The international FestiSkills Hunters training program has come to a successful end

The final event of the international FestiSkills Hunters training program took place in Viljandi from 4 to 7 June 2026, bringing together cultural and community event organizers from the Peipus region of Estonia and the Imatra region of Finland.

The observation event marked the final phase of the FestiSkills Hunters training program, which began in August 2025. The program aimed to increase the competitiveness of women over 40 in the labor market by developing their skills in the field of festival and event management. During the program, participants developed their knowledge and skills in festival and event management through online training, mentoring, practical assignments, and the implementation of their own event projects.

Over the course of the year, Estonian and Finnish participants participated in eight training modules that covered the basics of festival and event management, marketing, financial management, teamwork, crisis management, sustainability, and digital tools. In addition to online training, participants gained practical experience at events in Finland and Estonia, participated in a mentoring program, and developed their own event ideas and projects. The closing event introduced the organization of the Viljandi Hanseatic Days and explored how a major event is organized.

Special attention was paid to the involvement of volunteers, visitor experience, marketing, and the role of the community in organizing events. Viljandi was chosen as the venue for the closing event because it is one of the most well-known cultural and festival cities in Estonia. The Viljandi Hanseatic Days offered a good opportunity to learn from a community-based major event and gain inspiration for the participants to develop their own event projects. The Estonian Traditional Music Center helped organize the meeting.

Based on the feedback from the participants, 94% of the participants were satisfied or very satisfied with the program, 88% rated the content of the training as relevant or very relevant, and 94% found that the knowledge and experience acquired in the program would improve their opportunities in the labor market, in business, or in community activities. The practical part of the program was particularly appreciated – 100% of participants gave a positive assessment of the Viljandi observation event, which was considered one of the most valuable learning experiences of the program.

Over the four days, participants participated in workshops, discussions and practical observation tasks. The training sessions introduced community work, youth involvement, international networks and event management. Participants also learned how to map the visitor experience and how the volunteer system works.

The lead partner of the project is the Peipsi Cooperation Centre, the Finnish partner is The Black & White Theatre Association. The project is funded by the Central Baltic Programme 2021–2027 and supported by the Ministry of the Interior and the Civil Society Foundation. The project duration is May 2025 to August 2026.

More information about the project https://ctc.ee/projektid/kaimasolevad-projektid/festiskills-hunters Contact:

Ederi Ojasoo, project manager ederi.ojasoo@gmail.com