Monday, November 2, 2015

November 2015 YPI Newsletter

5 Ways to Make the Most of the IAFE Convention

Whether this is your first time attending the IAFE Convention or you come every year, there is a lot to experience in just a few short days. From preparing beforehand to having a great time while you're there, here's what you need to know to make the most of this event. 

1.  SET YOUR GOALS
Goal setting is often overlooked when preparing for a convention. Take time to think about what you would like to achieve while you’re at the IAFE Convention. Are you there to build or extend contacts, gain or share new ideas, or find answers to questions? Whatever your goals, if your focus is clear, you'll be more likely to maximize your experience. 

2. DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Once you set your goals, it is time to do a little research. Download the convention schedule before the event to familiarize yourself with the workshops, programs, roundtables and more. Make a list of hot topics to cover or booths to visit in the trade show to help achieve those goals. Need to learn what on Earth Snapchat is? Make a note to “BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)” to the Tech Workbench and someone can fill you in. Wondering what your Fair will do about poultry shows in 2016? Hit the round table and connect with your peers from other fairs.  

3. PLAN YOUR DAY
After reviewing the day’s agenda, make a plan. First, highlight events you want to attend, from workshops to round tables to visiting the Ed Shed. Since you can’t be in two places at once, consider splitting up and sharing notes later if you are attending with colleagues from your fair or festival. Next, work in any meetings with new contacts or friends from afar. Need a place to meet? Swing by the Chit Chat Suite. Finally, carve out some time to peruse the trade show. Be sure to walk through aisle by aisle so you don’t miss a thing! 


Helpful Hint: Have all your group members’ cell phone numbers programmed into your phone so that you can easily connect if you get separated or discover something you want to share.

4. HAVE YOUR MATERIALS READY
Pen? Check. Notebook? Check. Business Cards? Check and double check.
Be sure to have an ample supply of business cards that is easily accessible without having to dig through your purse or pockets. You don't want to keep people waiting or appear disorganized. Have a place to keep your incoming cards; your badge holder works well for this.  Since you'll be walking a lot, wear comfortable—but well-maintained—shoes. Speaking of walking - don't forget your pedometer. Bring your step count to the IAFE Registration Desk between 2 and 3 p.m. each day as a part of the Step It Up Challenge, sponsored by Swifty Swine Productions. The most steps for that day wins a prize!


Helpful Hint:  Always have a pen on hand to take notes on business cards you receive to remind you of why you met and any follow-up plans. 

5. PERFECT YOUR ELEVATOR PITCH
We could always use a little refresher when it comes to networking skills, and preparing a 30- to 60-second "elevator pitch" about you and your fair is the perfect way to get started. Given that you're bound to see others wearing their trusty IAFE Convention badges in the elevator and may really put the pitch to task, now is a great time to prepare to make a new friend on your way from the lobby to your destination. 


Helpful Hint: Need a little help? Mark your calendar for November 30 at 10:15 a.m. for “Pitch Perfect – Perfecting your Elevator Pitch” and you can learn all about how to get your pitch (and your fair’s) just right. 

Get Social - Ride the High Roller with YPI

The IAFE YPI has reserved a private cabin on the 550-foot-tall High Roller at the nearby LINQ promenade on Monday, November 30. The wheel takes 30 minutes to complete one full revolution and features 28 glass-enclosed cabins with broad views of the famed resort city. There are benches on either side of the cabin, with plenty of floor space in between. Due to limited space, you are encouraged to purchase your ticket in advance online.

Don’t love heights? Don’t worry. Let’s meet at the Yard House at 9:30 p.m. at the base of the High Roller for some social fun. Those riding can meet us after!

Get involved - volunteer!

IAFE needs you! Help make the Convention a success and meet a few friendly new faces in the process as a volunteer. There are still a few opportunities to get involved by clicking the links below: 


YPI Convention Activities

Mentor Spotlight: Meet Russ Harrison

Russ Harrison, Rudy's Pizza

How long have you been in the fair industry?
25 years
 
What do you feel is the biggest change / challenge you have faced?
The biggest change and challenges are government regulations.
 
If you could give one piece of advice what would that be?
  We are in the entertainment business and it's all about entertaining our guest.
 
What’s your advice on handling failure?
  Failure makes you evaluate yourself to do better
 
What’s your favorite quote?  
ʺYou can learn a lot just by observing.ʺ Yogi Berra
 
Who is your role model / mentor?
  In the outdoor amusement industry Mr. Bob Commerford has always been my role model/mentor.

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. 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 YPI Facebook Discussion Group - To connect with other YPI members, click here
  • Post on social - Tell us what you're up to! Post using #IAFEYPI and #IAFE2015. You might just get retweeted! We're on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
  • Talk to us - To tell us what you want to see featured in the YPI Newsletter, click here.