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Social Media Computer Lab
10-5 with a break for lunch (lunch not provided)
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 session 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 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.
10-12pm
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 but 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 there still seems like 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, this is 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.
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Innovative Boards: Fair Board Director Summit
12:30-4:30
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.
Food Sales Strategy
12:30 - 4:30
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.
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How is Social Media Changing the Way we Communicate?
4:15-5:30
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.
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IAFE Institute Class - Managing Media Relations
4:15-5:30
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
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Regulation and Compliance
4:15-5:30
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.
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Computer Lab - The WFA Community
4:15-5:30
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
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The Impact of Changing Fair Dates
9:30-10:45
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.
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Building an Ag Ed Area
9:30-10:45
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.
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| errill Award Winning Ideas
9:30-10:45
Nevada 8
The Merrill Award is our industry's most prestigious award given to those fairs who exhibit innovation and creative management. Examples of Merrill Award Winning projects will be presented in this session.
Speakers: This session will be hosted by Lauri King, Deputy Manager of the Big Fresno Fair with presentation
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Computer Lab - Social Advertising
9:30-10:45
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, 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.
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Better Communication Between Fairs and Business Partners
4:15-5:30
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.
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Environmental Hazard Check
4:15-5:30
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.
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Signature Events
4:15-5:30
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 has a lot of experience with signature events and will host a panel of experts on the subject
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Computer Lab - Benefits of Video and Podcasting
4:15-5:30
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 consumer 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.
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Round Tables: 9-10:55
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
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Innovative Promotions that Worked in 2009
11:00-12:45
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 fair? Bring your ideas – share, learn and discuss with moderator Katie Philips from the San Diego County Fair.
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Trends in Insurance Claims
11:00-12:45
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 present both sides of the issue
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Prepare for Sponsorship Success
11:00-12:45
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?
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Computer Lab - Getting the Most our of Outlook
11:00-12:45
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
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Convention 
