Please check back for the 2009 schedule
Here's a look at the Conference Topics at the
2008 VT/NH Fairs Conference
Lake Morey Resort, Fairlee, Vermont "We'll Keep You Moving" |
Keynote Speaker Dr. Barney Cosner, CFE 9:15 to 10:30 am The Terrace Room
| Why are We Here? Dr. Barney Cosner will make sure his audience stays involved in his message of “Why are we here?” The fair industry has a lot to think about and laugh at and Barney will share some of those moments with all of us.
Extensive experience in the fair industry and agriculture, Dr. Cosner’s present position is Executive Director of Nebraska State Fair. Prior to this position, he has been involved at the Wyoming State Fair & Rodeo, State Fair of Texas and National Western Stock Show and Rodeo. He has taught at Colorado State University and Iowa State University. He has served as Extension Agent of Agriculture and 4-H in Wyoming.
He holds Agricultural degrees are from Oklahoma State University and the University of Wyoming. He has been active in the IAFE serving as committee chair and Zone Director. In 1988 he earned his Certified Fair Executive. |
Morning Break - 10:30 - 11 am Visit the Trade Show and network with your peers |
| Break-Out Discussion Topics - 11 am to 11:45 am |
Horse Pulling presented by Paul E. Thurston Lancaster Fair PET@together.net Waterlot Room | Horse pulling needs to play by the rules, but very often fairs have different ways of running competitions, awarding prizes and attracting teams of pullers. How can fair organizers work with the competitors to make life easier. READ THE DISCUSSION NOTES |
Preserving
Your Fair’s History presented by Joyce Haggarty, Addison County Fair
& Field Days, Inc. jbh2329@pshift.com Gardenview Room | From the initial planning to the final printing, we will discuss ways you can preserve the history of your fair through printed pages and pictures.
If your fair is in the process of writing their history, or has already done so, you are encouraged to bring a copy to share and discuss.
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Insurance –
Unforeseen Liabilities
Presented by Robert C. Stewart, Sr.
Hopkinton State Fair rcsdesign@tds.net Edgewater Room | Trip and fall - midway rides accidents, bad weather - how can you and your organization be prepared for the worst and what are some tips on making sure your fair is adequately covered by insurance |
Admissions –
Paid and Free Presented by Mark Perry
Rochester Fair
rochesterfair@metrocast.net Lakeside Room | Fair Admission is usually our largest source of income - do we really know how much of it we are giving away, or are complimentary tickets hurting your bottom line? |
Do You Have a Web Site? Presented by Stephen Mease Champlain Valley Exposition Theatre
| Fair and Event Websites: Why you need one, why it doesn't have to cost a lot to be effective and how it can help bring new customers to your Fair.
Powerpoint Presentation DOWNLOAD
Please note this is a large file. |
| Lunch Buffet & Speaker Barney Cosner, CFE - noon to 1:30, Terrace Room |
Inside Look at: Champlain Valley Exposition 1:30 to 2 pm After Lunch Multi-Media Presentation Presented by David F. Grimm, CFE Champlain Valley Exposition dgrimm@cvexpo.org The Terrace Room | Champlain Valley Fair, Essex Junction, VT Vermont's biggest annual event has been named to the Top 100 Events in America by the American Bus Association for two years (2007-2008) in a row and was named the 2006 Sweepstakes Award Winner as the top agricultural fair in America by the International Association of Fairs and Expos. Get a preview at www.cvexpo.org See the Seven Days Stuck in VT Video CLICK HERE See the WCAX story about Ethel Ward at the Fair CLICK HERE |
| Break-Out Discussion Topics 2:30 to 3:15 pm |
Web Extras Presented by Stephen Mease Champlain Valley Exposition Theatre | Add some fun to your Website: Take home some easy-to-use tricks, free online add-ons, social networking and content ideas that will make your website as much fun as the midway. Bring your ideas to share. Powerpoint Presentation DOWNLOAD Please note this is large file. Web Extra resources list with web links A word document DOWNLOAD |
Treating All Department’s Fairly Presented by Russell C. Carpenter, Addison County Fair
and Field Days donnellbelgians@earthlink.net Edgewater Room | Is everyone getting the same treatment in your fair's departments? How to make sure volunteers and staff feel appreciated. |
Camping Issues Presented by David Keith
North Haverhill Fair
briar1@together.net Lakeside Room | Many fairgrounds also offer camping for events. Learn about best practices when it comes to providing temporary housing for your guests and exhibitors. |
"For Board
Members Only" Presented by Dr. Barney Cosner, CFE Nebraska State Fair Gardenview Room | A workshop for members of Fair boards. Learn how to more effective in your position as a Board member or trustee. |
Entertainment-
Local or Outside Talent Presented by Rob Howe
Tunbridge World’s Fair
Email: arjay@sover.net Waterlot Room | Discuss the decisions regarding the hiring of local or outside talent for programming. What has worked for your fair in hiring local entertainers and bands. "How to get the best deal," who do you contact, what problems have you had to deal with in contracting entertainers; these are all topics open for discussion in this workshop on entertainment.
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Afternoon Break 3:15 to 4 p.m. Morey Room. Trade Show Closes at 4 p.m. |
Auction Steamboat Lounge | Bid on your favorite items donated by Vermont and New Hampshire Fairs - homemade items, gift baskets, concert tickets and some surprises.Proceeds help defray the costs of the conference. |
5:30 to 6 pm - Hospitality Hour - Terrace Room Entertainment by Shugarmakers
6 pm - VT/NH Fairs Conference Banquet - Terrace Room After dinner entertainment: Comedian John McDonald
presented by Cuzin Richard Entertainment and sponsored by Dreamland Amusements
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