WAF Economic Impact Grant

Economic Impact Grant

• Release Date: March 1, 2025
• Goal: Have all WAF Fair Members complete the IAFE Survey
• Survey Completion Due Date: April 11, 2025
• Grant Application Due Date: May 1, 2025

The Wisconsin Association of Fairs (WAF) is excited to announce a grant opportunity for all WAF Fair Members. Whether you are or are not an International Association of Fairs & Expositions (IAFE) Member, the IAFE is requesting crucial data for an Economic Impact Survey. WAF recognizes the value that the survey will provide, both for your individual Fair and the state association, as a whole; therefore, our commitment is to offer a $1,000 grant to each WAF Fair Member. WAF’s goal is to have 85% of our Fair Membership complete and submit the survey. The data acquired will provide powerful tools locally and statewide; from legislative to sponsorship.

Here’s how to qualify for the WAF Grant:

• WAF Grant Requirements if you are already an IAFE Member:
  • Complete the IAFE Survey by April 11, 2025
  • Submit your Fairs’ Grant requirements by May 1, 2025 Deadline
  • Receive $1,000 from WAF
• WAF Grant Requirements if you are NOT an IAFE Member:
  • Complete the IAFE Survey by April 11, 2025
  • Submit the Fair’s Grant requirements by May 1, 2025 Deadline
  • WAF will pay your Fair’s 2025 IAFE Membership Dues
  • Receive the balance of $1,000 minus your IAFE Membership dues (likely less than $250) from WAF

• Here are the six questions you will be asked:
  • 2024 fair attendance
  • 2024 fair revenue
  • 2024 non-fair attendance
  • 2024 non-fair revenue
  • Public sector support in $
  • Sales tax rate
  • Lodging tax rate
• Prep for the questions and gather your information before you enter the data (data entry is a “do it all at one time” entry). Most of the answers to the questions on the IAFE Economic Impact Survey is information you already have completed on the required WI DATCP annual report.
• Use the following link to access the IAFE Survey, promotional materials, and commonly asked questions. https://fairsandexpos.com/economic-impact/

• If you get overwhelmed by the process, WAF is here to help.
  • If needed, we will provide a tutorial video on the process to complete the IAFE survey. Some fairs have already completed the process and said it was easier than anticipated.
  • We will discuss the survey and have Q&A time at the Spring District Meetings.
  • If needed, we will host a Zoom Block Party on April 10, 2025 from 6:00-7:00PM.The evening Zoom will allow for questions, offer assistance, and motivation for those that have yet to complete the survey. Let’s make it a fun way to get everyone’s fair information submitted.
• Your fair will also have the opportunity to purchase an individualized survey through the IAFE and Johnson Consulting for a cost of $1,500 (or potentially $500 if you use the WAF Economic Impact Grant, hint, hint).This is a very reasonable rate to have an Economic Impact Survey Study completed for your Fair. It is your Fairs’ choice as to how the WAF Grant money is spent, however, WAF encourages your Fair to consider investing the Grand funds towards the individualized Economic Impact Study or a similar endeavor that provides advancement tools to your Fair’s success.

Individualized Economic Impact Report:

Thank you, in advance, for your participation in the IAFE Economic Impact Survey. We hope the financial ease that the WAF Grant provides will open more opportunities for your Fair, as well as all Wisconsin Fairs. Please contact Jayme Buttke at info@wifairs.com if you have any questions.