THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15
10:00 AM
Oregon Fair Association Conference Committee Meeting
11:00 AM
Oregon Fair Association Board Meeting
1:00 PM
Welcome by President Camy VonSeggern
1:30 PM
Consumer Protection at Fairs and Expositions: Optimizing Livestock Events
Presented by: Dr. Stephen Neel
Fairs and Expositions are increasingly challenged to provide safe interaction areas for visitors to the livestock barns and events. E. coli O157:H7 and other Enteric Pathogens have been alleged as the cause of many illnesses and even deaths from direct and indirect contact with livestock at fairs, expositions, and petting zoos. This session shares recent events and outlines the IAFE training course that provides participants with knowledge and tools to assess their own site and strengthen consumer protection programs related to livestock interactions.
2:45 PM
Legislative & Fairgrounds Update
Hear from JL Wilson on the cap removal, legislative updates, and the Oregon Fairs Association’s future projects. We’ll also receive updates on Polk County Fairgrounds’ financial challenges and the Oregon State Fairgrounds’ future needs. An important conversation about the future of Oregon fairs and fairgrounds!
4:00 PM: Educational Sessions
Growing Your Fair Through a Strong Foundation
Presented by: Eric Thompson, Benton County Fair Foundation & Jane Ellen Innes, Jefferson County Fair Board
Learn how to create and grow a successful fair foundation from one of Oregon’s longest-running fair foundations. Hear about their successes, lessons learned, fundraising strategies, and how their foundation has supported and strengthened their fairgrounds. You will also learn how to launch a foundation and take away practical ideas you can use to build a foundation for your own fair’s future.
Beyond the Traditional Rodeo
Presented by: Jason Maddox, President of Challenge of Champions & Kristi Schrock, Benton County Rodeo Committee
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.
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.
5:00 PM
Connect & Celebrate: Tradeshow Reception
Join us for a casual reception to mingle with new friends and reconnect with old peers before dinner. Enjoy a drink, catch up with fellow fair professionals, and explore the tradeshow while connecting with our service member exhibitors.
6:00 PM
Meet, Mingle & Eat at Foodlandia Food Court
Join us for a fun and casual group dinner at Foodlandia Food Court! We’ll have a reserved area to gather, connect, and enjoy the evening together. With a variety of food options to choose from, everyone can pick what sounds good and purchase their own dinner.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16
8:00 AM
Coffee Chat
Start your day with a cup of coffee and great conversation! Connect with fellow fair professionals, make new connections, and kick off the day with some networking.
Silent Auction opens
The bidding starts now! Browse a great selection of items, place your bids, and check back throughout the day to stay in the running. Bidding will remain open until tomorrow, so don’t miss your chance to win!
8:45 AM
Welcome!
Oregon Fair Association President Camy Vonseggern will kick off a great day of learning and inspiration as we come together to celebrate and strengthen Oregon’s fairs.
9:00 AM
Keynote: Now What? Smoothly Sailing our Fairs through Uncharted Waters
Presented by: Jeremy Parsons, CEO 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.
10:15 AM: Educational Sessions
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.
When the Forecast Changes: Event Weather Readiness
Presented by: Treena Jensen, 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.
Establishing Successful Board and CEO Relationships
Presented by: Rey O'Day, Executive Director of NICA
“Boards govern and the CEO manages” is a common phrase used to describe the working relationship between a Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer of a company or organization; but what does it mean? To be successful it means working to develop a high level of trust and confidence in each other. This session will recommend methods and skills to accomplish this effectively and productively.
11:30 AM: Educational Sessions
Service member speed dating
Fair Service Members and Fair Representatives will meet one-on-one in a series of short, focused conversations. Share your needs, discover new products and services, exchange ideas, and build valuable relationships. Come ready to connect—you never know what opportunity is waiting for you!
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.
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.
12:30 PM
Lunch - networking by topic (meal included)
Step outside your usual circle and sit with someone you don’t know at a table topic of your choice. Enjoy lunch while sharing ideas, challenges, and experiences with peers around the fair topic that matters most to you!
1:15 PM
Discover, Connect & Collaborate at the Tradeshow
Attending the Service Members Tradeshow gives fair staff a practical opportunity to meet trusted vendors, discover new products and operational solutions, compare options in one place, and build peer connections with other fair rofessionals. Make sure to bring your staff and board members and check out the great offering.
Oregon Fair Foundation meeting
Private annual meeting of the Oregon Fair Foundation Board of Directors.
2:30 PM
OFA Area meetings
Connect with fairs in your area, hear what neighboring fairgrounds have been up to, and share ideas and experiences. Learn how to get involved with OFA committees and discover new ways to connect and contribute!
Service Member meeting
Join fellow OFA service members for a chance to connect, share ideas, and hear what’s happening across Oregon’s fairs. Learn about opportunities to get involved, build relationships, and make the most of your partnership with the Oregon Fair Association.
3:30 PM: Educational Sessions
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.
What Affects Our Fairgoers’ Decisions
Presented by: Rey O'Day, Executive Director of NICA
What makes fairgoers decide to attend, spend, and come back year after year? Explore the trends, experiences, and factors that influence their choices and learn how fairs can use this insight to better connect with today’s audiences.
Spotlight on Talent: Pitch and Perform
Join us for an energetic showcase session where you'll get a live experience at seeing top OFA entertainment acts that could be the highlight of your fair or event. This session will feature shortened live performances where you'll have the chance to experience their unique styles and understand how they can enhance your events. Don’t miss this opportunity to find the perfect act to make your next event unforgettable!
4:45 PM: Educational Sessions
From Application to Award
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.
Looking Back to Move Your Fair Forward
Presented by: Jeremy Parsons, CEO of 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!
Keeping Oregon Livestock Exhibitions Safe and Compliant
Presented by: State Veterinarian Staff
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.
5:45 PM
Refresh & Recharge Hotel break
Take a 45-minute break to head back to your hotel, freshen up, and get ready for a fun evening.
6:30 PM
Presidents Annual Banquet (meal included) & Music BINGO Presented by Fran Romeo Agency
Join us to honor our OFA Past Presidents, celebrate our Fair College graduates, and raise important funds for OFA and our Oregon Fair Foundation Scholarship program with the Live Auction. Then get ready to test your music knowledge with a fun twist on bingo! Listen for your favorite songs, mark your card, and see who can be the first to shout BINGO! Come ready to sing along, laugh, and have some friendly competition for prizes!
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
8:30 AM
Annual Business Meeting
We encourage you to attend the Oregon Fair Association’s Annual Business Meeting to hear updates from the Board, learn about the results of our recent Board retreat and strategic plan goals, and meet the leaders working to support Oregon’s fairs.
9:15 AM: Educational Sessions
Competitive Exhibits – the Unsung Stars of Your Fair
Presented by: Jessie McLaughlin, Spokane 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!
Unlocking Fairgrounds Value: A Moderated Ideas Exchange
Moderated by Bart Platt, Jefferson County Event Center
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.
Strengthening 4-H and Fair Board Partnerships Through an MOU
Presented by: State 4-H Staff
Explore how a county 4-H program and Fair Board developed a Memorandum of Understanding to clarify roles, strengthen communication, and create a more collaborative working relationship. This session will share practical lessons on building trust, aligning around shared goals, and keeping youth development at the center of fair planning and decision-making. Participants will leave with key considerations and advice for beginning or improving their own 4-H–Fair Board MOU process.
10:30 AM: Educational Sessions
Building Resilience across Oregon through Fairgrounds and Emergency Management Partnerships
Presented by: Jeff Gilbert and Shelley Wight, Regional Emergency Coordinators
This presentation will explain the role that the Office of Resilience and Emergency Management (OREM) serves and what the Resilience Hubs and Networks program constitutes. Ultimately, partnering with Fairgrounds across all 36 counties to expand this growing network that helps to serve all Oregonians during times of emergency and disaster.
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.
11:45 AM: Educational Sessions
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.
Junior Fair Boards – The Reasons Your Fair Needs Them!
Presented by: Jessie McLaughlin, Spokane 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.”
Flat Fee to Commission: Key Considerations for Making the Food Vendor Transition
Presented by: Brandi Ebner, Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo
While flat-rate vendor fees can be simple to administer, they may leave significant revenue on the table. This session explores the event characteristics, staffing resources, operational capacity, and vendor-management practices to evaluate before moving to a commission-based food vendor model. Learn how to determine whether your event is ready, establish clear reporting and compliance expectations, and balance revenue goals with a strong vendor and attendee experience.
1:00 PM
Annual Awards Luncheon (meal included)
Stay with us for a special Annual Awards Lunch as we celebrate the incredible fairs, people, sponsors, and projects that make Oregon’s fair community so great. Come cheer on your peers, celebrate their accomplishments, and be inspired by the amazing work happening across our state!