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: 

• Directions, EdShed, General Volunteer opportunities
• Door monitors
• Round Table monitors

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.

July 2015 YPI Newsletter

Work/Life Balance

Many of us YPI, constantly struggle to maintain a positive and healthy work/life balance. It is often a question many of us ask ourselves around that annual seasonal time of year: the Fair (YAY!).


Many of us are fortunate enough to have an environment where we can carefully combine work and home life. As Fair season starts to hit full swing and the working hours per week seem to escalate, keep in mind your overall happiness, health and well being. Technology makes us accessible around the clock to our exhibitors, stakeholders and 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:

• 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, and exercise, to release those healthy endorphins 
• Unplug. Take 10 minutes a day to just be offline if not more. 
• 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 Under 40

Scholarships are available to folks under the age of 40 involved at member fairs who would like to attend the annual IAFE Convention and Trade Show for the first time. Working with the Young Professionals Initiative (YPI) committee, IAFE zones are providing scholarships to help cover the expenses of travel and accommodations to attend the convention. The IAFE is providing a complimentary delegate registration to each recipient. Applications are due August 31, 2015

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 4 Application Five scholarships at $500  (one for each U.S. state and Canadian 

provinces in Zone 4)

Zone 5 Application One scholarship at $750

Zone 6 Application One scholarship at $500

Zone 7 Application One scholarship at $500

Zone 8 Application Two scholarships at $500

For more information check out: http://www.iafeconvention.com/#!registration/cee5

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. Rising Star recipients will be awarded at the convention. Nominations are due by August 31, 2015. For more information visit: https://www.fairsandexpos.com/eweb/DynamicPage.aspx?Site=IAFE&WebCode=YPI

Mentor Spotlight

John Sykes, East Texas State Fair
Chair, IAFE Board Of Directors

How long have you been in the fair industry?

20 + years

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

Plan, plan, plan, plan and then execute. Don't execute before you've planned and re-planned at least four times. Fighting fires during the event because the team planned improperly is exhausting. Plan for everything in advance and then execute the plan with a smile.

Also, never be afraid to try something new. Widen your stripes!

What’s your favorite fair food?

Don't really have a favorite. I'm one of those fair people who lose their appetite during the fair (probably due to adrenaline). But, I will always consume at least one corn dog, a smoked meatloaf sandwich and a grilled pepper during the fair. I'm not a big sweet eater so if I get a funnel cake, I make sure I have several people to share it with!

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

Addressing a stagnant, declining event with a new strategic, contemporary plan that I knew would not make everyone happy. It took a sound plan bought into by a majority of stakeholders, high communication with all parties, consistent enforcement and promises upheld. We now have a 100 year old fair that has returned to being a very family oriented event, very safe and is prospering. The fair is reaching a new audience via a new generation. It has kept its roots, but is appealing to 25-35 year olds as its main audience.

What question would you ask a mentor?

Did you stay too long? Was there a time when you needed to reach higher or move out of the way? Was there a new challenge you missed you wished you could go back and take? Were the boundaries around your career limiting or comforting.........or both?

(I know this is written in past tense, so, understandably, I would change it to present tense for some mentors).

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

Stay calm in all cases. Whatever the situation, lead with whatever leadership style(s) you are gifted with, but stay calm. This is the inner core characteristic of a respected leader.

I know you asked for one, but I cannot ignore this one: Don't be afraid to share control. Sharing control can be very good provided you as the leader have set sound, proper goals to achieve. Control too many times is linked to ego and too much of one ego can sink a ship. Just be sure you work closely with the people who areʺhelpingʺ steer the ship. 

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

Comfortable shoes. (and iced tea)

What’s your advice on handling failure?

In most cases, the word failure does not exist in my vocabulary. Mistakes are possible, but not failure. Mistakes, made while in action trying to succeed and working hard, will get praise. Mistakes made while being inattentive, lazy or disconnected will get you in trouble. So, as long as you're working and trying to achieve your goal, mistakes are going to happen. Just correct your course, learn from them and move on.

Also, read my favorite quote below. It addresses failure in a different perspective.

What’s your favorite quote?

ʺIt is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.ʺ - Theodore Roosevelt from ʺCitizenship in a Republic,ʺ Speech at the Sorbonne, Paris, April 23, 1910 

Who is your role model / mentor?

I have many. While it is not fair to list them, I can tell you the characteristics of my role models: Dignity. Grace under pressure. Honest. Clear/transparent. Decisive. Inspirational. Strategic. Knows when to fold 'em. Sets goals, writes them down, makes a plan and then works on them every single day. Trustworthy. Confident he/she won't change in mid-course causing catastrophe for the followers.

Announcements

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

April Newsletter

Spring Cleaning Challenge

It is spring cleaning time! Spring is the season when many of us set aside more time than usual to get rid of the grime and dirt that has accumulated between now and the previous year’s spring cleaning.  This spring you are challenged to not only take on the cleaning side of spring, but to make an effort to clear the excess clutter from your living area. This clutter includes; your junk drawers, hall closets, bathroom cabinets, clothes you never wear and any other areas that accumulate junk. 

Why is this challenge one worth accepting? It will pay off in the end! It will not only clear and simplify your living space, you could also get rewarded financially! The average home has $7,000 worth of unused items taking up space, according to a study by market research firm NPD Group. (CNNMoney)  With the easy access to helpful websites and apps, it is easier than ever to turn your unused items that cause clutter into cash in your pocket!
 Listed below are ideas of where to sell your unwanted items online!  

• A little bit of everything
• Shopify
• Local Online Garage Sale Facebook group
• Amazon
• Craigslist
• Electronics
• Nextworth
• Furniture
• Chairish
• Clothing
• Thredup
• Books
• Bookscouter
• Gift Cards
• Giftcardgranny  
• Allows you to turn in an unwanted gift card in exchange for one you want!

Also, let’s not forget the good old fashion garage sale, pawn shops, and resale shops.  If all else fails, no need to be discouraged, there are countless charities and organizations that are more than happy to take your clutter off your hands. Some groups will even go as far as picking it up from your doorstep upon your request! Look at your local Habitat for Humanity and Goodwill for locations and services.  


Once you are free of your clutter it will make the annual deep cleaning process that much more rewarding. Not only will you walk away from this year’s spring cleaning with some extra cash in your pocket, you could also make your future cleaning and organizing sessions half the time and work! 

We want your input on the future of Convention

The contract IAFE has with The Paris/Bally’s hotel in Las Vegas is ending after the 2017 Convention and it is necessary for the Association to consider other facilities for 2018 and beyond. Last year RFPs were sent to numerous potential facilities in Las Vegas and around the US. Essential elements in those proposals included affordable hotel room rates for our members attending, the costs for our exhibitors in the trade show, and availability of our preferred dates.  Five facilities are now under consideration based upon those criteria.

Your feedback is important to us. On the very short survey at the link below you will be asked simply if you would or would not attend a Convention in the particular location noted. There is of course, a place for you to anonymously provide comment or other feedback.

Click on this link, please, by April 13! 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1LijAlgTZR8rNx5gVi5mFbuWdhlHY_uD2FT0YaNZ3Xd8/viewform?edit_requested=true

YPI Steering Committee

The YPI Steering Committee exists to provide overall direction, dialogue with IAFE board and staff, and professional development and networking opportunities for the under-40 fair professionals group at large.

Interested in serving on the committee? Simply fill out the Steering Committee Application Form and e-mail it to Marla Calico, marlac@fairsandexpos.com, no later than May 29, 2015. Only individuals within IAFE Zones 1,3,5, 7 and associate members can apply.


YPI Steering Committee members serve two-year terms and are responsible for:

• Participating in bi-monthly conference calls
• Assisting with planning YPI events at conventions and conferences
• Recruiting and encouraging new under-40 professionals to join YPI
• Attending YPI events at conventions and conferences

The YPI Steering Committee is continually looking for ways to grow the YPI group and make new connections. If you are a young fair leader or know someone who is, connect with YPI via Facebook by searching "YPI Professionals Initiative - IAFE" or send contact information to YPI Steering Committee Chair, Jen Puente, Jennifer.Puente@wistatefair.com.

Download the application link here:  https://www.fairsandexpos.com/eweb/DynamicPage.aspx?Site=IAFE&WebCode=YPI#committee

YPI Spotlight

Mallory Hines
Entertainment Director
San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
San Antonio, Texas

Can’t live without during fairtime: Sleep! Oh, you mean a physical item? A Neti Pot.  It isn’t pretty, but it’s my secret to staying healthy while surrounded by dirt.

Favorite Spot to unwind after the fair: The coast. Spending time on the water in beautiful sunshine is refreshing after being hunkered down in the arena basement.

If you weren’t involved with fairs: I am lucky to have the opportunity to work with music at a fair, combining many things I’m passionate about. If I had to do something else, I would love anything that preserves and teaches music history.

Favorite involvement outside of the fair: Big Brothers Big Sisters is dear to my heart; we get the opportunity to mentor the coolest kids. My match is a dynamic high school senior that I’ve had the pleasure of growing up with since she started middle school. I love picking the kids’ brains about the latest entertainment trends.

Most important issue facing the fair industry today: 
Relevancy. Maintaining the traditional elements of our events that are so important to our industry and long-time patrons, while embracing changing demographics, priorities, and attitudes without compromising our family first approach to bring new patrons to our grounds to hear the story of agriculture.

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.

November Newsletter

Holiday Fun! Not...

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. 

Amid the hustle and bustle it is time to remember what the holidays are all about. Prioritize what is important and make time to enjoy the season.

Convention Calendar and Updates

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/

YPI VIP Highlight
 

Miranda Muir

General Manager

Kissimmee Valley Livestock Show
and Osceola County Fair

Kissimmee, Fla.

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.

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.

September Newsletter

Balancing Work, Parenthood & Everything in Between

Fear that you are not spending enough time with the family, friends or furry companions?  Fair season can be stressful and packed with events that occupy most of your time.  The time you spend working not only affects you, but it also impacts those around you; husband, wife, children, pets, etc.  How do we manage to be our best in all of our roles as parents, spouses and professionals?  Many couples today are riddled with this question, so we’ve comprised a list of helpful tips to consider incorporating into your daily lives in order to prioritize your tasks at work and home.

• Plan in Advance:  Try to organize all of your activities in advance, whether that is making a list, jotting it down on a calendar or writing it down in a planner. By planning ahead, you can dodge unnecessary stress and make sure that no obligation falls through the cracks.

• Split Chores:  If you have another individual available to assist during this hectic time, divide and conquer! But remember, be flexible and be willing to adjust in critical times, as your priorities might clash with each other’s. Children will reach an age where they are capable of being added in the helping equation. Take full advantage of this opportunity, not only will it help you out, it will also benefit your children in inheriting good habits and creating a level of independence. Start with fun steps such as allowing them to be responsible for the house pet’s upkeep.    

• Assess Priorities: There will be times when you encounter situations that are out of your control. These situations love to present themselves on days when adding even one more thing to your to-do list is next to impossible. The best way to handle these situations is to calmly assess what is of utmost urgency and complete the things that are most important to overall success for that point in time. 

• Find Creative Ways to Spend Time with Your Kids:  There are plenty of opportunities to spend time with your family and furry companions, but they won’t last forever so don’t miss them. Taking the time to get to know them and what they like to do is a crucial part in the relationship. You don’t have to go out of your way, it could be something as simple as turning off the TV and IPad and discussing your day in the kitchen, playing with the pets in the backyard or using your imagination to build a blanket castle in the living room. Participating in activities with your kids alongside listening to them allows you to get a better understanding of who they are and how to effectively communicate with them on serious matters. 

• Manage Your Stress by Enjoying Their Innocence:  Be natural as parents, and follow your instincts, rather than allow guilt to drive your reactions and responses. Most important of all, enjoy the time you spend with family and furry companions, and always remember, you are doing your best!  Cherish the bonds you share, soak in the memories and it will be enough.  They will learn to value and respect you as a person.

Take a breath and relax.  It will all be okay, and with a little rearrangement of the schedule and a change in perspective, you will be able to break free of this constant worry about not doing enough at home and work and have a higher gratitude for life.

Fair Planning with FEMA

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been on a mission for 35 years to lead America to prepare for, prevent, respond to and recover from disasters with a vision of “A Nation Prepared.” Carrying out this mission successfully FEMA employees plan, prepare and mitigate all before during and after disasters. 

Businesses that are in charge of planning fairs, festivals and countless amounts of other events year round clearly have the capability and skills necessary to plan a successful function. As a planner of these events one of their most crucial steps in planning is having a plan for the unexpected natural disasters. This plan goes unnoticed majority of the time seeing as natural hazards are sporadic and not impacting every event, this step is still one of the most significant to each event planned. 

5 steps in developing a preparedness program are:

Program Management

• Organize, develop and administer your preparedness program
• Identify the regulations that establish minimum requirements for your program

Planning

• Gather information about hazards and assess risks
• Conduct a business impact analysis 
• Examine ways to prevent hazards and reduce risk

Implementation

• Write a preparedness plan addressing:
• Resource Management
• Emergency Response
• Crisis Communications
• Business Continuity
• Information Technology
• Employee Assistance
• Incident Management & Training 

Testing and Exercise

• Test and evaluate your plan
• Define different types of exercises
• Learn how to conduct exercises
• Use exercise results to evaluate the effectiveness of the plan

Program Improvement 

• Identify when the preparedness program needs to be reviewed
• Discover methods to evaluate the preparedness program
• Utilize the review to make necessary changes and plan improvements

FEMA also has a National Incident Management System (NIMS) which provides a common approach for managing incidents. FEMA provides Training Organizations such as Center for Domestic Preparedness, Emergency Management Institute, National Fire Academy and many others than what has briefly been discussed here. Check out the links below to learn more about all the training and safety FEMA has to offer for your assistance. 

FEMA Training                             FEMA Safety

YPI VIP Highlight
 

Cassie Roberts
Partnership Director
Saffire Events
Austin, Texas

Cassie Roberts has extensive experience with online marketing and event planning. She has planned strategic events with many companies including the Austin Sports Commission and the United States Olympic Committee. Ms. Roberts has two degrees from the University of Texas: her undergraduate degree is in public relations and her master’s degree is in sport management. She started working with Saffire Events in 2011. During her service there, the company has grown from supporting a few fairs in Texas to partnering with more than 130 unique events, venues, and destinations. 

Ms. Roberts enjoys traveling around the country to share strategic online planning tactics with event producers. Ms. Roberts lives in Austin, Texas, and loves to serve as a tour guide when people visit the city!

Join us in welcoming Cassie Roberts to the 2014 YPI Steering Committee. 

Mentor Spotlight

Kendra Wright
Saffire Events
Austin, Texas

How long have you been in the fair industry?
Five action-packed years!

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

The best lesson is the wonderful information sharing that takes place in this industry! After working with large corporate clients for years, I can assure you that this doesn't exist in other industries! We can all steal ideas like crazy and elevate the whole industry!

What’s your favorite fair food? 

A funnel cake - generally I'm a purist about these things, but I had a jelly doughnut funnel cake at North Texas Fair that changed my life.

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

Our challenge is convincing boards that with our industry niche of almost 150 event clients, we can do better than the guy down the street! I understand and appreciate the loyalty to people who love the fair though, and if I'm going to lose a job, I'd rather lose it because of loyalty every time.

What question would you ask a mentor? 

I always ask my fellow service members what they've done that works and doesn't working in this industry. And I'm happy to say that our service members are as open to helping as our fair members!

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

Be patient! Oh wait, you mean advice for someone else? I have to remind myself often to be patient, that change takes time... that there are other really important issues for fairs to solve than their virtual front door!

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

Since I don't actually run a fair, the thing I can't live without is my five year old son Hudson. We go visit as many fairs as we can, and I have to remind him that not everyone gets to go to fairs every weekend. But the real reason I can't live without him during the fair is that he gave me the chance to see the magic of the fair through the eyes of a child, which gave even more meaning to everything we do to support the fair industry.

What’s your advice on handling failure? 

I'm lucky that I don't think we've had a lot of failure yet. Things that didn't seem to work out eventually did. So back to my earlier self-advice - be patient!

What’s your favorite quote? 

Leap, and the net will appear! Someone said this to me when I started designing websites. I didn't have a single client before i quit my day job. I realized that it was because there are a whole lot of talkers but not nearly as many do-ers. The minute I "did," clients came knocking! That faith in the universe, paired with a whole lot of hard work, is how I attribute the success I've had.

Who is your role model / mentor? 

I love music, and I'm inspired by it. Musically, I love Willie Nelson and Justin Timberlake (and many in between). In the industry, Mike Hnatt from ShoWorks has been tremendously inspiring and helpful to me - I want to be him when I grow up!

YPI Reminders

• Start seeding change and share how your fair is positively impacting your community. For more information and how to share your story, 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.

August Newsletter

Financial Planning

Financial responsibility is something that almost all young adults run from. Maybe it's because it sounds grown up, maybe it's because almost all young adults have no idea where to begin. Some people would be happier just having a sack of money under their mattress or perhaps going one step further by maintaining a savings account, but with all the advancements in technology and helpful resources right at our fingertips there are so many more options on how to plan for your future. Below are a few helpful tips to help you!

• Recognize Your Most Essential Financial Asset - Don’t be bashful! Your skills, experience and knowledge is without a doubt the biggest asset you have. Come to find out investing in yourself, payoffs in the future! 

• Become a Planner, Not a Saver - You don’t need to hire a financial planner to tell you that your spending is out of control, try adding a large dose of self-discipline to your life and see where it takes you! 

• Stay Aware - Keep up with the most recent changes, new technologies and financial opportunities in the world. In saying that here are a few helpful apps to manage your current finances. 
• Manage Credit Card and Money Apps: Wallaby, Larky, Level and Mint
• Saving Money Apps: Earmark, BillGuard and SavedPlus
• Investing Apps: Estimize, FutureAdvisor and SigFig

• Have Fun - Saved the best for last! You will have plenty of time to act old when you are old; being young is about finding that perfect balance between hard work and play. Just remember it’s hard to play without working and having the funds to support the leisure activities of your choice.

For Millennia’s there's a fear in planning a financial future because they don't want to think about where life could be in 10 years but the truth is it doesn't matter where your life is as long as there's a means to pay for it. We can now all be free spirits and still make sure that our rent will get paid next month. It's a perfect balance of freedom and responsibility. Growing up without turning into your parents just might be the optimism your financial life needs to get on the right track.  

IAFE Awards & Contest: Updated Rules

The International Association of Fairs and Expositions has announced updated rules and regulations for the upcoming year. The areas that have been revamped are Agricultural Awards, Communication Awards and Competitive Exhibits. Check out the links that follow for the updated rules and regulations! 

Agricultural Awards purpose is to improve the agricultural educational programs of fairs, to help fairs determine ways they might be of service to their exhibitors, the fair going public, and agricultural businesses, and to provide recognition of those fairs doing an outstanding job. 

• Agricultural Awards Rules  

The Communication Competition goal is to improve the advertising and publicity programs of fairs and to provide recognition for those fairs doing an outstanding job. Because who wants to go unnoticed for superb work? 

• Communication Awards Rules

Last but not least, Competitive Exhibits which strives to encourage fair members to share methods, ideas, props, new or unique classes, fair theme areas and any other mechanics involved in fairs and expositions, have also updated the rules and regulations to better accommodate the members of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions.   

• Competitive Exhibits Rules

Agricultural Awards, Communication Awards and Competitive Exhibits all have a clear purpose and high goals to reach every year. With these new improvements made alongside the help of everyone involved it will make the process of reaching these goals and achieving the purpose that much more attainable!     

YPI VIP Highlight
 

Rebecca Peters
Marketing Manager
Clay County Fair
Spencer, Iowa

From the moment she was old enough to plant seeds, Rebecca Peters’ grandmother had her sisters and her working in the garden to grow prize-winning vegetables and flowers to exhibit at the Plymouth County Fair in Le Mars, Iowa. When she was old enough, Ms. Peters joined 4-H and continued to be involved with the fair until she graduated from high school.

Ms. Peters graduated from Drake University with a degree in graphic design. While working for the Iowa Rock’n Roll Music Association, she had the opportunity to team up with the Clay County Fair to promote a Rock’n Roll Day at the fair. When a position at the fair opened up, she saw it as a perfect fit.

Ms. Peters has served as the Marketing Manager at the Clay County Fair for three and a half years. She oversees all advertising, public relations, and sponsorships for the fair and has seen the fair’s relationships with media and sponsors grow since she arrived. 

“The best part of my job is seeing the happy faces of fairgoers nine days each September,” stated Ms. Peters.

In February, she attended the IAFE Spring Seminar in San Antonio that focused on marketing and sponsorship.  

“It was a wonderful opportunity to meet other people doing what I do in the fair industry, but the best part was that I returned to my office with a new excitement for my job,” stated Ms. Peters.

Outside of work, she stays active in her community by serving on the Pearson Lakes Art Center Board and serving as chair of their Visual Arts Committee and vice president of the Dickinson County Conservation Foundation.  In her free time, Ms. Peters enjoy boating, wakeboarding, playing tennis, cross-country skiing, costume parties, gardening, and reading.

YPI Reminders

• Start seeding change and share how your fair is positively impacting your community. For more information and how to share your story, 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.