Convention
Facebook Flickr

Sign up for email updates from Wisconsin Association of Fairs

Home > Convention

Convention

Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention to be held January 5-8, 2025

We are so excited to be hosting our annual convention this coming January! Our convention theme is "Fair Family Reunion", where our fair family can catch up about the past and relish what's planned for the future. The convention will once again take place at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells, 5-8, 2025. Online reservations for convention are now open. Early-bird pricing is through November 15.


On Sunday night we will once again enjoy networking and socializing with our friends in the carnival industry with carnival night.

Our convention officially begins on Monday morning with our Special Projects fun activities followed by our Opening Ceremony and our Keynote Speaker, Ian Hill. We offer a trade show on Monday and Tuesday afternoons filled with our amazing Associate Members. The convention is filled with workshops for Fair & Associate Members throughout the convention focused on everything Fair related. We offer two evening showcases of entertainment on Monday and Tuesday.

While our Fair/Associate Member convention is happening, we also have our Fairest of the Fairs Contest taking place. Throughout the convention they participate in interviews, on-state speaking, promoting auction items and enhancing their communication skills. We conclude our convention on Wednesday evening with our Awards and Fairest Finals Banquet.

Ian HIll to Present at WI Fairs Convention

WAF is very excited to have Ian Hill attend our entire convention. He will give a keynote on Monday and a session on Tuesday and Wednesday. Ian brings new ideas on how to recruit volunteers, keep them and bridge the generations who love the fair. He'll also teach us how to connect with sponsors and sell the value of your fair.

Ian Hill - Humanitarian, Business Leader, Award-Winning Social Innovator, and World Record Breaker. Ian Hill is celebrated for his tireless efforts in building stronger communities. Ian has worked with hundreds of fairs, agricultural societies, 4-H groups, and rodeo leaders across North America, helping them continue their valuable work in strengthening communities and promoting agricultural heritage.

His work has always centered on creating spaces where people can come together, connect, and grow—values closely aligned with the Wisconsin Association of Fairs’ mission of fostering community through local fairs and events.

Recently, Ian attempted to break his second world record by playing college football at the age of 57, serving as the starting long snapper at Antelope Valley College in California. This effort brought light to the alarming mental health issues of our communities.

As the founder and volunteer CEO of the “Let Them Be Kids” initiative, Ian led the building of 168 playgrounds, skate parks, and fitness parks across the United States and Canada. His dedication to improving the lives of children and families has earned him global recognition, with Let Them Be Kids being named one of the innovative programs in the world.

Ian‘s commitment to positive change has been recognized by numerous organizations, including being named Humanitarian of the Year by the National Council for Community and Justice and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission. He was named Child Advocate of the Year by the Stand for Children Organization.

As the keynote speaker for the Wisconsin Association of Fairs State Conference, Ian will share his award-winning insights on leadership, community building, and the vital role fairs play in connecting people and enriching local culture, while exploring how they can adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world.

Ian Hill | Chief Executive Officer

National Grassroots Media Corporation

Check out my World Record Attempt to Save Lives

www.seasontosavealife.org

2025 CONVENTION SCHEDULE

Back to
Top
Tickets & Deals