Associate Spotlight

Johnny D our John Deere inspired robot-rangers graced the fairgrounds of the Highlands Co Fair in Sebring, FL on Feb 3. He made his debut a few years back at the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City. Since then he's been all over the state and country performing at fairs, festivals and various Boat, RV and Farm shows. His success led us to design a Johnny d 2.0, a giant Japanese manga inspired robot called Royale and even a cowboy robot for festivals and fairs that have rodeos.

The great fun for kids and adults alike.

Life inside the robot. Of course these robots are just costumes. Though as we have progressed in their designs they have some electronics and other mechanical features. But a real human being inside has to be the one controlling everything. Captured a sketching of the robot interacting with a kid. In that art you see the robot using one of his lines, "tomorrow the robots take over the world." Of course it was said in a deep robot voice. But kids of a certain age see right through the concept realizing there's a person in there. As a result we get questions like, "how do you go to the bathroom in there" but the most common things asked, " is it hot in there?" Or, "can you breathe in there?"

But I suppose if I have to tell the most embarrassing and the most funny story is the fact that a good 5 to 10% of every granny that comes in for a picture has the innate ability to slide their hand between the bottom plate and the actor’s bottom and squeeze. And yes, they know what they're doing. But of course they always finish by saying that the picture that they just took is for the grandkids. Sure it is.

The best job on the planet

making people happy as a robot.

Greetings Florida,

I have spent four wonderful winter weeks with you all centered around preparing for and producing the NICA Business EXPO and Fare Foods Food Show. At this year’s event, we were proud to celebrate the theme of “All In!” On Monday and Tuesday, important topics were productively discussed by Concessionaire, Fair, and Associatevoices at the NICA Business Expo:

• “How To” Sessions on Propane and Accessibility

• New Products That Draw Media Attention

• Why the Choices You Make During Move-In Matter

• Successful Exit Strategies

• Nuts and Bolts of Successful Selling (held at the Florida State Fair)

• Making Social Media and Marketing Work for You

• Working Together on Affordability

• What’s On Your Mind?

We also featured a sold-out Heartsaver CPR Class that trained a group of attendees on Monday morning and two sessions of Roundtables that encouraged NICA Members to discuss Convenience Fees, Sustainable Packaging, Staffing, Tipping Practices, Product Duplication, and Fair Hours/Length of Stay. Moreover, we also held a session for the first time on the Florida State Fairgrounds led by Jeff Thornberry, CCE, called the “Nuts and Bolts of Successful Selling” to assist our Commercial Vendor members.

On Monday evening and Tuesday afternoon, the Fare Foods Food Show showcased over 50 Exhibitors in the Ballroom, Cypress Room, and Entrance Hall. Some of the new products included Boxed Water, Glove to Go, Mrs. T’s Pierogies, Forever Concession Trailers and longtime exhibitor Smithfield Foods. Moreover, we also held a session for the first time on the Florida State Fairgrounds led by Jeff Thornberry, CCE, called the “Nuts and Bolts of Successful Selling” for our Commercial Exhibitor members. NICA is working with WNA and Whirley to put our 32 oz refill program back in small and medium sized fairs following its absence due to Covid. This program also supports the NICA Foundation scholarship and educational programs of which Audrey Poole is the Board President.

Wednesday’s events featured the NICA Leadership Luncheon and the Annual General Membership Meeting, including the Passing of the Gavel from Daryl Whicheloe, CCE to Vincent Nelson CCE, Board Installation led by Kathy Ross CCE, Greetings from IAFE and Business Partnerships, Coca-Cola Membership Contest Winners, NICA Year in Review, and CCE Award Presentation. Our Annual Gala closed out the evening with an inspirational greeting “We’re On the Rise” from IAFE President and CEO, Marla Calico; the spotlighting of the NICA Foundation where donors with multiyear agreements were honored and an announcement that $35,000 will be awarded in 2023; and the honoring of Past President, Don Delahoyde CCE, Five Star Catering as NICA’s 2022 Hall of Fame Recipient for his many contributions to NICA and the Industry.

NICA is proud of our long term meaningful and successful partnership with Fare Foods. Events were well attended and good conversations occurred between sellers and buyers and panelists and attendees and amongst members and nonmembers. We thank our attendees; Auctioneer Matt Gallapoo, American Family Concessions; our NICA Foundation Donors; our day-to-day Business Partners; and our Business EXPO Sponsors all of whom made what we accomplished possible.

Save the Date for NICA Marketplace Together, December 3-6, 2023, Tuscany Suites and Casino, Las Vegas, NV

In 2021 we Survived Covid, in 2022 we Thrived by Looking Forward, and in 2023 Together we are “ALL IN!” Embrace every day, Rey O’Day, NICA Executive Director

Spring 2023/54

IAFE Chair

Jennifer Gieseke, CFE

Washington Town & Country Fair Washington, MO 63090-2124

First Vice Chair

Jo Reynolds, CFE

Warren County Fair, Indianola, IA

Second Vice Chair

Ken Karns, CFE

OC Fair & Event Center

Costa Mesa, CA

Treasurer

Jaime Navarro

State Fair of Texas, Dallas, TX

President & CEO

Marla Calico, CFE Springfield, MO

Past Chair

Gene Cassidy, CFE

Eastern States Exposition

IAFE Immediate Past Chair

Jeremy Parsons, CFE

Clay County Fair, Spencer, IA

State & Provincial Associations Representative

Steve Patterson, CFE

Indiana Association of Fairs

Brownsburg

Canadian Association of Fairs

Jeff Strickland

Pacific National Exhibition, Vancouver

Directors at Large from Associate Members

Jay Strates

Strates Shows, Orlando,. FL

Directors at Large

From Associate Members

Sandy Class Tavern at the Park, LLC

Apollo Beach, FL

ZONE DIRECTORS:

1.

Dutchess

West Virginia Lewisburg, WV

Zone 2 includes Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Greetings Zone 2!

I hope each of you had an enjoyable holiday season and Happy New Year!

I’ll admit, I get a little worn down this time of year in a sea of paperwork and meetings but seeing you folks in the south hosting or getting ready to host your events is giving me the extra motivation I need to get through. The sun is shining, facilities look great, and crowds are big!

There are a lot of exciting things happening with the IAFE, including a new website! If you have not done so, make sure to check it out. And of course, don’t forget to mark your calendars for the upcoming IAFE events including the new safety and security boot camp. A program developed for all fairs and presented by the IAFE Safety & Security Committee, this safety boot camp consists of virtual workshops and an inperson field trip to the South Carolina State Fair.

Last, but certainly not least, it is also my honor to serve as the 2023 program chair for the International Convention set to be held this November 26-29, at the Salt Palace in beautiful Salt Lake City, Utah! Our theme for the year is RISE, standing for Reunite, Inspire, Support, and Educate. Participation will be key for this convention, starting with a call to action to share your inspirational stories. At some point, we’ve all been inspired by someone or have seen something inspiring in this industry. Head over to the convention page on fairsandexpos.comand share those stories with us! Photos and video submissions are highly encouraged.

I wish everyone a safe and successful run this season, and I look forward to seeing you folks this spring in Orlando!

2023 Management Conference - St Louis

Wednesday, April 19, 2023 - Friday, April 21, 2023

IAFE's Management Conference is designed for upper-level fair management staff. Gather with fellow fair executives and managers for a multiple day program focused for the needs of those staff in management positions.

This program is only open to paid management staff or CVFMs from fairs. Fair membership is required.

2023 Safety and Security Boot Camp

A Boot Camp for all IAFE members that include six virtual learning opportunities and an in-person, field trip to the South Carolina State Fair. Designed for all fair sizes, the` IAFE Safety and Security Boot Camp is a workshop series to assist member fairs with their safety and security programs. The curriculum has been developed by the IAFE Safety and Security committee, which is comprised of individuals, working in the industry, which have FBI, highway patrol, local police and Sheriff, and private security company backgrounds.

*And finally, if you choose, October 16, 2023, IAFE Safety and Security Road-Trip to the South Carolina State Fair where attendees will meet with the fair’s safety and security team, tour the South Carolina State Fairgrounds, and see a command center in real-time. AND visit with the University of South Carolina Command Center for a “show and tell” and tour. AND the RCSD law enforcement will conduct a workshop on law enforcement/fair security relationships.

Refuel your knowledge tank and join fellow IAFE members at the 2023 Safety and Security Boot Camp!

For more information and registration visit:: https://fairsandexpos.com/safety-and-security-boot-camp/