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Awards and Contests

Each year, the IAFE conducts contests for its fair members, which recognize and reward excellence. All contests are judged by IAFE member representatives and professionals from respective fields.

Rules and regulations for the contest are released during the summer. For a copy of this year's rules and a list of the previous year's winners, please click on the links below each contest.


Agricultural Awards

John DeereSponsored by John Deere - The Agricultural Awards Program has three main goals: to improve the agricultural education of fairs; to help fairs determine ways to be of service to both fair exhibitors and the fairgoing public; and to recognize fairs that provide outstanding agricultural education.

Each fair attending the IAFE Convention will receive a USB flash drive which will contain digital files of the top three winning entries in most categories of all contests (does not include radio or tv ads) courtesy of the North Carolina State Fair.

Competitive Exhibits Awards

North American Midway EntertainmentSponsored by North American Midway Entertainment - Established in 1988, the Competitive Exhibits Contest recognizes excellence in competitive exhibit display methods and supplements the IAFE resource library by increasing the amount of helpful information available for members.

Each fair attending the IAFE Convention will receive a USB flash drive which will contain digital files of the top three winning entries in most categories of all contests (does not include radio or tv ads) courtesy of the North Carolina State Fair.

Hall of Honor Communications Awards

K and K InsuranceSponsored by K & K Insurance - Member fairs can also submit their promotional campaigns, marketing materials, and advertising ideas in the Communications Awards Program. The purpose of this program is to improve the advertising and publicity programs of fairs and to provide recognition for those fairs doing an outstanding job.

Each fair attending the IAFE Convention will receive a USB flash drive which will contain digital files of the top three winning entries in most categories of all contests (does not include radio or tv ads) courtesy of the North Carolina State Fair.

Hall of Fame Award

Award presented in recognition of devoted and invaluable service rendered to the fair industry, this annual award is presented to a single individual for distinguished achievement in exposition management.

Heritage Awards

Haas Wilkerson InsuranceSponsored by Haas & Wilkerson Insurance - Hundreds of volunteer fair management personnel have worked long and hard to see that the annual event they are associated with is able to continue as a valuable community showcase. IAFE and Haas & Wilkerson Insurance would like to honor five of those individuals yearly with an award and $1,000 cash to be presented at the IAFE annual convention in Las Vegas. Management personnel are those who serve in such capacities as a manager, an officer, director, or department head and are directly active in the success of their fair.

Innovation in Sponsorship

The Innovation in Sponsorship Awards Program will recognize member fairs creating successful sponsorships in conjunction with their fair. The IAFE will share these sponsorship stories with our membership, allowing sponsorship professionals to learn from the successes of other members.

Each fair attending the IAFE Convention will receive a USB flash drive which will contain digital files of the winning entry in each division, courtesy of the North Carolina State Fair.

Rising Star Award

StaatsSponsored by Staats - Click the link above for information and a nomination form for the new Rising Star Award. Please share this information with the appropriate people in your organization. Some young person (40 years or younger) will be honored during the IAFE Annual Convention in Las Vegas. Nominations will be kept on file for three years or until the nominee reaches their 41st birthday, whichever comes first.

Certified Fair Executive (CFE) Designation

Full-time staff members who are with an IAFE member fair can receive the prestigious Certified Fair Executive designation. The CFE recognizes excellence in the fair management field. CFE's are chosen based upon an extensive review and application process. *Updated 4/28/13* Application deadline now January 1

Hall of Honor Communications Awards (State and Provincial)

Participation in this award is limited to State and Provincial Association members only.

K and K InsuranceSponsored by K & K Insurance - The Federation of Fairs is pleased to announce the categories for State and Provincial Association newsletters, membership directories and web sites. The panel of judges will consist of member media and ad agency representatives in addition to the Advertising, Promotions, and Public Relations Committee members.

The Federation believes this is a beneficial program that not only provides an educational view of the existing newsletter programs, membership directories and web sites but also provides recognition to those associations doing an outstanding job.

It is only with the increasing support of the Federation membership that this contest may continue. Please make a special effort to participate with your fellow members.

Secretary/Executive of the Year Award

Participation in this award is limited to State and Provincial Association members only.

Please consider submitting an entry for State or Provincial Association Secretary/Executive of the Year award. The application is brief and simple. The award is in honor of service rendered to the fair industry and will be presented during the Annual Convention in Las Vegas. Download the pdf for more information.

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