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

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Please register on-site at the Convention office behind Registration Desk.

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• 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

• 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

Guest Speaker: Wilton Simpson, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture.

This official Business Session includes Federation updates, member discussions, and key decisions impacting the Florida Federation of Fairs and Livestock Shows.

Announcement of Volunteer of the Year Award Winner, presented by the Southwest Florida & Lee County Fair

• 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 Communications: It’s Not If. It’s When. Dealing with Media in a Crisis
  Location: Salon 11 & 12
  Speaker: Corey Saban, Communications & Media Specialist, CS Media Works
  This dynamic and interactive session will teach you and your teams how to navigate today’s high-risk, high-visibility environment. Attendees will learn how to respond with clarity, confidence, and credibility while avoiding common mistakes that can worsen a situation.
  
  

2:45 PM – 3:15 PM
IAFE Zone 2 Meeting
Location: Salon 13 & 14

Dinner on your own

8:00-11:30 p.m.
Denim & Diamonds President’s Party & Zone 2 Welcome Reception 🍷 🎉
Support Our Live Auction!
Location: Ballroom A

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

Showcases: The Ag Riders, The Magic of Shaun Jay, Garrett Huffman

* Subject to Change

• 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- 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.

• 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.
• 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.
  
• 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.
• E - Modernizing Your Commercial Vendor Program
  Location: Salons 11 & 12
  Presented By: Beth Buckley, Concessions Manager at the Florida State Fair
  Explore ways to update and improve your vendor program to better serve both vendors and guests. Learn strategies to increase value and participation.

• 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 Ryan Collmer, Board Member, NICA
  Hear the latest updates and insights from key industry organizations. Stay informed on issues impacting fairs and outdoor amusement businesses.

• 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.