Conference Program and Schedule

KEYNOTE: Now What? Smoothly Sailing our Fairs through Uncharted Waters, presented by Jeremy Parsons, Iowa State Fair

Inflation, declining rural population, aging volunteers, apathetic boards, youth violence, and expensive entertainment are just some of the “uncharted waters” that our fairs are facing today. Climb aboard as we set sail to navigate these waters with practical, hands-on tools to ensure your fair makes it safely to shore.

Volunteers: It’s not about the role; it’s about the vibe, presented by Jill Ingalls, 360 Events NW

Volunteers aren’t showing up the way they used to? So, you same-old leadership and recruitment model can’t either. The fact is they are STILL showing up, in fact volunteerism is up Nationwide. But - it takes a culture people want to join, a program people trust, and an experience built for today's reality. A place for Dope experiences, hands-on, IRL moments with work-life flow, remote-friendly, and inclusive vibes and team energy. People today are more connected than ever through social media, yet more disconnected from real experiences. We’ll explore how to build a crew with culture-driven belonging. We’ll dive into examples from successful IRL organizations and translate them into our real-world applications. Walk away with tools to evaluate your program and step into the Vibe for Volunteers.

Keeping Oregon Livestock Exhibitions Safe and Compliant, presented by the Oregon State Veterinarian’s Office

Hear from the Oregon State Veterinarian’s Office on current requirements for fairs and year-round livestock exhibitions. This session will cover the livestock exhibition registration process, required recordkeeping, veterinary planning and animal health protocols, isolation areas, public hygiene requirements, and disease-specific considerations. Attendees will also receive information on the upcoming official identification requirement for sheep, goats, cattle, and swine, effective January 1, 2027.

Junior Fair Boards – The Reasons Your Fair Needs Them!, presented by Jessie McLaughlin, Spokane County Interstate Fair

Fast forward 50 years from today. I will not be here, and you may not be here, but the fair will be, and it is going to need someone to lead it AND love it. Not only do we need to start TODAY infusing the ideas that youth can bring to the table to enhance your fair’s current offerings, but we need to find and cultivate youth that will become the leaders of tomorrow. What else can youth do now to become a part of your fair that will elevate the incredible path you are on? Let’s be sure our mindset is not what kids “can’t” do at our fairs but what they “can” do. With some guidance, they will not only “do”… they’ll “do it WELL.”

Competitive Exhibits – the Unsung Stars of Your Fair, presented by Jessie McLaughlin, Spokane County Interstate Fair

Every entry from quilts to jams, goats to llamas, cupcakes to giant pumpkins can educate the public, entertain the guest, and offer a reward to the exhibitor. Many would argue that fair guests come through the gates just for carnival rides and food. Trust me, those same guests are also making their way into your exhibit buildings and barns to be “edutained.” Fairs have the ability to share their story through each of their competitive exhibit departments (both still life and livestock) with creative displays and educational elements enhancing the fair guest’s overall experience. The best part…many of the display pieces can be created at little to no cost and in all honesty, the sky is the limit when you open communication channels between your staff, volunteers, and exhibitors. Let’s talk about where competitive exhibits began and where they can go!

Looking Back to Move Your Fair Forward, presented by Jeremy Parsons, Iowa State Fair

Are you ready to set the bar high for your next fair? Explore goal setting for your fair and learn how to take your fair to new heights! We’ll dive into the post-fair review and critique process, giving you the tools to review your fair and turn that information into actionable goals for the next one. Fair staff and boards, get ready to be inspired and motivated to make your next fair the best one yet!

From Idea to Blue Ribbon: Project Management Basics, presented by Connie Plowman, Portland Community College

This session introduces foundational project management concepts and simple tools for turning ideas into actionable plans. Participants will explore basic approaches to organizing tasks, clarifying expectations, and delivering results -- across projects and events.

From Conflict to Cooperation, presented by Connie Plowman, Portland Community College

This session introduces practical strategies for recognizing and addressing conflict, disagreements, and misunderstandings. Participants will learn straightforward techniques to reduce tension and keep projects – and conversations – moving forward productively.

Finding Grant Opportunities: Understanding the Grant Landscape and Building a Funding Strategy, presented by Kristopher Taylor, Global Grant Services

This session will focus on helping attendees better understand the grant landscape, including federal, state, foundation, and corporate funding opportunities. We will also discuss common misconceptions about grants, strategies for identifying funding opportunities, and how organizations can successfully pursue funding with or without outside grant support.

From Application to Award: Grant Application Development, Project Implementation, Grant Management, and Compliance, presented by Kristopher Taylor, Global Grant Services

This session will focus on the complete grant lifecycle, including grant application development, project implementation, grant management, compliance requirements, reporting, and best practices for increasing competitiveness and successfully managing awarded funds.

Partners in the Barn: Building Strong 4-H & Fairgrounds Relationships

A successful fair depends on strong partnerships, and the relationship between 4-H programs and fairgrounds is an important one. This session will explore how clear communication, defined roles, and effective Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) can help prevent misunderstandings and strengthen collaboration. Learn practical ideas for setting expectations, navigating shared responsibilities, and creating a partnership that supports youth, families, fair staff, and the overall success of the fair.

Pour Decisions: Oregon Alcohol Jeopardy, presented by Emily Zajac, Oregon Beverage Services

Think you know Oregon’s alcohol laws? Put your knowledge to the test in this interactive, Jeopardy-style session covering Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) laws, regulations, and general alcohol knowledge. Participants will compete through categories featuring licensing, service rules, special events, common misconceptions, and those tricky situations that can leave event organizers wondering, “Is that actually allowed?” Come ready to play, learn, and walk away with a better understanding of how to keep alcohol service at your fair fun, safe, and compliant.

How to Integrate Unique Rodeo Experiences into Your Fair, presented by Kristi Schrock, Benton County Fairgrounds & Jason Maddox, Challenge of Champions

A panel discussion featuring successful rodeo events that go beyond traditional PRCA and NPRA formats. Panelists will share examples of specialty, youth, community-based, and other alternative rodeo experiences, as well as creative approaches to refreshing traditional rodeo programming. Learn how to select events that fit your fairgrounds, audience, budget, and local rodeo community.

Turning Change into Community Support, panel

When your fair must make a major change, how you communicate it can shape public understanding and support. This session will explore recent examples for getting ahead of the public narrative, identifying trusted partners and community voices to help tell your story, and framing difficult changes around shared benefits and long-term goals. Learn practical approaches for proactive messaging, stakeholder outreach, media engagement, and responding to concerns while maintaining trust in your fair.

Unlocking Fairgrounds Value: A Moderated Ideas Exchange, moderated by Bart Platt, Jefferson County Fairgrounds

A moderated roundtable where attendees bring their best ideas, examples, and success stories for generating revenue at fairgrounds. Share what has worked in your community, learn from peers, and exchange practical approaches—from rentals and events to partnerships, sponsorships, and new uses for fairgrounds facilities.

Marketing That Moves the Needle Lane County Fair Case Study, presented by Dana Turell, Turell Marketing Group

Learn how Lane County Fair used a data-driven marketing reset to improve ticket sales and audience engagement. A new marketing firm took a deep dive into historical attendance, ticketing, and campaign data to identify opportunities, refine target audiences, and reshape the fair’s marketing approach. This case study will highlight the strategies implemented, lessons learned, and measurable results that helped drive stronger ticket sales.

Building Better Board Relationships, presented by David Grindle, IAFE Executive Director

In every board there are competing priorities and goals. This session will examine five common points of tension among non-profit boards and discuss how to navigate them for productive work. Come prepared for honest conversation and reflection on your board meetings and the role you play as well as others. You should leave being able to identify the tension points as well as armed with some ways to diffuse them.

When the Forecast Changes: Event Weather Readiness, panel including NOAA

Join a panel of event professionals for a practical discussion on planning for changing weather conditions. From extreme heat, wind, wildfire smoke, and rain to lightning and sudden storms, panelists will share strategies for evaluating risks, developing contingency plans, and making timely operational decisions. Learn about the tools, partnerships, and local resources that can strengthen emergency preparedness, support real-time communication, and help protect attendees, volunteers, and staff in any forecast.