8:00 AM – 8:00 PM: Onsite Registration (Lobby)

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9:30 – 10:30 AM: Keynote – Transition & Succession Planning Essentials (Palm Room)

Speaker: Courtny Hinds, CCE, CFE, Wyoming State Fair General Manager

In the dynamic realm of fairs, event companies, vendors and associations, where roles range from full-time professionals to dedicated volunteers, effective succession planning is not just a strategy; it's a necessity! Join our session on succession planning essentials to navigate the complexities of succession planning for the diverse roles within your organization. She will discuss the role of mentorship programs in facilitating this transfer of knowledge, emphasizing how experienced professionals can guide newcomers, thereby protecting the heritage and ensuring the longevity of the organization. After this session you will be inspired to incorporate planning to leave your organization better than you found it! Be prepared to navigate turnover challenges and lead your organization towards a future defined by smooth transitions, lasting legacies, and enduring success.

 

10:45 – 11:45 AM: Commercial Exhibits Enhance the Guest Experience (Palm Room)

Moderator: Dan Lusenhop, Jeanne's Artichokes and NICA Past President

Panelists: Ryan Rickey, Rickey’s Jerky; James Romer, CFE, Iowa State Fair; and Pam Simon, CFE, Minnesota State Fair

Fairs and vendors are being forced to rethink how they manage shopping programs. During this session you will hear from professionals within the Industry who have successfully developed new formulas for attracting customers and securing hesitant retail vendors. Hear how approaching new and different business partnerships will allow for better guest experiences, new marketing opportunities, longer length of stay, and greater customer satisfaction.

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11:45 AM – 1:00 PM: "What’s On Your Mind?" Roundtable Discussions Over Lunch (Included) Sponsored by The Best Around (Palm Room)

Moderator: Jessica Gottsche, NICA Staff

Topics: Managing Lines, Food Stand Designs, Preventing Theft, Enhancing the Guest Experience, Forms of Payment, and Campground Standards. Join us for two sessions to maximize the conversation!

 

1:15 – 2:15 PM: Sales Tax – To Charge It or Not? (Palm Room)

Moderator: Kathy Ross, CCE, Ross Concessions and NICA Past President

Panelists: Lenny Freund, Freund Family Foods; Vinnie Nelson, CCE, Vinnie's Fine Foods and NICA Past President; and Daryl Whicheloe, CCE, Southern Oregon Food and Beverage and NICA Past President

Inflation and the rising cost of doing business is forcing us to think outside the box and question the “way we have always done it.” For generations, throughout our industry, in food operations, sales tax has been included on the published menu. However, should we keep doing this? Is what works for one, the same as what works for another?

 

2:30 – 3:30 PM: Profits in the Cup (Palm Room)

Moderator: Sandy Class, CCE, Tavern at the Park and NICA Past President

Panelists: Jody Conklin, Moose Juice; Tim Gartzka, Eastern States Exposition; Greg Miller, CCE, Miller & Company and NICA Past President; and Stacey Pitroff-Barona, CCE, Giant Ride and NICA Director

Soda, lemonade, agua fresca, refill cups, mocktails, frozen, blended, alcoholic offerings…there is no limit to what can be served in a cup. As concessionaires, fighting the rising costs of product, labor and operations, we can find profit in the cup and the beverages we sell-Drink up!

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3:45 – 4:45 PM: Balancing the Thicket of Fees (Palm Room)

Moderator: Rey O'Day, NICA Executive Director

Panelists: Bary Bunts, CCE, The Apple Cart and NICA Director; Rachael Lough, CFE, Ohio State Fair; and Steven Wrobel, Fiserv / Clover

Credit Card and Convenience Fees, Processing fees, application fees, fees on top of fees, itseems endless for both the customer and the vendor. These fees leave the customer with less to spend. How do we manage these fees - Let’s share ideas to lower or eliminate fees to create a better experience for each.

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4:55 PM: Fare Foods Food Show Ribbon Cutting 

(Lobby & Entrance Hall) Sponsored by F&W Concessions & Fluffy's Donuts

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5:00 – 9:00 PM: Fare Foods Food Show 

(Entrance Hall & Ballroom) Food Show Windfall Sponsored by NICA and Fare Foods $200 Prize Drawings at 6:30, 7:30 & 8:30 PM

 

5:15 – 6:15 PM: DOT Safety Updates (Palm Room)

Moderator: Phil Teague, Hummel Group

Presenters: Robert Kaferle and Buddy Walls, Carrier Software

Join us for this session focusing on the important, non-negotiable, and at times overwhelming rules of the road and learn from our Department of Transportation expert for important updates on policies, best practices, and safety. This session wraps up with a focus on new drivers-what do you do with them? Learn the process for licensing, certification and safety measures needed to make your new hire successful and move your equipment safely.

 

9:15 – 11:00 PM: "Shining Bright!" Hospitality Suite (Palm Room) Hosted by Fare Foods • Name Badge Required