Mid-West Fairs Association Meets in Tampa, Fla.

The 87th annual meeting of the Mid-West Fairs Association was conducted Feb. 7-9, 2008, at the Sheraton Suites Hotel in Tampa, Fla. At the meeting, 30 fair members, 20 guests, and six life members were represented.

Numerous fair industry leaders gave presentations at the Friday morning session. Gary Slater, manager of the Iowa State Fair, Des Moines, presented “Emphasizing Customer Service.” Patsy Brooks of the Florida Strawberry Festival, Plant City, presented “Where No One Else Has Gone: Electronic Ticketing.” Gary Goodman, manager of the South Carolina State Fair, Columbia, gave a presentation titled “What Do Carnival Games Gross?” Jim Sinclair of the Minnesota State Fair, St. Paul, delivered “Enticing Longer Stays.” Bob Johnson of the Outdoor Amusement Business Association gave a presentation titled “Outdoor Update,” which detailed the status of the temporary foreign labor (H-2B) legislation.

The delegates traveled to the Florida State Fair where they were hosted by Chuck Pesano and his staff. The group went on a tour of the Ford Amphitheater and explored other attractions offered at the Florida State Fair.

At the business meeting, the election of officers was held.  The 2008-2009 officers are President Denny Lang of the Erie County Fair -- America’s Fair, Hamburg, N.Y.; First Vice President Phil Hurst of the Clay County Fair, Spencer, Iowa; Second Vice President Slater of the Iowa State Fair; Secretary-Treasurer Goodman of the South Carolina State Fair; Assistant Secretary-Treasurer Mike Heffron, St. Paul, Minn.; and Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus Marie McKinney of Topeka, Kans.

Following the business meeting, three workshop sessions were held. Jerry Hammer, manager of the Minnesota State Fair presented “Internet Marketing.” Barney Cosner, manager of the Nebraska State Fair, Lincoln, presented “What’s Happening in the Show Ring?” Goodman presented “Hard Dollar Advertising Budgets.” During lunch, NICA President Jim Hodson gave a report on the latest in the concessionaires industry.  IAFE President and CEO Jim Tucker gave an update on the latest in the IAFE.

The meeting closed as the association accepted an invitation to join the OABA at their annual meeting at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Tampa.

The 2009 Mid-West Fairs Association meeting will be held in Austin, Texas.  Dates have yet to be determined and are contingent on the dates for the Star of Texas Fair & Rodeo in Austin.