by fairplanning | Aug 10, 2015 | Blog, Fair Programming, Stem/Steam
Want to attract new customers to your Fair? Every Fair can showcase STEM/STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Arts Math) programming and activities. Look at what you currently offer and identify ways to pull out the STEAM elements. Many of these activities that are already created, or, with a little adjustments, can be easily transformed into STEM/STEAM activities.
As a result of the STEAM programming at the Alameda County Fair, a major medical provider agreed to become a sponsor of a weekend of activities that were health and fitness themed. The sponsor provided staff and equipment to conduct health checks, fitness testing etc. It is a win win for both the sponsor and the Fair.
In addition, these activities are attractive to day camps, summer schools and home schooled children. All of the organizers of these groups are readily seeking new ways to teach children in a fun and entertaining way.
Below is an example of Alameda County Fair’s STEAM programming:
Come & explore Alameda County’s Largest Classroom!
The Alameda County Fair is a living learning classroom that offers an almost limitless variety of activities and experiences that are not only fun but educational as well! Thousands of exhibits and hundreds of activities await inquisitive minds and offer educational opportunities for the entire family as well as youth groups. The sights, sounds, smells, and tastes at the fair will tickle your senses and create unique learning experiences – in a safe and family friendly environment!
Did you know research shows young people experience learning loss when they do not participate in educational activities during the summer?
Alameda County Fair offers many STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) learning opportunities.
Plan a field trip to the fair and you and your family can learn about:
- Science
- Math
- Music
- Robotics
- Agriculture
- Environment
- Physics
- Natural resources
- Solar & wind energy
- Water conservation
- Horticulture
- Recycling
- Animals
- Sports
- Health
- Cooking
- The arts
by fairplanning | Aug 10, 2015 | Blog
It’s important to provide photo ops for your fairgoers – throughout the fairgrounds. Make sure to brand the photo op someway. Either use your logo, hashtag (#ABCFair) or use your current Fair theme. Whatever you use, make sure it’s sized in relation to the “frame” so it will show up in the photos easily.
Took this last year at the Calgary Stampede. What a great way to brand a photo opportunity for your guests and give them enough space for the entire family!
How else can you incorporate this concept?
by fairplanning | Aug 10, 2015 | Blog
SWOT, which stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats, is an analytical framework that can help your company face its greatest challenges and find its most promising new markets. (en.wikipedia.org).
Start with your Management Team, compile the information and share with your employees. Encourage the Fair Team to also conduct SWOT Analysis in their areas. You can use this process to guide your organization in all areas including budgeting, booking entertainment, making decisions, etc.
by fairplanning | Aug 10, 2015 | Blog
Resource Development is the new skill every Fair CEO should have. Many Fairs, especially those with ties to Government, have created their own non-profit as a way to raise funds for building repair, infrastructure upgrades and vehicle replacement. Does your Fair have a separate non-profit? What is the purpose and role of that separate non-profit?
If you’re new to resource development or currently have a non-profit separate from your Fair, check out the Foundation Center http://foundationcenter.org/ . Their website has alot of useful information and training for grant writing, grant applications, and they have an online foundation directory.
by fairplanning | Aug 10, 2015 | Blog
The Fair Industry continues to evolve and change. Nothing will doom a Fair to oblivion faster than “doing the same thing” each and every year. Today’s fairgoers are more sophisticated, more demanding for quality entertainment and more selective in where they spend their discretionary money. Those Fairs who continue doing business as they did 5, 10 and even 15 years ago, will find their attendance, and revenues, declining. The successful Fairs are those that dare to “change it up”.
Consider changing your Fair each year in some way. Maybe you choose 5%, 10% or even 20% to change. Whatever that amount is, carry the change through all departments if possible. From Parking and Admissions to Entertainment and Exhibits. Making small changes annually will enable you and your team to try new programs and projects, gain feedback and make improvements for the next year.
Fair Partners must also continue to evolve and change. From food vendors to the carnival, keeping your “product” fresh and new is challenging, however, many are finding ways to do just that, and, as a result, continue to grow their businesses.
