Wisconsin State Fair officials are honored to announce they received 20 awards in various divisions and categories at the 2020 International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) Virtual Convention. Wisconsin State Fair also earned the coveted 2020 Judges Choice Award within the communications awards program, in which only one Fair is chosen throughout the entire communications program.
The IAFE “Virtual Vision” Convention took place Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 and drew participants from all over the globe including the United States, Canada, England, and Australia. IAFE made the necessary adjustments to bring the fair industry together to celebrate accomplishments and provide educational programming to move fairs forward for the future.
With the majority of fairs and events being canceled around the world, many unveiled programs to provide a segment of their offerings in a safe manner. Wisconsin State Fair and the State Fair Necessities rose to the top being recognized as the leader against some of the biggest and best events globally.
“It is a tremendous honor and accomplishment to win these prestigious and competitive industry awards during this pandemic, even without hosting the annual Wisconsin State Fair,” said Kathleen O’Leary CEO, Wisconsin State Fair Park. “Our staff worked tirelessly to provide some semblance of normalcy and a slice of the joy we would typically bring to our Fairgoers during the Fair. These awards were earned due to the true innovation the Wisconsin State Fair Park staff brings to all obstacles; especially in these unthinkable times.”
The IAFE awards are presented in categories of Agriculture, Hall of Honors Communication, Competitive Exhibits, Innovation in Sponsorship, and Non-Fair Facility Usage. Wisconsin State Fair earned first place awards in all five categories.
| Agricultural Awards Program Sponsored by ShoWorks | Place: |
| Partnership with an Outside Group/ Business | 1st |
| Innovative Ways Technology was used Within Agriculture | 1st |
| Innovative Ways Technology was used Within Agriculture | 2nd |
| Agriculture Education During COVID-19 – Video | 2nd |
| Any Other Agriculture Program, Exhibit, or Outreach | 2nd |
| Hall of Honor Communications Awards Program sponsored by K & K Insurance | Place: |
| Video | 1st |
| At-Home Activities: Non-Video – 2020 Judges Choice Award | 1st |
| Single Photo of Fairgrounds Being Used to Serve the Community | 2nd |
| Budget-Friendly Tactics | 2nd |
| Communications to Fairgoers about Status of 2020 Fair | 1st |
| Communications to Fairgoers about Status of 2020 Fair | 2nd |
| Competitive Exhibits Awards Program sponsored by North American Midway Entertainment | Place: |
| Additional Competitive Exhibits Measures Taken | 1st |
| Innovation in Sponsorship Awards sponsored by etix | Place: |
| New Sponsor Outreach | 1st |
| Sponsor Exposure | 3rd |
| Non-Fair Facility Usage Awards sponsored by Ungerboeck Software | Place: |
| Unique Event Created to Utilize the Facility During the Pandemic | 1st |
| Facility Beautification Project | 1st |
| Facility Partnerships | 1st |
| Unique Event Created to Utilize the Facility During the Pandemic | 2nd |
| Facility Beautification Project | 2nd |
The 2021 Wisconsin State Fair, presented by UScellular, will take place Aug. 5 – 15. The fair offers a unique experience to all who attend and is an exceptional value featuring dozens of FREE entertainment stages, exciting rides and games in SpinCity, thousands of animals, endless family activities, events, contests, shopping vendors and culinary delights. For more information, visit Wistatefair.com visit or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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