* SUBJECT TO CHANGE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2026
11:30 AM – 2:00 PM -
Giles Ellis Memorial Sporting Clay Shoot FundraiserLocation:Tenoroc Sporting Clays, 3755 Tenoroc Mine Road, Lakeland, Florida 33805 -
Click Here to Register2:00 - 6:00 PM - Registration open for early arrivals.
We encourage you to register on Wednesday to avoid lines!5:00 p.m. Board of Directors Meeting
7:00 - 10:00 PM -
YPI Charity Event: Sips and Sweets Social, benefiting Special Hearts Farm
Location: Dave & Buster’s Orlando, 8986 International Drive, Orlando, Fl 32819 -
Click Here to RegisterDonate to YPI here:
https://www.floridafairs.org/f/88
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2026*
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM - Continental Breakfast
Location: Ballroom A Foyer
7:30 AM – 4:00 PM - Registration Opens
Location: FFF Convention Registration Desk
8:30 AM – 1:30 PM - Trade Show Set-Up
Location: Ballroom B-D
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM - Opening General Session
Location: Ballroom A
Keynote Speaker: Ian Hill, Creator of You Make THE Difference
Ian Hill is an award-winning humanitarian and creator of the
“You Make THE Difference” initiative, empowering fairs and communities across North America. With over 25 years of experience, he helps leaders strengthen volunteerism and reimagine the future of fairs.
9:30 – 11:45 AM - Coffee Break
Location: Salons Foyer
10:00-11:00 AM Educational Sessions
- A- Fair Safety Today: Open Carry Laws, Entry Screening & ADA Compliance
Location: Salon 3 & 4
Speaker: Dominic DeCesare, Esq. Partner Foster & Fuchs, P.A.
Learn how evolving open carry laws impact your fair, along with practical approaches to entry screening and ADA requirements. This session will help you balance safety, accessibility, and legal compliance.
- B- Smarter Marketing for Fairs: Using social media & Data to Drive Attendance
Location: Salon 5 & 6
Speaker: Katie Willard, Owner of The Social Bee
Discover how to use social media insights and data analytics to better target your audience and increase fair attendance. Walk away with simple strategies you can implement right away.
- C- Booking & Managing Fair Entertainment: What Works and What Pays Off
Location: Salon 7 & 8
Speaker: Kelly Tuckwiller Collins, CEO of State Fair of West Virginia
Explore how to select, book, and manage entertainment that fits your fair goals and budget. Learn what’s trending, what delivers ROI, and how to maximize your entertainment lineup. Understanding strong communication and expectations before, during and after Fair. Improve relationships and avoid common misunderstandings.
- D- Engaging the Next Generation: Growing Young Leaders in Your Fair
Location: Salon 9 & 10
Speaker: Ian Hill, Creator of You Make the Difference
Find out how to attract, mentor, and retain young professionals in fair leadership roles. This session focuses on building a strong pipeline for the future of your organization.
- E- The Future of Fair Concessions: Trends, Challenges & New Leadership
Location: Salon 11 & 12
Speaker: Rachael Lough, Concessions/Vendor Relations Manager at Ohio State Fair; Beth Buckley, Concessions Manager at the Florida State Fair; and Kevin McGrath Jr, Best Around Concessions
Take a closer look at how the concessions industry is evolving and what it means for your fair. Learn how to work with the next generation of concessionaires while maintaining strong partnerships.
11:15 AM – 11:45 AM
Florida Federation of Fairs & Livestock Shows Annual Business Meeting
Location: Ballroom A
The official Business Session includes Federation updates, member discussion, and key decisions impacting the Florida Federation of Fairs and Livestock Shows. Announcement of Volunteer of the Year Award Winner
--All Delegates Must Attend
11:45 AM – 1:15 PM - Lunch On Your Own
1:30-2:30 PM Educational Sessions
- A- Preview into the newly created Florida State Fair Ethics program
Location: Salon 3 & 4
Speaker: Lynann Hudson, Director of Agribusiness, Florida State Fair Authority
A deep dive and preview of the newly created Livestock Ethics Program.
- B- Fair Before the Fun, Best Practices in Contracting
Location: Salon 5 & 6
Speaker: Dominic DeCesare, Esq. Partner Foster & Fuchs, P.A.
What happens during the planning process directly shapes what happens at the Fair. Join us to learn contract formation and administration, relationship and partnership development, and best practices that help align expectations, minimize challenges, and set the stage for strong, successful collaboration.
- C- Associates to Associates: Booking Business & Keys to Effective Communication
Location: Salon 7 & 8
Speaker: Steve Lombardo, Fritzy Brothers One Man Circus Dennis Lee, The Dennis Lee Band; Josh Knotts, Extreme Illusions & Escapes; and Daniel Jolley, Jolley Entertainment
Great fairs are built on great partnerships—and that starts with smart booking and strongcommunication. In this associate-led panel, industry peers will break down how they successfullybook business, foster trust, and keep communication flowing before, during, and after the fair. Gain insider tips, avoid common pitfalls, and learn how to strengthen your professional network.
- D- Building Better Partnerships: Creating a Positive Culture with Concessionaires & Ride Operators
Location: Salon 9 & 10
Moderator: Jim Ward, Pasco County Fair Panelist: Beau Pugh, Deggeller Attractions, Inc.Kathy Ross, Ross Concessions
Learn how to foster strong, respectful working relationships with your concession and ride partners. A positive culture leads to smoother operations and a better experience for everyone involved.
- E- Crisis at the Fair: Dealing with the Media in a Crisis
Location: Salon 11 & 12
Speaker: Corey Saban, CS Media Works, Communications & Media Specialist
Walk through a realistic emergency scenario involving ride failure and crowd escalation. Learn how to prepare, respond, and communicate effectively during high-pressure situations with the mediaduring a crisis. Learn baiting questions to avoid, the power of a holding statement, and why “No Comment” kills.
2:45 PM – 3:00 PM - Trade Show Associates Mandatory Meeting
Location: Ballroom A, Trade Show
2:45 PM – 3:15 PM
IAFE Zone 2 Meeting
Location: Salon 13 & 14
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Trade Show Opens & Silent Auction
Location: Ballroom A-D, Trade Show
Networking, Silent Auction, Showcases, Door Prizes & Happy Hour 🍻
4:45 - $$$ Great Cash Giveaway 💵 in Trade Show
Dinner on your own
8:00-11:30 p.m.
President’s Party & Zone II Welcome Reception 🍷 🎉 Support Our Live Auction!
Location: Ballroom A
* Subject to Change
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2026*
8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Registration Open
9:30 – 11: 45 AM - Coffee BreakLocation: Salon Foyer
8:00 AM - IFM Course #121- Sponsorship I
Location: Salon 13 & 14
Speaker:Chris Derby, Chief Partnership Officer for San Antonio Rodeo
Dive into the fundamentals of securing and managing sponsorships for your fair. This courseprovides practical tools to build long-term sponsorships and increase revenue.
90 Munite Session.
9:45 - 10:45 a.m. Educational Sessions
- A- Driving Attendance on a Budget: Smart Advertising That Works
Location: Salon 3 & 4
Speaker: Lucie McGuire, Get Real Social
Learn how fairgoers move through the “customer journey” from awareness to ticket purchase—and how to reach them effectively on a limited budget. Walk away with practical, cost-conscious advertising strategies.
- B- Concessions Under Pressure: Pricing, Policy and Guest Experience
Location: Salon 5 & 6
Moderator: Shawn Brunk, Brunk’s Concessions Auditing
Panel: Eddie Cora, CEO of Miami-Dade Fair; Beth Buckley, Concessions Manager at the Florida State Fair; and Ryan Collmer, Owner of the Meatball Factory, NICA Board Member
This session brings fairs and concessionaires together for an open dialogue on pricing, policy, and guest expectations. We won’t always agree—but we will ask the hard questions that move the conversation forward.
- C- Planning for the Future: Organizational Succession Strategies
Location: Salon 7 & 8
Speaker: Vicki Chouris, Former CEO of the South Florida Fair
Explore how to prepare your fair for long-term success through leadership transition and succession planning. Learn practical steps to ensure continuity and stability.
- D- Creating Winning Exhibits: Foundations for Strong Competitive Displays
Location: Salon 9 & 10
Speaker: Rhonda Ward, Manager of Collier County Fair and Eilleen Hoffner, Exhibits Coordinator at Manatee County Fair
Explore the key elements that make competitive exhibits stand out. Gain tips to improve participation, presentation, and overall exhibit quality.
- E- Panel for Understanding Your Entertainers’ Needs
Location: Salon 11 & 12
Speaker: Bobby McLamb, Artists & Attractions, LLC and Danny Grant, Cowboy Circus
This seminar is designed to help fair organizers, booking committees, and event managers better understand the unique needs of performers and how to create positive, professional experiences that lead to strong relationships and repeat bookings.
11:00 - Noon Educational Sessions
- A- FDACS/USDA Disease Update Session with Division of Animal Industry
Location: Salon 3 & 4
Speaker: Dr. Joe Fisch, Bureau of Chief of Animal Disease Control, FDACS and Dr. Kayla R. Crum, Acting Area Veterinarian in Charge, District 1, USDA
Join the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Animal Industry and the United States Department of Agriculture for an informative session addressing key topics impacting fairs and agricultural events. Gain insights and updates relevant to your livestock shows and programs.
- B- Blue Ribbons & Big Crowds: Elevating Creative Living, Craftsman Marketplaces & Commercial Exhibits
Location: Salon 5 & 6
Speaker: Nancy Smith, CEO South Carolina State Fair and Stacey Wade, Agriculture, Arts & Education Director, North Florida Fair
Discover how to design and manage award-winning exhibits programs that captivate fairgoers and increase participation.
- C- Built for the Spotlight: Finding Contracts that Work for Both Parties
Location: Salon 7 & 8
Speaker: Dominic DeCesare, Esq. Partner Foster & Fuchs, P.A.
This panel brings together fair personnel, entertainers, vendors, concessionaires, contractors, and attorneys to explore the strategy behind effective agreements. The discussion will focus on what to include in contracts, how to approach negotiations, and the importance of building strong collaborative relationships among all parties to ensure mutual success.
- Building the Future: Funding Big Dreams at Your Fairgrounds
Locations: Salon 9 & 10
Speaker: Bill Olson, CEO Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair Mike Biagini, Scherer Construction
From relocating an entire fairground to building new barns, upgraded arenas, and modern midway infrastructure, major capital improvements are key to staying competitive and community focused. This session highlights innovative funding strategies, public-private partnerships, and long-term planning tailored for fairs and livestock shows. Hear from a CEO who led the relocation of the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair—turning big ideas into funded projects while preserving the fair’s legacy and mission.
Noon -1:30 p.m. Lunch On Your Own
1:45 - 2:45 p.m. Educational Sessions
- A- REVERSE TRADE SHOW
Location: Salon 13 & 14
Moderator: Suzanne Holcomb, Manager of the Greater Hillsborough County Fair
Each Fair needs to send a representative to this business session. This offers a high energy environment to build relationships, spark collaboration, and drive success. This should provide meaningful conversations and help both fair and industry partners identify strong matches
- B-Work-Life Balance in the Fair Industry
Location: Salon 3 & 4
Speaker: Dennis Lee, The Dennis Lee Band
Explore strategies for balancing the demands of your career with personal and family life. Learn practical ways to avoid burning out and maintain long-term success.
- C- Guerilla Marketing for Fairs: Big Impact on a Small Budget
Location: Salon 5 & 6
Speaker: Michaela Liebl, IFMG, CEO at Anoka County Fair, Minnesota
Discover creative, low-cost marketing tactics that can generate buzz and increase attendance. Perfect for fairs looking to maximize exposure without overspending.
- D- Understanding Fair Fees: Finding the Right Balance
Location: Salon 7 & 8
Speaker: Matt Wallsmith, CEO of South Florida Fair
Take a closer look at the various fees that fairs must manage and how to balance them effectively. This session will help you make informed financial decisions that support long-term sustainability.
- E- Finding Grants for Your Fair
Location: Salon 9 & 10
Speaker: Micah Robbins, Statewide Strategic Development Consultant
Learn how to identify and secure grant funding to support and grow your fair. This session coverswhere to find opportunities, how to choose the right grants, and tips for writing successful applications. Ideal for fairs looking to expand programs and strengthen financial sustainability.
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Trade Show Opens & Silent Auction
Location: Ballroom A-D, Trade Show
Networking, Silent Auction, Showcases, Door Prizes & Happy Hour 🍻
4:45 - $$$ Great Cash Giveaway 💵 in Trade Show
Dinner on your own
8:00 - 11:30 PM
Associate of the Year Award & Reception, Volunteer of the Year Reception, Hospitality & Showcases 🎉. Open to Everyone!
Location: Ballroom A
* Subject to Change
SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2026*
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Registration Opens
Location: Convention Foyer
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Trade Show Associates Wrap-Up Meeting
Location: Ballroom A
9:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Coffee Break
Location: Salon Foyer
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Trade Show Open & Silent Auction
Silent Auction Closes & Final Door Prize Drawing in Trade Show at 11:30 AM
Location: Ballroom A-D<
9:15-10:15 a.m. Educational Sessions
- A- Promotional Pricing for Fairs: What Works and What Doesn’t
Location: Salon 3 & 4
Speaker: Michael Bleau, CEO of EventHub
Learn the pros and cons of different promotional pricing strategies and how they impact attendance and revenue. Gain insight into what works—and what to avoid—when building your pricing plan.
- B- Livestock Auctions 101: Buying, Selling & Processing Made Simple
Location: Salon 5 & 6
Moderator: Becky Brashears, Director of Business Development for South Florida Fair
Panelist: Connor Ward, Large Animal Judge and Dr. Joe Fisch, Bureau of Chief of Animal Disease Control, FDACS
Learn the basics of how livestock auctions work, from bidder strategies to seller expectations, to process animals. This session is ideal for fairs looking to strengthen their auction programs.
- C- AI for Fairs: Practical Tools for Marketing
Location: Salon 7 & 8
Speaker: Michelle Pretto, Director of Marketing Miami Dade Fair and Exposition
Discover how AI tools like ChatGPT can support your fair marketing and communications. Learn how to use these tools responsibly and effectively and drive attendance. Learn how AI-powered search tools find and display information about events. This session will help you understand how to position your fair to be more visible.
- D- Building an Entertainment Plan Based on Patron Interests
Location: Salon 9 & 10
Moderator: Josh Knotts, Extreme Illusion and Escapes
Panelist: Kyle Robinson, President, Florida Strawberry Festival; Kayla Cawley, Entertainment Manager, South Florida Fair; and Tracy Thompson, Chairman of Annual Fair, Pasco County Fair
Learn how to better understand your audience and use that insight to create a strong, engaging entertainment lineup. Make data-informed decisions that drive attendance.
- E- Panel for Creating a Food Destination at Your Fair
Location: Salon 11 & 12
Moderator: Michael Rogalsky, COO Florida State Fair
Panelist: Jim Ward, Concessions Manager at Pasco County Fair; Christine Mahr, Vendor Coordinator Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair
Learn about maximizing layout, food variety, and creating an atmosphere to improve the guest experience.
10:30-11:30 a.m. Educational Sessions
- A- Chapter 616, How Florida’s New Farm Bill impacts Florida Fairs
Location: Salon 3 & 4
Speaker: Terry Atchley, Manager of Hardee County Fair and Dominic DeCesare, Partner of Foster & Fuchs, P.A.
Understanding the 2026 Florida Farm Bill, SB 290 and how it relates to your fair.
- B- Emergency Planning: From Preparation to Response
Location: Salon 5 & 6
Speaker: John Strates, Owner Strates Shows Midway and Danny Alfonso, General Manager of the Manatee County Fair
Walk through the steps of building and implementing an effective emergency plan. Learn how to prepare your team and respond confidently when challenges arise. Introduction to Erie County Fair’s Emergency Planning process and how it can be modeled at your Fair
- C- Digital Marketing Blueprint: Building a Winning Strategy for Your Fair
Location: Salon 7 & 8
Speaker: Rita De Mier, Director of Brand Management at South Florida Fair
Develop a clear, strategic approach to digital marketing that drives results. Learn how to align your messaging, platforms, and timing for maximum impact.
Panelists: Becky Brashear, Director of Business Development, South Florida Fair, Kelly Collins, CEO, State Fair of West Virginia & Kellen Bartenslager, Ag Competitions Manager, State Fair of West Virginia
- D- Current Trends in Livestock Shows
Location: Salon 9 & 10
Moderator: Jackie Stough, Central Florida Fair
Panel: Connor Ward, Large Animal Judge; Jennifer Walter, Poultry Judge/Fair Livestock Committee Member; and Suzanne Archer, Judge/Livestock Judging Coach
Stay informed on the latest trends shaping livestock exhibitions. Learn what’s changing and how your fair can adapt to meet the exhibitor’s expectations.
11:30 AM -1:00 PM - Lunch On Your Own
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Educational Sessions
- A- Social Media Marketing: From Corn Dogs to Reels, Turning Fair Fun into Viral Buzz
Location: Salon 3 & 4
Speaker: Jodi Buresh, Director of Partnerships, Saffire
A fun, fast paced look at the quirky social trends that turn fair moments into viral magic
- B- Southern Hospitality in Action: Strengthening & Growing Sponsor, Vendor & Volunteer Relationships & Connections
Location: Salon 7 & 8
Speaker: Tasha Hyder, Clay County Agricultural Fair
Discover how exceptional relationship-building can drive success for your fair. Learn how to better support and retain the partners who make your event possible.
- C- Industry Updates: NICA / OABA
Location: Salon 9 & 10
Speaker: Greg Chiecko, President & Chief Executive Officer of OABA and Rey O’Day Executive Director of NICA
Hear the latest updates and insights from key industry organizations. Stay informed on issues impacting fairs and outdoor amusement businesses.
2:45 - 3:45 p.m. Educational Sessions
- A- Spotlight on Success: Entertainment Best Practices That Deliver Results
Location: Salon 5 & 6
Speaker: Danny Grant, Owner of the Cowboy Circus; Brad Matchett, Matchett Experiences; and Michael Rogalsky, COO of the Florida State Fair
Learn what top-performing fairs are doing to create successful entertainment programs. Walk away with ideas you can implement immediately. Here firsthand from Entertainers issues should think about when booking their entertainment.
- B- CEO Roundtable: Current Fair Trends in Florida (Fair Managers Only)
Location: Salon 7 & 8
Moderator: Cheryl F Flood, CEO of Florida State Fair
Panelist: Eddie Cora, CEO Miami Dade Fair; Bill Olson, Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair; and Suzanne Holcomb, Manager of the Hillsborough County Fair
Join fellow fair managers for a candid discussion on current challenges, trends, and opportunities. Share ideas and learn from peers across the state.
- C- Winning Strategies for Department of One
Location: Salon 11 & 12
Speaker: Michaela Liebl, IFMG, CEO at Anoka County Fair, Minnesota
Learn how to successfully run a fair with minimal staff and resources by maximizing efficiency, leveraging volunteers, and building strong community partnerships. Packed with practical tips and real-world examples, this session is perfect for fairs doing more with less.
4:00 PM - Florida Federation of Fairs & Livestock Shows Board Meeting (Board Members only)
Location : Salon 13 & 146:00 PM - Photographs
Location: Salons Foyer
Photos include: Current & Newly Elected Board Members, Past Presidents, Hall of Fame Members, Associates of the Year & Volunteers of the Year
6:00 PM — 7 :00 PM
Gala Reception
Location: Foyer of Ballroom A & B
7:00 PM - 75th Anniversary Gala
Location: Ballroom A & B
Let’s celebrate the accomplishments of Florida’s fair industry with an elegant evening featuring dinner, awards, and special recognitions. This signature event honors outstanding contributions and brings the convention to a memorable close.
* Subject to Change