Western Fairs Association
January 16, 2014    
Make Your Voice Heard
Be sure to participate in the Convention survey that will be sent via email next week. Your input will help us build an even better Convention next year!
Achievement Awards
Review the Achievement Awards results by division here. All certificates not picked up at Convention are in the process of being mailed. Check out the Best TV Commercial video!
Helm & Sons, Cub Country
Don't miss this video from Helm & Sons Amusements promoting their Cub Country attraction that won the prestigious Barham Award this year.
Directories & Credentials 
2014 credentials and directories not picked up at Convention are in the process of being mailed. Check your mailboxes!
Get Connected
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Cultivate, That's a Wrap! 

 

The 91st annual Western Fairs Association (WFA) Convention and Trade Show opened on January 5 at the Anaheim Marriott, for the start of a highly successful four-day run. More than 1,100 fair CEOs, directors, staff, service members and fair industry professionals attended our premier event.  

 

   

Programming: Guests were treated to two spectacular keynote speakers. Doug Lipp, former head of training at Disney U, gave an inspirational talk on the art of exceptional customer service and leadership, and Marilyn Magness gave insights on being the principal creative director for Walt Disney Imagineering. From a new series of Cal Poly workshops to Going Cashless at the Fair and The Best 25 Ideas for Online Marketing, attendees had numerous sessions to choose from. 

 

Awards: Saffire Events and Helm & Sons Amusements took home the prestigious Barham Award, recognizing innovation, quality and leadership of service. Solano County Fair CEO Mike Paluszak and Flying U Rodeo's Cotton Rosser were inducted into the WFA Hall of Fame. The Merill Award was awarded to the Calgary Stampede for their Hell or High Water campaign and Washington County Fair for their Growing Grove. 

 

Leadership: The successful Convention closed with Kent Hojem, Washington State Fair CEO, turning the leadership gavel over to Pat Kress, PK Consulting. Amador County Fair CEO Troy Bowers will serve as vice president and Ventura County Fair CEO Barbara Quaid assumed the treasurer post for the WFA board.

 

Plans are already underway for the 92nd Western Fairs Association Convention and Trade Show, January 11-14, 2015, in Reno, Nevada. Stay tuned!