rocky mountain association of fairs

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN ASSOCIATION OF FAIRS November 7—10, 2018

Billings, Montana

2018 RMAF Board of Directors

Term Expires PRESIDENT BILL DUTCHER 1ST VICE-PRESIDENT MARK CAMPBELL 2019 Northwest District 2nd VICE-PRESIDENT MICHAEL MEZMER 2018 Service Member DIRECTOR JAMIE LARSON 2020 Northeast District DIRECTOR TAMMIE RYAN 2019 Service Member DIRECTOR RON JEFFRIES 2020 Southeast District DIRECTOR DAVE HANSEN 2018 Southwest District DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE JAMIE PORTER 2018 Northeast District EXECUTIVE SECRETARY NANCY PITZ

Bill Dutcher

Jamie Porter

Ron Jeffries

Darcie Winkler

Angela Miller

Patti Hedges

Jamie Larson

Veteran’s Program

Marty Davis

Kenny Liebenson

Rick Reid

Eric Wilke

WELCOME!

2018 CONVENTION COMMITTEE

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RMAF Convention badges are REQUIRED for admit-tance to all activities, including visiting the Service Member rooms. Your name badge and its corresponding ribbon will serve as your admittance to the meals. Ex-tra meals tickets will not be for sale but day registrations, which included all the meals for that day, can be purchased at the convention. If you plan to invite guests to the meals, showcasing and visiting the service member rooms, they MUST have a day registration badge.

The Education Programing has been put together in the “Track” concept. There are four (4) designated “Tracks” of interest. Look for the icon by each work-shop to help you plan your schedule.

MANAGERS

MARKETING & SPONSORSHIP

BOARDS & VOLUNTEERS

OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE

SERVICE MEMBERS

ROOM # 7706

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Red Lion Hotel

IMPORTANT CONVENTION LOCATIONS

#1—Montana Convention Center: all meals & showcasing are in the Ralston & Russell rooms.

#2—Grand Montana Ballroom & Big Horn Center: all workshops & meeting will be in these two sections.

#3—Atrium Tower: all service member display room are in the tower on floor 3 thru 7.

#4—RMAF Convention Office is located in the Cottonwood Room in the Atrium Lobby.

#1

#2

#2

#3

#4

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NORTHEAST DISTRICT– Gallatin Jamie Larson, Director

Jamie Porter Director-At-Large

NORTHWEST DISTRICT—Bitterroot Mark Campbell, Director

SOUTHEAST DISTRICT—Stillwater Ron Jeffries, Director

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT—Yellowstone Dave Hansen, Director

RMAF Fairs By District Be sure to attend your District Meetings

Thursday @ 1:30 p.m.

Big Horn Co. Fair, MT Blaine County Fair Carter County Fair Central Montana Fair Chouteau County Fair Daniels County Fair Dawson County Fair Eastern Montana Fair Fallon County Fair Great Northern Fair Lethbridge & District Ex Lloydminster Ag. Ex.

Marias Fair McKenzie County Fair Medicine Hat Ex Montana State Fair MontanaFair NILE North Dakota ST Fair North Dakota Winter Show NE Montana Fair Park County Fair, MT Phillips County Fair

Prairie County Fair R.I.D.E. Red River Valley Fair Richland County Fair Roosevelt County Fair Rosebud/Treasure Co. Fair Sheridan County Fair Upper Missouri Valley Fair Vegreville Exhibition Wibaux County Fair

Beaverhead Co. Fair Benton Franklin Fair Big Sky Country State Fair Bonner County Fair Broadwater Co. Fair Clark County Fair, WA Grant County Fair King County Fair

Kittitas County Fair Lake County Fair Last Chance Stampede Latah County Fair Madison Co. Fair, MT Main Street Cowboys Nez Perce County Fair North Idaho State Fair NW Montana Fair

NW Washington Fair Ravalli County Fair Sanders County Fair Tri-County Fair Walla Walla Fair Western Montana Fair

Adams County Fair Albany County Fair Arapahoe County Fair Big Horn Co. Fair, WY Boulder County Fair, Campbell County Fair Central States Fair Central Wyoming Fair Crook County Fair Douglas County Fair Eagle County Fair

El Paso County Fair Fremont County Fair Garfield County Fair Goshen County Fair Jeffco Fair & Festival Johnson County Fair Laramie County Fair Larimer County Fair National Western Stock Show Nebraska State Fair

Park County Fair, WY Platte County Fair Sioux Empire Fair South Dakota ST Fair Weld County Fair Weston County Fair Wyoming State Fair

Bannock County Fair Canyon County Fair Caribou County Fair Clark County Fair, NV Davis County Fair Eastern Idaho ST Fair Elmore County Fair Franklin County Fair Gem/Boise Co. Fair Jerome County Fair Juab County Fair Lincoln County Fair, ID

Lincoln Co. Fair, WY Madison Co. Fair, ID Meridian Dairy & Stock Show Mesa County Fair Minidoka County Fair Payette County Fair Rupert 4th of July Celebration Sublette County Fair Sweetwater Co. Fair Teton County Fair

Twin Falls County Fair Uinta County Fair Uintah County Fair Utah State Fair Valley County Fair Washington Co. Fair, UT Western Idaho Fair

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ROOM #4401

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Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs Past Presidents & Convention Sites

1960 Roy Rogers, Terry, MT (deceased) Great Falls

1961 Allan Hanson, Havre, MT (deceased) Billings

1962 Jim Gustin, Kalispell, MT (deceased) Great Falls

1963 R.V."Irish" Walker, Scobey, MT (deceased) Billings

1964 Les Jourdonnais, Missoula, MT (deceased) Great Falls

1965 Fred Morrow, Baker, MT (deceases) Billings

(changed in 1965 to November Meetings)

1965 Marion Waters, Dodson, MT (deceased) Missoula

1966 Vearle Addy, Shelby, MT (deceased) Great Falls

1967 Grant Pratt, Hamilton, MT (deceased) Billings

1968 Don Eyre, Miles City, MT Missoula

1969 Don Eyre, Miles City, MT Great Falls

1970 Ole Lunden, Chinook, MT (deceased) Billings

1971 Wallace Westermark, Shelby, MT (deceased) Missoula

1972 Dolf Bosshard, Sidney, MT (deceased) Casper

1973 Kermit Fleming, Casper, WY (deceased) Lethbridge

1974 Chris Stobie, Plains, MT (deceased) Coeur d’Alene

1975 Bill Chiesa, Great Falls, MT (deceased) Billings

1976 George Johnson, Glasgow, MT Kalispell

1977 Bill Nooney, Missoula, MT Great Falls

1978 Bill Nooney, Missoula, MT Billings

1979 Steve Christian, Shelby, MT Coeur d’Alene

1980 Robert Glasgow, Billings, MT (deceased) Rapid City

1981 Jerry Iverson, Minot, ND Billings

1982 Jack Hunter, Ardmore, SD (deceased) Great Falls

1983 Peggy Metcalf, Bozeman, MT (deceased) Casper

1984 George Okano, Rock Springs, WY (deceased) Kalispell

1985 Roy Howell, Blackfoot, ID (deceased) Boise

1986 Bob Sivertsen, Havre, MT Minot

1987 Don Hartman, Miles City, MT (deceased) Billings

1988 Bob Cartwright, Kalispell, MT Coeur d’Alene

1989 Bill Ogg, Great Falls, MT Bozeman

1990 Doug Barnes, Billings, MT Casper

1991 Kathy Gavin, Blackfoot, ID Minot

1992 Glen Meier, Glasgow, MT Calgary

1993 Sam Yewusiak, Missoula, MT Great Falls

1994 Mary Lynn Taylor, Miles City, MT Billings

1995 Barbara Renner, Coeur d'Alene, ID Idaho Falls

1996 Karen Bonomo, Rock Springs, WY Casper

1997 Bill Ammen, Chinook, MT (deceased) Coeur d’Alene

1998 Rae Ann Conforti, Kansas City, KS Great Falls

1999 Eldon Rice, Forsyth, MT Minot

2000 Reed Williams, Nampa, ID Billings

2001 Patty Gumenberg, Great Falls, MT Boise

2002 Doris Wallace, Blackfoot, ID Great Falls

2003 Kris Weltikol, Sidney, MT Billings

2004 Stan Steen, Great Falls, MT Colorado Spgs

2005 Jay Scott, Kalispell, MT Great Falls

2006 Barney Cosner, Douglas, WY Rapid City

2007 John Pitz, Filer, ID Billings

2008 Ron Edwards, Medicine Hat, AB Coeur d'Alene

2009 Jeff Martin, Salem, OR Great Falls

2010 Bob Batista, Boise, ID Missoula

2011 Vicki Rupert, Douglas, WY Billings

2012 Gary Fjelstad, Forsyth, MT Boise

2013 Sue Shockley, Bozeman, MT Casper

2014 Pam Martin, Salem, OR Great Falls

2015 Jim Abendschan, CO Layton

2016 Brandon Bird, ID Spokane

2017 Dane Dugan, MT Colorado Spgs

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Room # 6601

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SPONSORS for making the RMAF

Convention a huge success!

168tickets, LLC

Alan Sands Entertainment

Brown's Amusements

Carnival Midway Attractions

Dash 4 Cash

Fair Payment Processing

G. L. Berg Entertainment

Harmony Artist

International Special Attractions

Marquis Awards

Pacific Animal Productions

RMAF NE District

RMAF NW District

RMAF SE District

RMAF SW District

Romeo Entertainment Group

Saffire

ShoWorks Software

Spectrum Weather Insurance

The Fusion Talent Group

The Source Management Group

Thomas Carnival

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ROOM # 5510

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8 a.m. to 1 p.m. RMAF Board of Directors Meeting Ponderosa

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Convention Registration Room Open Cottonwood Room—Hotel Atrium Lobby

11 a.m.

IAFE CyberSeminar “OPEN TO ALL DELEGATES (Gallatin) Business Planning 101—Penny McBride, Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce What does it take to develop a successful business plan? This CyberSeminar, presented by the International Associa-tion of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE), will provide tools that will aid in developing a business plan; including, why do you need a business plan? what are the components of a business plan and how is a business plan used? This CyberSeminar targets the key factors of business planning.

2 to 4 p.m.

IAFE Institute of Fair Management Course “OPEN TO ALL DELEGATES

(Gallatin)

Relationships/Reputation Return: How Public Relations Really Work—Brienna Schutte, Moxie & Drive Marketing Explore the process and learn techniques to effectively manage public and media relations. This instructor-led course provides an introduction to the processes of: creating public relations plans; writing for media; dealing with reporters, producers and editors; managing an organization’s reputation; and coordinating programs, campaigns and announcements. Discover why public and media relations are important, what makes something newsworthy, how news is created, and where social media fits into it all. Learn how these principles apply specifically to fairs, expositions and industry-related businesses.

5 to 6 p.m. Welcome New Attendees Reception

(Stillwater) First-time attendees to the convention, stop by for refreshments and a overview on what you can expect to see and do during the convention!

6:00 to 7:15 p.m.

President’s Reception

Tuscany Buffet

Montana Convention Center

Honoring

RMAF President Bill Dutcher

7:15 Showcasing


Following

Showcases until 11 p.m.

Visit Service Member Rooms

3rd—7th Floors in the Hotel Atrium Please take time to visit the Service Members & see what they have to offer your fair.

Wednesday, November 7

Schedule of Events

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Wednesday, November 7—7:15 p.m.

Emcee: Keith Raymond

Showcasing

SHOWCASE ACT REPRESENTED BY

Video Bubble Tower

Bill Coleman Entertainment Room #3313

A Tribute to Linda Ronstadt

Creative Community Promotions

Room #5510

Alfred & Seymour Fusion Talent Group

Room #7710

Video Hypnotist Michael Swenson

Harmony Artists Room #7712

Foreign Figures Mill Street Entertainment

Room #3310

The Evasons Fusion Talent Group

Room #7710

Fleetwood Mask Harmony Artists

Room #7712

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Thursday Morning, November 8

Schedule of Events

6:30 to 7:15 Early Bird Work-out Session Lewis & Clark

8:00 to 6:00 Convention Office Open Cottonwood Room—Hotel Atrium Lobby

8:00 to 11:15 a.m.

Operations/Maintenance Tour of Metra Park Meet at the entrance in from of the Grand Montana Ballrooms (down the hallway from the hotel restaurant)

8:30 to 9:45

WORKSHOPS Crisis Communication Fundamentals for Fairs (Gallatin) - Brienna Shutte, Moxie & Drive Marketing What you need to know to manager the message & the media Entertainment Strategies (Bitterroot) - Cindy Ward, CS Talent Entertainment Strategies looks at the wide variety of grounds entertainment available to fairs and festivals with a description of those acts as well as their uses plus their pros and cons. There are suggestions for effective place-ment of acts, specialty areas and scheduling so your audi-ence stays. Also included are tips for ways to save money on acts by planning ahead and cooperating with other ven-ues. A valuable resource for not only new entertainment directors but also a refresher for the seasoned veterans.

Tips & Tricks to Successful Marketing—Bring your Ideas to Share (Stillwater) - Moderator: Tammie Ryan, The Source Management Group This is a discussion group for Service Members. Bring your success or failure with marketing and be prepared to share your story with the group.

9:30 to 10:15 Refreshment Break Grand Montana Ballroom Foyer

10:00 to 11:15

WORKSHOPS Grants: Are You Leaving Money on the Table? (Gallatin) - Lori Benner, Nittany Grant Works Are you leaving money on the table? What’s available, where to look, how to apply Behind the Event Manger’s Door (Bitterroot) - Bob Batista, Western ID Fair; Renae Korslein, ND State Fair; Craig Rudland, ND State Fair; Ron Jeffries, Central States Fair How to get hired for the events. What is a more effective way to communicate and get connected to the correct per-son you need to connect with. Expanding Sponsorship Relationship with Marketing Opportunities (Stillwater) - Sunny Saunders, Kitsap County Fair This is a discussion group, please come prepared to share with the group.

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Strolling Animal Cracker Conspiracy

Self Represented Room #7715

Ballroom Green Screen

A Lot of Fun Stuff Room #4408

11:30 to noon Strolling Showcases

Montana Convention Center Foyer

Noon to 1:15 LUNCH Keynote Speaker—Candy Whirley “It Takes 4 to Tango” Candy will take you through a brilliant exploration of behavioral styles that will make you think, laugh, even dance...and recognize your true self and others.

Schedule of Events

Thursday Morning, November 8

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1:30 to 2:15 RMAF DISTRICT MEETINGS

Northeast (Gallatin) - Jamie Larson & Jamie Porter

Northwest (Bitterroot) - Mark Campbell

Southeast (Stillwater) - Ron Jeffries

Southwest (Yellowstone) - Dave Hansen

Service Members (Bighorn) - Michael Mezmer &

Tammie Ryan

2:30 to 3:45

WORKSHOPS Emotional Intelligence

(Gallatin) - Candy Whirley Have you ever had someone know just what button to push! We all have...and that’s why Candy loves to teach folks how to get their emotions under control.

Commissioners, Board Members & Managers: Building & Maintaining an Effective Relationship

(Bitterroot) - Jamie Larson, Richland Co. Fair; Chris Hillesland, Richland Co. Fair; Shane Gorder, Richland Co. Commissioner This workshop will involve open discussion amongst the panel of a Fair Manager, a Fair Board member & a County Commissioner from Richland County in Sidney, MT with the audience. Topics for dis-cussion include, but are not limited to: importance of a good work-ing relationship, budgets (how the Fair budget is determined, approved, how the Fair is funded, etc.), Commissioner involvement, Board involvement & decision making.

Rocky Mountain Young Fair Professionals: Let’s Get Acquainted & Business Meeting

(Stillwater) - Brianne Brower, Chairperson For delegates 40 year & under. Fair & Service Members welcome

3:45 to 6:00 Visit Service Member Rooms 3rd—7th Floors in Hotel Atrium Please take time to visit the Service Members & see what they have to offer your fair.

6 to 6:30 p.m.

Social Time & Strolling Showcases Montana Convention Center Foyer

6:30

Dinner Montana Convention Center Presentation of Fair Manger, Fair Person & Service Member of Year Awards

7:30 Showcasing


After Showcases

until 11 p.m.

Visit Service Member Rooms 3rd—7th Floors in Hotel Atrium Please take time to visit the Service Members & see what they have to offer your fair.

Thursday Afternoon, November 8

Schedule of Events

RMYP GROUP

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Thursday, November—7:30 p.m.

Emcee: Jeff Martin

Showcasing


Video Hypnotist Terrance B


State Line Drive Creative Community

Promotions Room #5510

Danger Magik Michael Mezmer Entertainment Room #3307

Video Wizard’s Challenge!

IG Presents Room #4407

The Alley Cats Harmony Artists

Room #7712

Brad Goss Bear Creek Productions

Room #7702

Strolling Chicken Rider

Leapfrog Entertainment Room #6606



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ROOM # 7709

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ROOM # 1044

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Friday Morning, November 9

6:30 to 7:15 Early Bird Work-out Session Lewis & Clark Room

8:30 to 9:45

WORKSHOPS Fairgrounds Beautification

(Gallatin) - Jill Albanese, Wisconsin ST Fair A behind-the-scenes look at maintenance tricks, planting tips, fertilizing schedules and utilizing your resources to wow your fair guests on opening day.

Meet the Millennials Game Show

(Bitterroot) - Brianne Brower, Moderator Brought to you by The Rocky Mountain Young Professionals : Meet the Millennials Game Show. Yes it’s that “word” again. This game show style workshop will help us all get more in sync with our inner millennial no matter what your age. A panel of 4 millennials will be in the room to answer questions that have been prepared by fair employees, managers, grounds acts, etc. A fun interactive workshop to get to know how each of us think.

Sponsorship Contracts: What Works & What Needs Fixing

(Stillwater) - Ron Jeffries, Moderator This is a discussion group, bring copies of your sponsor contracts & be prepared to share with the group.

9:30 to 10:15 Refreshment Break

Grand Montana Ballroom Foyer

10:00 to 11:15

WORKSHOPS Creative Contests, Classic Classes & Dynamic

Displays

(Gallatin) - Jill Albanese, Wisconsin ST Fair During this competitive exhibits pep talk, we will explore creative new contest ideas, revitalize classic classes and inspire you with dynamic displays. Go competitive exhibits!

Non-Fair Facilities Use

(Bitterroot) - Ray Massie, Robert Trimble, Lyon Davis

Randy Pardis What do you do when you’ve got nothing to do? In addition to producing MontanaFair, the staff at MetraPark operate a year-round facility hosting some of the region’s largest events. Hear from some of the key players about the booking process, event coordination, and operations that take place in order to make it all work.

Growing Your Commercial Vendors/When Do You Make Changes

(Stillwater) - Dave Hansen, Moderator This is a discussion group. Come with your ideas & questions & be prepared to share with the group.

11:30 to 12 Strolling Showcases

Montana Convention Center Foyer

12 to 2:00 p.m.

Lunch & Showcasing Montana Convention Center Presentation of the Hall of Fame & Heritage Awards

Schedule of Events

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Friday, November 9—12:45 p.m.

Emcee: Kent Messmer

Showcasing


Video Hypnotist Dale K

Fusion Talent Group Room #7710

Tobi Lee & Mustang Sally Romeo Entertainment Group

Room #4401

Jared Sherlock G. L. Berg Entertainment

Room #7704

Video Kid’s Pedal Tractor Pull


Redhead Express Liz Gregory Talent

Room #6611

Video Ives Brothers Wall of Death

Capitol International Productions Room #6604

Marcus, Funny Man Who Does Tricks


Strolling Chicken Rider

Leapfrog Entertainment Room #6606



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2:15 to 3:30

WORKSHOPS

Analytics 101: How to Measure Success

(Gallatin) - Jodi Buresh & Amy Pelzl, Saffire Are you using the data you are collecting? Hold onto your seats, Amy and Jodi will give you a fast paced presentation the will focus on the metrics and analytics of your Website, Ticketing and Social Media. They’ll focus on what is useful and what isn’t and how to drive your success! You’ll be ready to race to suc-cess after this presentation.

Rodeo Issues/Trends

(Bitterroot) - Sheridan WYO Rodeo Representative; Kirsten Cooper, Chicks n Chaps®; Will Rasmussen, Rodeo Announcer The panel will talk about issues effecting rodeo.

Mentoring Program—Mark Campbell

(Stillwater) Are you new to Fairs or have developed skills to share? The RMAF’s launch of a mentor program is the place to be. This introductory session will cover the key elements of involvement and how you can be a part of the future of Fairs. Initial registration to be a mentor or mentee will be taken during the session.

3:30 to 6:00 Visit Service Member Rooms 3rd—7th Floors in Hotel Atrium Please take time to visit the Service Members & see what they have to offer your fair.

6:00 to 6:30 Social Time & Strolling Showcasing Montana Convention Center Foyer

6:30 p.m. Dinner


Live & Silent Auction Finale

After Showcases

until 11 p.m.

Visit Service Members Rooms

3rd—7th Floors in Hotel Atrium Please take time to visit the Service Members & see what they have to offer your fair.

Friday Afternoon, November 9

Schedule of Events

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Friday, November 9—7:30 p.m.

Emcee: Tim Stevens

Showcasing


Video Miss Lisa & the Sandman

Alan Sands Entertainment Room #4405

Roberto the Magnificent Leapfrog Entertainment

Room #6606

Leapin’ Louie Leapfrog Entertainment

Room #6606

Video Extreme Dog Show


McKay & Leigh Mill Street Entertainment

Room #3310

ZuZu African Acrobats Capitol International

Productions Room #6604

Strolling Animal Cracker Conspiracy




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Saturday Morning, November 10

8:00 to 9:00 a.m.

Past President’s of RMAF Breakfast Ponderosa Room

8:30 to 9:45

WORKSHOPS Horse Racing at the County Fair: A Montana Tradition Since 1868 (Gallatin) - Brenda Wahler, Wahler Equine Marketing Tools on a Budget (Bitterroot) - Karoline Rose, Krose Marketing Recruiting/Retaining Volunteers

(Stillwater) - Ron Edwards, Moderator This is a discussion group, please come with ideas & questions you want to share with the group

9:30 to 10:15 Refreshment Break

Grand Montana Ballroom Foyer

10:00 to 11:15

WORKSHOPS Renner/ISA Innovation Award Finalist

(Gallatin) The finalists of the 2018 Renner Award entries will present their programs.

Weather Insurance: Are you Covered?

(Bitterroot) - Robert Holmes, Spectrum Weather

Insurance

How Much Exposure Are Your Sponsors Worth?

(Stillwater) - Jodi Buresh, Saffire This is a discussion group, please come with ideas & questions you want to share with the group.

10:00 to 11:30 RMAF Board of Directors Meeting Ponderosa Room

12:00 to 2:00 Lunch & Showcasing Montana Convention Center

Schedule of Events

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Saturday, November 10—12:45 p.m.

Showcasing

Emcee: Michael Mezmer

2:15 to 4:00 Visit Service Members Rooms 3rd—7th Floor in the Hotel Atrium Please take time to visit the Service Members & see what they have to offer your fair.

4:15 to 5:30

WORKSHOPS IAFE Zone 7 Meeting (Stillwater) - Brianne Brower, Zone 7 Director

6:00 to 6:30 Social Time & Strolling Showcases Montana Convention Center Foyer

6:30 Dinner Montana Convention Center Ballrooms Presentation of Summit & Renner/ISA Innovation Awards Passing of the gavel ceremony


Video Sudsy’s Barn


Eric E G. L. Berg Entertainment

Room #7704

Video Nerveless Nock Double

Sway Pole


TC Hatter & Marcianne Self Represented

Room #4409

Kelly McDonald Band Self Represented

Room #5512

Strolling Show Stoppers


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Thank you attending! Make plans to attend

November 13—14, 2019

Davis Conference Center

Layton, Utah

rocky mountain association of fairs

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