Emergency Planning for Fairs & Fairgrounds (IFM #112)

ADDITIONAL FEE AND PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED – $125*

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Sunday, November 30  |  1:30 pm - 4:30 pm MST

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Presented by Matt Bruskotter - Indiana State Fair

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Public events like fairs and the venues that host them face a wide range of potential threats, from weather emergencies to security incidents. Emergency Planning for Fairs & Fairgrounds (IFM #112) offers a critical foundation in how to prepare for and respond to these risks through an all-hazards planning approach.

 

This course guides participants through the emergency planning process, covering key components of an effective emergency operations plan. Whether you're building a plan from scratch or updating an existing one, this session will equip you with tools to create a practical, easy-to-understand plan that can serve as the basis for staff training and real-world implementation.

 

Course highlights include:

• Overview of the all-hazards planning process

• Review of a sample emergency operations plan

• Tips for developing clear, actionable plans

• A team-based planning exercise

• A comprehensive take-home reference manual

 

This is a required course for credit at the Institute of Fair Management (IFM) and is open to all attendees, regardless of their enrollment status.

*Early registration is strongly recommended due to limited seating.

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Insurance: The Basics (IFM #113)

Tuesday, December 2  |  8:30 am - 10:00 am MST

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Presented by Andrew Vandepopulier - Haas & Wilkerson Insurance

 

Do you know what your insurance policy covers? In today’s ever-evolving risk landscape, understanding fine print is more important than ever. This foundational workshop demystifies essential insurance terms and concepts such as:

• Per incident vs. per claim

• Errors and omissions (E&O)

• Exclusions and conditions

• Property damage and general liability

 

Designed specifically for new board members and staff, Insurance: The Basics provides a straightforward overview of the insurance needs unique to fair operations. It’s also a valuable refresher for anyone responsible for managing or reviewing insurance policies in the fair industry.

 

This is a for-credit course for Institute of Fair Management enrollees and is open to all convention delegates.

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Event Management at Its Best (IFM #300)

Wednesday, December 3, 8:30 am – 10:00 am MST

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Presented by Matthew Daly, IFMG, CFE - Sonoma County Fair, CA

 

Event Management at Its Best offers a comprehensive overview of what it takes to successfully operate and maintain a facility that serves diverse clients and hosts year-round events.

 

This workshop covers critical elements such as:

• Assessing and marketing your facility’s inventory, amenities, and capabilities

• Building effective staff structures and communication systems

• Streamlining internal planning and external client coordination

• Managing calendars for maximum efficiency

• Navigating food and beverage logistics and revenue strategies

 

Whether you're a seasoned manager or new to the field, this session equips you with practical tools and insights to elevate your operations and deliver top-tier events.

 

Open to all delegates attending the convention. This is an optional for-credit course for those enrolled in the Institute of Fair Management (IFM).

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The Art of Selling Sponsorships II (IFM #222)

Sunday, November 30  |  8:00 am – 10:00 am MST

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Presented by Chris Derby - San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, TX

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Unlock the strategies and skills behind successful sponsorship sales in The Art of Selling Sponsorships (IFM #222). Designed for those looking to elevate their sales acumen, this above-average level course provides a comprehensive review of what it takes to not only sell sponsorships, but sell the full value and experience of fairs themselves.

This session dives into sponsorship valuation fundamentals, the essential steps of the sales process, and the strategic thinking that drives impactful partnerships. Attendees will gain practical insights into aligning sponsor goals with organizational assets, creating compelling proposals, and understanding the bigger picture of what sponsors are truly buying into.

 

This is a for-credit course for Institute of Fair Management (IFM) enrollees and is open to all convention delegates.


Principles of Food and Beverage (IFM #142)

Sunday, November 30, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm MST

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Presented by Rey O’Day - Wings of Fame Productions

 

Explore the essential role that food and beverage operations play in the success of fairs and fairground facilities. This introductory course offers a look at how to build a thriving, guest-focused food and beverage environment that supports both the fair's objectives and the needs of its concessionaires.

 

The course covers key topics including contract models, vendor selection and placement, menu design, pricing strategies, and layout optimization. Participants will also gain insights into the business realities of mobile food operators and understand the vital “front line” role that concessions play in shaping the guest experience.

 

This is a for-credit course for Institute of Fair Management (IFM) enrollees and is open to all convention delegates.

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CPP E. coli Workshop* (IFM #111)

Thursday, December 4  |  8:30 AM – 2:30 PM MST

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Presented by Dr. Stephen Neel – Technical Solutions International, and Jessica Underberg, IFMG, CFE – Erie County Fair, NY

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Protecting your event goers, staff, and volunteers has never been so important. The IAFE, working with Dr. Stephen Neel of Technical Solutions International, presents the CPP workshop to help fairs understand enteric pathogens such as E. coli and to provide information on controlling traffic flow in all animal areas (not just petting zoos), creating proper signage, installing hand-wash areas, and establishing specific cleaning protocols. The risk management information and tools provided in CPP can be easily adapted to develop pandemic plans.

 

What CPP Offers You:

• Introduction to enteric pathogens – what they are, the impact on fairs, what’s at stake

• Understanding enteric pathogens – some microbiology!

• Analyzing your facility – everyone brings maps and diagrams of their fairs, and time is spent analyzing the flow

• Improving Operational Procedures – signage, handwashing, waste management, etc.

• Site evaluation exercises – each attendee works with the presenters to examine their facilities and work on ideas/plans

• Record-keeping

• Creating the Consumer Protection Plan

 

Following the workshop, attendees will have the opportunity to consult, one-on-one, with the presenters to review their facilities’ site plans. These site reviews will be conducted December 5-7 via Zoom or Teams (site review session must be scheduled no later than 5 p.m. MST, December 3, and all participants must complete the site review to receive a certificate).

 

*An additional registration fee is required for this course. Please note that seating is limited, and on-site registration may not be available. This is a required course of the Institute of Fair Management – all Convention delegates are welcome.