On today’s episode I welcome Theresa Agricola, Sponsorship Director for the South Florida Fair. We discuss bringing value to corporate partners, plus, Theresa reminisces about her friend and former CEO, Vicki Chouris who retired this year. All that and more!

In today’s episode Kate Turner, Director of Meetings for the IAFE joins me to discuss all things IAFE 2024. We’re talking ed sessions, trade and oh yeah, did we mention installing a Ferris Wheel in downtown Phoenix just for our convention? All that and more!Episode Note: Out of respect for the CEO search process, we made the decision not to discuss any details relating to hiring a new CEO to replace outgoing CEO Marla Calico. To get the most up-to-date information please visit the IAFE website, www.fairsandexpos.com and click on the ABOUT tab.

This week I welcome Courtny Conkle back to the show. Courtny first appeared on Fair Game #206 in November of 2020. We’ve come a long way since the depths of the Covid pandemic. We talk about how she navigated the Wyoming State Fair through tumultuous times, an amazing grant that she qualified her fair to receive. All that and more on this week’s show.

On today’s episode I sit down with Jeremy D’Angelo from the Maryland State Fair. We discuss his rise in the industry along with the importance of YPI. Oh, and did I mention he’s technically “Employee #1” for Play with Giants? We discuss all of that and more.

Today I’m joined by Scott Kozelka, fair manager for the Steele County Fair in Minnesota. Scott shares his longtime insights as a fair manager, plus he shares some great memories of industry mentor, Elmer Reseland. Join us for all that and more!

In this episode, we are joined by Jacki Stough, the Livestock and Education Manager at the Central Florida Fair in Orlando, Florida. Jacki shares insights into her history in the fair industry and provides a glimpse into running the livestock program at the Central Florida Fair. Additionally, we delve into Jacki's reaction surrounding her recognition with the Florida Federation of Fairs YPI Award.

Country music artist Johnnie Bubar joins us on the show today. We talk about his history in the industry, how he balances his life and work, plus, which country music artist does he think was most influential on country music? All that and more on today’s show.

Today I’ve got one of my absolute favorite people on the show this week. Tasha Hyder is the manager of the Clay County Fair. No ma’am. Not that Clay County Fair. That one is in Spencer, Iowa. Tasha is at the Clay County Fair in Green Cove Springs, Florida.

Tasha is one of those young professionals who is an asset in every way to our industry. Spunky, quirky and never afraid to try a new idea out, Tasha’s absolutely fearless attitude has helped set numerous records at the Clay County Fair while taking home numerous awards for her efforts.

I hope today’s episode reflects on the friendship I’ve developed with someone I deeply respect and admire.

Learn more about the Clay County Fair here:

https://www.claycountyfair.org/

Country music artist Jess Kellie Adams joins me this week. We discuss her new single, “I Was,” featuring Cam Payne as well as what inspires her to write music. Later in the episode Jess recounts the thrill of a lifetime - getting to open for the legendary Martina McBride. All that and more!

Download "I Was" on iTunes:
https://music.apple.com/us/album/i-was/1744443688?i=1744443689

Jess Kellie Adams social networks:

FB: https://www.facebook.com/JessKellieAdams

IG: https://www.instagram.com/jesskellieadams/

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@jesskellieadams

Andrea Peachey is the assistant manager of the Buffalo County Fair in Kearney, Nebraska. Andrea is an avid fitness fanatic with a taste for great fair food and a desire to provide leadership to the teams she works with.