I have just completed my term as chairman of our industry trade association, the International Association of Fairs and Expositions. This group spans the world with more than 2,000 member fairs and associate members who conduct business with fairs, such as e-ticketing companies, insurance providers, entertainers and performers, their agents and artist representatives, the Coca-Cola Co., PepsiCo, Anheuser Busch and other major food and beverage corporations, agriculture equipment manufacturers like John Deere and others.
Though hundreds of fairs and related events take place in our cities and towns, this industry is generally not understood by the business community, legislators and the general public. Yes, our major event may take place for two to three weeks, but the economic impact and positive cultural and educational effects of such events linger much longer.
What is obvious is that people visit fairs to eat more than they…
