Thursday, January 13, 2022
10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Consumer Protection Program Training
* Separate Registration Required *
4:00 p.m. Joint Meeting of the MN State Ag Society, Midwest
Showmen’s Association, and the MN Federation of
County Fairs -
Presided by MFCF President Steve Storck
5:00 p.m. MN Federation of County Fairs Board Meeting -
Presided by MFCF President Steve Storck
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. MFCF Registration
Grand Ballroom Foyer
7:00 p.m. SHARING TABLE: What’s on Your Mind?
Friday, January 14, 2022
7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. MFCF Registration
Grand Ballroom Foyer
7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Convention Socialization
Bloomington Room
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. State Agricultural Society Office Open
Grand Ballroom Foyer
9:30 a.m. General Session
R U READY 4 THE FUTURE?
Back in business! Whew! Wasn’t it great? On so many levels it was fabulous to
get most of the county and state fairs across the United States open again, doing
business almost normally in 2021 after the pandemic shuttered life as we knew it
in 2020. Since January I have visited 31 fairs of all sizes in a dozen states and
each one has been such a joy to my soul!
What is evident, however, is that there will be both short and long-term impacts
to our county and state fairs because of the pandemic and the unforeseen
consequences of it on every aspect of our daily lives.
At this general session, I will share with you some insight into the challenges that
we must rise up to meet for the future, but also the opportunities before us that
may not happen again for a generation or more. As one of my friends puts it, “R
U READY 4 THE FUTURE?
Presenter: Marla Calico, President and CEO of the International Fairs
and Exposition
s.
10:30 a.m. Refreshment Break – Edina Room
Sponsored by Loret Foods
10:45 a.m. General Session
Legislative Update
The lobbying efforts of the MFCF have been very successful in recent years.
Every fair in the state of Minnesota has benefited. Come and hear where we
have been and where we are headed on the legislative front.
Presenters: A.J. Duerr and Cory Bennett, MFCF Lobbyists.
11:15 a.m. General Session
MN County Fair Grant Program Update
Get an update on the grant programs (including AGRI and Legacy Funding) and
learn what qualifies. Get tips for the application and close-out process.
Presenter: Ashley Bress, Grants Supervisor MN Department of Agriculture
12:00 Noon – 1:00 pm LUNCH
Separate Ticket Required
1:00 p.m. Sessions
Q and A with the Lobbyist
You've heard the legislative update, now what questions do you have? Bring
them to this session and get the answer. Have an idea? Share it here!
Presenters: AJ Duerr and Cory Bennett, MFCF Lobbyists.
Maximizing Revenue with Digital Marketing and Ticketing
Though 2020 was a bit of a bummer, 2021 showed incredible pent-up demand
for a return to live events! Are you ready to maximize this new consumer
engagement & make it easy to do business with your fair? Are you fully
leveraging online ticketing and digital marketing strategies? Join the Saffire team
as we share lessons from 2021 and detail core strategies that lead to 2x and 3x
ticketing revenue growth. We’ll share success stories from events that grew this
year and talk about how you can keep up the momentum for 2022! Presenter: Jodi Buresh, Director of Partnerships, Saffire.
Value Our Partnership: A Conversation with Minnesota 4-H Youth
Development
Attend this workshop to learn about the impact of MN 4-H and share ideas to
help advance our partnership with MN County Fairs
Presenters: Jennifer Skuza, Associate Dean and MN 4-H State Director;
Sharon Davis, Director of Animal Science; Amber Greely, Director of
State and County Fairs Programs.
County Fair Boot Camp
Come and learn about some common calendar items and points to ponder for all
fairs, hear about the MFCF, and its role in Minnesota's fairs. If you have any
questions, this is a great place to ask them!
Presenter: Jodie Grabarski, MFCF District 4 Director.
SHARING TABLE: Activities for Kids (Pre-Teens) at Your Fair
SHARING TABLE: Health and Safety: Pre-COVID and Now
2:15 p.m. Sessions
Having Difficult Conversations
2 HOUR SESSION: This session ends at 4:30.
One of the hardest things to do on the job and in our personal lives is having
difficult conversations. How to start them, how to control emotions, getting the
message across and still keep the relationship in a good place. This workshop
will have participants work through the process, keep focus on the message,
share insights, and be prepared for the difficult conversations when they come
up.
Presenter: Cindy Bigger, Bigger Associates
MN State Fair Recognition Programs
Curious about the Century Farm Program and the Outstanding Senior Citizen
Award recognition programs? Come and hear more about how they work.
Presenter: Marie LeFebvre, Competition Manager – MN State Fair and
other competition staff
County Fair Grant Q and A
There will not be a presentation. Use this time to bring your questions to Ashley
who will be present via Zoom.
Presenter: Ashley Bress, Grants Supervisor MN Department of Agriculture
When the Carnival Comes to Town - A Unique Insight into the Daily Life of a
Carnival Owner
Ever wonder what goes on before the carnival opens to the public? This
workshop, presented by carnival owners and OABA board members, will relate
the history of carnival shows, what it takes to move the carnival from town to
town, and what unique challenges face the industry every day. You will hear
both comical as well as serious stories about life on the carnival road.
Presenters: Mike Featherston – Goldstar Amusements; Randy Forcier –
Gopher State Expositions; William Purdy – Amusement Attractions; Jim
Sinclair – MN State Fair
SHARING TABLE: Non-Fair Events at the Fairgrounds
SHARING TABLE: What did you try in 2021? Did it work?
3:15 p.m. Refreshment Break – Plaza Foyer
Sponsored by Schroder Concessions
3:30 p.m. Sessions
Having
Difficult Conversations
2 HOUR SESSION: This session begins at 2:15
One of the hardest things to do on the job and in our personal lives is having
difficult conversatins. How to start them, how to control emotions, getting the
message across and still keep the relationship in a good place. This workshop
will have participants work through the process, keep focus on the message,
share insights, and be prepared for the difficult conversations when they come
up.
Presenter: Cindy Bigger, Bigger Associates
Electrical Licensing and Inspection Information for Fair Board Members
This presentation will be on electrical safety on fairgrounds' permanent and
temporary structures, electrical licensing, and inspection requirements.
Presenters: Steven Dudley, Senior Electrical Representative and Wade
Schlie, Electrical Area Representative
Panel Discussion: Working with Entertainers
Come and listen to a panel of associate members who provide entertainment
services to county fairs. Bring your questions and hear their perspective..
Responsible Service of Alcohol
Learn about the responsible service of alcohol. Attendees will receive a
certificate of completion.
Presenter: Robert Foster, Sales Trainer, MN Licensed Beverage
Association
SHARING TABLE: Legacy Grants: How have you used the funds?
SHARING TABLE: Volunteers: How do you attract and retain them?
5:00 pm – 11:00 pm Trade Show Open
5:00 p.m. MN County Fair Alumni Meeting
Bloomington Room
6:00 p.m. MFCF Committee Meetings
Audit Vista 2202
Credentials Vista 2204
Resolutions Vista 2205
6:00 Midwest Showmen’s Association Open House
Veranda Ballroom
7:00 pm – 10:00 pm Silent Auction Open
Bloomington Room
7:15 – 10:00 pm Showcase
11:00 pm Trade Show Closes
Saturday, January 15, 2022
7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. MFCF Registration
Grand Ballroom Foyer
7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Convention Socialization
Bloomington Room
8:00 a.m. Breakfast: Opening Ceremony and Memorial Service
Doors Open at 7:45
8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. State Agricultural Society Office Open
Grand Ballroom Foyer
9:30 a.m. Sessions
Grant Writing Workshop
Raising money whether through grants, sponsorships, or other fundraising efforts can
be fun and exciting. However, its success is determined greatly by two things….come
and find out what they are!
Presenter: Brian Carlson, Carlton Talent Agency and MFCF District 8 Director
Maximizing Ticketless Transactions for Profit and Guest ROI
How can you package various ticket options (gate, concert, parking, carnival, F&B, etc.)
to maximize profit, stand up to the competition from other live events and activities,
and also engage your guests with a better experience? How can you utilize the trove of
data that you’re collecting through online sales to take your event to a new level?
Presenter: Jodi Buresh, Director of Partnerships, Saffire
Valuing Our Partnership: A Conversation with Minnesota 4-H Youth Development
Attend this workshop to learn about the impact of MN 4-H and share ideas to help
advance our partnership with MN County Fairs
Presenters: Jennifer Skuza, Associate Dean and MN 4-H State Director; Sharon
Davis, Director of Animal Science; Amber Greely, Director of State and County
Fairs Programs
SHARING TABLE: The Future of our Fairs: Agriculture
SHARING TABLE: What do you charge? Food, commercial booths, storage, etc.
SHARING TABLE: Grandstand Events
10:15 a.m. Spouse Tour Departs for Chanhassen Dinner Theatre
Chanhassen Dinner Theatre requires proof vaccination or a negative
COVID test within 72 hours of the show. Masks must be worn by all
attendees.
Ticket Required – Meet at the North Door
Don’t have a ticket? Check at convention registration.
10:30 a.m. Refreshment Break – Plaza Foyer
Sponsored by Variety Attractions
10:45 a.m. Federation Caucuses: You are encouraged to attend your district’s caucuses, even if you are not a delegate of
alternate. However, if you do not attend a caucus, the following sessions are available to you:
10:45 a.m. Sessions
Responsible Service of Alcohol
Learn about the responsible service of alcohol. Attendees will receive a certificate of
completion.
Presenter: Robert Foster, Sales Trainer, MN Licensed Beverage Association
Electrical Licensing and Inspection Information for Fairs
This presentation is for owner/operators of carnivals, inflatables, concessions, circuses,
or any other transitory use of electrical power. We will address the licensing and
inspection requirements.
Presenters: Steven Dudley, Senior Electrical Representative and Wade
Schlie, Electrical Area Representative, MN Department of Labor and Industry
Chapter 38
Come and learn more about the Minnesota Statutes that establish County Agricultural
Societies.
Presenter: AJ Duerr, MFCF Lobbyis
t
SHARING TABLE: Entry Systems
11:15 a.m. (or following Federation Caucuses)
State Ag Society Caucuses (Districts 2, 6, and 8)
12:00 p.m. LUNCHEON / AWARDS LUNCHEON
Doors open at 11:45 a.m.
Grand Ballroom – Ticket Required
1
1:30 p.m. Sessions
Chapter 38
Come and learn more about the Minnesota Statutes that establishes County Agricultural
Societies.
Presenter: AJ Duerr, MFCF Lobbyist
Board Development
One of the things missing from our collective learning is 'how to serve on a board'! This
workshop will help board members understand their role, staff roles, and
responsibilities given the board type.
Presenter: Cindy Bigger, Bigger Associates
Grants, Events and Partnerships – How to Survive and Thrive in a Pandemic World
So you have a fair and you have a pandemic. What do you do? This presentation will
give you ideas and information on how to navigate and exit a pandemic with events and
strategies that will keep your fair going strong. We'll also talk about finding and utilizing
grants, social media and unique partnerships to keep your fair top of mind year round.
There will be an open period to collaborate and network on new ideas and ask follow-up
questions.
Presenter: Brandon Helgeson, Big BANG Companies/Olmsted County Fair
SHARING TABLE: The Future of our Fairs: Facilities
SHARING TABLE: Free Activities that Won’t Break the Budget
SHARING TABLE: Small Fairs: Getting Sponsors
2:30 p.m. Refreshment Break – Plaza Foyer
2:45 p.m. Sessions
Committees that Work
As everyone serves on a board, a committee or in a group, this workshop defines the
traps committees can find themselves in and how to improve committee management,
tips for facilitating meetings, and ways to make committees more efficient in getting the
work done.
Presenter: Cindy Bigger, Bigger Associates
Being the “Treasurer”…
…because the title "Multitasking Ninja" is not an actual title. Designed for new
treasurers but experienced treasurers are welcome to attend. We will review budgets,
contracts, paying bills, and cash controls.
Presenter: Tiffany Gustin, MFCF Executive Secretary
SHARING TABLE: Ag Grants: How how you used the funds?
SHARING TABLE: The Future of Our Fairs: Entertainment
SHARING TABLE: Using Technology: What and How?
SHARING TABLE: What do you want to see at the Fair Convention in 2023?
4:30 pm – 11:00 pm Trade Show Open
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Silent Auction Closes
End times will be staggered. Successful bidders should pay
in the Bloomington Room.
7:15 – 10:00 pm Showcase
11:00 pm Trade Show Closes
Sunday, January 16, 2022
Sunday, January 16, 202215 minutes after
State Fair Breakfast - MFCF Board Meeting