Mo State Fair Grabs Numerous Awards for Excellence at IAFE

The Missouri State Fair received many Awards of Excellence recently from the International Association of Fairs & Expositions (IAFE).

The Fair was recognized for programs in sponsorship, competitive exhibits, agriculture education, non-fair facility usage and communications, placing in a total of 27 categories.

The awards were presented during the 2023 Virtual Awards Show in November. The Missouri State Fair is judged alongside other IAFE members of similar size, ranging in attendance from 250,000 to 500,000.

Agriculture Awards Sponsored by ShoWorks
1st Place Wins

Technique/Procedure/Policy Developed by Fair Management to Correct an Issue or Challenge Related to an Agricultural Issue – Addition of the Animal Health Requirements Broken Down by Species in the Online Premium Guide

Agriculture Individual Photo – Equine – Draft Horse Hitches

Agriculture Individual Photo – Little Girl Combing Cattle Tail Before the Show

2nd Place Wins

Agricultural Exhibitor Events, Awards, Participation Incentive or Retention Programs – 4-H/FFA Horse Show Non Livestock Contests – Fine Arts and Public Speaking Contests

Program/Event/Exhibit Designed to Educate Consumers/Fairgoing Public on the Story of Food – University of Missouri Eat Smart on the Go Cooking Demos

Agriculture Individual Photo – Rodeo – Rider with American Flag and Praying Cowboys at the Rodeo

3rd Place Wins
Evolved Program/Exhibit at your Fair Which Promotes Agriculture or a Current Agricultural Issue to the Fairgoing Public – Let’s Talk Livestock

Agriculture Individual Photo – Horticulture/Crops – Champion Ear of Corn in FFA Building

Hall of Honor Communications Awards Sponsored by K&K Insurance
1st Place Wins

Promotional/Advertising Poster – 2023 Theme Poster

Miscellaneous Marketing – Flower/Plant Box Traditions Sign Holders

2nd Place Wins

Single-Sided, Flat Promotional Ad – Buy Early and Save Ad

Social Media Target Campaign – #TraditionsTakeover

Competitive Exhibits Win Sponsored by North American Midway Entertainment
1st Place Wins

New Class of Competition – Flavored Bacon Contest

New Division of Competition – 4-H/FFA Horse Show Non Livestock Contest – Fine Arts and Public Speaking Contests

Competitive Exhibit Photo Series – Apiculture entries

Special Contest – Biggest and Best Bell Bottom Contest

2nd Place Wins
Strategy or Tactic to Engage Competitive Exhibits Participants – Offering concert/admission tickets as incentive to enter special contests

Any Other Competitive Exhibits – Show Me Showcase
Innovation in Sponsorship Awards Sponsored by ETIX
2nd Place Wins

First-Time Sponsorship – Center for Human Services

Sponsor Continuity – University of Missouri

Sponsor Exposure – Starline Brass and Retrieving Freedom

3rd Place Win
Sponsorship Innovation – Bell Bottom Contest, sponsored by Shabby2Chic Boutiques and Gene’s Boots and Hats
Non-Fair Facility Usage Awards
1st Place Wins

Website – mostatefairgrounds.com

Capital Improvement Plan and Execution – Shorthorn Barn

Facility Partnerships – GoNetspeed

2nd Place Win

Facility Beautification Project – Senior Lounge/Log Cabin

The 2024 Missouri State Fair is scheduled for Aug. 8-18.

-- The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE), based in Springfield, Mo., is a voluntary, nonprofit corporation serving state, provincial, regional, and county agricultural fairs, shows, exhibitions, and expositions. Its associate members include state and provincial associations of fairs, non-agricultural expositions and festivals, associations, corporations, and individuals engaged in providing products and services to its members, all interested in improving fairs, shows, expositions, and allied fields. For more information, visit www.fairsandexpos.com, follow the IAFE on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat, or call 800.516.0313.