Meet The TinyFest Team
and learn about the spark that started it all…
Renee, Founder and CEO of TinyFest
For Renee, the idea of “Going Tiny” is more than just buying and moving into a moveable home. It’s about sustainability, autonomy, flexibility, and freedom: financial freedom, freedom of mobility, and freedom from stuff and stress. And, it’s about having fun!
TinyFest began as the brainchild of Seevers, a native of Iowa. After living and maintaining a 3300 square foot, 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom house – she decided to sell it all after her youngest daughter was heading to college. She kept thinking it was “Her Time” to do what she wanted – and she wanted a Tiny House!
She bought her first tiny home on wheels – a 87 square foot home nicknamed “Big R” and took it to a few festivals in 2016.
She kept thinking, “We need to have more of these festivals, because it gives people a great way to experience tiny living, ask questions, and see things in person.”
That’s why she created TinyFest Midwest, in Des Moines, Iowa, featuring fellow Iowan and ‘The Godfather of Tiny Houses', Jay Shafer. She then branched out to hold festivals across the US, with TinyFest California being the most popular destination.
Renee now lives in her short bus, The TinyFest Express, with her husband Zev.
TinyFest’s Mission
Empower people to maximize their lives, while minimizing their impact on the environment.
TinyFest’s Vision
Create inspiring, educational gatherings that provide opportunities for meaningful connections to those who value relationships, experiences, sustainability, and the freedom to pursue their passions.
Meet the Passionate People Behind TinyFest Events
Our tiny community at TinyFest is what brings everything together, providing you with the best TinyFest experience possible.
Tracy
Meet Tracy, TinyFest’s Chief Operating Officer — and Renee’s best friend and right-hand gal!
Behind the scenes, she helps keeps the TinyFest engine running smoothly. Tracy manages website updates, ticketing, sponsorships, vendor registration, and countless other details that make TinyFest a success. Tracy handles it all with skill, heart, and precision. Her organization, communication, and people skills make her an absolute gem to work with, ensuring everything runs like clockwork so attendees can enjoy a seamless TinyFest experience.
Even in the busiest moments, Tracy’s calm and welcoming smile shines through. Her steady presence and long-time friendship make her truly invaluable to both Renee and the entire TinyFest team.
Tracy’s husband and adult children often join the TinyFest crew, bringing their hard work, great attitudes, and positive energy to every event. Together, they embody the true spirit of TinyFest — community, connection, and a shared passion for tiny living!
Reg & Janelle!
Renee can always count on her brother Reg and sister-in-law Janelle at TinyFest — and in life too!
Reg keeps everything running smoothly on the logistics and security side. His military background, attention to detail, and unwavering support for his little sister make him perfect for the job.
Janelle is the head honcho at the merchandise booth. Her calm, friendly personality is appreciated by the entire TinyFest team and by attendees alike, making every interaction a delight.
Together, Reg and Janelle bring dedication, warmth, and a true spirit of teamwork to TinyFest, helping make every event run seamlessly.
Gabe
Gabe first joined the TinyFest team in 2019 — and we’ve been lucky enough to keep him ever since (we tend to do that to people!). He’s the kind of team member who doesn’t hesitate to “go get it done” and then ask what else he can help with. Simply put, he’s awesome.
Gabe fills in wherever he’s needed and runs errands non-stop, which is why he’s often behind the wheel of one of our golf carts. His energy and dedication have earned him the nickname “Go For Gabe”, and he’s become an indispensable part of the TinyFest family.
Every. Single. Person.
Really, every single person who attends, exhibits, teaches, or works an event is appreciated beyond words. There are too many friends and family to list… we couldn’t do this without you!
Thank you to everyone–you help make TinyFest great!