Wednesday, November 15, 2017

November Newsletter

5 "musts" when attending the IAFE Convention

So, you’re heading to the IAFE Convention later this month? You know we’re going to tell you that you must, must, MUST attend the YPI events (scroll down, you’ll read all about it), and that you absolutely can’t miss the Closing Party as we say goodbye to Las Vegas. Beyond that, though, there are a few things that you can do RIGHT NOW to get prepared for what’s to come.
  1. Pack your business cards. I admit, I’ve failed to bring enough business cards. I’ve also let it slip my mind to ask a colleague from another fair for their card. Both of those were big mistakes. They don’t call it IAFE: The Network for no reason. You’re meeting with your peers who face the same challenges as you every day. We can lean on each other for expertise and insights, and you can’t do that unless you know how to find someone. So, for crying out loud, put your business cards in a "to pack" pile right now.
  2. Set goals for what you want to learn. Are you thinking about adding a new element to your fair? Love the way another fair does something? Make it a point to meet with representatives from fairs who you think “do it right” to get your idea off the ground.
  3. Plan ahead. Whether you are the only person going from your fair or an entire team is coming from your neck of the woods, you’ve got to plan. There are tons of amazing workshops, keynotes, roundtables, and by far the coolest Trade Show I’ve ever seen. Sometimes, you’ll wish you could be in two places at once – but you can’t. So, visit www.iafeconvention.com, check out the schedule, and map out your day. Divide and conquer with your colleagues, if possible. Can't make it to everything? Check the IAFE website later - notes and handouts are often added after the Convention. 
  4. Get involved. The IAFE has a number of committees for different areas within the industry (competitive events, agriculture, budget & finance, entertainment, advertising, sponsorship, etc.), and even has a special time carved out for these committees to meet during the Convention – Tuesday, Nov. 28 from 1:15 – 2:15 pm. Pick one that best reflects your role at your fair and go to the meeting. You’ll meet your counterparts from all over, and you won’t regret it.
  5. Join the IAFE Igniter message board. If you aren’t already on it, go right now, and sign up on the IAFE Igniter message board. Not only is it a great all-in-one-place to have discussions with other industry leaders about any topic (trending right now: text message alert systems, saying “no” to events, driving fairgoers to commercial booth areas), but it is also like its own little fair industry LinkedIn. You can upload your photo and build connections with colleagues right there within the system. 
BONUS: download the Convention App! You can download it for either iOS or Android, and it has the schedule, speaker info, photo gallery, and so much more. You can even see the social feed from the hashtag #IAFE2017 right there in the app - so tweet away, you might see yourself in the feed! 

Mark your calendar: Convention events for young professionals
Hang out with us at the Convention!
Carve out a little time from your busy Convention schedule to engage with other young professionals in the industry at some of our YPI Steering Committee hosted events:



Workshop: Meet the Millennials Game Show

Monday, Nov. 27, 10:15 – 11 am
Bally’s Bronze 1 & 2
Millennials, those of us born between 1981 and 1997, not only are the nation’s largest generation, but we also make up most of the YPI group aged 40 and under. Join us at a "game show" where millennial contestants will answer our host’s questions and the audience's about everything from how they hear the day’s news to what they think the fair industry future will look like. Fairs in attendance will be intrigued, surprised, and will walk away with knowledge that will help to learn how to hold an event for millennials, how to market to millennials, and how to work with millennials.

Monday, Nov. 27, 3 – 4:45 pm
Meeting and Happy Hour
Paris Versailles 3 & 4
Mix and mingle (🍷psst…drinks are on the house 🍻) at our annual YPI networking meeting and happy hour. We’ll split into groups by zone for a chance to meet fellow young pros close to home, and by profession to “pick the brains” of fair colleagues in your area of expertise.

Monday, Nov. 27
Nightly Social, 9:30 pm (ish)
Meet at Le Centre, the “Circle Bar” in the Paris Lobby - Come when you can, leave when you’re ready. We’ll be informally gathering for conversation (and cocktails, if you choose).

Tuesday, Nov. 28, 3 – 4:30 pm
Ment-a-Minute
Paris Versailles 3 & 4
This popular annual speed networking event has to be the fastest way to meet industry pros from across the country, hands down.

Tuesday, Nov. 28, 7:30 – 9:30 pm*
TopGolf (behind MGM)
Trek over to TopGolf for a fun event sponsored by YPI, but open to everyone. Take a swing at the microchipped golf balls to see your accuracy and distance at a one-of-a-kind networking event. Last year’s TopGolf outing was a blast, and this year’s will only get better! Don't want to golf? Come join us for FREE to hang out and socialize.
*Cost is $35 per person. Advance registration is required. Attendees will meet at 7 pm by the Paris Hotel check-in area, then walk as a group to TopGolf at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino.

Wednesday, Nov. 29
Nightly Social, 9:30 pm (ish)
Meet at Le Centre, the “Circle Bar” in the Paris Lobby - It’s your last chance to gather with fellow industry young pros before you head home. Swing by at your leisure to chat and hang at the “circle bar” at Paris.

YPI VIP Spotlight
Nicola Martinez
Exhibits Supervisor

San Diego County Fair
San Diego, Ohio
  • How long have you been in the fair industry? - Almost 7 years - it's flown by!         
  • What advice do you have for anyone new to the industry? - Stay calm and positive. I've never regretted the situations [when] I took a step back and didn't let a stressful situation get the best of me. Keeping a positive attitude during the Fair goes a long way and saying "thank you" is an easy way to help others feel positive as well!
  • What’s your favorite fair food? - Can I opt for a beverage? We produce a beer, wine and spirits festival during our Fair so I look forward to trying some award-winning beverages (after work of course).
  • What is your favorite fair (other than your own) that you've visited? - I love the OC Fair- they have an amazing concert venue and neighborhood charm to their Fair. I try to visit every year!
  • What does the YPI network mean to you? - YPI is not only a great resource for information but a welcoming community for those new to the Fair Industry. I have YPI to thank for many of the wonderful fair friendships I have today and am thankful for such a great network!
  • What is the best fair advice you've ever been given? - "Nobody else will know it's missing" - in my younger years I was a bit of a perfectionist so when an exhibit didn't turn out just the way I envisioned and/or something fell through I would sweat the small stuff. In the end, those projects turned out great and I've learned (and continue to learn) to focus on the positive.
  • What’s your favorite fair memory? - I don't have a specific moment but the memories I cherish most are seeing the faces on our fair kids when they are taking a field trip to the Fair for the first time, highlighting a local hero on the 4th of July and walking through the Fair late at night and taking it all in.
  • What is one item you can't live without during the Fair? - Definitely my cell phone.
  • How did you get involved in the Fair industry? - After a few internships in the events industry, I applied for a marketing internship at the San Diego County Fair my senior year of college. It was a hands-on internship unlike any of my previous internships and I loved the experience and fair community.

Mentor Spotlight

Lonna Brushers
Business Manager
Western Idaho Fair
Boise, ID
  • How long have you been in the fair industry? - 7 years
  • What’s the best / hardest lesson you have learned in the industry? - The hardest lesson I have learn is even though you try, you can't make everyone happy all of the time.
  • What’s your favorite fair food? - Indian Fry Bread Tacos or Finger Steaks...it's a toss up!
  • What do you feel is the biggest change / challenge you have faced? - The biggest challenge I face is handing over responsibilities to others, even though I know they are capable of performing the duties. I have a hard time with people doing things differently then I would do them myself. But I am working on that each day.
  • If you could give one piece of advice what would that be? - Don't give up! Some days are much more challenging then others. When I am having a rough day during fair, wander the grounds and look at the joy on all of the kids faces as they learn new things, are going on a ride for the first time, or are covered in cotton candy. These little walk reminds me why I love what I do, it's about keeping the industry alive and planting that seed in future generations.
  • What’s the one thing during the fair you can’t live without? - Simply put....CAFFEINE 
  • What’s your advice on handling failure? - You can't win them all, but you can learn where improvement is needed. Sometimes it takes going back to the drawing board and recreating the way you do something for it to be successful. Just because something may not have worked the first time, doesn't mean it won't work if you try again with adjustments.
  • What’s your favorite quote? - "Don't downgrade your dreams to match your reality. Upgrade your faith to match your destiny." - DeVon Franklin
  • Who is your role model / mentor? - Since 1998 when her first book was released in the U.S., I have admired and looked up to J.K. Rowling. Her story on perseverance is a powerful one. Her story reminds me not to give up on myself and to keep trying for the things I want in life, no matter how hard the struggle may currently be.
    Professionally, my mentor is Bob Batista. It is truly an honor and a privilege to work with and learn from him each day. He challenges me to try new things and to push myself one step further. He has helped me realize my enthusiasm for this industry and empowers me as I learn exactly what that means for my future.

Announcements!

  • Participate in the Igniter – IAFE Discussion Board! If you haven't already joined, now is the time to sign up for the IAFE's online member service. If you have questions or need help logging in, please contact the IAFE office at 800-516-0313. The board allows you to post questions/discussions, reply to topics, post document resources, look up contacts, and to network. This is an incredibly simple way for you to easily interact and communicate online and exchange ideas, experience, knowledge, and wisdom with your peers. Click here for instructions on how to use the board. Already signed up? Log in to participate and start a topic.
  • Post on social - Tell us what you're up to! Post using #IAFEYPI. You might just get retweeted! We're on FacebookTwitter and Instagram

Friday, October 13, 2017

October Newsletter

Last Call: Convention Pre-Registration Due Nov. 1

After November 1, all registrations must take place on-site in Las Vegas
Have you had the opportunity to attend the annual IAFE Convention in the past? There are many reasons to go, such as:
  • Keynote speakers to get you motivated
  • Workshops on top-of-mind topics that apply to your fair
  • Networking opportunities to meet colleagues from all over, who can be just a call or email away for advice and insight
  • Roundtables to sit and chat with fellow fair folks about specific topics and concerns
  • A trade show that has to be one of the most unique you'll ever see; whether you're looking for potential fair entertainers, online entry software, credit card processors, cashless providers, mobile app developers, insurance providers, master planning services or dozens of the other things it takes to run a fair, you can meet face-to-face with associate members at the best trade show around
Ready to register? Head over to www.iafeconvention.com for all of the information you need to register, book a hotel room, find travel discounts and preview the schedule of events.

While you're at it...mark your calendar
Hang out with us at the Convention!
Carve out a little time from your busy Convention schedule to engage with other young professionals in the industry at some of our YPI Steering Committee hosted events:

Workshop: Meet the Millennials Game Show
Monday, Nov. 27, 10:15 – 11 am
Bally’s Bronze 1 & 2
Millennials, those of us born between 1981 and 1997, not only are the nation’s largest generation, but we also make up most of the YPI group aged 40 and under. Join us at a "game show" where millennial contestants will answer our host’s questions and the audience's about everything from how they hear the day’s news to what they think the fair industry future will look like. Fairs in attendance will be intrigued, surprised, and will walk away with knowledge that will help to learn how to hold an event for millennials, how to market to millennials, and how to work with millennials.

Monday, Nov. 27, 3 – 4:45 pm
Meeting and Happy Hour
Mix and mingle (🍷psst…drinks are on the house 🍻) at our annual YPI networking meeting and happy hour. We’ll split into groups by zone for a chance to meet fellow young pros close to home, and by profession to “pick the brains” of fair colleagues in your area of expertise.

Monday, Nov. 27
Nightly Social, 9:30 pm (ish)
Meet at Le Centre, the “Circle Bar” in the Paris Lobby - Come when you can, leave when you’re ready. We’ll be informally gathering for conversation (and cocktails, if you choose).

Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2:45 – 4 pm
Ment-a-Minute
This popular annual speed networking event has to be the fastest way to meet industry pros from across the country, hands down.

Tuesday, Nov. 28, 7:30 – 9:30 pm*
TopGolf (behind MGM)
Trek over to TopGolf for a fun event sponsored by YPI, but open to everyone. Take a swing at the microchipped golf balls to see your accuracy and distance at a one-of-a-kind networking event. Last year’s TopGolf outing was a blast, and this year’s will only get better!
*Cost is $35 per person. Advance registration is required. Attendees will meet at 7 pm by the Paris Hotel check-in area, then walk as a group to TopGolf at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino.

Wednesday, Nov. 29
Nightly Social, 9:30 pm (ish)
Meet at Le Centre, the “Circle Bar” in the Paris Lobby - It’s your last chance to gather with fellow industry young pros before you head home. Swing by at your leisure to chat and hang at the “circle bar” at Paris.
 
Get Involved: Volunteer at the Convention!
Sign up by October 17
Whether it is staffing the information booth, greeting fellow Convention attendees at the door, or volunteering in the IAFE Ed Shed, volunteers are vital to the Convention.  Being a volunteer not only helps make the Convention a success, it also allows you to meet new people and learn more about the IAFE! Use the links below to sign up for current opportunities:
YPI VIP Spotlight
Cara Muhlenkamp
Fair Manager

Mercer County Fair
Celina, Ohio
  • How long have you been in the fair industry? - 13 years         
  • What advice do you have for anyone new to the industry? - Try to learn as much from the elders on your board.  These individuals are a wealth of knowledge that will truly help you out. Also, know that change can be a good thing.  Improvements and the path to success typically involves some sort of change.
  • What’s your favorite fair food? - I really like it all, but if I had to pick one thing it would be the butterfly pork chop!
  • What is your favorite fair (other than your own) that you've visited? - Indiana State Fair - I am originally from Indiana and have many fond memories of attending the Indiana State Fair with my family.
  • What does the YPI network mean to you? - YPI is a great opportunity to connect with individuals in your industry, that have faced or are facing the same challenges.  It is about learning from someone else's experiences.
  • What is the best fair advice you've ever been given? - "It is what it is." Regardless of what happens, the fair is still going to happen every August in Mercer County.  It doesn't matter what challenges arise.  All bumps in the road will be worked through and we will still have a Fair that the community can be proud of.
  • What’s your favorite fair memory? - We had not had concerts at our fair for many years.  The public was wanting us to bring them back.  In 2013, Joe Nicholas performed in front of our grandstand.  It was such a wonderful feeling of accomplishment to see the community enjoying the concert.
  • What is one item you can't live without during the Fair? - My awesome staff and board members!  They keep everything going and put up with me asking them to do a million things during the week.  They also keep me smiling during the stressful moments.  We typically are always laughing and having fun.
  • How did you get involved in the Fair industry? - My husband was on our local Fair Board.  We made it a family affair and helped out together at all the events.  Eventually I started working seasonally in the office to help prepare for the Fair.  The position of Fair Manager opened up in 2012.  It has been a fun and rewarding career path.
  • Words of wisdom - Enjoy what you are doing! If you don't enjoy your job and show enthusiasm about your position, how are you going to fire up your board members, co-workers, and the community? 

Mentor Spotlight

Danny Aguilar
The Delaware State Fair, Inc.
Assistant General Manager & Director of  Marketing
Harrington, Delaware
  • How long have you been in the fair industry? - 10 years
  • What’s the best / hardest lesson you have learned in the industry? - A very difficult lesson for me was you can't please everybody all the time, try to step back a look at the bigger picture.
  • What’s your favorite fair food? - Shaved Ice & Deep Fried Snickers
  • What do you feel is the biggest change / challenge you have faced? - Customer expectations have changed, customers are expecting more for their money and we are in competition for their entertainment dollar.  It is important to engage the customer through as many communication channels as possible.  #experientialmarketing
  • What question would you ask a mentor? - I would want to chat about his/her thoughts on how to best reach the multiple generations that visit our fairs. 
  • If you could give one piece of advice what would that be? - Take time to drive in like you were a customer, get their perspective on parking, shuttles, buying a gate admission, and walking through the grounds.
  • What’s the one thing during the fair you can’t live without? - A low temperature, low humidity day - we need a break from traditional July weather.        
  • What’s your advice on handling failure? - Learn from it - we are not perfect, mistakes happen.
  • What’s your favorite quote? - "The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude in life"  by Charles Swindoll
  • Who is your role model / mentor? - My Parents - they taught me the importance of respect, patience and being committed to a cause.

Announcements!

  • Participate in the Igniter – IAFE Discussion Board! If you haven't already joined, now is the time to sign up for the IAFE's online member service. If you have questions or need help logging in, please contact the IAFE office at 800-516-0313. The board allows you to post questions/discussions, reply to topics, post document resources, look up contacts, and to network. This is an incredibly simple way for you to easily interact and communicate online and exchange ideas, experience, knowledge, and wisdom with your peers. Click here for instructions on how to use the board. Already signed up? Log in to participate and start a topic.
  • Join the Young Professionals Initiative-IAFE - To connect with other YPI members, click here
  • Post on social - Tell us what you're up to! Post using #IAFEYPI. You might just get retweeted! We're on FacebookTwitter and Instagram

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

August special edition: Convention scholarships and an opportunity for Zone 8 members

Zone 8: Join the YPI Steering Committee

Apply by Sept. 7


Are you, or do you know, a wonderful IAFE member age 40 and under from Alaska, California, Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada, British Columbia, Oregon, or Washington (Zone 8)? We're looking for a young professional in the fair industry to join the YPI Steering Committee for a term through December 2018! Hurry - the deadline to apply is next Thursday, September 7!
IAFE Convention Scholarship Deadline Quickly Approaching
Apply by Aug. 31

Scholarships are available to folks involved at member fairs who would like to attend the annual IAFE Convention and Trade Show. Below are the available scholarships with a small description. Applications are due August 31, 2017.

YPI Convention Scholarships by Zone
Young professionals age 40 and under are eligible to apply for scholarships available from each Zone. Scroll down for more information and application links:
First-time Convention attendee scholarships
You haven't been to the IAFE Convention before? Now's your time to go - and save! There are scholarships for first-timers (below), AND any new Fair joining the IAFE in 2017 gets free attendee registration! Take advantage of these offers and mark your calendar today. 

Institute of Fair Management (IFM) Course Enrollee Scholarships: 

Are you enrolled in the Institute of Fair Management? You're eligible to apply for the $17,000 in scholarships that are available. These funds can help cover your IFM tuition, attendance at the IAFE Convention, or at the Institute Summit. Hurry - the deadline to apply is Aug. 31!

Be a Rising Star!
Apply by Aug. 31
One of the goals of the YPI was to create a “Rising Star Award” to recognize leadership and industry contributions of IAFE members, age 40 and younger. Nominate an outstanding young person leading the way in the IAFE. A Rising Star recipient will be honored at the IAFE Convention. Nominations are due by August 31, 2017.

For more information and to submit your nomination, visit: 
https://s3.amazonaws.com/iafe/website/documents/2017RisingStarAward.pdf

Announcements!

  • Participate in the Igniter – IAFE Discussion Board! If you haven't already joined, now is the time to sign up for the IAFE's online member service. If you have questions or need help logging in, please contact the IAFE office at 800-516-0313. The board allows you to post questions/discussions, reply to topics, post document resources, look up contacts, and to network. This is an incredibly simple way for you to easily interact and communicate online and exchange ideas, experience, knowledge, and wisdom with your peers. Click here for instructions on how to use the board. Already signed up? Log in to participate and start a topic.
  • Join the Young Professionals Initiative-IAFE - To connect with other YPI members, click here
  • Post on social - Tell us what you're up to! Post using #IAFEYPI. You might just get retweeted! We're on FacebookTwitter and Instagram

Monday, July 24, 2017

July 2017 Newsletter

Balancing Life

Many of us younger generation adults are balancing work and college.  Some of us are also adding a spouse and a child or two. We often find ourselves struggling to maintain a positive, healthy balance while juggling so many things on our never ending list of things we need to do. Fair season is upon many of us right now and this does not make that list any shorter!
Many of us are blessed to have an environment where we can carefully combine work and home life. Some of us are also blessed with a great support system at home. As our fair dates get closer and our work week escalates, keep in mind your happiness, health and wellbeing. Technology makes us accessible around the clock to our exhibitors, vendors and the public. Remember to put limits and prioritize continuously throughout your day.

Some suggestions to help get us through those months, where the to do list never ends:

  • Build some downtime into your schedule - even just a few minutes to recharge and rest. Remember that a little relaxation goes a long way.
  • Don't be afraid to ask for help. Involve coworkers and family members. 
  • Managing time appropriately. Set time limits to make you work faster and more efficiently 
  • Living a well-rounded lifestyle. Try not to eat so much fried dough (those darn greasy carbs), and exercise, to release those healthy endorphins 
  • Unplug. Take 10 minutes a day, if not more, just be offline
  • Set goals for the day and prioritize continuously. 
  • Remember, the Fair will come whether we are ready or not. Focus on the things that are most important and continue to pursue excellence in all things.
 
Scholarships for Attendees
Scholarships are available to folks involved at member fairs who would like to attend the annual IAFE Convention and Trade Show. Below are the available scholarships with a small description. Applications are due August 31, 2017

Convention Scholarships


**Zone 1 Application Two scholarships at $1,000


**Zone 2 Application Two scholarships at $1,000


**Zone 3 Application Five scholarships at $600 (one for each state/province in Zone 3)


**Zone 5 Application Two scholarships at $750


**Zone 6 Application Two scholarships at $500


**Zone 7 Application Two scholarships at $500


**Zone 8 Application Two scholarships at $500


IAFE Institute of Fair Management Course Enrollee Scholarships: 

Bob Williams Application One scholarship at $500 Applicant must be an Institute enrollee, from Zone 4, and from a small fair (less than 50,000 in attendance).

Bob Williams Memorial Application One scholarship at $500 Applicant must  be an institute enrollee, from Zone 4

Cow Palace Scholarship Application One scholarship at $500. Applicant must be from Zone 8 and an enrollee in the Institute.
 
Errol McKoy Application Up to twenty scholarships of $500. Any Institute enrollee is eligible to apply. This will be the final year for the McKoy Scholarship. 

Kitchen Craft Application Twenty scholarships at $500. Any Institute enrollee is eligible to apply.


** YPI Zone Scholarships 



Be A Rising Star!

One of the goals of the YPI was to create a “Rising Star Award” to recognize leadership and industry contributions of IAFE members, age 40 and younger. Nominate an outstanding young person leading the way in the IAFE. A Rising Star recipient will be honored at the IAFE Convention. Nominations are due by August 31, 2017. For more information visit: https://s3.amazonaws.com/iafe/website/documents/2017RisingStarAward.pdf
 

 

Mentor Spotlight

 
Nancy Smith, CFE
Assistant General Manager
South Caroline State Fair
Columbia, SC
  • How long have you been in the fair industry? 35 + years
  • What’s the best lesson you have learned in the industry / or the hardest? Always be a servant and remember it is a great opportunity to serve others in this industry. It's not about me, it's about those I serve.
  • What’s your favorite fair food? Daley's Jalapeno Corn Dogs
  • What do you feel is the biggest change / challenge you have faced? Keeping our industry relevant and telling the story of what fairs do and the positive difference they make in our communities and states. 
  • What question would you ask a mentor? Why do you do what you do
  • If you could give one piece of advice what would that be? We have a unique opportunity to make a positive difference in many people's lives. Don't waste it!
  • What’s the one thing during the fair you can’t live without? Smiles, Sounds, Smells, Lights, and Excitement of our patrons as I walk the grounds.
  • What’s your advice on handling failure? Look at failure as a road to a better future. Learn from such, take a deep breath and move on. 
  • What’s your favorite quote? ʺJesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.ʺ
  • Who is your role model / mentor? My now 100 1/2 year old mother, Mary Smith
 
 
 
YPI Spotlight
 
 
Michelle Johnson
Culinary  Program Coordinator   
California State Fair
Sacramento, CA
  • How long have you been in the fair industry?  Since 2002
  • What advice do you have for anyone new to the industry? Make it fun. Make it nice. Make it a place for people. Our job is great because we get to create fun for our guests! Another great thing about this business is that there are seasons. Every year you will be surprised with new challenges, each of which will teach you something to make the next year better. 
  • What’s your favorite fair food? Every year I have to have one giant smoked turkey leg.  
  • What does the YPI network mean to you? At large fair conventions, it is nice to have a landing pad with built-in networking opportunities outside of my own organization, especially with peer colleagues who I know may be part of my professional life for the duration.
  • What's your favorite fair? Monterey County Fair. The fairgrounds have a very comfortable and gentle atmosphere. I love all of the grass and trees. And my kids LOVE the golf cart shuttle from the golf course parking to the fairgrounds!.  
  • What is the best fair advice you've ever been given? ʺThe best thing you will get out of working at the fair are all of the relationships you make working with people on what they really care about.ʺ -Greg Kinder
  • What’s your favorite fair memory?  The first year of our ʺIn the Rawʺ produce sampling program, Frank Ratto, of Ratto Bros. personally came to sample out this great kale salad. After the first couple of hours, I caught him in passing backstage as he was running to get more kale salad. He was all flushed and happy. He told me the guests were loving it, and that most of them had never even tried kale before! If educating guests about our state's agricultural products is the heart of what we do, then connecting people to the source of their food, especially a new and healthy one, is most fulfilling.
  • What is one item you can't live without during the Fair? I wouldn't survive our 17-day fair without a comfortable pair of walking shoes!
  • How did you get involved in the Fair industry? I sort of stumbled into being a Youth Program Assistant one summer by running into an old friend who worked at the California State Fair. After one season of working on competitive programs, I was hooked! I returned every summer from college to work on the fair. I eventually become the Youth Programs Coordinator, and now I am the very happy Culinary Programs Coordinator.

Announcements!


  • Participate in the Igniter – IAFE Discussion Board! If you haven't already joined, now is the time to sign up for the IAFE's online member service. If you have questions or need help logging in, please contact the IAFE office at 800-516-0313. The board allows you to post questions/discussions, reply to topics, post document resources, look up contacts, and to network. This is an incredibly simple way for you to easily interact and communicate online and exchange ideas, experience, knowledge, and wisdom with your peers. Click here for instructions on how to use the board. Already signed up? Log in to participate and start a topic.
  • Join the Young Professionals Initiative-IAFE - To connect with other YPI members, click here
  • Post on social - Tell us what you're up to! Post using #IAFEYPI. You might just get retweeted! We're on FacebookTwitter and Instagram
  • Talk to us - To tell us what you want to see featured in the YPI Newsletter, click here.