IAFE Awards
The Missouri State Fair celebrated many honors at the 2023 International Association of Fairs & Expositions (IAFE) Convention. The Missouri State Fair was recognized for programs in sponsorship, competitive exhibits, agriculture education, non-fair facility usage & communications. 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