IAFE

Ready to learn, grow, and bring new ideas back to your fair? 🎡

The 2026 IAFE Convention & Trade Show offers education for every fair professional, from Institute of Fair Management (IFM) courses to sessions on marketing, sponsorship, leadership, agriculture, operations, safety, technology, and more.

The 2026 Convention Program is available and continues to be updated, so be sure to check back as new sessions and details are added.

Explore the Program & Start Planning Your Experience

📍 Louisville, Kentucky
📅 November 29–December 3, 2026

👉 https://fairsandexpos.com/2026convention/

Take the Survey of Rural Challenges today!

What is the Survey of Rural Challenges?
The survey is a project of SaveYour.Town and SmallBizSurvival.com, and it is open for responses every other year. People participate mostly from across the US, Canada, and other countries, including Australia, the UK, and New Zealand. Since 2015, over 2200 people have answered the survey.

Rural experts Becky McCray and Deb Brown analyze the results and share them on both websites as public reports, infographics, presentations, and articles.

⏰ Don’t Miss Your Chance to Enter the 2026 IAFE Contests!

Showcase the creativity, innovation, and excellence happening at your fair by entering one or more of this year’s contest categories:

🌾 Agriculture
🛍️ Commercial Exhibits & Concessions Awards
🎨 Competitive Exhibits
📣 Hall of Honor Communications
💡 Innovation in Sponsorship Awards
🎟️ Non-Fair Facility Usage

📅 Deadline: September 30

Gather your entries and submit today: https://fairsandexpos.com/iafe-contest-home

🏆 Recognize an IAFE Member Who Makes a Difference!

Do you know an IAFE member who deserves recognition for their outstanding contributions and dedication to the fair industry? Nominate them for an IAFE award!

🏆 Hall of Fame Award
🏆 Rising Star Award
🏆 Heritage Award
🏆 State and Provincial Executive of the Year
🏆 Associate of the Year

⏰ Nominations are due August 31, 2026!

Take a moment to recognize someone who strengthens our industry and inspires others through their service and commitment.

👉 Submit your nomination today: https://fairsandexpos.com/awards/

What if one session changed the way you tell your fair's story?

Join us for the Opening Main Stage Event featuring award-winning storyteller and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Kindra Hall. She will share compelling research, insightful case studies, and her own captivating stories. Kindra aims to support individuals at all levels within your company. Attendees will leave feeling empowered, excited, and equipped to make simple shifts in their storytelling to better captivate customers, influence behavior, and transform their businesses.

It's the perfect way to kick off the 2026 IAFE Convention and this year's theme, A Story Worth Telling.

📍 Louisville, Kentucky
📅 November 29–December 3
👉 Register today: https://fairsandexpos.com/2026convention/

📆Upcoming Events:
August 26 | 1:00 pm Central
Young Professionals Vibe Check
https://fairsandexpos.com/yp-events/

August 27 | 3:00 pm Central
Mastering IAFE Contests: Tips, Strategies & Navigating the New Contest Platform Session 2
https://fairsandexpos.com/mastering-iafe-contests-tips-strategies-navigating-the-new-contest-platform-2/

August 31
IAFE Awards Nomination Deadline
https://fairsandexpos.com/awards/

⏰Reminders:
IAFE Contest Submission Deadline is September 30
https://fairsandexpos.com/iafe-contest-home/

Registration is open for the 2026 IAFE Convention & Trade Show. Register before October 1 to lock in the best rate!
https://fairsandexpos.com/2026convention/

The IAFE team is excited to continue our work with NICA as they transition to new leadership. Rey O'Day has been a cornerstone for the industry, creating a strong foundation for Courtny to build upon.

🎉 NICA Announces Courtny Hinds as Next Executive Director!

On behalf of the NICA Board of Directors, we are pleased to announce that Courtny Hinds, CAE, CCE, CFE, has been selected as NICA’s next Executive Director!

Courtny will officially begin her role on September 14, 2026, working side by side with current Executive Director Rey O’Day through February 14, 2027. This transition period will provide continuity while allowing for a thoughtful transfer of knowledge, relationships, and strategic priorities.

Currently serving as Executive Director and General Manager of the Wyoming State Fair & Event Complex, Courtny brings extensive experience in Association Leadership, Fair Management, Strategic Planning, Financial Stewardship, and Member Engagement. As a Second Generation Concessionaire, she also understands firsthand the opportunities and challenges facing NICA Members.

Courtny is uniquely positioned to lead NICA into its next chapter as the only professional in the Industry to hold all three premier designations: Certified Association Executive (CAE), Certified Concessionaire Executive (CCE), and Certified Fair Executive (CFE)—representing leadership across Associations, Concessions, and the Fair Industry.

“It is an incredible honor to serve as NICA’s next Executive Director,” Courtny shared. “I look forward to listening, learning, and working alongside our Members, Board of Directors, Volunteers, and Partners as we continue to strengthen the Association, advocate for our Industry, and invest in the Next Generation of Leaders.”

Courtny succeeds Rey O’Day, who has served as Executive Director since 2019 following nearly two decades of leadership and service to NICA. Under Rey’s leadership, the Association has experienced tremendous growth, including the creation of the NICA Foundation and NICA Marketplace, expansion of Regional Councils, implementation of Strategic Planning Goals, and development of numerous new Member Benefit Programs and National Purchasing Contracts.

“Now it is my privilege to pass that torch to Courtny,” Rey shared. “I have every confidence in her Leadership, her passion for our Industry, and her commitment to our Members.”

Please join us in welcoming Courtny to this new role and thanking Rey for her extraordinary Leadership and continued service to NICA! We look forward to sharing more throughout the transition as NICA prepares for this exciting next chapter.

Together We Can—and Together We Will! 🎡🤝

Planning your trip to the 2026 IAFE Convention? Here are two important reminders before you register:

🔐 Logging into the new IAFE Member Portal for the first time?
You'll need to reset your password before accessing your account. Simply click "Forgot Password" on the login page and follow the prompts to create your new password.

🏨 Book your hotel through Connections Housing.
The IAFE has partnered with Connections Housing, the only official housing vendor for the 2026 IAFE Convention. Booking through Connections Housing helps ensure you receive the best available rates and a smoother experience.

⚠️ If you're contacted by any company other than Connections Housing offering hotel reservations or claiming to be affiliated with the IAFE Convention, please do not book with them. If you have questions or are contacted by another company, please let Connections Housing know.

We're looking forward to seeing you in Louisville, November 29–December 3!

▶️ https://fairsandexpos.com/2026convention/

🇺🇸 Own a Piece of America's 250th Anniversary!

These original artworks were created to commemorate one of the most significant milestones in our nation's history. Inspired by the ideals of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

By placing a bid, you're not only acquiring an original work of art — you are supporting the IAFE Education Foundation and helping invest in the future of our industry.

⏰ Bidding closes July 17!

Place your bid today: https://www.32auctions.com/IAFEEducationFoundation

🥃 Sip, Support, Celebrate: America 250 🇺🇸

In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, the IAFE Education Foundation is marking the occasion with a limited-edition, commemorative single-barrel bourbon — hand-selected from a rare collection.

With a $100 donation, supporters will receive an exclusive bottle (while supplies last) as a token of our appreciation. Your gift helps support the future of the fair industry while celebrating this historic milestone.

✨ Limited quantities available.

Make your donation today: