Home > 2026 Convention > 75th Annual Florida Federation of Fairs Convention & Zone 2 Meeting

75th Annual Florida Federation of Fairs Convention & Zone 2 Meeting

May 13 - 16, 2026
Rosen Plaza Hotel
9700 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819

CONVENTION SCHEDULE

CLICK HERE for Convention Schedule *(subject to change)

NEW THIS YEAR!

SCAN to DOWNLOAD HERE

Instead of carrying around tons of business cards, you can simply scan a QR Code on somebody's Convention Badge and it will exchange your contact information.

This is especially handy when meeting with our Trade Show Exhibitors!

You can even makes notes about your conversations!
*It is important that you provide all the required information when you register as EACH ATTENDEE will have their own QR CODE printed on your badge. AND Every Tradeshow Booth will have it's own Contact QR Code.

Scan the QR Code to the right to download the Scan2Scan App.
This way you will not be hindered by lack of WiFi coverage in the hotel or while you are off site.

READY TO REGISTER?

Registration Info / DEADLINES

Full Registration - $375
Single Day - $100
PROMO CODES available for Past Presidents & Trade Show Booth attendees.
(Call Jay if you need the Promo Code)

LATE REGISTRATION: Beginning April 30
Full Registration - $425
Single Day - $125
Gala Tickets - $175

** NOTE - IAFE Zone Attendees, Retired Past Presidents of our Federation (NOT Active with a Fair), & Additional Staff registrations for Tradeshow Booth Exhibitors use a

Discount PROMO CODE

If you do not get one, contact Jay at jay@floridafairs.org

IMPORTANT

BECAUSE WE ARE USING A NEW CONTACT SHARING SOFTWARE, YOU MUST PUT IN EACH ATTENDEE'S NAME / EMAIL / AND PHONE #. (Preferably Cell Phone)

EACH ATTENDEE BADGE WILL HAVE A UNIQUE QR CODE TO SCAN TO SHARE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION.

ONLINE SCHEDULE, SPEAKERS, AND HANDOUTS

Available by scanning a QR Code you will get at the Convention.
Courtesy of EVENT HUB

Our NEW registration software has been developed and graciously provided to the Federation by:

We hope you find it easy to use and consider their services for your event.

Rosen Plaza Hotel Reservations

**NOTE**. Rooms for WEDNESDAY 5/13 is sold out!

See below

PLEASE NOTE: you can keep trying to see if there are any cancellations. Call Reservations Department at 800-627-8258.

**NOTE**. WEDNESDAY 5/13 is sold out!
We have another room block next door at the Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando. (Literally across the parking lot)
If you need Wednesday rooms , try this link for the Rosen Inn:
https://reservations.travelclick.com/2022?groupID=5219249

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Be ready to be inspired about your fairs!

Ian Hill will be at our Opening Session Thursday Morning to empower local fair boards and community leaders with actionable strategies for sustainability and growth. Then , the first week of June, we will be coming around the state to further the discussions in a workshop style to show proven strategies to raise more money, Tools to recruit and retain volunteers, solutions to beat board burnout, and define board roles and responsibilities. Plan to join the discussions at one of our 6 meeting places June 1-6.
Sponsored by Fairs.com.

GILES ELLIS MEMORIAL SPORTING CLAYS SHOOT

JOIN US For a great time!
Wednesday, May 13th, 2026
NEW START TIME!
Later time to allow you to get there more conveniently.

WHERE: Tenoroc Sporting Clays
3755 Tenoroc Mine Road, Lakeland FL

Cost: $600 Team of 4 Shooters, $150 per individual shooter, (Price includes Ammo)
$30 Gun Rental

11:30 Lunch (Mission BBQ)
12:15 Safety Meeting
12:30 Shoot Starts
2:00 Awards/Raffles
20 Gauge Shotgun raffle (courtesy of Deggeller Attractions)

This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy an afternoon of friendly competition, great prizes, and valuable networking with fellow fair professionals from across the state. Whether you’re an experienced shooter or just coming out to connect with colleagues, there’s something for everyone.

We encourage all members to attend and be part of this fun, relaxed, and engaging event. Mark your calendar—we look forward to seeing you on the range!

**Please indicate your gauge 12 or 20 on your registration so we know what ammo to have at the ready.

*Hotel Firearms Policy: Firearms ARE permitted in the hotel and guest rooms provided they are unloaded and secured in a locked case. Hotel management asks that guests NOT have Housekeeping Service in their room unless the guest is present.

GET NOTICED THROUGH SPONSORSHIP!

2026 Sponsorship Deck

Check out everything you can sponsor

Sponsor Ad sizes

Full Page w/bleed= 4.125w x 8.75h

Full Page no bleed= 3.75w x 8.25h

Half Page w/bleed= 4.125w x 4.5h

Half Page no bleed= 3.75w x 4.125h

1/3 page ad no bleed= 3.75w x 2.75h

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED / ROOM HOSTS NEEDED!

Just like volunteers are necessary to ensure your Fairs are successful, so is the demand for some help for this Convention.
If you can give some time to one of our programs, we sincerely appreciate it.
Please sign up for shifts at :
https://volunteersignup.org/KWCJM

Moderators check badges, introduce speakers, and take a head count. Easy peazy. Pick a class you want to hear. You're going to be in there anyway , so WHY NOT? 😃

PHOTOS FOR YEAR IN REVIEW

Florida Fairs & Board: Don’t be left out of the Year in Review Video shown at this year’s Convention Gala!

We are currently collecting photos for the Year In Review presentation for this year’s Convention. Please send 8 to 10 photos from your Fair!!!

We want to see all of or Florida Fairs in the limelight!!! Please send your photos by April 30th to this link:

https://spaces.hightail.com/uplink/soflafair

"IN MEMORIAM" VIDEO

HELP US REMEMBER THOSE WE HAVE LOST THIS YEAR FROM OUR INDUSTRY.

Please send photos and information about them by April 15th to Rita De Mier:

rita@southfloridafair.com

HAVE FUN!

Easy travel to & from Orlando Int’ Airport. Only 20 Minutes Uber ride away.
Close to Disney, Universal, Sea World, Top Golf, Golf Courses, Blue Man Group, Cirque du Soleil, and more!
Across the street from many restaurants & activities.
Beautiful Florida weather.

Discover activities near the convention (VisitOrlando.com)

Just for YOU! Discounted tickets to over 80 Orlando attractions. CLICK HERE to find excitement!

**Just show your convention badge and you will enjoy special savings!

AT THE CONVENTION:

The largest Fair Trade Show on the East Coast.
Over 40 Educational Sessions
Visit over 100 fair industry vendors. (Entertainers, Ticket Systems, Insurance, Specialty Ribbons & Cups, and more!)
Meet excellent entertainers for your fair.
Enjoy live & Video entertainment showcases.
Networking opportunity parties each night.
- Wednesday (Industry Night Out at DAVE & BUSTERS w/ OPEN BAR!).
- Thursday (Presidents Party) For Everyone!
- Friday (Associates Reception) For Everyone!
- Saturday (Gala) For Everyone!
- The Pool anytime!
Share & solicit best practices with other fairs. Find solutions to some of your challenges at your fair.
Benefit from more Fair Industry Education. Over 40 Educational Sessions.
Network with other fair professionals from MD, VA, WV, DE, NC, SC, GA & Florida. (Official IAFE Zone 2 meeting)
Network with other fair professionals from fairs in IAFE Zones 1-8
NEW THIS YEAR! A "Reverse Tradeshow", where Fair entertainment decision makers will get to sit as Entertainers visit you (like Speed Dating)

INDUSTRY NIGHT OUT - at Dave & Buster's

"Hosted by" our Young Professionals Group

This event is open to EVERYONE!

Presented By: Modern Midways.

"Sips & Sweets Social"

Dave & Buster's (Across from the Hotel). 8986 International Dr

7-10pm

$75/pp

KIDS 0-5 years old: Free

KIDS 6-20 years old: $30 includes play card, desserts, and soft drinks.

INCLUDES:

OPEN BAR 7pm to 9pm. (cash bar after that)
FREE DESSERTS
FREE Arcade Games. (75 Chips included, recharge on your own after that)
Billiards
Fun
Raising money for a good cause by our Young Professionals Group
Prime Networking Opportunity

The FFF Young Professionals present the 2026-2027 Federation Charity. This year we have chosen to support Special Hearts Farm. We are challenging the Florida Federation of Fairs to come together to donate a total of $5,000.00
Challenge your Staff. Challenge your Boards. Challenge your Volunteers.

DONATE to the "Special Hearts Farm". HERE

AWARDS PROGRAM

Why you should enter your ideas

We've made it easier to enter your ideas in to the IAFE Contests by aligning with the IAFE program in their format and categories.
Press release in our newsletter explaining the award and the competition, distributed throughout our Federation. We encourage you to send out press releases to your local media contacts.
All award winners are announced and recognized on the Federation website, social media pages, and on display at the convention.
Your Award Winning Ideas will be made available to other fairs to replicate to help make their fairs better.
Exclusive logo for Award Winners to use on email signatures, website and promotional pieces.
Your organization will be recognized for taking part in raising the level of professionalism throughout the industry, while at the same time improving your community.

See categories below:

ENTER AWARDS HERE

DIRECTORY PHOTO CONTEST

Click here to Enter the Directory Photo Contest

DONATE TO OUR SILENT AUCTION HERE....

Silent Auction form 2026

VOTING DELEGATES IMPORTANT Florida Fairs only

VOTING DELEGATES FORM, FAIRS! BE SURE TO FILL THIS OUT

TRADESHOW EXHIBITOR INFORMATION

Thursday:

8:30 am – 1:30 pm – Exhibit Set Up

2:15 pm – Associates Meeting in the Trade Show – Mandatory

3:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Trade Show Hours – DEDICATED TIME – NO CLASSES SCHEDULED

Friday:

1:45 - 2:45 REVERSE TRADE SHOW (meet with Fair Representatives set in designated space) in Salon 13 & 14
2:30 pm - Exhibitors/Associates allowed into Trade Show area to prepare for opening 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm - Trade Show Open – DEDICATED TIME
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm - Great Cash Give Away and Showcases in the Trade Show 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm – Cash Bar in the Trade Show
5:00 pm - Trade Show Closes

Saturday:

9:00 am – Associate Wrap Meeting in the Trade Show – Please attend.
9:30 - Noon –Trade Show Open
11:30 am – Silent Auction Closes in Trade Show & Final Door Prize Drawing in Trade Show
12:00 pm – Trade Show closes and tear down begins (Room must be cleared by 4:00 pm)

Vendor Load In and Out/Shipping Information

Shipping Instructions for Rosen Plaza

Rosen Plaza Property Map

Click here for a printable version

Search Map