Oregon Fairgrounds College | Training for Fair & Event Professionals

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Fair College

What is the goal of Oregon Fairgrounds College?
To educate new and re-educate experienced Fair Managers, Staff, and Board Members on basic fair and fairgrounds operations and best practices in Oregon.

2026 Dates/Locations/Topics
Thursday, February 12-Friday, February 13 Salem/Polk County Fairgrounds, Rickreall
  • ORS 565/Legal Issues
  • Advocating at the Legislature
  • Working with Fair Board & County Commissioners
Thursday, March 12-Friday, March 13 Benton County Event Center & Fairgrounds
  • Rodeo
  • Concerts
  • Strolling Entertainment
  • Entertainment Support/Operations
Thursday, April 9-Friday, April 10 Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center
  • Animal Disease Preparedness
  • Animal Welfare
  • Vet Checks
  • IAFE Consumer Protection Program - *Saturday, April 11 Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center (Extra Credit/Makeup Session)
Thursday, April 9-Friday, April 10 Oregon State Fair & Exposition Center
  • Animal Disease Preparedness
  • Animal Welfare/Vet Checks
  • Consumer Protection
Thursday May 14-Friday, May 15 Tillamook County Fairgrounds
  • Emergency Planning, Management, and Response
  • Crowd Management & Gate Screening
  • Weather Safety
  • Active Shooter/Emergency Response
Thursday, June 11-Friday, June 12 Josephine County Fairgrounds & Event Center
  • Marketing/Sponsorship
  • Website/Social Media/AI
Thursday, September 10-Friday, September 11 Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center
  • Working with Carnival Operators
  • Principals of Food & Beverage/Alcohol
  • Commercial Vendors
October 15-17 – Annual Convention & Graduation Westside Commons (Washington County)

General Format
Day 1
10:00-10:45 – OFA Fair Managers Only Roundtable
11:00-12:00 – OFA Membership & Board of Directors Meeting
12:00-1:00 – Networking Lunch Hosted by OFA
1:00-5:00 – Class
5:00-7:00 – No Host Networking Dinner

Day 2
9:00-12:00 – Class

Graduation/Attendance Requirements
All sessions will be in-person only without a virtual option in order to promote networking among members. OFA members may attend any individual session, but in order to graduate, attendance requirements listed below based on a 1-year or 2-year track are required.

Valedictorian Graduate with Honors (1-year): Attend all 6 fairgrounds college sessions and the OFA annual convention in person within the same year to earn Valedictorian Graduate with Honors status.

Salutatorian Graduate (1-year): Attend at least 5 of the 6 fairgrounds college sessions and the OFA annual convention in person within the same year to earn Salutatorian Graduate status.

Graduate (2-year): Attend all 6 of the fairgrounds college sessions and the OFA annual convention in person within a two year period to earn Graduate Status.

Extra Credit/Make Up Session: OFA may designate other education opportunities during the year as eligible makeup sessions for Fairgrounds College status.

Registration
Each Fair/Fairgrounds and One Service Member designated by the Service Member Director will receive one complimentary registration at each session. Additional Registrations = $55 per person per session

Register online at www.oregonfairs.org
Questions? Email: info@oregonfairs.org

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