*This is a Tentative Schedule and is subject to change.*

Thursday, January 11, 2024

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4:00 p.m. - Joint Meeting of the MN State Ag Society, Midwest Showmen’s Association, and the MN Federation of County Fairs

5:00 p.m. - MN Federation of County Fairs Board Meeting

5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. - MFCF Registration

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. - Midwest Showmen’s Association Open House

Come enjoy complimentary food and beverage. Support the great work of the Midwest Showmen’s Association by supporting the silent auction!

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - SHARING TABLE: What’s on Your Mind?

Friday, January 12, 2024

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7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. - MFCF Registration

8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. - State Agricultural Society Office Open

9:00 a.m. - General Session - Keynote

Learn how the Master did the impossible and how he turned dreams into reality. More importantly, how this can apply to your fair – big or small. Walt’s methods can work anywhere. This presentation will unveil the Top 10 Disney methods that will transform your guest experience, enhance your fairgrounds, add today’s technology, and provide simple solutions that create a big Impact. Walt was a dreamer, a realist, and his own best critic. Fairs today can apply his methods to Agriculture and Livestock areas, food and beverage locations, marketing, entertainment venues, children’s programs, exhibit spaces, signage, landscaping, main gates, parking lots, and even restrooms.

10:30 a.m. - Refreshment Break

Edina Room

10:45 a.m. - General Session

Come and hear about where we are headed on the legislative front.

11:15 a.m. - General Session

Get an update on the grant programs (including AGRI andLegacy Funding) and learn what qualifies. Get tips for the application and close-out process.

12:00PM – 1:00 pm - LUNCH

There will not be a presentation. Use this time to bring your questions to Dacia!

Immediately following Dacia’s Q&A she will be available for private appointments to answer any of your specific questions or concerns regarding your fair’s current or outstanding grants!

This presentation will be on electrical safety on fairgrounds' permanent and temporary structures, electrical licensing, and inspection requirements.

County fairs across the state began as an opportunity to showcase agriculture in the area, and that goal still holds true today. With a presence in every county, learn how you can partner with your local Farm Bureau to tell the story of agriculture at your county fair – whether that be through displays/exhibits, events, or recognition. TheFarm Bureau has resources for all of this and more!

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. Learn what to take away from convention as well as how to best serve your board throughout the year. If you have any questions, this is a great place to ask them!

From premiums to displays, come hear from your fellow fairboards on what works for them and how they have seen success in creating and maintaining a thriving open class program at their fair!

You've heard the legislative update, now what questions do you have? Bring them to this session and get the answer. Have an idea for legislation that would improve fairs?Bring it to this session!

This session will include a state of MN 4-H address along with updates on county and state showcase events. The workshop will be interactive and will include time for discussion.

All fairs and expositions must deal with change within an ever-evolving competitive business environment. Necessary change is hard but inevitable. The most difficult part of change is always managing the process. This presentation will draw upon the ten steps to success in Strategic Planning specifically for our industry. Large or small, county, state, provincial, or national, we need to clearly define objectives, formulate our “team,” and create strategies for results, not just discussion. Learn the rules to achieve attainable, measurable results, keep the process simple, and enjoy the ride.

Members from the MN Board of Animal Health will review State requirements for MN county fairs. We will provide resources and information on manager activities, animal ID, and common challenges and questions.

Come to learn and understand all there is to know concerning Open Meeting Law and how it applies to your county board!

From the Demo Derby or Tractor Pull to any other Grandstand events your fair organizes(outside of music concerts), come and hear what others are doing to make their events successful!

Plaza Foyer

3:30 p.m. - Sessions

Learn how your county can be represented at the Minnesota State Fair, from competitive competitions to awards and events. Come find out the best way to see your county be present at the Great Minnesota Get together!

Members of the Midwest Showmen's Association are hosting an informational session all about the Club. If you are interested in learning more about what the Showmen are all about and possibly joining their membership, stop in and check it out.

This presentation may change your mind on everything you have ever done, from marketing, sponsorships, entertainment buying, venue layout, and partnerships. What if every change resulted in more income, less expense and more value for your clients.Can you imagine if every solution to every problem resulted in more revenue by simply fixing the problem. This presentation us as Fair Managers, Board Members and Staff do to look at things through a different lens. See it from another angle and discover buried treasures right beneath our noses.

Come together with fellow board officers, it will be a time to meet new people and build your network! This time will NOT include a formal presentation or workshop, so be sure to bring your business cards and be ready to ask questions, share successes and build relationships with fellow board members who share a similar role!

4:30 p.m. - MFCF Committee Meetings

5:00 pm – 11:00 pm - Trade Show Open

6:00PM - MFCF Banquet Dinner

- Doors Open at 5:45PM

7:00 pm – 10:00 pm - Silent Auction Open

7:05PM – 10:00PM - Showcase

Grand Ballroom

11:00 pm - Trade Show Closes

Saturday, January 13, 2024

7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. - MFCF Registration

7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. - Convention Socialization

8:00 A.M. – 9:15 A.M. - Light Breakfast

9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. - State Agricultural Society Office Open

9:30 a.m. - Sessions

This session will include a state of MN 4-H address along with updates on county and state showcase events. The workshop will be interactive and will include time for discussion.

County fairs across the state began as an opportunity to showcase agriculture in the area, and that goal still holds true today. With a presence in every county, learn how you can partner with your local Farm Bureau to tell the story of agriculture at your county fair – whether that be through displays/exhibits, events, or recognition. Farm Bureau has resources for all of this and more!

Come hear from a team that has successfully developed and maintained a thriving junior fairboard. Hear about their successes and learn how a similar program could benefit your organization!

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.

Come hear what other County Fairs are doing to successfully keep their fairs safe, from hired agencies to volunteer security teams - find out what works for others and what might be the best fit for your organization!

10:30 a.m. - Refreshment Break

Plaza Foyer

10:45 a.m. - Federation Caucuses

You are encouraged to attend your district’s caucuses, even if you are not a delegate or alternate. However, if you do not attend a caucus, the following sessions are available to you:

10:45 a.m. - Sessions

All fairs and expositions must deal with change within an ever-evolving competitive business environment. Necessary change is hard but inevitable. The most difficult part of change is always managing the process. This presentation will draw upon the ten steps to success inStrategic Planning specifically for our industry. Large or small, county, state, provincial, or national, we need to clearly define objectives, formulate our “team,” and create strategies for results, not just discussion. Learn the rules to achieve attainable, measurable results, keep the process simple, and enjoy the ride.

Come and learn more about the Minnesota Statutes that establishes County Agricultural Societies.

11:15 a.m. (or following Federation Caucuses) - State Ag Society Caucuses (Districts 7 & 9)

12:00 p.m. - LUNCHEON

- Doors open at 11:45 a.m.

1:30 p.m. - Sessions

Come to this panel discussion and learn some of our keys to success in building relationships between extension staff, local county 4-H programs, and fair boards.

New to Quickbooks? Come hear about the basics of the program, gain general knowledge on how the program can benefit your organization and hear from a County Board Treasurer on the specifics of how the program has helped them achieve financial stability.

Take the opportunity to be involved in an unscripted Q&A with Industry professionals from Food Concessions, Carnivals, Commercial Vendors, and Entertainers. If you have ideas you want feedback on or questions about what we have seen from our travels, join in and we will do our best to answer!

Come hear how fellow fairboard members have learned to juggle work, life and FAIR in a healthy way…. or at least try! Share your own tips and tricks and be prepared to takeaway valuable ideas to help you avoid burnout and serve your team in the best way possible!

Plaza Foyer

2:45 p.m. - Sessions

Come learn what resources the International Association of Fairs and Expositions has available for your team! Be prepared to take away valuable information on how the organization can help you better your program and provide exciting opportunities for your members!

Your Fair's Succession Plan : Are you ready for the next Leadership Team to carry on your legacy? Do you have a plan for your fair and its future sustainability? Learn what is important in the how and why of planning the process of identifying the critical positions and protocols within your organization and developing action plans to ensure your fair will continue to have the talent needed to fill those roles. It’s not about pre-selection, but instead preparation.

Learn the importance of building a board structure that allows you to move your fair forward. Creating boundaries that allow your staff to walk with confidence into the future is important! Be prepared to take away valuable references that will allow you to identify different personalities and work ethics within your board and gain insight on how to create a TEAM approach that will allow everyone to better serve the organization!

Come learn what it takes to create and maintain successful off season events on your fairgrounds! Learn how securing such events can help create another level of financial stability that will serve you throughout the entire calendar year!

Come learn from fellow Fairboards on how they have developed a successful Music Concert reputation. From ticketing, securing agents, seating and more…. learn what has worked for them and how you can apply to your fair.

4:30 p.m. - Trade Show Opens

5:00 p.m - Silent Auction Closes

Bloomington Room

- End times will be staggered.
- Successful bidders should pay in the Bloomington Room.

7:05PM – 10:00pm - Evening Showcase

Grand Ballroom

7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. - State Agricultural Society Office Open

The Minnesota Federation of County Fairs Annual Business Meeting will be held in the Edina Room approximately 15 minutes after the conclusion of the State Fair Breakfast and Annual Meeting.