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:

• Volunteer at the Convention
• Participate on a Committee
• Lead a Round Table

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 Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! 

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!

• Learn more 
• Download the application

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:

• 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

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. 

• Small Fairs Application (Less than 100,000 attendees and your Fair hasn't sent a delegate since 2006) - Complimentary Convention Registration
• Advertising & PR Professionals Application (staff, board member or volunteer from any fair; for first-time Convention attendees only)  - $560 travel stipend

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!

• 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.

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 Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! 

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.

• For more information on YPI Zone Scholarships checkout: https://www.fairsandexpos.com/eweb/DynamicPage.aspx?Site=IAFE&WebCode=YPIScholarships


• For more information on IAFE Scholarships checkout: https://www.fairsandexpos.com/eweb/DynamicPage.aspx?Site=IAFE&WebCode=InstituteScholarships

** 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 Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! 
• Talk to us - To tell us what you want to see featured in the YPI Newsletter, click here.

March 2017 Newsletter

The YPI Journey

A message from our Outgoing Chair, Amanda Blair 

The journey through YPI and my time as Chair, has been one of my most memorable IAFE experiences.  When approached several years ago, it was perfect timing and I wanted to get plugged in to where I could make a difference.  Through my involvement in YPI, I have met amazing individuals from all over the United States and abroad.  The support I received as your chair, has opened doors and developed relationships that I will continue to cultivate. 

During my journey, I have had the opportunity to develop as a speaker, be in mentorship roles and experience a trip of a lifetime.  As your YPI Chair, speaking in Singapore at the Royal Agriculture Conference Society (RACS) was a fulfilling role, which I will never take for granted.  From experiencing the culture, to learning about food safety and vertical farming, being part of the RACS this past fall was an amazing part of my journey.  Looking back on my career, I never would have imagined being selected to represent IAFE and our awesome YPI program on the other side of the World.  It has been humbling, and I will never be able to express the gratitude I have for such a unique opportunity.   Singapore welcomed our delegates with open arms.  The focus was learning and creating a collaborative unit to improve food security around the globe.  During the trip we sampled food, such as squid ink scallops to durian, many bowls of rice, and of course sipped on an original Raffles Hotel Singapore Sling. 

It is with enthusiasm I know YPI will continue to grow and be able to pave the future as adversity continues and Fairs adjust to modern times.  Your steering committee includes influential, talented individuals who without a doubt, will lead YPI to an even greater tomorrow.  Thank you for the opportunity to serve, and I look forward to YPI’s continued success in 2017.

Warm regards,

Amanda Blair

Tulsa State Fair

We Are Here to Support YOU! 

A message for your 2017 YPI Chair, Chelsey Jungck 

I still remember my first IAFE Annual Convention in 2009. I was brand new to the fair industry. I had one fair under my belt as a seasonal employee and I had recently committed to joining the Nebraska State Fair as a full-time employee, which included moving with the fair to Grand Island, NE. The week before convention I had just made that move, lugging all of my belongings 90 miles west, from Lincoln to Grand Island, NE. Our adventure in Grand Island would begin once we returned from convention.

            So, life was a whirlwind, to say the least, and I wasn’t entirely sure what I had signed up for as I rolled into the Paris/Bally’s convention center in Las Vegas. Admittedly, I was quite nervous! But, it was within the first few hours of convention that I began to meet members of the IAFE’s Young Professionals Initiative (YPI). They were friendly, welcoming, and quick to invite me to join them at various events throughout the week. By the time I left convention my nerves were gone, I had a network of friends from across the country, and I knew the fair industry was my professional home.

            I applied to join the YPI Steering Committee with this experience in mind. I knew that I wanted to be part of the team that had the opportunity to make a similar impact on other young professionals in our industry. I am so very honored and thankful that that application would lead to four years of service on the YPI Steering Committee, and that this year I will serve as the YPI Steering Committee Chair.

            The YPI’s page on the IAFE website states that, “In addition to providing professional development, networking and educational opportunities for its members, YPI serves as a channel for idea sharing and furthering relationships among fair leaders across the U.S. and Canada.” That has indeed been my experience with YPI! I am proud and excited to be a part of the team that will strive to further those goals for all young professionals in the fair industry, in 2017.

            Thank you to Amanda Blair, the 2016 YPI Steering Committee Chair, and the outgoing even zone representatives for their commitment and service to YPI. This year, we will be welcoming applications for new odd zone representatives on the Steering Committee. If you are from Zones 1, 3, 5, 7, or an associate, under 40, who would like to help shape the future of YPI, I encourage you to apply! Please remember that myself, Miranda Muir (2017 YPI Steering Committee Vice Chair), and the rest of the 2017 YPI Steering Committee are here to support YOU, the young professionals in the fair industry. I invite you to check out our webpage, follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, or join us at any IAFE event this year. We are always gathering and engaging, as a group, to support the future of the fair industry!  

Here’s to the IAFE YPI in 2017!

Chelsey Jungck

Scholarship Awards - 2016 Convention

Each year the IAFE zones select young professionals from their geographic areas to attend the annual IAFE Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.  The YPI Zone Scholarship program begun in 2010 and has expanded with a total of 21 scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,000. This is made available to young adult’s ages 21 to 39 from IAFE member fairs. Here is a shout out to the 2016 recipients:

ZONE 1: 

• Carly Reyna – Schaghtcoke Fair
• Paula Smith – Erie County Fair

ZONE 2:

• Suzanne Holcomb – Greater Hillsborough County Fair
• Andrea Simeone – South Florida Fair

ZONE 3:

• Mike Berkery – Indiana State Fair
• Tara Sheldon – Holmes County Fair
• Alyssa Szafasz – Porter County Fair

ZONE 4:

• Chrissy Gluege – Waukesha County Fair
• Ian Heilmann – Wisconsin State Fair
• Katy Stenerson – Red River Valley Fair
• Angela Stern – Wisconsin State Fair
• Kayla Thuemling – Wisconsin State Fair

ZONE 5:

• Greg Heine – Cedar County Fair
• Alyssa Preston – Warren County Fair

ZONE 6:

• Cody Rosenbalm – East Texas State Fair
• Brent Talley – Four State Fair

ZONE 7:

• Jillian Cook - Calgary Stampede
• Leslie Gorman – Canyon County Fair

ZONE 8:

• Rachel Jacobson – Alameda County Fair
• Alison Wells – California State Fair

If you see any of these recipients at your events this year, congratulate them! These are just a few folks who are the future of our industry and their hard work and dedication will pay off.

Are you interested in receiving a scholarship this year? Announcements and other scholarship information will come in the upcoming months - stay tuned! 

Looking to Get Involved?

The YPI Steering Committee is seeking new members from Zones 1, 3, 5, 7 and an associate member.  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, 2017.

• For more information about being a YPI Steering Committee member, click here.
• To download an application, click here.

YPI Spotlight:

Justin Iwankow

Entertainment Coordinator   
Erie County Fair

Hamburg, NY

• How long have you been in the fair industry? 4 years at my current position.   9 years prior as a fair seasonal employee
• What advice do you have for anyone new to the industry? Don't lose focus on why you are in the Fair Industry.  It isn't always easy and fun, and things will get difficult, but remember why you are putting in the work, and that it is worth it.  
• What’s your favorite fair food? Funnel cake has to be my favorite fair food, just be careful with the powdered sugar on a windy day.  
• What does the YPI network mean to you? To me, YPI means that the fair business isn't going anywhere.  It is great to see other young professionals in this field who care about fairs as much as you do.  Together we can find ways to honor the past fair traditions and mix them with new ideas in order to adapt to our changing society and world.  
• What is the best fair advice you've ever been given? Slow Down and Breathe.  Even if it is for a second, take the time think before jumping to a conclusion or making a rapid decision. 
• Position: Entertainment Coordinator
• What’s your favorite fair memory? My parents, grandparents, 5 brothers and I would pack into the van with a cooler full of lunch food and snacks and just enjoy all the free things to do at the fair.  My Grandpa would sit at a picnic table all day watching the shows on the community stage (the stage I eventually began to run) and love every minute of it.  I would sit with him and he made you realize how easy it is to enjoy the little things in life.  
• What is one item you can't live without during the Fair? At least 1 pair of good sneakers.  A lot of walking!
• How did you get involved in the Fair industry? My fair was looking for a stage manager to run a community stage and I had experience in that field from running my High School Stage Crew. 
• Have any other great tips or words of wisdom you'd like to share? It could be anything - work/life balance, organization skills, etc. Please share it here! Anyone who has met me knows that I always have a smile on my face and I stay positive.  Life is too short not be happy.  You're attitude and energy is contagious.  You never know who you will meet that might need that smile to turn their day around.   There is no such thing as a bad day, it is just a different day.

Mentor Spotlight:

Celeste Settrini

Salinas, CA

Celeste was nominated by Emily Grunewald as a mentor.  Celeste is very active in the Ag. Industry.  She is an active advocate for Agriculture and the Fair Industry.  

• How long have you been in the fair industry? Involved with Fairs since I started showing livestock projects at age 9. I have worked at numerous fairs in the entry department and assisted with special projects. I was also on the board of our local fair - Friends of the Fair group
• What’s the best / hardest lesson you have learned in the industry? I think dealing with so many personalities can be the best and the hardest. So many people passionate about so many things and you come to realize that the passion you hold for a certain " something " is comparable to someone else " something"  Once you learn that everyone has a thought and you learn to deal with that then things seem to fall into place and many times you can get your point across. Never go in thinking that your way is the only way. Lots of people, lots of personalities, lots of ideas make a great fair !
• What’s your favorite fair food? Old Country Cinnamon Rolls with TONS of cream cheese frosting - WARM - Oh I want one right now!
• What do you feel is the biggest change / challenge you have faced? I really have not been involved in depth enough with the fair industry to face challenges but I do know that when fair managers or board members move on from their positions it seems like with any other business or industry it takes adjustments and understanding on all parts.  One thing I think we sometimes don't like to admit but it's true is that everyone can be replaced.  Once you leave a position someone can come and fill that spot. Never think you are too good cause there is always someone that can come along and " be gooder."  ( Yes I realize that is not a word but it makes sense :) 
• What question would you ask a mentor? What is your greatest life experience? With experiences come lots of good stuff. When folks share their life experiences from their areas of expertise it is a good way for the rest of us to learn.  Someone once told me " You are an expert in your own experiences." That is such a great piece of advice, by sharing experiences we become well rounded.
• If you could give one piece of advice what would that be? Never sacrifice your true self no matter what.  We are in a world where we seem to always compare ourselves to others, there will always be someone who has a higher degree than you, in better shape than you, has more money than you , etc etc but YOU are the only YOU there is and others are looking at you thinking the same thing . Always do your best, try hard and that is the most you can ask for. 
• What’s the one thing during the fair you can’t live without? Livestock Exhibits - especially the cattle! 
• What’s your advice on handling failure? Accept with grace and move ahead, you are not always going to win, it makes it that much sweeter when you do .
• What’s your favorite quote? Never let the noise of others drown out your own inner voice - this is so very important because there is so much " noise" out there from people who might not fully understand what we do or why we do it.  But...... 
• Who is your role model / mentor? My mom - we lost my dad very suddenly a few years back and my mother did not miss a beat in making sure that our family ranch kept on track. As hard as it was without him she did not falter in making sure that we would continue as a successful business. She never says she can't . She just does it , whatever she is faced with .  When you think of it we really all need to be that way. Accept challenges that arise and TRY.  Never say you can't do something.

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