2007 IAFE Annual Convention

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The IAFE 117th Annual Convention -- “IAFE the Network” -- held at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, Nev., was one of the most successful ever.  The Paris hotel hosted the convention for the third straight year.  The courtesy shown by the hotel staff and management demonstrated why it is one of the premier locations on the Las Vegas strip. The number of pre-registered delegates was down about 5% from 2006, according to IAFE President and CEO Jim Tucker.  “Although attendance was down, the enthusiasm was at an all-time high. The 2007 International Convention was one with attitude,” said Tucker.

A new event called the New Crew Reception was held on Sunday evening.  First-time convention attendees were welcomed and oriented at this reception.  The concept received a great response with more than 200 people attending the reception. “From most accounts, the new mentor program was a success,” stated IAFE Convention Program Chair Mark Regier. Also new to the convention, a Professional Development Symposium was held on emergency planning for fairs and fair facilities.

The convention kicked off with an opening keynote presentation from Kevin Carroll. Carroll, author of the critically acclaimed book Rules of the Red Rubber Ball, demonstrated how the spirit and dynamics of play can enhance one’s work life, innovation, and interpersonal communication. The message was a popular one among the attendees. “What an inspiration! My goal is to use Kevin’s words to bring the passion into the fair staff,” said Jan Taylor of the Linn County Fair, Albany, Ore.  During the opening session, five fair volunteers were presented with Haas & Wilkerson Heritage Awards.  This years winners are Donald Simons of the Itasca County Fair in Grand Rapids, Minn.; Hazel Staley of the Virginia Association of Fairs (VAF); Carol Steilein of the Racine County Fair in Union Grove, Wis.; Kenneth Tyrrell of the DeKalb County Fair in Sandwich, Ill. and the LaSalle County Junior Fair in Ottawa, Ill.; and Chauncey Wargin of the South Saint Louis County Fair in Duluth, Minn.

Workshops held Monday through Wednesday touched on numerous issues facing the fair industry.  Topics included “Making Sense of Insurance for Today’s Fairs,” “Hook Them for Life -- Attracting Youth to Your Fair,” “Advertising & Public Relations,” “Preventing Gang Activity at Your Fair,” and many more.  Round table discussions were also held throughout the convention.

A General Session was held on Wednesday to honor important members on the fair industry.  The Coca-Cola Membership Awards were presented to the individuals and organizations who recruited the most members to join the IAFE.  The top individual recruiter was Barney Cosner of the Nebraska State Fair. Cosner was awarded $2,000 and a trip for two to the 2008 Kentucky Derby.  Barbara Gedlaman of the British Columbia Association of Agricultural Fairs and Exhibitons presented the Federation of Fairs’ Executive of the Year Award to Bill Fugate of the Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs.  Keynote Speaker Steve Gilliland gave an inspiring and humorous speech on living in the moment.  The IAFE Hall of Fame Award, the organization’s highest honor, was presented to Barbara Renner, retired manager of the North Idaho Fair, Coeur D’Alene.

The IAFE Annual Trade Show opened at 3:30 p.m. on Monday and ran through Wednesday. The trade show featured everything new in the world of fairs.  Hundreds of exhibiting companies were ready to network with the convention delegates. “Initial feedback from exhibitors has been very positive, with many reports of eager and engaged buyers,” stated IAFE Director of Membership, Sponsorship, & Trade Shows Steve Siever.  The IAFE Chair’s Reception was held Monday evening at the trade show to honor IAFE Chair Jerry Hammer. “The mood was universally upbeat, the educational sessions were well received, the trade show was jumping every day, the opening session was a blast (at least for me), and the networking was better than ever,” Hammer said of the convention.

The IAFE Education Resource Center offered attendees many different opportunities.  The Agriculture, Communications, and Competitive Exhibits Awards winners were displayed for all visitors to enjoy. A Cyber Café was available for attendees to check e-mail or print interesting articles or summaries.

The opportunities to meet and greet were as varied as they were entertaining.  The Wine & Dine evening benefiting the IAFE Education Foundation was a great way to meet friends and sample wines from across the nation.  Delegates competed against each other in the Haas & Wilkerson Insurance Golf Tournament and the Fun Run & Wacky Walk sponsored by Robinson’s Racing Pigs.

The convention closed with an address from keynote speaker Mike Veeck.  Veeck is part owner of five minor league baseball teams and attributes his success to his “Fun Is Good” philosophy.

“Things just fell into place all week long to bring those who attended the highest quality education, broad networking opportunities, and a real tug at the heart string,” Tucker said.

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