Government Relations
Logged-in IAFE members can find a variety of sources of information relevant to the fairs and expositions industry in this section.
Government Sites - Links to state and provincial governments, as well as federal government offices like the U.S. Department of Agriculture
US Music Copyright Exemption – Fairs in the United States are exempt from the payment of royalties for music performed on your fairgrounds during the annual fair. The exemption is for the fair entity only – it does not exempt other entities using or broadcasting such as your concessionaires, carnival ride operators, or an entertainer on stage from the royalty payment. Further, under this code, the fair is not liable for payment of the royalty fees in the event the commercial exhibitor, carnival ride operator or entertainer fails to pay the fee. This exemption is applicable only during the annual event. The exemption is in the US Code, Title 17, Section 110.
Legislation - Relevant information about the U.S. federal government's activities
OABA's Showtime - Read recent excepts from the Outdoor Amusement Business Association magazine
Stimulus Package Money - If you have an infrastructure improvement project, new construction project, or rehabilitation opportunity on your fairgrounds, you should be contacting these government agencies within your state or district: State Director or Area Director of the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development Office; State Director or Area Director of United States Department of Agriculture Soil and Water Conservation Office; State Community Development Block Grant Authority; a national directory is available at www.hud.gov (click on the information by state, "find a local office" tab), your State Office of Energy; your State Department of Transportation. Also contact your State Representatives, your State Department of Agriculture, and the offices of your U.S. Representatives and Senators offices.
