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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Take your sponsorship and sales efforts to the next level with this in-depth course designed for those ready to move beyond the fundamentals. Explore core concepts of sponsorship valuation, learn the key steps of a successful sales process, and uncover the strategies that drive results. Discover how organizations are not just selling sponsorships, but effectively selling the value and experience of the fair itself. This course is available for credit to Institute of Fair Management enrollees and is open to all convention delegates. 

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

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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.

 

 

Emergency Planning for Fairs & Fairgrounds (IFM #112)

ADDITIONAL FEE AND PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED

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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).​
 

 

CPP E. coli Workshop* (IFM #111)

ADDITIONAL FEE AND PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED

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, present 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, diagrams of their fair, and time is spent analyzing 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 plan. These site reviews will be conducted via Zoom or Teams. All participants must complete the site review to receive a certificate.

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