Featured Programs:

12:30-4:30 pm
Innovative Boards:
Fair Board Director Summit

Carson 3&4

This afternoons training is built in two sections. The first half,  12:30-2:15pm, is intended just for Directors and is, Building a Vision for your Fair. Lawrence M. Bienati, Ph.D, CCP, Senior Principal of Consultants to Management will share principals of leadership, fostering success and the critical role of fair boards.

The second half of the session, 2:30-4:30pm, is for fair CEOs, fair staff and Directors, Making Meetings Efficient and Effective. Carol S. Scofield, renowned communications expert, will focus in on communication strategies and making meetings work. Her powerful presence and advice is always popular, relevant and appreciated.

Crystal 1&2

Food is often the number one reason people give for attending a fair. Are food concessionaires and fair staff working together to get the highest per caps? Come discuss how everyone can build revenues while working together and increasing the satisfaction of our patrons.  The session will be hosted by Mark Hill, Owner, Goldmark Concessions.

The first half of the session, 12:30 – 2:30, will discuss Creating an Atmosphere for Success with Jim Sinclair and Clarifying Expectations with Vince Agnifili and Lori Sutherland. The second half of the session will discuss marketing, branding and emerging trends.

Speakers: Jim Sinclair, Deputy General Manager of the Minnesota State Fair; Vince Agnifili, CEO, Southern California Fair; Lori Southerlend, Owner, Lori’s Concessions; Roger Sharp, Owner, Big Bubba’s BBQ and a panel of experts from NICA provided by David J. Schlabach, Executive Director of NICA.

4:45-6 pm
Presidents’ Reports and
WFA Board Meeting

Carson 1&2

WFA has invited every fair association in the U.S to give a State of the Fair Industry Report. The leaders of our industry are all gathered in one spot, come hear what they have to say! All delegates are welcome to attend this State of the Industry report.

6:00pm

Meet and Greet Reception

Grand Salon

Gather in the Grand Salon to catch up with your industry peers as we kick off this year’s WFA Tradeshow and Convention with some light snacks.  This is a brand new reception, sponsored by the Kern County Fair, and everyone is invited to attend.

8pm

WFA Bowling Tournament

(Ticketed Event)

Grand Sierra Resort Bowling Center

Did you pack your lucky bowling shirt? You better!! The WFA Bowling Tournament is on again this year. Hosted by our Service Members and located at the Grand Sierra Resort Bowling Center, this is a must attend event! NEW – this year we will be bowling two games instead of three! This event is sponsored by Ovations.

10am-5 pm
Computer Lab:
Beginner, Intermediate and
Advanced Social Media Lessons

Crystal 3&4

(Ticket required if you need a computer but anyone can drop by and listen or bring their laptop and join in – free wireless available, limited power sources. Please note, if you have signed up for all sessions there is a break from 12-1).

WFA debuts its first computer lab with lots of “How To Lessons” designed to make your life easier, increase your marketing skills and demystify many social media obstacles.

Please make sure to register for the beginning, intermediate and/or advanced session on the registration form. Computers are limited - all registrants will be contacted regarding their computer needs and logistical information if you plan to bring your own computer.

10am-12pm

Beginner Session

Have you stayed away from Facebook and Twitter hoping the whole thing would be a passing fad? You can deny it no longer – come set up a Facebook and Twitter account and ask all those pressing “how to” questions. This session will also be good for people who have set up accounts but are not quite sure what to do with them.  This hands on session gives you the opportunity to play, learn and explore with the guidance of a trained professional.

Specifics: Set up accounts, set privacy settings, invite friends, post links to your wall, search for friends, follow people, connect to your phone and plain just have fun!

1-3pm

Intermediate Session

So, you’re pretty good at the whole Facebook and Twitter thing but it still seems like there is a lot to learn. Take the next step and learn how to integrate all of your social networking sites into one easy and manageable platform. Quit signing into different accounts for each task – centralize, organize and save time.

Specifics: set up a blog, use social bookmarking, link facebook fansites, flickr, video, twitter and more to produce one source – make everything work together.

3-5pm

Advanced Session

Take the tools you learned in the Intermediate Session and start developing a marketing strategy that works for your fair or business. It is not enough to just broadcast information – make sure to build two-way participation, for online relationship building. You will learn how to track, monitor and decipher your social media impact. Lots of time for Q&A.

Speaker: Josh Morgan, principal of Morgan/Dorado Public Relations, LLC and popular WFA presenter will be your host for the Social Media Sessions.

Crystal 1&2

All divisions are welcome! Join in as we review the 2009 fair season and welcome in 2010. The opening Service Member meeting is presented by your elected board leadership and representatives from all divisions. An orientation for NICA Food Show buyers will take place from 9:30 – 10am directly following the Service Member Meeting.

8:30-9:30 am

Cal Pro Meeting

Nevada 8

8:30-9:30 am

Mezzanine Level

(All area meetings are held on the Grand Sierra Resort’s Mezzanine Level, the entrance to the mezzanine is located near the hotel room elevators).

Gather face to face, review the 2009 season and make plans for 2010:

Cascade Area: Sierra 1

Central Coast Area: Sierra 2

Mother Lode Area: Shasta 1

North Coast Area: Shasta 2

Sacramento Valley Area: Cascade 1

San Joaquin Valley Area: Cascade 2

Southern Area: McKinley

WFA Regional Fairs hosted by Jon Baker, WFA President: Teton 1

General Assembly

Reno Ballroom

The largest gathering of WFA members takes place at the Opening General Assembly and you don’t want to miss what we have planned for you! Sponsored by Tommy G Productions this event is packed full of entertainment, education and surprises.

Welcome and President’s Report

Presentation of Colors and Anthems

Invocation and Memorial

Entertainment Showcase: Everything Fitz and Dick Hardwick

Opening Keynote: Terry Jones

Continuing with our dedication to bringing in savvy and inspirational speakers, the key note address will be delivered by the dynamic Terry Jones, founder of Travelocity.

WFA Trade Show

Summit Pavilion

The WFA Tradeshow is the premier place to see and be seen!  Four hours of non-stop tradeshow action! From the Coke Lounge to the NICA Food Show, there is no better place to see, touch and taste everything you need to make your Fair successful!

Not only will you want to check out ALL of our unique and fun exhibitors but also stop by and try your hand at the Blue Ribbon Slot Tournament, visit the Achievement Awards Area and bid on a great item at the Silent Auction. Don’t forget to drop your raffle ticket at the door for our hourly prize drawings!

Concurrent Sessions:

How is Social Media Changing the Way We Communicate?

Nevada 9

The numbers will surprise you! Who should be marketing with which social media? It is important, but how important? Really, why make the time? How do I incorporate social media strategically into my marketing plan? This overview was a popular CFA Conference topic – not to be missed if you are new to the game, still on the fence or need affirmation that you are headed in the right direction with all this social media stuff.

Speaker: Josh Morgan, principal of Morgan/Dorado Public Relations, LLC and popular WFA presenter will be your host for the Social Media Sessions.

IAFE Institute Class: Managing Media Relations

Nevada 8

WFA is once again partnering with IAFE to host an institute class. This course will cover building relations with the media, building a media list (and tips on keeping it current), tips and techniques for good media interviews, and developing a crisis communications plan. All members are welcome.

Speaker: Debbie Evans, Vice President of Communications at Strat-Comm

Regulation and Compliance

Crystal 1&2

This past fair season saw many regulatory agencies out in full force. Make sure your business is prepared for the 2010 season - get your questions answered, your paperwork in order and know what is required for regulation and compliance. This session was built with feedback from service members for service members, but all members are welcome.

This session will cover work permits, overtime issues, workers compensation, compliance and provide ample time for Q&A regarding all things labor related. Please note: this session will be California based.

Speaker:Jillian Ensley

Computer Lab: The WFA Community

Crystal 3&4

The WFA Online Community is a great member benefit that will continue to grow and take shape. Learn how to harness this great tool for your own benefit. Get your questions answered and make sure you are taking advantage of all WFA has to offer.

(Reserve a computer on the sign-up sheet outside of Crystal 3&4, bring your own laptop or just come and watch – there are many ways to learn).

Speaker: Jacob Stansky, Owner, XO Pandora Web Designs and creator of WFA Community and websites

Grand Salon

WFA President Jon Baker, CEO Pima County Fair, welcomes all attendees to join him during the President’s Reception, sponsored by the San Diego County Fair, for food and fun!

The Blue Ribbon Foundation Live Auction will begin at 6:30 and the newly formed Auction Committee has organized some amazing auction items. Service Members, Fair Directors and Fairs can all find something to bid on – make sure to preview all the items!

7:30-10pm
WFA Showcase Night

Reno Ballroom

Looking to book entertainment of 2010 and get a headstart on 2011? Want to enjoy a great party with friends? Need to show off those dance moves?  WFA entertainment Showcase is the place to be! NEW this year – video showcasing! Drop your raffle tickets at the door, pick up some yummy dessert and enjoy the great entertainment.

ACIDIC

Clean Slate

Cover Grrlz

Cody Beebe

Fresh

Jessica Erin

Weird Science

8:30-9:30 am
Service Member Division Breakouts

Mezzanine Level

(All division meetings are held on the Grand Sierra Resort’s Mezzanine Level, the entrance to the mezzanine is located near the hotel room elevators).

An important part of making the most of your convention experience, don’t miss these essential Service Member sessions!

Carnivals: Shasta 1

Commercial Exhibits and Services and Supplies: Shasta 2

Entertainment: Sierra 1

Food and Beverage: Sierra 2

Fair Administrative Staff Open Forum

Cascade 1

9-9:30am

IAFE Zone 7&8

Carson 1&2

The Impact of Changing Fair Dates

Crystal 1&2

Changing Fair Dates is a hot topic this season. Attend this open forum session to discuss concerns, get answers to your questions and get a handle on the 2010 season. WFA President Jon Baker, CEO, Pima County Fair will conduct the Open Forum session. California Fairs Alliance Chair Rick Pickering, CEO, Alameda County Fair and Norb Bartosik, CEO, California State Fair will also weigh in on the subject and be present to answer questions.

Building an AgEd Area

Nevada 9

What is involved in building an Agriculture Education Area? Why put in the effort? How does your fair benefit? Can you hire a business partner (service member) to 'professionalize' the area? How important is location? How long of a process is this? How do you know you have succeeded?

Speakers: Judy Carrico, Fair Operations Manager of the Alameda County Fair will share her experience and host a panel of experts.

Merrill Award Winning Ideas

Nevada 8

The Merrill Award is our industry's most prestigious award given to those fairs who have exhibited innovation and creative management. Examples of Merrill Award Winning projects will be presented in this session.

Computer Lab -- Social Advertising

Crystal 3&4

Buying ads on social media sites is very different than print, radio or TV. A brief overview of google adwords and Facebook ads will be followed by a “how to” guide. You will learn how to purchase ads, when to purchase and how much to purchase in this whirlwind course on what may be your most advantageous  and strategic ad buying campaign of 2010!

(Reserve a computer on the sign-up sheet outside of Crystal 3&4, bring your own laptop or just come and watch – there are many ways to learn).

Speaker: Josh Morgan, principal of Morgan/Dorado Public Relations, LLC and popular WFA presenter will be your host for the Social Media Sessions.

Entertainment Showcase: Doo Wah Riders

Featured Speaker: Kelly McDonald

Kelly McDonald is a Hispanic and Latino marketing guru. Are you a fair or service member who would like to build brand loyalty in the largest growing market in the US? Do not miss this opportunity to find out how!

1-4 pm
WFA Trade Show

Summit Pavilion

Day Two of the Trade Show promises to be just as exciting as the first! As the day closes, make sure you have shaken that last hand and sealed all those deals! Conclusion of the two day Blue Ribbon Foundation Slot Tournament takes place as well – make your way over to challenge the highest score!

4:15 - 5:30 pm

Concurrent Sessions:

Better Communication Between Fairs and Business Partners

Crystal 1&2

How we communicate says a lot about who we are.  Communicating during times of stress (uh, fairtime) can tax us even more. Learn how what you say and how you say it directly impacts what you get. This session is built for those staff members and service members who interact with each other.

Speaker: Carol Scofield, a true fair fan, an industry favorite and renowned communication expert will lead this session.

Environmental Hazard Check

Nevada 8

Our fairgrounds are important community resources and keeping them environmentally healthy is a big job. Learn the warning signs of environmental issues, revisit bio-security issues and prepare yourself and your grounds so that we keep everyone healthy and safe.

Speaker: Carol Fitzgerald, California Department of Public Health and the crew from CFSA will cover all the bases.

Signature Events

Nevada 9

You know those crazy events that garner lots of media attention? World’s Largest Pillow Fight, Largest Pancake Ever Made or the World Famous Burrito Eating Contest would be called signature events, but when you add them or inherit them at your fair there are increased issues, concerns and value. Should you have a signature event? What are the drawbacks? How can you gain from it?

Speaker: Tawny Tesconi, CEO of the Sonoma County Fair will moderate the session with: Pat Conklin, CEO, Sonoma-Marin Fair; Jerry Underwood, Fair Manager, Tillamook County Fair; and Ray Malerbi, Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee;

Computer Lab -- Benefits of Video and Podcasting

Crystal 3&4

What is the right kind of video content for your fair or business?  What value does video or podcasting add to your website, blog or social sites? Set up your own Youtube channel, learn how to distribute video and find out if your consumers or customers have already shared videos of your event.

(Reserve a computer on the sign-up sheet outside of Crystal 3&4, bring your own laptop or just come and watch – there are many ways to learn).

Speaker: Josh Morgan, principal of Morgan/Dorado Public Relations, LLC and popular WFA presenter will be your host for the Social Media Sessions.

6:00 - 7:30 pm

Wine and Cheese Reception

Hosted by the WFA Service Members

Grand Salon

What could be better than wine and cheese with your Fair industry friends? Hosted by the WFA Service Members, pouring award winning wines donated by fairs, this is a great way to mingle. ALL are welcome!

7:30 pm

WFA Showcase Night

Reno Ballroom

Join us for an evening of revelry and a rockin’ good time!  Dollar Beers are back and so is first class entertainment!

Break Shop

Lisa Hanley

California Beach Party

Raining Horseshoes

Nathan Owens

Charley Jenkins

8-9am

Ag and Ed Committee Meeting

McKinley

8-9am

Sattelite Wagering Meeting

Crystal 5

8am-12pm

ServSafe Re-certification

Sierra 1&2

(Pre-registration is required but please visit the Registration Desk to see if there are any available spaces).

Two hours of review will be followed by the exam, please bring pre-ordered exam materials with you as well as test sheet. Review and test will be conducted by industry professional Carol Fitzgerald.

ServSafe re-certification is available at convention on Wednesday the 27th from 8-12 for no additional registration fees.

Here is how to participate:

1. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by January 15 to reserve your spot

2. Purchase the ServSafe book and exam answer sheet to bring with you. Materials required for the exam:  ServSafe Exam Answer Sheet (Scantron).
ServSafe books and materials can be purchased from:

• California Restaurant Association
• National Restaurant Association
• Amazon.com and other book sellers.
• Books may also be available at local junior colleges

Be sure to purchase a book with a scantron (paper and pencil) answer sheet to avoid separate purchase

3. Show up for the review and test.
Space is limited so please reserve today!

9-10am

Showbags

Crystal 1&2

Steve Edwards, retired General Manager of the Calgary Stampede and Kent Hojem, CEO of the Puyallup Fair will discuss the popular show bag program in a casual setting.

Tahoe Room

Meeting in small groups to discuss a detailed subject allows everyone to learn and share. Each moderator will present a short summary of the topic and their experience with it and then open it up for discussion. A list of moderators will be posted outside the Tahoe Room.

1. Marketing and Advertising Analysis

2. Economic Impact Studies

3. Fairgrounds Traffic Flow

4. Ways to Reduce Electrical Costs

5. Increasing Revenue

6. Fair run interim events

7. Entry fees and premium paid

8. Ticketing and Parking Audits

9. Wrap your food stand

10. How to reduce credit card fees

11. Ticketing Issues – pre-sale, online etc.

12. Identifying fraudulent ID's and money

13. Facilities Marketing

14. Sponsored Grounds Acts

15. Determining Profit and Loss for events

16. Foundations

17. Wireless Facilities

18.  Landscaping on a Budget

19. Satellite Wagering Facilities

20. WFA Benefits Questions

21. Being Prepared for Regulation

22. Multi-Generational Interaction

23. Hiring Animal Acts

24. Maintenance Mania

10-11am

Phase II Photovoltaic Solar Panels

Crystal 5

Tom Baker, Executive Director of CCA will discuss funding for phase II

Innovative Promotions that Worked in 2009

Nevada 9

What promotions worked for your fair or business in 2009. The economy was forecasted to have devastating effects on all industries – how did you fare? Bring your ideas – share, learn and discuss with moderator Katie Philips from the San Diego County Fair.

Prepare for Sponsorship Success

Crystal 1&2

Surviving the economic storm with all sponsorship deals intact would not be an easy feat. What are the experts saying about sponsorship trends? What are funders looking for? How can you prepare for 2010? What new and innovative tactics can you take?

Speakers: TJ Plew, CEO, Sacramento County Fair; Brian Honnebein, California State Fair and a guest speaker

Trends in Insurance Claims

Nevada 8

There are some new trends in current insurance claims for fairs, entertainers, vendors, and exhibitors in this new economy. Take a look at your current procedures and preparedness. Are you using your assets to the fullest? Business partners (especially entertainers) and fairs can work together to reduce claims and exposure. The session will also cover some basic risk management procedures for fairs with their entertainers, vendors and exhibitors.

Speakers: Tom Shipp, Haas&Wilkerson Insurance; Susan Rosen, Hypnotist

Computer Lab -- Getting the Most out of Outlook

Crystal 3&4

Most of us did not grow up with email. Sure we have been using it for what seems like forever and probably feel like we cannot live without it, but did we ever stop and take the time to learn all the tools Microsoft Outlook has to offer? Tips, tricks and shortcuts will be showcased in this lab.

(Reserve a computer on the sign-up sheet outside of Crystal 3&4, bring your own laptop or just come and watch – there are many ways to learn).

Instructor: Andy Harvey of New Horizons

12:30-1:45 pm
Chat 'n' Chew Networking Lunch

(Ticket Required)

Tahoe Room

WFA proudly presents “Chat ‘n Chew” hosted by Tawny Tesconi, CEO, Sonoma County Fair and Jennifer Seward, CEO, Redwood Empire Fair. A yummy lunch will be served and Tawny and Jennifer will conduct a fun exercise that will prepare us for  the 200^th anniversary of fairs. You will not want to miss this first ever Chat ‘n’ Chew sponsored by the Central Coast Area!

2-3:45 pm
Closing General Session

Reno Ballroom

Special Guest: Senator Harman

Featured Speaker: Joel Zeff

A former newspaper journalist and public relations executive, Joel started his own consulting business in 1994.  His Communication through Comedy presentation will have you laughing and learning at the same time.

Grand Salon

Let’s make a toast to the winners of the WFA Achievement Awards at the Awards Preview Reception. The kickoff celebration for the 25^th anniversary of the Merrill Award starts here, find out all about it! Come celebrate industry achievements and innovation and get your picture taken with your awards! This reception is graciously sponsored by the Ventura County Fair

Reno Ballroom

If our theme this year is Innovate: Celebrate, THIS is the Celebrate part! Join us in recognizing the achievements of the award-winning leaders and innovators of our membership. Celebrating the best of WFA, we will present: the Barham Award for outstanding entrepreneurship; WFA Hall of Fame Award honoring individual commitment and service to the industry and the Merrill Award for innovation and vision in fair management. The Industry Award Dinner is generously sponsored by the Alameda County Fair and the Orange County Fair.

Featured Entertainment: The Family Stone

Member-hosted suite parties.

Locations announced onsite.