IAFE’s Virtual Vision Educational Experience and Online Marketplace Deemed Successful

12/11/2020

When the 2020 IAFE Convention & Trade Show, scheduled for Nov. 29-Dec. 3 in San Antonio, was cancelled due to the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic and crisis, the Association’s Program Committee led by jill Albanese of the Wisconsin State Fair and the staff of the IAFE put into action the contingency plans developed for that scenario. The result: two days of live sessions and potential engagement and interaction, dubbed Virtual Vision, was deployed Nov. 30-Dec. 1.

"It was an epic two-day educational extravaganza," stated Albanese.

Watch the Annual Business Meeting Highlight Video:

The position of the IAFE from the announcement of Virtual Vision was that it was not the IAFE Convention and Trade Show and there was no intent to try to replicate that. This was a totally separate and different educational experience and event. And, as 2020 IAFE Chair Nancy Smith, general manager at the South Carolina State Fair, put it, it was “an historic and epic event.”

"Someone in my office had a strange look on their face and said, 'I’m just wondering how in the world and what had to happen for the IAFE to be able to have something so great to give us?' I think that pretty much sums it up," stated Smith.

After the two days of live event experience, the highest attended educational events were as follows:

• Keynote Speech “The Art of Perception” by Amy Herman
• Case Study: Fairs That Went Ahead
• The Power of the Question “How Do We Do This Differently?”
• Building a Lasting Business in Uncertain Times
• Generation Z In-Sight

The metrics used to evaluate the success of Virtual Vision included the number of registered users (450), the number of live session attendees (2,017 over two days and 32 different events), and finally, the Net Promoter Score (NPS) in satisfaction with the sessions. As of Dec. 5, 2020, the NPS score was 70.2, considered very excellent. Final evaluation of the success of Virtual Vision will include final metrics on users visiting recorded sessions, interactions with Marketplace exhibitors, unsolicited feedback in e-mail and social media, and the final NPS score.

Industry awards such as the Hall of Fame, YPI Rising Star, the State & Provincial Executive of the Year, and the Heritage Award winners were not presented for the year 2020.

Five individuals were recognized for their completion of the IAFE Marketing and Promotions track, realizing certification. Sixteen members graduated from the Institute of Fair Management and were recognized for their accomplishments. One Certified Volunteer Fair Manager designation was awarded.

The 2021 IAFE Annual Convention and Trade Show is slated for Nov. 28-Dec. 1 at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas.

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