Spring Manager's Conference

Sorry we let a week get by us since our last post- it's been crazy around here lately! Monday through Thursday last week the Iowa State Fair hosted the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) Spring Manger's Conference. Designed for upper level management staff of Fairs across the United States and Canada, the program included a variety of workshops, keynote speakers, committee meetings and networking opportunities for conference attendees.

The week kicked off with a reception at Dennis Albaugh's private Chevrolet car collection in Ankeny. Much of my time was spent preparing for this party as I was in charge of decorating for a 1950s sock hop. The next day focused on a crisis management session where participants conducted case studies on crises that could happen at any time during a fair or festival. Attendees also got a tour of our beautiful Fairgrounds and facilities, then ended the evening with a fair food grazing party at the Elwell Family Food Center. Wednesday and Thursday were filled with workshops, speakers and meetings, all held at the Marriott Downtown. All of the Iowa State Fair staff worked hard to put on a successful conference. It was a busy week, but all seemed to go off without a hitch!

Now it's back to preparing for other upcoming events such as the Corndog Kickoff! We're well on our way, but still have a lot to do! Also, interns will start full time in the next couple of weeks and we are very excited to add them to our Blue Ribbon Team!