We all know that the holidays can be a little stressful. Holiday parties, wrapping presents, annoying in-laws are all things that can create more Scrooges. So here is a list of helpful tips to help make this holiday season merry and bright.
- Create A Plan
Making a to-do list will allow you to focus on the task at hand so you complete each of them more efficiently. As your list gets smaller, you'll feel better. Book days in to go shopping, wrap presents or bake all those holiday goodies! - Don't be afraid to just say 'No'
Over the holidays, we are often invited to numerous events, and fitting them all into your schedule can be overwhelming. Respectfully decline some of the invitations this year to make your time more manageable and enjoyable. - Give to those in need
The holidays are usually a time when everyone is focused on gifts for their families and friends. It's also a great time for adults and children to focus on giving to others in need. Helping those less fortunate has the added benefit of making the giver feel good, too. - Give yourself a holiday present
Book in time to do the things you want to do. Whether it is catching up with friends, or having a movie night at home, don't be afraid to pick and choose. Spend time creating holiday memories that you want to continue into the future. - Keep working out
Who says that New Year's resolutions start on January 1? Working out through the holidays will make all those holiday goodies that much more enjoyable. Never mind that working out raises endorphins which make you feel relaxed and happy.
Mark your calendars! All IAFE Members and Associates under 40 are encouraged to join in the festivities! These events will be a great way to learn, meet new people and get more involved:
MONDAY, DECEMBER 8
4:30- 5:30pm YPI MEETING & HAPPY HOUR
PARIS VERSAILLES 3 & 4
Mix and mingle with fellow YPIs. Those attending the Business Planning Institute of Fair Management Course are encouraged to join us immediately following the conclusion of the session.
9:15pm* SOCIAL GATHERING CHANDELIER BAR- COSMOPOLITAN HOTEL
Please join us as your schedule permits
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9
2:30- 3:30pm MENT-A-MINUTE
YPI IMENTOR MIXER
PARIS VERSAILLES 3 & 4
An opportunity for all YPIs to meet mentors and leaders in the Fair industry. One on One Speed Dating-type sessions to encourage engagement and camaraderie
9:15pm* SOCIAL GATHERING SPANISH STEPS- OUTSIDE OF CAESAR'S PALACE
(SHADOW BAR AT CAESAR'S PALACE IF TOO COLD)
Please join us as your schedule permits
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10
8:00- 9:00am YPI SPONSORED WORKSHOP SPARK- LIFE-CHANGING ADVICE IN 60 MINUTES BALLY'S BRONZE 1 & 2
Hear six industry representatives talk about their experiences in and out of the Fair industry
and how they have changed them,shaped their lives, and made them who they are today.
9:15pm* SOCIAL GATHERING
HEART BAR- PLANET HOLLYWOOD
Please join us as your schedule permits.
*Meet at the Circle Bar (Le Central-Paris) at 9pm if you would like to walk with the group
Book entertainment for your Fair?
IEBA would like to invite all YPIs who are involved in booking entertainment at their fairs to this mixer. To register, visit https://iebainvegas.chirrpy.com/
4:30- 5:30pm YPI MEETING & HAPPY HOUR
PARIS VERSAILLES 3 & 4
Mix and mingle with fellow YPIs. Those attending the Business Planning Institute of Fair Management Course are encouraged to join us immediately following the conclusion of the session.
9:15pm* SOCIAL GATHERING CHANDELIER BAR- COSMOPOLITAN HOTEL
Please join us as your schedule permits
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9
2:30- 3:30pm MENT-A-MINUTE
YPI IMENTOR MIXER
PARIS VERSAILLES 3 & 4
An opportunity for all YPIs to meet mentors and leaders in the Fair industry. One on One Speed Dating-type sessions to encourage engagement and camaraderie
9:15pm* SOCIAL GATHERING SPANISH STEPS- OUTSIDE OF CAESAR'S PALACE
(SHADOW BAR AT CAESAR'S PALACE IF TOO COLD)
Please join us as your schedule permits
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10
8:00- 9:00am YPI SPONSORED WORKSHOP SPARK- LIFE-CHANGING ADVICE IN 60 MINUTES BALLY'S BRONZE 1 & 2
Hear six industry representatives talk about their experiences in and out of the Fair industry
and how they have changed them,shaped their lives, and made them who they are today.
9:15pm* SOCIAL GATHERING
HEART BAR- PLANET HOLLYWOOD
Please join us as your schedule permits.
*Meet at the Circle Bar (Le Central-Paris) at 9pm if you would like to walk with the group
Book entertainment for your Fair?
IEBA would like to invite all YPIs who are involved in booking entertainment at their fairs to this mixer. To register, visit https://iebainvegas.chirrpy.com/
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YPI VIP Highlight
General Manager
Kissimmee Valley
Livestock Show
and Osceola County Fair
Kissimmee, Fla.and Osceola County Fair
Miranda Muir grew up in New
Berlin, Ill., right across the street from the Sangamon County Fairgrounds. She
graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale with a Bachelors
degree in Fashion, Design, and Merchandising, and she earned an MBA from
Benedictine University.
Today, Ms. Muir serves as the
general manager (and sole full-time employee) of the Kissimmee Valley Livestock
Show and Osceola County Fair in Kissimmee, Fla. Ms. Muir feels she has been
welcomed by the Florida Federation of Fairs (FFF)with open arms and appreciates
the support she gets from the organization.
Ms. Muir serves as chair of the
FFF YPI Committee and recently joined the YPI Steering Committee as the IAFE YPI Zone 2 Representative.
She manages the FFF Facebook page and keeps members up to date on what is
happening throughout the year. She is a member of the Celebration, Florida
Rotary Club.
Ms. Muir and her husband are
expecting their first child in May 2015. They enjoy visiting fairs, kayaking,
days on the beach, and restoring antiques into new finds.
Join us in welcoming Miranda Muir to the 2014 YPI Steering Committee.
Mentor Spotlight
Zach Johnson
Swifty Swine Racing Pigs
Van, Texas
How long have you been in the fair industry?
I have been involved in the fair industry for 37 years. Swifty Swine for 17 years.
Swifty Swine Racing Pigs
Van, Texas
How long have you been in the fair industry?
I have been involved in the fair industry for 37 years. Swifty Swine for 17 years.
What’s the best lesson you have learned in the industry / or the hardest?
You can never stop reinventing yourself and pushing boundaries. If you do, you become stagnant and boring. Keep pushing to improve the mark that you leave. The industry as a whole will be better for it.
What’s your favorite fair food?
Turkey sandwich on Jalapeno Cheese Bread at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
What do you feel is the biggest change / challenge you have faced?
The corporatization of our industry. It is no longer about performance or relationships. It is about bean counters who only take into account bottom lines and profit/loss.
What question would you ask a mentor?
I have heard that you never retire from this industry, you just die one day. Is that true?
If you could give one piece of advice what would that be?
The best advice I ever got was to take care of the maintenance man and the electrician. When you roll in and need water/power, they get things done.
What’s the one thing during the fair you can’t live without?
My wife Shannon. She is a blessing from God.
What’s your advice on handling failure?
I think if you are always striving to better yourself and your product, you can never fail.
What’s your favorite quote?
The one I give my kids. "You get what you get and you don't throw a fit."
Who is your role model / mentor?
My Mom. She never has an unkind word for anyone.
YPI Reminders
- Participate in the new
Igniter – IAFE Discussion Board! This is an online member service allowing
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.
For instructions on how to use the board, click here.
When you're ready to participate or even start a topic, 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.
