Workshops
Convention Program | Trade Show | Why You Should Attend
Keynote Speakers | Workshops | Power Up Labs | Round Tables
Mentoring Program | Young Professionals Initiative | Wine & Dine
Overloaded On Media Choices? Learn how to balance traditional media versus non-traditional media! If you are buying your own media, struggling to keep up with all the changes in media options, or perhaps you just need to know what your agency does with all that money, this is the class for you. Covering:
- Media strategy development
- Today's trends in media
- Non-traditional media options
- What media to choose and why
- Media politics (yes, it's true)
- When is it time to use an agency?
Walk away knowing you can implement these ideas for a successful 2010 fair! Learn if you're current spending is effective, and feel more confident when you make choices. Join us for this exciting media journey.
Presented by Becki Woodbury of CLM Marketing.
A new workshop titled "Rolling Out the Red Carpet for Local and National Media" will be held Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009, from 1:15 p.m.-2:30 p.m. at the IAFE Convention in Las Vegas. The State Fair of Texas, Dallas, recently hosted a taping of "The Oprah Winfrey Show." Hear how the state fair rolled out the red carpet for the "queen of talk shows." This session will feature lessons for all size fairs -- large or small. Sue Gooding, vice president of public relations, will identify key elements required to meet the needs of local and national media.
Watch Oprah and Gayle's New Adventure: The Biggest State Fair in America on Monday, Oct. 26. Check local listings for time and channel.
United States Department of Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development, Cheryl Cook, to present a workshop at the IAFE Convention.
In her position with the USDA Rural Development, she is responsible for managing policies and programs in Rural Development’s three main areas: Business and Cooperatives, Housing and Community Facilities, and Utilities. Fairs seeking stimulus money from USDA should not miss her presentation.
Before joining the USDA, Cook had previously served as the Deputy Secretary for Marketing and Economic Development at the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
A special workshop has just been added to the Convention line-up, "Nuts & Bolts of Grant Writing!" This special workshop will be offered on Tuesday, December 1 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. In this workshop you will:
- Be introduced to effective strategies to help develop a compelling needs statement
- Learn what a goal is and how to develop goals into good outcome objectives
- Develop a comprehensive methodology plan to help you reach your program goals
- Get the nuts and bolts of budgeting in order to develop a clear budget and concise budget narrative.
Any registered delegate is eligible to attend this workshop; however, seating is limited because of the interactive nature of the session. To reserve your seat at this workshop you must (a) be a registered delegate and (b) send an e-mail request to Marla Calico, IAFE Director of Grants & Special Education (marlac {at} fairsandexpos {dot} com). The seats will be filled on a first-come basis. This workshop will be taught by Pamela Kahn Van Pelt of the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2009, 9:00 AM-10:30 AM
This course will cover the basics of marketing your fairgrounds facility for year-round use. Topics will include components of a marketing plan, niche marketing, branding, means of communicating the marketing message, as well as helping you identify marketing goals and your competition. Adam Heffron, Director of Sales at the Minneapolis Convention Center is the course instructor. Adam has had extensive management experience at the Minnesota State Fair, Ohio State Fair, Calgary Stampede, Orange County Fair and Del Mar Fair. This is an Institute of Fair Management Course.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2009, 10:45 AM-12:15 PM
"Per incident, errors and omissions, excluded, D&O, property damage, general liability, per claim" —if you're fuzzy on the terms, then this workshop on insurance basics will help you sort through it all. Course is especially designed for new board or staff members to help them understand the particular insurance needs and terms related to fair business, also a good refresher course for anyone working with today’s fairs. This is an Institute of Fair Management Course.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2009, 8:30 AM-9:45 AM
Fairs have always provided a great value to their patrons, and need to communicate that value. Recently many fairs are being asked to do more with less. Come hear from this panel of peers what they have been doing to provide more value with less budget. Pick up new ideas for your fair. Improve, adapt, and overcome the notion by potential fairgoers that it is too expensive to go to the fair in today's economy. Moderated by Alta Mosley, Southwest Florida and Lee County Fair Association
These fairs had big dreams that have become reality. Learn from these successful fairs what building dreams they had for their grounds. Learn the keys to their success that got them keys to those dreams. They will tell you how to build community support, where to find funds, and the ups and downs of making their dreams a reality. The presenting fairs may have built one building or an all new fairgrounds. Moderated by Denny Stoecklein, CFE, Kansas State Fair
Re-inspire staff members to help defend the trust consumers have invested in agriculture. Brainstorm ideas about how to more effectively connect agriculture with consumers, the media, teachers, and politicians who are generations removed from our industry!
- Stand up, step out, and "sell" our cause
- Understanding hot buttons and why they’re so important to our cause
- How to successfully influence consumer, political, and media groups
- Impact of 27,000+ activist groups speaking out against agri-food business
Volunteers are the life blood of many fairs. Where can you go to find volunteers? Once you find them, what do you do with them? Learn ways to keep your volunteers coming back for more and become your best recruiters. Training, care and feeding of volunteers will be discussed. Presented by IAFE Treasurer Gary Slater, CFE from the Iowa State Fair, and Opal Blackstock, CFE of Edmonton's Capital EX, Alberta
These all new case study sessions allow us to put fair programs under a microscope. 2-3 actual fair cases will be selected from the submissions. Each case will be presented; the "grillers" will then break down and build up each program with audience participation. This first Power UP Lab will feature 2-3 fair sponsorship programs. Go to the www.fairsandexpos.com to submit your fair case for consideration. Moderated by Nancy Smith, CFE, South Carolina State Fair, and Christine Rasmussen, Nebraska State Fair
Everyone working with Commercial Exhibits is encouraged to participate in this networking session to meet your peers and create your own network. Moderated by Rollie McCubbin, CFE, Iowa State Fair, and James Radke, Calgary Exhibition & Stampede, Alberta
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2009, 10:15 AM-11:30 AM
Hear from these industry experts their opinions on where the live entertainment at fairs is headed in the future. What are the trends and what will next year bring as you work at the IAFE Convention to book your 2010 entertainment. Arm yourself with questions; panelist will be ready to tell all. Presented by the International Entertainment Buyers Association
Need to REALLY connect through marketing? Is your organization struggling to find out how community relations fit into a strategic marketing campaign? Do you need a unique perspective on issues management?
- How to identify your target market
- Proven ways to find audience hot buttons
- 10 strategies for maximizing loyalty to your organization
- Methods to increase the resourcefulness of your staff and volunteers
- The importance of "building bridges" to your target audience
- Tools for developing a corporate sponsorship program
From the smallest to the largest, fairs and exhibitions are launching programs to conserve resources like energy and water, reduce waste (recycling, composting, new use) utilizing their expertise as an important educational venue for fairgoers. Details on a variety of recently implemented programs —converting fry oil to fuel, reducing energy costs through new lighting, use of environmentally friendly cleaning products, recycling, showcasing "green" products and services and more will be shared by panelists from North Carolina State Fair, Dutchess County Fair, and the Tennessee State Fair. Moderated by Virginia Ludy, Director of Operations for the Canadian National Exhibition, internationally acclaimed for the sustainability measures implemented by Exhibition Place.
This special brainstorming session requires pre-registration. It is only open to the first 37 delegates to register (see the convention registration form.) Many fairs are posting attendance increases and even setting records during this media acclaimed recession. Attendees will be asked to share and discuss what they did to motivate guests to attend their fair in 2009. What worked and what didn't. Gain powerful ideas for moving forward. Moderated by Gene Cassidy, CFE, Eastern States Exposition, Mass., and John Sykes, CFE, East Texas State Fair
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2009, 9:30 A.M.-10:45 A.M.
Whether it is for their carnival to run a cashless system, gate admissions, or for non-fair events, some fairs are making the in vestment to make their facility more wired or unwired. Hear from these fairs that have reviewed making that investment and from some of the end users of the product. Is the investment worth it?
These all new case study sessions allow us to put fair programs under a microscope. 2-3 actual fair cases will be selected from the submissions. Each case will be presented, the "grillers" will break down and build up each program with audience participation. This Power UP Lab will feature 2-3 fair agriculture education programs. Go to www.fairsandexpos.com to submit your fair case for consideration. Moderated by IAFE First Vice Chair Cindy Hoye, CFE, Indiana State Fair, and Darryl Real, State Fair of Texas
You will not want to miss the first IAFE Tweet Up. Want to learn more about tweeting and who in our industry is leading the charge on Twitter. A Tweet Up is when Tweeters meet in person to network. We are modifying our Tweet Up to include not only networking, but an educational program. Moderated by Lori Mulch, CFE, Kansas State Fair
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2009, 11:00 A.M.-12:15 P.M.
This course will cover basic principles of the business of food and beverage at fairs and fairgrounds facilities. It will cover the role of food and beverage, different operation models, understanding the needs of food and beverage vendors, as well as balancing the quality, quantity and diversity of food offered. Rey O'Day, Executive Manager of NICA-West, also served many years as the manager of food operations at the Los Angeles County Fair. This is an Institute of Fair Management Course. Workshop runs until 12:30 p.m.
These all new case study sessions allow us to put fair programs under a microscope. 2-3 actual fair cases will be selected from the submissions. Each case will be presented; the "grillers" will break down and build up each program with audience participation. This Power UP Lab will feature 2-3 fair competitive exhibits programs. Go to www.fairsandexpos.com to submit your fair case for consideration. Moderated by Pat Conklin, Sonoma-Marin Fair, Calif., and Jessica Underberg, CFE, Erie County Fair — America's Fair, N.Y.
This workshop will offer tips on how to save money lost to bank-card processing. Some of the topics to be discussed include:
- How the Visa/MasterCard pricing structure works
- How to avoid higher rates or downgrades
- Tips to avoid chargebacks
- Tips for face-to-face transactions (Retail)
- Tips for mail, phone & e-commerce transactions
- Five simpler steps to safer key-entered transactions
- Heads up to the warning signs of fraud
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2009, 1:15 P.M.-2:30 P.M.
Learn how strategic planning can get your fair focused on the future. You will leave this session understanding the importance of strategic planning (even more so in this challenging economy), and the strategic planning process (what to expect, choosing a facilitator, types of outcomes.) Presented by Rebecca Desmond, CFE, Siskiyou Golden Fair, Yreka, Calif.
The old saying "Times Change and People Change" couldn't be more true when applied to today’s amusement and education at fairs and carnivals. The OABA is challenging carnivals to raise the level of operations and customer service. We also know that some states survey and rate their fairs. Both carnivals and fairs must meet the needs of tomorrow’s customers when it comes to operations and guest experience. Learn and participate in how fairs and carnivals are focusing on value from a customer's perspective, especially in the face of this uncertain economic landscape. Hear from a panel of experts on these issues to help you better prepare for the future and make "staycations" a memorable experience. Moderated by Wayne McCary, CFE, Eastern States Exposition and OABA President
These all new case study sessions allow us to put fair programs under a microscope. 2-3 actual fair cases will be selected from the submissions. Each case will be presented; the "grillers" will break down and build up each program with audience participation. This Power UP Lab will feature 2-3 fair social media programs. Go to the www.fairsandexpos.com to submit your fair case for consideration. Moderated by Baley Plascencia, Plascencia Projects, and Brienna Schuette, Minnesota State Fair
Everyone working with Competitive Exhibits is encouraged to participate in this networking session to meet your peers and create your own network.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2009, 10:45 A.M.-12:00 NOON
Have you dreamed of visiting New Zealand? Did the video of IAFE's visit to the Royal New Zealand Show at last year's convention pique your interest? This workshop presented by Mick Lester, who served as President of New Zealand's Agricultural Society will take you on a pictorial journey through New Zealand's astonishing vistas. Mick Lester will share unique exhibits and activities of his island country's 97 Agricultural and Pastoral Shows and Fairs. He will also tell you about their challenges and he will be eager to hear your thoughts during his visit to the convention. You will marvel at the powerful beauty, and at how many things we have in common, all the while learning from what is different down under!
Ever think about hiring a secret shopper to evaluate your fair? Discover what these trained professionals can teach you when they pose as fairgoers. From the parking lot to the gates, fair office, and information center, their evaluations will provide an eye opening and unbiased view of your customer relations, programs and procedures. As a fair manager, what can you learn?
These concessionaires have seen many promotions that really work and they know how the promotions are implemented at fairs across North America. If you are looking for new amenities that will encourage your patrons to stay longer on your grounds—look here first! Discussions will also lead you to relationships that can help make these a reality. Presented by National Independent Concessionaires Association (NICA)
The carnival that has been at your fair for years has been sold, and suddenly you are looking to replace that long time relationship. What do you do if there are no other carnivals available during your July dates? How can your fair be a success without this added attraction? Learn from these successful fairs that may have been in your situation a year ago, or may have never had a carnival at their fair. What activities do they have that attract the community to their grounds and their event?
Everyone working with their fair foundation or who is looking to start a fair foundation is encouraged to participate in this net working session to meet your peers and create your own network. Moderated by Ralph Shoptaw, CFE, Arkansas State Fair
