IAFE - Young Professionals

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Young Professionals Initiative ☆

YPI Mission: "To provide a venue for young professionals to guide the future of the fair industry through leadership development, mentoring, incentives, education and idea sharing with the IAFE"

YPI LogoThe IAFE's Young Professional's Initiative (YPI) is comprised of dozens of under-40 fair industry leaders who are passionate about the progression and growth of fairs for the future. In addition to providing professional development, networking and educational opportunities for its members, YPI serves as a channel for idea sharing and furthering relationships among fair leaders across the U.S. and Canada.

Since its beginnings in 2008, YPI has grown to more than 200 members who represent all eight IAFE zones, as well associate affiliation. YPI activities and programs include:

  • Rising Star Award: The recognition of an outstanding young person leading the way in the IAFE will be awarded at the convention.
  • Convention Scholarships: All IAFE Zones offer scholarships to help young professionals attend the Annual Convention & Trade Show.
  • Fair Chatter: Fairs & Expos will often feature a YPI in this special section recognizing fair leaders.
  • Mentoring program: YPIs are connected with IAFE leaders and veterans of the association through Convention activities.
  • Social Activities: Many IAFE meetings – Convention, Zone, Conference, etc. – have special activities scheduled for YPIs.

YPI Steering Committee

The YPI Steering Committee exists to provide overall direction, dialogue with IAFE board and staff, and professional development and networking opportunities for the under-40 fair professionals group at large.

 

YPI Steering Committee members serve two-year terms and are responsible for:

  • Participating in bi-monthly conference calls
  • Assisting with planning YPI events at conventions and conferences
  • Recruiting and encouraging new under-40 professionals to join YPI
  • Attending YPI events at conventions and conferences

The YPI Steering Committee is continually looking for ways to grow the YPI group and make new connections. If you are a young fair leader or know someone who is, connect with YPI via Facebook by searching "Young Professionals Initiative-IAFE" or send contact information to the IAFE YPI Committee Chair Miranda Muir. The latest YPI news is also available at the YPI blog or the YPI Facebook page.

Full YPI Steering Committee Contact List:

ConkleCourtny Conkle, 2019 Chair
CEO, Lake County Fair (CA)

Phone: (707) 245-5633

GrunewaldEmily Grunewald, 2019 Vice Chair
Big Iron Exhibit Coordinator, Red River Valley Fair

Phone: (701) 282-2000

LuceroMaria Lucero, Zone 1 Representative
Erie County Fair

Phone: (716)649-3900

JonesNicole Jones, Zone 2 Representative
St. Lucie County Fair

Phone: (772) 464-2910

BerkeryMike Berkery, Zone 3 Representative
COO, Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center

PomijeBethany Pomije, Zone 4 Representative
Commercial Vendor Coordinator, Wisconsin State Fair

Phone: (414) 266-7029

DunnJennifer Dunn, CVFM, Zone 5 Representative
Linn County Fair Association (IA)

Phone: (319) 929-0300

RosenbalmCody Rosenbalm, Zone 6 Representative
Director of Marketing, East Texas State Fair

Phone: (903) 597-2501

JordanAlexcia Jordan, Zone 7 Representative
General Manager, North Idaho State Fair

Phone: (208) 765-4969

GarmonChris Garmon, Zone 8 Representative
Deputy Manager, Kern County Fair (CA)

Office: (661) 833-4900

KisselMadison Kissel-Jonker, Associate Representative
Kissel Entertainment

Office: (513) 266-4505

FriebeDennis Friebe, Associate Representative
Magic Entertainment Specialist
Kardenni Entertainment

Phone: (503) 369-3452

BrowerBrianne Brower, IAFE Board Liasion
Sublet County Fair (Wyo.)