November Newsletter

Marketing Outside of the Box - Creative Ideas

It is always a challenge to develop a comprehensive marketing plan that is impactful. Listed are creative ideas submitted that are unique and outside of the traditional box:

Guerilla Tactic Signage Plan: Instead of utilizing traditional signage component such as billboards, banners or marquees, think bigger and in locations such as the streets and sidewalks; because everyone watches where they are going.

• Idea 1 
• Idea 2
• Idea 3

- Chelsey Jungck, Nebraska State Fair

We film a commercial during current year using the new fair queen for the following year's fair commercial that runs at the local movie theaters throughout the summer. Inexpensive and is viewed by many with cash to spend.

- Jennifer Rhodes, Fowlerville Family Fair

Street teams are a great way to get the word out about the Fair! Have teams go to other community events, ball games, or a local gathering place to give away Fair tickets, hand out brochures, and invite people to your Fair. 

- Jen Puente, Wisconsin State Fair

To further meet your marketing and communication goals, create a Pinterest account for your fair with boards that address frequently asked questions or specific demographics. For example, if a common inquiry from guests revolves around seeking out healthy food options, create a board with photos and suggestions of places to stop for healthier fare. If you hear from moms who are looking to make a trip to the fair less of a hassle, create a board specifically catered to them with photos and information about: ways save money before and during your event; options for free transportation to and from; and free attractions and educational exhibits for school-age children. The use of Pinterest boards to address specific communications challenges or goals is an easy, free, effective and visually stunning way to market everything your fair has to offer.

- Brienna Schuette, Minnesota State Fair 

We had our sponsor, Murdochs, donate a gift card of $100 for us to run a Facebook contest. Our ultimate goal was to increase the number of fans on our page so we could utilize the free aspect while making announcements. The more fans we had, the more messages we could get across at a much cheaper rate than traditional advertising. We posted this contest on our page around 4:00 PM on the evening when we had our biggest night event. We encouraged everyone who was already a fan to share the page, which would enter them into the chance to win as well. The contest was mentioned several times during our night event, encouraging the 5,000 guests to get on their mobiles and like us immediately. We were giving the gift away as soon as we reached 1,000 likes. I know doesn't seem like much but we are a small fair and saw a 300% increase in attendance this year alone. We increased by 255 fans in the one night by doing our contest. We now have all of those fans to market to next year when we start doing promotions about the upcoming events.

- Casandra Bossingham, Budweiser Events Center

The Washington County Fair's marketing strategy is to market the fair as a "family fun fair" where everyone can experience and learn about agriculture. Our fair does not sell alcohol and most of all the entertainment is family friendly. We want everyone to come to the fair, but our marketing is geared towards young families.

One tip for productive marketing is "word of mouth". Many of our fairgoers still do not have easy access to Internet and are too busy to watch TV so the best way to promote our fair is by making a good impression on the people that visit fair so that they will tell their friends.

- Renee St. Jacques, Washington County Fair

Secrets to Become More Productive - Tips & Tricks

In this fast paced event environment, it is essential to stay productive and organized. Please find helpful tips below that will keep you engaged and ready to take on any challenge:

Favorite productivity tip is to utilize “To Do” lists, and that means multiple. By incorporating Outlook’s Task Manager, you can set deadlines, determine importance, add notes, email and delegate.

- Chelsey Jungck, Nebraska State Fair

I take breaks, and have a kitchen timer on my desk. Give myself a limited amount of time to complete a task. When timer goes off (and if something that I can put off) I stop that and move on to something else. It keeps me from feeling like I cannot accomplish something. Kind of like biting off more than one can chew. Makes it like a game, and I am trying to beat the clock. It works for me, and keeps me motivated, also  helps with the productivity because it allows the task to be fun.

- Jennifer Rhodes, Fowlerville Family Fair

Meetings seem to consume all of our lives….Make meetings with yourself to get work done. Scheduling work time to hit important deadlines minimizes stress – and meetings! 

- Jen Puente, Wisconsin State Fair

Nothing is more valuable for productivity and staying on task than a really good list. You can be more productive and manage priorities with tiered lists: a list for what needs to happen TODAY; a list for what needs to happen this week; and a final list for tasks with long-lead due dates. A pad of lined Post-Its and a pen is all you need to become more efficient and effective. 

- Brienna Schuette, Minnesota State Fair

My best tip for productivity is utilizing Google calendar. Doesn't seem like much because this is something I am still trying to learn how to be better at. But we have several different options when scheduling things from color coding to separate calendars that can all be shown together. I put my entire life on my calendar and check it first thing every morning so I know what my day brings.  Without my calendar, I feel completely lost!

- Casandra Bossingham, Budweiser Events Center

YPI VIP Highlight

Chelsey Jungck
Events & Entertainment Director
Nebraska State Fair
Grand Island, Nebraska

Growing up, Chelsey Jungck and her family annually attended the Nebraska State Fair over Labor Day weekend. The grounds attractions, Hotdog Alley (food vendors), and the commercial exhibits were at the top of their list for their visit every year. Ms. Jungck never imagined that someday she would be part of the team that made those things possible at the Nebraska State Fair.

Ms. Jungck graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and a Master of Arts in Marketing, Communications, and Advertising. Following grad school, she worked a temporary position for Events Solutions magazine, helping to plan their annual conference for event planners in Las Vegas.

Ms. Jungck began serving at the Nebraska State Fair in 2009 as a seasonal employee, planning the last fair in Lincoln. She then moved to Grand Island in late 2009 with the relocation of the Nebraska State Fair. She joined the staff full-time and assisted in the planning of the first state fair in Grand Island.

In her current position as events and entertainment director, Ms. Jungck is responsible for booking entertainment and planning the festivals, programs, and special events at the fair. She also oversees the Nebraska State Fair’s website, social media sites, and mobile application.

Ms. Jungck serves on the IAFE Membership Committee and was recently selected to serve as the Zone 5 representative on the IAFE Young Professionals Steering Committee. She will graduate from the IAFE Institute of Fair Management at the Annual Convention. Ms. Jungck is working with a Steering Committee in Nebraska to develop a Young Professionals Initiative for the Nebraska Association of Fair Managers. 

Ms. Jungck enjoys being an active community member in Grand Island. She serves as secretary on the College Park Board of Directors and vice president on the Grand Island YWCA Board of Directors. She is a member of the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals, the Grand Island Chamber’s Annual Meeting Planning Committee, is a mentor for the University of Nebraska -- Lincoln Public Relations Student Society of America, and is a graduate of the Grand Island Leadership Tomorrow, class 25. Ms. Junck was selected as one of the Grand Island Chamber’s Top 35 under 35 in 2012.

Mentor Spotlight

Dave Snowden
Triangle Talent, Inc.
Louisville, Kentucky

How long have you been in the fair industry?
40 years.  

What’s the best lesson you have learned in the industry / or the hardest? 

How different each Fair is and actually how different each day is. So many elements, weather being the number one!!

What’s your favorite fair food? 
Fried everything!!

What do you feel is the biggest change / challenge you have faced? 

The economy but also the Casino business has grabbed many acts from the Summer tours.

What question would you ask a mentor? 
What are your goals?

If you could give one piece of advice what would that be? 

To stay focused on your goals, listen to your audience (Fair Goer) always keep progressing with new ideas!!

What’s the one thing during the fair you can’t live without? 
Smiles!!!!!

What’s your advice on handling failure? 
Face it head on and never let the same thing happen the second time!!

What’s your favorite quote? 
Really don't have one!!

Who is your role model / mentor? 

Vince Lombardi, win, but win the right way, but work harder each day, and never let defeat get you down.

Convention Calendar & Updates

Mark your calendars to get plugged-in to YPI at the Annual IAFE Convention.  These events will be a great way to learn, meet new people and get more involved:

• Wine & Dine - YPI Representation
  Sunday, December 8, 6pm - 8pm, Planet Hollywood's second level
  The IAFE's Young Professionals Initiative invites you to Unlock your Dreams at this year's Wine and Dine. Tickets will be available for $20 each, with additional tickets being $10 each or 3 for $20. With initial purchase you will receive a custom labeled white or red wine, wine key and tote; as well as an opportunity to win the Dream Package, which includes one 2014 IAFE Convention Registration, Gordon Ramsey Gift Card, and other delights from participating zones. Don't miss out on your opportunity to Unlock Your Dreams and be part of a fun event for a great cause, the IAFE Education Foundation to benefit YPI Scholarships.
• YPI-Sponsored Workshop with Gary Berg on Work / Life Balance
  Monday, December 9, 3pm, Bally's Silver Room
• Ment-A-Minute Mixer
  Monday, December 9, 4:30pm - 5:30pm, Paris Versailles 3 & 4
• YPI Large Group Committee Meeting
  Tuesday, December 10, 2:30pm - 3:30pm, Bally's Bronze 3 & 4
• YPI Social Reception Sponsored by Noise New Media
  Tuesday, December 10, 7:30pm - 8:30pm, Paris Versailles 1 & 2
• Post Reception Get-Together
  Tuesday, December 10, after 8:30pm, location TBD

YPI Updates

• Join the YPI Facebook Discussion Group to connect with other YPI members, CLICK HERE.
• Tell us what you want to see featured in the YPI Newsletter, CLICK HERE.

September Newsletter

How To R.O.C.K A Presentation

Let’s face it, we all have been in the position of having to present for a meeting or for educational purposes.  Most people often have presentation jitters and anxiety, so how can you R.O.C.K. your next presentation and overcome the obstacles?

Research – The biggest culprit for presentation anxiety is not researching your material and preparing in an adequate manner.  So don’t delay, when it is more enticing to push off the task, you are only hurting yourself from rocking it on the big day.  

Overcome – You are able to overcome many of the presentation jitters by simply practicing your presentation.  It may be as simple as visually going through your presentation; it often helps to find key words that you assign as a trigger to advance to the next segment of the presentation.

Colorful – No one wants to sit through a presentation that puts you to sleep.  It is imperative to put your best foot forward by being colorful; which can mean many things.  Being colorful, could be utilizing vivid graphics and / or video.  Or it could mean being genuinely enthusiastic about your materials.  If you are not enjoying the subject matter yourself, it will be difficult to illustrate your message to your audience. 

Know Your Stuff – As you research and prepare you are actually familiarizing yourself more with the material.  As you become more knowledgeable about your subject matter you are able to recall the information in a more fluid manner, ready to tackle any questions that might otherwise catch you off guard.

Agriculture Insight

Brandi Herndon

Agribusiness Manger
Tulsa State Fair
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Now days, when people think of the Fair, they think of the outstanding food and fun rides, often times neglecting the foundation of Fairs, agriculture.  Not only do Fairs across the country provide competitive opportunities for our livestock exhibitors and agriculture youth, but also, educational opportunities for our Fair patrons.  Educating the general public about agriculture is probably one of the most important jobs we have has a Fair with the simplest of lessons like, “where our food and fiber comes from”.  Last year during the Tulsa State Fair, more than ever did I realize how important continued education really is.

It was closing time the last day of the Fair and we were in our birthing center getting ready to close down and load out all the animals.  We were standing by the bottle calves when a young boy, approximately 12, approached us.  In pure amazement he asked, “what is that?”.  This simple question provided us the opportunity to not to just explain to him what animal(s) he was looking at, but gave the opportunity to share where his food comes from.  If we did not make an impression on a single person during the duration of our Fair, we know we left an impression on this young man.  He left with a greater understanding of where his “hamburger” comes from and hopefully he shared the message with his family and friends.  

More now than ever, it is so important to continue to find more educational opportunities.  Each of us in the Fair industry should feel so privileged to have the opportunity to carry on the tradition of educating our Fair patrons!

YPI VIP Highlight

Letrice Midgett
Commercial Space Administrator & Administrative Assistant
North Carolina State Fair
Raleigh, North Carolina

Letrice Midgett has been employed with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer services for 17 years and has served the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh, since 2006. She serves as the Commercial Space Administrator & Administrative Assistant.

As a child, Ms. Midgett went to the fair with her parents. She grew up in the city, so when the fair was going on she was exposed to farm animals. She saw chickens, cows, sheep, rabbits, and visited the petting zoo. Her family would stay all day and enjoy the numerous treats available at the fair, including sausage dogs with onions, candy apples, funnel cakes, and more. She has an AAS degree in Office Systems Technology and completed the Administrative Professionals Certificate Program from Wake Technical Community College.

In her current position, Ms. Midgett is responsible for more than 500 vendors/exhibitors for the NC State Fair and the Got to Be NC Festival. She creates contracts, suggests and approves products and locations, collects payments, and finds new vendors and exhibitors. She also assists Fair Manager Wesley Wyatt and Assistant Fair Manager Ray Frost by scheduling meetings, answering customer questions and complaints, performing clerical duties, backing up the receptionist, and generally helping out in the daily operations of the office.

“I have truly enjoyed the experience of working at the North Carolina State Fair and know that it’s not just a one person job. Every employee at fair goes beyond their job duties to make sure we put on the BEST and SAFEST fair. Working with great people and sharing great moments is worth all the headaches we all endure in the planning process,” stated Ms. Midgett.

Ms. Midgett volunteers with the Big Brother Big Sister program, Career Day, local homeless shelters, and her church. She is a member of NICA and is currently enrolled in the IAFE Institute of Fair Management. She currently chairs the IAFE Commercial Exhibits & Concessions Committee. 

Ms. Midgett and her husband Terrell have one child and are expecting their second child on Jan. 3, 2014. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and traveling.

Mentor Spotlight

Marlene Pierson-Jolliffe
State Fair of West Virginia
Lewisburg, West Virginia

How long have you been in the fair industry?
Summer job from 1984 - August 1, 1989.  Full time since August 1, 1989.  

What’s the best lesson you have learned in the industry / or the hardest? 

Best Lesson - Without a doubt, my best lesson is that no one is perfect and people make mistakes. You have to find the good in everyone and decide if it is enough to give them additional chances. More often than not, it is. 

Hardest Lesson - The hardest lesson learned is that not everyone will always be as committed to the job as you are but it doesn't mean they are not engaged and interested.

What’s your favorite fair food? 
Fried Green Tomato Sandwich.

What do you feel is the biggest change / challenge you have faced? 

Professionally it has been the challenges with school start dates in our region impacting our attendance. The growth of non-fair events has changed the nature of our jobs and challenges us as far as work load.

What question would you ask a mentor? 
How do you find the time to think about the big picture?

If you could give one piece of advice what would that be? 
Respect those around you and lead among them, not above them.

What’s the one thing during the fair you can’t live without? 
A new pair of boots and hugs from my kids.

What’s your advice on handling failure? 

Having the strength to try new ideas is far more important than being afraid to try them and not knowing what the outcome would be. I have always believed it was better to try and fail than to never have tried at all. Failure is part of the game.

What’s your favorite quote? 
"If You Are Going to Dream, Dream Big"

Who is your role model / mentor? 

I've been blessed with several but I would have to say that the one person who has helped me understand the challenges of motherhood, work, the fair industry and life in general would have to be my dear friend Cindy Hoye.

YPI Updates

• Food from Fairs will Feed the Hungry through the Dream Big Food Drive in 2013. For more information and how to get involved, CLICK HERE.
• Join the YPI Facebook Discussion Group to connect with other YPI members, CLICK HERE.
• Tell us what you want to see featured in the YPI Newsletter, CLICK HERE.

July Newsletter

How To Advance In a Multi-Generational Workplace

Being a young professional in today’s fast paced and ever evolving workplace can be challenging and rewarding.  Individuals striving toward success are going to encounter many generational differences that can foster or prohibit advancement.  A few insightful ideas and viewpoints to assist in your career advancement in a multi-generational workplace are:

• RESPECT – Being polite and courteous is essential in everyday interactions.  Young professionals need to focus on respect as it is the foundation for how people perceive your professional character.
• COMMUNICATION – Each generation typically prefers different types of communication mediums.  It is important to recognize there are differences, and some individuals may prefer email or a phone call, whereas another may prefer a text.  Always take into consideration your audience and how they might interpret not only what you say, but also how you say it.
• MENTORSHIP – Develop a trustworthy relationship with a seasoned co-worker, manager or peer that you can go to for advice and guidance.  You might even engage more than one mentor; having a mentor outside of your organization will assist with an external perspective.
• GOAL SETTING – Establishing your goals and communicating them to your superior is essential in advancement. Identifying the areas to improve and strive towards success will ultimately illustrate your value and provide a good baseline for measuring your achievements.

Competitive Exhibits New Rules

The Competitive Exhibits Awards Program consists of eight categories, which are judged each Fall.  It is the goal of the Competitive Exhibits Committee to make sure the guidelines are defined clearly and give each fair an equal opportunity.  Changes were made for the 2013 competition in order to make sure this was possible.   Please check the IAFE website for complete guidelines; categories and major changes are highlighted below.

• Category 1 – Competitive Exhibit Display Method and/or Prop
• Category 2A – New or Unique Single Class of Competitive Exhibits – The first paragraph must state if this in New or Unique, explain why.
• Category 2B – New or Unique Division of Competitive Exhibits – No matter what term your fair uses (division, department, section) the intent of this category is to showcase a new or unique grouping of two more competitive classes which fit a particular process or of a similar nature. 
• Category 3A – Show how the fair incorporated the current year’s fair theme throughout all divisions (departments, sections) and classes of the competitive exhibits area. 
• Category 3B – Show how the fair incorporated the current year’s fair theme in a single class or contest of the competitive exhibits area. 
• Category 4A – Create it on the Spot Contest – In this event the exhibitors create or make some item “on the spot” to be judged in traditional manner with single placements at the fair, with participants starting and completing the entire entry at the fair.  This contest entry should highlight one contest only. 
• Category 4B – Participatory Contest – This is a contest where participants complete the entire contest at the fair and typically invites the fair guest to get involved right there. The winner (s) of the contest may be selected by a variety of means, but might typically be audience applause, timed event, scoring, etc. 
• Category 4C – Unique Contest – This category is for any other type of competitive contest that does not fit the description of Category 4A or Category 4B or is uniquely different than a contest submitted in either of these categories. The intent of this category, thou, is to highlight a “contest” as defined above. 
• Category 5 – New or Unique Strategy to Increase Number of Competitive Exhibitors or Attract New Competitive Exhibitors
• Category 6 – Competitive Exhibit Display Photo
• Category 7 – Competitive Exhibit Display Photo
• Category 8 – Competitive Exhibit Photo Series

YPI VIP Highlight

John Johnson Jr.
Senior Advisor and Technology Superintendent
Hebron Harvest Fair
Hebron, Connecticut

John Johnson Jr., has been involved with fair since he was a child. His father, grandfather, and uncle used to pull doodlebugs at fairs across Connecticut. “I remember many cold late nights out on the bleachers watching them run,” stated Johnson. He became involved with the Hebron Harvest Fair in 2000, when he was called in to assist on Y2K issues in concessions software. He also volunteered with the fair in concessions and parking collections. Johnson graduated from East Connecticut State University in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in computer science.

In early 2005, teens hotwired a dump truck and ran it into a dozen different buildings, causing about $1 million in damage to the fairgrounds. Johnson officially joined the Hebron Lions Club that summer during the reconstruction efforts. The Lions Club organizes and puts on the Hebron Harvest Fair.  He served as fair superintendent for the past three years, but passed the reins this year and now serves as president of the Hebron Lions Club and senior advisor to the fair. Johnson’s parents joined the Lions Club in 2007 and they work together at the fair.

Johnson owns Buddy Automotive Innovations, a software company that makes specialized software for automotive recyclers to inventory vehicles and bid on vehicles at auction. Johnson says the software company and the volunteer work at the fair each make up a full time job. “The Lions Club and fair is my hobby. Writing software is my passion,” stated Johnson.

Mentor Spotlight

Adam McKinney
McKinney Food Services
Hughes Springs, Texas

How long have you been in the fair industry?
All my life.

What’s the best lesson you have learned in the industry / or the hardest? 
Not to be afraid of change.

What’s your favorite fair food? 
Corn dogs.

What do you feel is the biggest change / challenge you have faced? 
Cost of doing business.

What question would you ask a mentor? 
Where do you see this industry in 20 years.

If you could give one piece of advice what would that be? 

Pay attention to the youth in this industry. I have a 28 year old son who has his own business. I watch and learn something new every day from watching him.

What’s the one thing during the fair you can’t live without? 
Fellowship with our fair friends.

What’s your advice on handling failure? 
Positive attitude and an open mind.

What’s your favorite quote? 
Plant a potato you grow a potato.

Who is your role model / mentor? 
My dad.

YPI Updates

• Food from Fairs will Feed the Hungry through the Dream Big Food Drive in 2013. For more information and how to get involved, CLICK HERE.
• Join the YPI Facebook Discussion Group to connect with other YPI members, CLICK HERE.
• Tell us what you want to see featured in the YPI Newsletter, CLICK HERE.

June Newsletter

It’s here! Please go to www.fairsandexpos.com and check out the new IAFE website. It has been developed to make it easier for you to access important member services.

Updating your Account and Password is as easy as 1, 2, 3: 

1. Log on.  Go to “Site Login” on right side of page. When the Access Badge appears, put in your email address.
2. Use this password:  temp123
3. Change your password, update your account.  The system should recognize you; the page will say “Welcome Back". Now go to “My Account” at right and drop down to “My Information” to change your password and to be sure we have everything correct with your account.

If you need assistance, please call the IAFE Office, (800) 516-0313, during regular business hours Monday – Friday, or send an email to the Membership Department.

May Newsletter

Time Management & Balanced Schedules

Being a Young Professional also means you are most likely involved in numerous activities both professionally and personally.  It is important each of us acknowledge our time management skills to incorporate a more balanced and stress free life.  Take a moment to reflect on what you do and how you approach your full-plate.  Do you find you are over extended at times, or don’t have enough time for something or someone?  

Here are a few tips on how to improve productivity and reduce your stress level, creating a more balanced life (provided by the Mayo Clinic):

• Plan each day.
• Prioritize your tasks.
• Say no to nonessential tasks.
• Delegate.
• Take the time you need to do a quality job.
• Limit distractions.
• Break large, time consuming tasks into smaller ones.
• Evaluate how you're spending your time.
• Get plenty of sleep, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
• Take a break when needed.

Developing A Social Media Calendar & Helpful Tools

The total number of social media users is growing each year, and more people are engaging with your brand by the day.  Some rely on social media to find out the most accurate and up-to-date information about your event.  That’s a frightening thought if you don’t have a schedule in place for reaching your guest with the information they desire, while remaining efficient and relatable.

If you’re new to social media, start out slow and focus on one or two outlets first.  Once you’re comfortable with those, expand to other outlets.  Start following similar brands to track what content they post and what type of engagement and interaction they are receiving.  But, keep in mind, what works for them might not work as well for you.  Remain unique and exclusive to your followers.

Not sure how to build a social media schedule or where to start?  Start by determining the following and make sure you think about these when you develop each post:

• Content:  what type of content do you want to post?  Photos, links, videos, promotions, fill in the blanks, polls
• Goal:  What are you trying to accomplish through social media?
• Audience(s):  Who are your fans? Who do you want to reach?
• Brand Messages: What message do you want to get across to your followers?  How does social media support and convey your brand?

Items you might also consider: How frequently do you want to post?  How unique should the information be? What reoccurring content would you like to post each month?

Below are some unique content suggestions that you might consider integrating into your campaign.

• New Ride at Noon – Guests look forward to the thrilling rides they don’t want to miss, feature a new ride coming to your event and give it a catchy name.
• Fill in the Blank – Encourage users engage and interact on your page while researching what they look forward to most.
• Newsletter – Have your newsletter post to your social media outlets to reach those that might not know your newsletter exists and increase your newsletter database.
• Entertainment Announcement – Make a big deal about the exciting, and costly, entertainment coming to your event.
• Fun Food Friday – People love food, especially fun and unique food, feature the new food that will be available at your event and tag the concessionaire if they have a page.
• Sponsor & Media Highlight – Tag your sponsors and media pages in posts and thank them their partnership; improves working relationship & reaches their fans.
• Poll of the Month – Produce a poll that might have answers to help you understand your social media audience; what day they plan to attend, which food they like best, etc. This can help gear promotions and other posts.

When building a calendar, start with your five basic headers:

• Posting Date & Time
• Social Media Outlet(s)
• Message
• Link
• Insights/Results

You can put these in an Excel spreadsheet or Word document to stay organized and as a reference in the future.

There are many free social media content management systems out there that will simultaneously post to Facebook and Twitter, LinkedIn and more.  These dashboards are easy to use and allow posts to be scheduled in advance to improve efficiency while streamlining your social media marketing needs.  They allow you to track engagement and monitor your outlets from one location.  Do some research on which system best fits your needs, but here are a few systems to get you started: HootSuite, Gremln, BufferApp, MediaFunnel.

Take time to research systems, but start planning and organizing your content for your fans and followers NOW!

YPI VIP Highlight

Steve Richo

Co-Founder

Noise New Media

Nashville, Tennessee

Steve Richo moved to Nashville from Connecticut in 2006.  He was involved in telecom and network operations prior to entering the business.  He worked at various record labels on Music Row before founding Noise New Media in April of 2008, with Mark O'Shea.

In the day-to-day operations, Richo's work consists of being the social media strategist for many fairs, festivals and rodeos across the United States.  He also oversees all aspects of technical and visual developments.  Noise New Media started working in the fair industry after acquiring their first client: The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.  The 2013 Rodeo Houston will mark the fifth year of collaboration between the organizations.  Richo has attended The Big E in West Springfield, Massachusetts  since he was three years old and says it is his favorite time of year. 

Richo's interests include baseball, specifically the New York Yankees, classic cars, any and all live music in Nashville and traveling.  After visiting Australia in 2012, for the first time, Richo is seeking more time for international travel.

Mentor Spotlight

Michele Ruby

Oregon Ag Fest
Salem, Oregon

How long have you been in the Fair Industry?
I've been in my role as Executive Director of Oregon Ag Fest for 5 years, but have served on boards, as a volunteer, and/or as a fair exhibitor my entire life.

What's the best lesson you have learned in the industry / or the hardest?

• Best lesson: Flexibility is KING!

• Hardest lesson: Expect the unexpected, no matter how much you plan, unforeseen incidences will happen.

What's your favorite fair food?

Dairy Woman's Soft Serve Vanilla Ice Cream with HOT FUDGE!

What do you feel is the biggest change / challenge you have faced?

We are 100% funded by private dollars, so with increased expenses and board decisions to make the event more family-friendly since the 2008 economic downturn, translating to free parking and children 12 & under admitted for free, we've had to get VERY creative in our partnerships to cover expenses with the decreased gate revenue; which we've accomplish every year since 2008.

What question would you ask a mentor?

How to achieve balance to fair season? I struggle with that.

If you could give one piece of advice what would that be?
Be kind to others. Always. No exceptions. 

What’s the one thing during the fair you can’t live without?
Good pair of sneakers and a fully charged walkie talkie.

What's your advice on handling failure?
Learn from it. Life's greatest adversities are often more meaningful and useful to the future than successes. 

What’s your favorite quote?
“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” - Thomas A. Edison

Who is your role model / mentor?
I actually have several. The most influential is my mom. I saw her, from an early age, manage work, family, volunteerism and our farm with grace, patience and precision. If she was born in my era, I'm pretty sure she could be the first female President. 


YPI Updates

• YPI Steering Committee is seeking new members from Zones 1, 3, 5 and 7.  For more information and how to apply, CLICK HERE.
• Food from Fairs will feed the Hungry through the Dream Big Food Drive in 2013.  For more information and how to get involved, CLICK HERE.
• Join the YPI Facebook Discussion Group to connect with other YPI members, CLICK HERE.
• Tell us what you want to see featured in the YPI Newsletter, CLICK HERE.

March Newsletter

Generational Communincation
In the Fair Industry, and in most aspects of life, all generations are communicating.  Communication is imperative for a successful event and work environment, no matter what generation.  Being a young professional can encompass adversity when trying to illustrate your message to an individual from a different generation, and vice versa.  Therefore, it is important for everyone to stay in tune with how their communication styles differ from their peers, and how to appropriately interact with the challenges faced.

At our most recent IAFE Annual Convention, Jeremy Parsons (Clay County Fair) and Jessica Underberg (Erie County Fair), developed a comprehensive PowerPoint focusing on Gerational Differences.  Get plugged into communication, and gain insightful knowledge about how these differences affect us. 

• To view their presentation, CLICK HERE.

Fair-licious Food

Many of our guests visit our Fairs each year for delicious Fair Food.  This month’s Industry Highlight explores how concessionaires develop their new tasty concepts that keep the public coming back for more, year after year. 

Taking a journey through Destination Deep-Fried can be intriguing, two concessionaires from the the Minnesota State Fair shared insight on how they come up with their delectable delights.  The two concessionaires interviewed included, Tim “Giggles” Weiss, owner of Giggle’s Campfire Grill and Stephanie Olson, owner of Blue Moon Dine-In Theater. Each vendor had a very different approach, however they both go for more of a delicious factor than a shock factor.  Most of the time when you think about new and unique foods, one may think of a more crazy item, such as chocolate covered grasshoppers.  These successful concessionaires both have one thing in common, they develop more savory products, keeping their taste buds poised to want more all year long.  When asked how they come up with their ideas, Olsen stated, “we travel a lot, and we typically go for something that sounds good and is in line with the global trends.”  Whereas Giggles said that his inspiration is sparked mid-event during the Minnesota State Fair; resulting in a solid idea for the next year.

From a business standpoint, the food industry can have a lean profit margin.  When our concessionaires were asked if this played a role in the development of their product, Giggles said his focus was on people enjoying a great product at a value.  Olsen stated she has developed a measurement, which equates to the product cost and production being no more than 30% of the total cost. 

So how do our concessionaires market their most popular products, Olsen’s Sweet Corn Ice Cream and Giggle’s Walleye Cakes to their customers?  They each have a very different marketing approach.  Giggles utilizes a more structured solution with traditional components, such as billboards, radio and print advertising.  Olsen takes more of an old school approach with word of mouth and capitalizing on any opportunity that is free. 

One thing is for sure, both of these concessionaires truly enjoy what they are doing.  Their passion for food and excellent customer service has resulted in successful businesses for over 30 years.  Developing new products can be tricky, but we all enjoy the Fair-licious Food that our concessionaires develop, while increasing profits and creating tasty memories.

• For more food inspiration, visit the Minnesota State Fair's New Food Page, CLICK HERE.

Looking to Get Involved?

The YPI Steering Committee is seeking new members from Zones 1, 3, 5 and 7.  If you are under 40 years old and from an IAFE member fair in one of these Zones, we encourage you to apply to serve on the YPI Steering Committee.  All applications must be submitted by May 31, 2013.

• For more information and how to apply, CLICK HERE.

YPI VIP Highlight

Sara Renee Hallman

Event Coordinator

Benton Franklin Fair

Kennewick, Washington

Sara Renee Hallman is a small town girl born and raised in Pasco, Washington. She is a mother of two very energetic boys, and decided to raise her children in her hometown. At the age of 23, she was new to the fair industry when she joined the Benton Franklin Fair & Rodeo in Kennewick, Wash., as a temporary employee inputting entry data. Even though she didn’t have a background in fairs or a knowledge of livestock terminology, she proved to be a quick learner and was soon hired as a full-time permanent employee.

In Ms. Hallman’s seven years at the Benton Franklin Fair, her role has evolved and she now manages contracts, vendors, exhibitors and volunteers. Her job responsibilities do not stop there. Ms. Hallman has been a fill-in for one of the rodeo specialty acts when things went awry, an experience she will never forget. Ms. Hallman is very grateful to have been introduced into the fair industry and enjoys com­ing to work each and every day. She looks forward to seeing a younger generation be more involved with what this industry has to offer.

Mentor Spotlight

Adam Heffron

Wisconsin State Fair Park
West Allis, Wisconsin

How long have you been in the Fair Industry?
All but six years of my career when I worked for a convention and visitors bureau.

What's the best lesson you have learned in the industry / or the hardest?
There are so many lessons that I have learned the hard way, but one that comes to mind is from early on in my career when I lent my back stage pass to a trusted fair-time employee, and she proceeded to make an embarrassment of herself and of the fair while wearing my credential.  The lesson I learned is:  don't accept a backstage pass if you have no business being there; and if you have one, keep it around your own neck.

What's your favorite fair food?
Since I have had the fortune of working and visting many good fairs throughout North America I would say it depends on the fair and region.

• Washington State, I love a Walla Walla Onion Burger
• California fairs, I would choose a Fish Taco
• Canadian fairs serve a mean ice cream Fiddlestick
• Western New York fairs bake a killer piece of pizza
• Minnesota State Fair, where do I begin ...
• Wisconsin State Fair, it's Cream Puffs and Beer (off the clock of course)

What do you feel is the biggest change / challenge you have faced?

Nearing graduation from college and trying to land a fair job was a challenge for me.  I was blessed to have two very special people present me with a unique opportunity to gain fair managment experience.  Norb Bartosik from the Orange County Fair and Joan Weil from the San Diego County Fair pulled together to hire and train me at both of their fairs. 

A more recent challenge has been my experience with directing a new department at Wisconsin State Fair Park.  Building a staff, creating operating policies and procedures, gaining rapport with hundreds of clients, managing such a diverse inventory of venues while maintaining a high ROI brings about daily opportunities and challenges. 

What question would you ask a mentor?
How did we get so lucky to create such a large fair-going audience willing to stand in lines to spend money for admittance, a toilet stall without a door, deep fried foods, nauseating rides, concerts seats, a look at the biggest boar, cash machines, and last but not least, a long parade of vehicles to get off the grounds after the fireworks?  We have to love fairgoers. 

If you could give one piece of advice what would that be?
Always strive to improve our product, making it diverse, exciting, innovative, eye appealing, comfortable and representative of our community; yet, don't forget to understand what got us here - agriculture, entertainment and education.

What’s the one thing during the fair you can’t live without?
A really good staff.

What's your advice on handling failure?
A great leader, friend, and trusted mentor in our business frequently advised me that, "If you want to make an omelette you have to break some eggs." I make mistakes daily, but in doing so, learn from them and eat a lot of scrambled eggs.

What’s your favorite quote?
“Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic, be enthusiastic and faithful, and you will accomplish your object. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”  -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Who is your role model / mentor?
My father, Mike Heffron.


YPI Updates

• Food from Fairs will feed the Hungry through the Dream Big Food Drive in 2013.  For more information and how to get involved, CLICK HERE.
• Join the YPI Facebook Discussion Group to connect with other YPI members, CLICK HERE.
• Tell us what you want to see featured in the YPI Newsletter, CLICK HERE.

January Newsletter

Plugged-In.....To Your Community

The Fair Industry and Community intertwine significantly, which is why it is important as a young professional to get Plugged-In.  Involvement in your community provides access to many opportunities, which include sponsorships, networking and public relations to name just a few.  In addition, being Plugged-In exposes you to educational opportunities that will assist in molding you to be a more rounded and diverse individual, giving you more relevance in today’s competitive world.  We all make a difference now, but if we all get Plugged-In, think of what a greater impact YPI can have.  So how can you get Plugged-In? 

·         City Organized Young Professional Groups

·         Non-Profit Boards (great resource to learn about non-profits in your area are Social Calendars)

·         Schools (Public, Private and Colleges)

·         Public Library

·         Hospitals

·         Rotary

·         Junior League 

Don’t just wait for opportunities to come to you, get Plugged-In, and create your own opportunities.

 
 

Dream Big:  Food Drive 101

Approaching the idea of where to start on hosting a food drive may seem a little overwhelming, but with a few basic steps your Fair can be on its way to food drive success.  Here are four areas that you will want to outline when planning your food drive.

 

Planning a food drive can be broken down into as many areas as you would like, but you must make sure you have four major areas:

 

1.       What are our goals?

2.       Who are we going to partner with?

3.       What location will work best?

4.       What incentives will we offer?

 

As with any project being taken on, establishing goals and what you want to achieve is the first step.  You will then want to determine what charity you want to partner with, what volunteer base you will work with or establish and what media partners you want to directly team up with.  These will also be a big source of how the event will be publicized.  The location selected should be determined on space availability, ease of getting food items to this area and is it easily accessible to vehicles.  Lastly, what will drive people to participate and make it worth the effort of bringing food donations to the fair?  Explore different promotions that would work the best for your fairgoers. 
 

Each food drive can be different and unique and that is one thing that makes them so successful.  Dream Big in 2013!

 

• For more information on the IAFE Dream Big Campaign, CLICK HERE

 

YPI VIP Highlight

J.D. Linn

Producer
Haas & Wilkerson Insurance
Fairway, Kansas

J.D. Linn is a producer for the fair, festival, and special event divi­sion of Haas & Wilkerson Insurance. He uses contractual analysis, policy reviews, and other risk management techniques to protect the assets of festivals from the unique liability ex­posures associated with them.

 

Prior to working at Haas & Wilkerson In­surance, Linn graduated from the Uni­ver­sity of Kansas’s School of Economics in 2010 with a bachelors degree in economics and minor in business. In 2010, he was also employed as the music director and composer for the Story Worx Studio of Kansas City. His love of music lead to him attending and sometimes performing at several different festivals through­out the country, where he developed a passion for the special event industry. From 2008-2011, Linn served as an independent contractor for Blue Jay Properties in Law­rence, Kans. He was responsible for managing a clean­ing/maintenance crew for a 192-unit apartment complex.

 

As a producer at Haas & Wilkerson In­sur­ance, Linn uses his analytical skills, econom­ics background, and risk management knowl­edge to serve the industry that he has grown to love. He designs risk management programs for the specific, high-risk exposures associat­ed with special events. He was recently elected to serve on the board of directors for the Flor­ida Festival and Event Association. He has at­tended numerous state fair meetings as well as IAFE zone meetings for zones 1, 2, 3, and 6.

Linn has one older brother, Mike Linn, and a 135 lb black lab/Newfoundland mix dog named Vito.  During most of his free time, Linn writes music or is playing with a couple of bands around Kansas City.  His other hobbies include boating, attending concerts, snowboarding, hunting, and occassionally rock climbing and white water rafting.

 

 

Mentor Spotlight

Marla Calico

IAFE

Springfield, Missouri

 

How long have you been in the Fair Industry?

I began work at the Ozark Empire Fair (Springfield, Missouri) in early 1977, while attending Southwest Missouri State University (Now Missouri State University).  I worked 12 hours per week in the office, but also picked up extra cash by selling tickets on Friday night at the stock car races, selling bedding at the horse shows on Saturday and Sunday.  I was the general manager of the fair from 1995 through mid-2004.  I have been on staff at the IAFE since September, 2006.

 

What's the best lesson you have learned in the industry / or the hardest?

No matter how much success you enjoy, no matter how GREAT things are going you must constantly be pushing yourself -- and htose around you -- to always do better.  It is the 4-H motto learned so many years ago, "To Make the Best Better".

 

What's your favorite fair food?

Nachos with cheese (on the side) and LOTS of jalapeno peppers with a Dr. Pepper. This was my Friday night dinner for decades because I most often could be found working a horse show or rodeo or other event at OEF.

 

What do you feel is the biggest change / challenge you have faced?

The biggest change has been the technology, not only while I was at the fair, but here at IAFE. It is moving SO fast, compared to what I first knew and the rate of change from the late 1970s through end of 1990s. Consider this -- getting a FAX machine was a huge deal for us! As far as a challenge, nothing -- nothing at all -- can compare to the horrible tragedy of a natural gas explosion on our fairgrounds, 32 days before the 2003 fair opened, which killed one of our employees.

What question would you ask a mentor?
Advice on how to be a good leader. You can be the best at marketing, the best at arranging competitive exhibits, or managing an agricultural program....but that doesn't necessarily make you a leader.

If you could give one piece of advice what would that be?
Everyone fails at some point in their life. The key is to learn something from that failure...to admit it, to own up to it. to make the changes necessary so that the next time you fail it is at something else! We remember Babe Ruth not for the phenomenal number of strike-outs but for his home runs.

What’s the one thing during the fair you can’t live without?
Extra shoes. If your feet aren't "happy" the rest of you cannot be happy!

What’s your favorite quote?
The 4-H motto, "To Make the Best Better".

Who is your role model / mentor?
My mentor was Dan Fortner, the manager of Ozark Empire Fair from 1983 through 1994. I learned so very much from him, not only about how to run the fair, but about living life. Although also a mentor, my dad was and remains my role model. The world lost a great man when he died, and I miss him still. He was one who always had a smile on his face; who never met a stranger; who always found the good in people; who survived failure; a man who was never afraid to show his love or his emotions.