🎙️ Keynote & Educational Sessions
- IMPROV Your Communication — James Robilotta (Keynote Speaker)
- An interactive workshop examining common communication habits and pitfalls. Focuses on building authentic, supportive environments where leaders can make confident decisions while staying flexible and using humor.
- AI / ChatGPT Updates & Best Practices
- A guide to safely and effectively leveraging modern AI tools like ChatGPT for fair operations and marketing.
- Social Media Content & Community Representation
- Best practices for creating authentic, engaging online content that accurately reflects and serves your community.
- Bio Security at the Fair — MN Department of Health
- Essential safety standards, regulations, and practices covering livestock barns through handwashing stations across the grounds.
- Managing Disease Risks at the County Fair — MN Department of Health
- Key 2027 updates and state resources available to support health and safety management at county fairs and year-round events.
- ADA Rules and Regulations — Minnesota Disability Council
- A practical guide distinguishing required legal accessibility standards from courtesy-based accommodations.
- Bylaws & Mission Statements
- How to write, structure, and effectively rely on bylaws and mission statements to guide board decision-making.
- Best Legal Practices for Fairboards & Ag Societies — Attorney Matthew Berger & Partners (Gislason & Hunter LLP)
- Legal guidance for Agricultural Societies, including when to seek counsel and how Minnesota Chapter 38 applies to fair organizations.
- Healthy Recruiting & Retention of Volunteers
- Proven strategies for attracting, retaining, and managing reliable volunteers for seasonal and year-round events.
- Security at the Fair — Minnesota State Fair Security Staff
- Practical safety strategies, threat awareness, and site management practices to secure fairgrounds.
- Crisis Planning & Emergency Preparedness — Minnesota State Fair Security Staff
- Actionable frameworks to set up emergency response procedures before and during high-traffic event periods.
- Board Roles & Responsibilities — Financial Best Practices
- Financial oversight and fiscal responsibility strategies designed for all board members, not just treasurers.
- Investing in Entertainment
- Industry advice on evaluating, selecting, and booking entertainment options suited to your fair's budget and demographic.
- Parliamentary Procedure
- A structured introduction to Robert’s Rules of Order for running efficient, orderly, and fair board meetings.
- Media Training & Press Relations for Fair Professionals
- Best practices for handling media inquiries, managing interviews, and coordinating press relations.
- Fundraising & Recruiting Sponsors
- Tactics for approaching community business partners, structuring sponsorship packages, and creating sustainable revenue streams.
- IAFE Updates & News — Jill Albanese (Zone 4 Director)
- Updates from the International Association of Fairs and Expositions, plus preview information for the Zone 4 meeting in St. Cloud.
- State of Minnesota County Fair Grant Program Updates — Dacia Hinkhouse
- Critical deadline changes, eligibility rules, and application updates for the 2027 grant cycle.
- Legislative Updates — AJ Duerr (MFCF Lobbyist)
- An update on legislative advocacy, state capital representation, and funding efforts for Minnesota county fairs.
- What’s On Your Mind? (Thursday Night Session) — Troy Beise (District Director)
- An informal, open-floor kickoff session for convention attendees to share thoughts, concerns, and ideas.
- Fairboards for First-Timers — MFCF District Directors
- An introductory orientation designed for new board members learning the ropes of fair governance and community leadership.
- 2027 Electrical Licensing & Inspection Updates
- Essential compliance updates for fair leaders, carnival operators, and industry contractors.
- 2027 Guide to Fair Management & Best Practices — MN Board of Animal Health
- Regulatory updates, livestock health requirements, and management standards for fair organizers.
- Supporting a Healthy 4-H Program at Your County Fair — MN 4-H Leadership
- Strategies for fostering collaborative growth and engagement between fair boards and local 4-H programs.
- Freestyle Q&A with Carnival Owners & Vendors
- An open forum with concessionaires and carnival operators to discuss working relationships and operational insights.
- Updates from the Minnesota State Fair
- A briefing on new State Fair facility projects, 4-H building renovations, and related developments impact local fairs.
🗣️ Collaborative Formats
💬 Sharing Tables
Moderated, equal-footing roundtables for peer discussion:
- Capital Campaigns & Naming Rights: Managing large building projects, sponsor agreements, and asset naming.
- Out-of-the-Box Contests: Unique contest ideas and event programming to refresh your schedule.
- Contract Management: Best practices for executing contracts with entertainers, vendors, and commercial exhibitors.
- Advertising Strategies & Budgets: Comparing marketing channels, cost efficiency, and budget allocations.
- Peer-Size Fair Discussions: Breakout groups by attendance size (Small: under 15k | Medium: 15k–30k | Large: 30k+) to discuss shared operational challenges.
👥 Panel Discussions
Structured expert conversations featuring multi-perspective Q&A:
- Info Booth Ladies: Lessons and insights from the team behind the Minnesota State Fair info booths and the "unofficial podcast" Info Booth Ladies.
- Professional Ticketing Companies: Product options, pricing models, and tech choices for ticketing systems.
- Insurance Panel: Industry experts break down coverage types, risk management, and insurance options for fair events.
- "Brag Session" (Innovative Ideas): A panel of selected fairs to showcase 2026 successes and practical implementations.
🌐 Networking Circles
Role-based networking sessions to connect with peers sharing similar responsibilities:
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- President
- Open Class / Entry Systems