 |
||||||
|
||||||
IAFE Events |
IAFE Spring Management Conference
View Workshop Handouts/Materials | IAFE Event Dates
"Elevate Your Thoughts"
A total of 144 delegates accepted the invitation to “Elevate Your Thoughts” at the 40th annual IAFE Spring Management Conference, held April 25-28 at the Hilton Salt Lake City Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Attendees took advantage of educational programming, networking opportunities, and activities at the conference. The delegates and 34 spouses represented 94 fairs and firms from the United States and Canada. IAFE Chair Rick Frenette and Judy Duncombe of the Utah State Fair were the co-chairs of the event.
The “Elevate Your Thoughts” theme encouraged the delegates to take their fair management to the next level. The IAFE Program Committee and staff designed a program that was informative, entertaining, and challenging for fair officials. The educational activities began with an opening presentation by Willie Jolley, a premier speaker, singer, and author. Jolley presented “Elevate An Attitude of Excellence” and delivered “Five Secrets to Creating a Five Star Life.” His message focused on accelerating success and growing businesses by growing people, performance, and profits.
Attendees then learned more about the new Institute of Fair Management and the IAFE Institute Retreat to be held Sept. 29-Oct. 1 in Tulsa, Okla. The delegates had a wide variety of workshops from which to choose. Topics included “Team Game Plan Parts 1 and 2,” “Ticketing & Controls,” “Finding Tomorrow’s Leaders Today,” “Records Information Management (What Does It Mean?),” “and “The Addition of Livestock to Your Emergency Plan.” Following the workshop sessions on Saturday, attendees were free to explore the dining and entertainment options in downtown Salt Lake City or take a bus to Park City.
On Sunday morning, conference attendees walked to the Salt Lake Domed Tabernacle for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Live Broadcast, where a special rendition of “Battle Hymn of the Republic” was dedicated to IAFE Spring Management Conference attendees. After the performance, the group toured the historic Tabernacle on Temple Square. The site was recently reopened after extensive updates to bring the building up to code requirements. Delegates also toured the Conference Center, located north of the Tabernacle, a structure known for its interesting “clear span” seating area for 22,000 people.
During an awards lunch, 18 Certified Fair Executive (CFE) designations were conferred by Certification Committee Chair Dennis Voeller of the North Dakota State Fair, Minot. A session of breakout workshops was held after lunch. Topics included “Elevate your Understanding of Technology — Operations and Marketing” (two sessions),“Latest Fairground Trends,” “Addressing the Softening Economy — What’s on Your Mind,” “Greening of the Fair,” and “Fairgrounds Relocation — Is It in Your Future?” The delegates then left for the Utah State Fairgrounds where the staff led a tour of the grounds and facilities, several of which are on the National Historic Registry. A reception, dinner, and CFE toast were held at the grounds.
On Monday, a workshop was presented by the staff of the Temple Square’s Conference Center. The discussion focused on the center’s Emergency Planning/Risk Management. A general business meeting closed out the conference.
Sponsorships from Haas & Wilkerson Insurance, Coca-Cola Company, HOK Smith Forkner, and the Utah State Fair were significant in helping to cover costs of the conference.
|
