an organization focused on promoting multicultural festivals, strengthening community partnerships, and creating opportunities for collaboration among local businesses, artists, and community organizations across Alberta.
Chris is also the founder of GKM Events Management, where he has successfully organized and produced large-scale community events that bring together thousands of attendees each year. His portfolio includes signature events such as the Red Deer Filipino Music & Food Street Festival, Food Truck Warz & Show, Rocktobeerfest, the Central Alberta Music Festival, and the Hoop Slam 40 & Above Basketball League. Through these initiatives, he provides platforms that support local entrepreneurs, showcase artists and musicians, and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the region.
Known for his collaborative leadership and community-driven vision, Chris has worked alongside local governments, business leaders, cultural organizations, and volunteers to develop initiatives that contribute to economic activity, tourism, and stronger community engagement throughout Central Alberta.
Beyond his professional and community work, Chris is an active musician and advocate for supporting local talent. He is also a person of faith who places his trust in Jesus Christ, believing that faith, humility, and service are essential foundations for leadership and community impact.
Above all, Chris is a proud husband and father who draw inspiration from his family and community. His mission continues to be creating meaningful events and initiatives that bring people together, celebrate diversity, and leave a positive and lasting impact for future generations.
Vice President / Board of Director
Jezreel Maniego
Jezreel Maniego
is Alberta-based musician with a deep passion for keyboard and synthesizer performance. He has built a strong reputation as one of the city’s notable synthesizer players. Inspired by the instrument that shaped his musical identity, he founded Synth Audio, a company dedicated to delivering high-quality sound experiences.
With the ability to play multiple instruments in a band setting, his musicianship provides him with a unique understanding of live performance dynamics, an advantage he brings to every event he supports.
Driven by a commitment to providing exceptional live sound for artists and special events, he pursued sound engineering and quickly established himself within Alberta’s music community. He has mixed music and vocals for numerous local artists and touring Filipino performers, including Jonathan Buencamino of Introvoys, Glen Jacinto of Teeth, QT Paduano of Original Agaw Agimat Band, Stiff Lu of Rizal Underground, Kris Lawrence, Elias JTV Band, Jason Fernandez, and Bryan Termulo.
In his very first year of operations, he was entrusted with large-scale productions such as the Red Deer Filipino Music and Food Street Festival, and the Red Deer Folk Music Festival.
This milestone augmented his reputation for technical excellence and his commitment to delivering outstanding live sound experiences.
Secretary / Board of Director
Jason Genterola
Jason Genterola is a Licensed Electronics Engineer and experienced audio professional with over 10 years in studio recording, broadcast operations, podcast post-production, and live production support. He has worked with GMA Network – Iloilo and Think Logic Recording, delivering professional-grade audio production for broadcast and digital platforms.
As part of his role at St. Paul University Iloilo, he supported theater productions and served in technical direction capacities—overseeing audio-visual setup, stage sound reinforcement, signal routing, and live event technical coordination.
With a strong technical foundation from Central Philippine University, Jason combines engineering precision with creative audio execution to produce clean, balanced, and broadcast-ready sound.
Outside of his professional work, he plays guitar as a hobby, maintaining a personal passion for music and sound.