IAFE Awards
The Missouri State Fair celebrated many honors at the 2025 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
Best of Division Award – Awarded to a Fair with the Best Contest Entry in Division 3
Policy/Procedure/Technique to Correct/Mitigate Agriculture Issue(s) Impacting Fair and/or Community at Large, Addressed During the Annual Fair
DNA Hair Follicle Collection Analysis for Market Animals
1st Place Wins
Agricultural Exhibitor Participation Incentives and Retention Programs
First-Time Exhibitor Grant Program
Policy/Procedure/Technique to Correct/Mitigate Agriculture Issue(s) Impacting Fair and/or Community at Large, Addressed During the Annual Fair
DNA Hair Follicle Collection Analysis for Market Animals
Program/Event/Exhibit Educating Consumers/Fairgoers on the Story of Food During the Annual Fair
Missouri Wine 101 Classes
Any Other Agriculture Program/Exhibit
Show Moms Social
Agriculture Education Photo
Grandpa helping granddaughter get cattle ready for the show ring
2nd Place Wins
Agriculture Individual Photo: Miscellaneous
Grand Champion Bacon exhibitor with his bacon entry
Hall of Honor Communications Awards Sponsored by K&K Insurance
1st Place Win
Radio
:30 Flo Rida concert ad and :30 General Fair ad
Online Advertisement
Digital carnival ad
2nd Place Wins
Souvenirs and Commemorative Items
Themed beach towel souvenir sponsor gift
3rd Place Wins
Promotional Outdoor Digital Advertising
Digital billboard featuring kids on carnival ride
Competitive Exhibits Awards Sponsored by North American Midway Entertainment
1st Place Win
Competitive Exhibits Contest with New Partner/Sponsor
Show-Me State Tailgate Barbecue Contest, sponsored by Anheuser-Busch & in partnership with the Deron Cherry Foundation
2nd Place Wins
Strategy or Tactic to Engage New Competitive Exhibits Participants
Livestock and Building Exhibits Facebook page
Creative Display Photo Series
Trails End display
Innovation in Sponsorship Awards Sponsored by ETIX
1st Place Wins
Sponsorship Innovation
Missouri State Fair Wine Trail, sponsored by Missouri Wines
First-Time Sponsorship
Ceremonial Flag Boxes for Flag Retreat Honorees, sponsored by GFL Environmental
2nd Place Wins
Sponsorship Innovation
Show-Me State Tailgate Barbecue Contest, sponsored by Anheuser-Busch & in partnership with the Deron Cherry Foundation
Sponsorship Exposure
World’s Largest Duck, sponsored by W-K Jeep
In-Kind/Trade Sponsorship
Elite Dry Cleaners
3rd Place Win
Community Impact
Jaycee Access Day
Non-Fair Facility Usage Awards Sponsored by EventPro
1st Place Wins
Successful Non-Fair Event Not Produced by Facility Staff
Red Power Round Up
2nd Place Wins
Printed Promotional Material Specific to Non-Fair Facility Usage or Rentals
Camper stress ball giveaway item
Social Media (Facility Specific)
Overview of Missouri State Fairgrounds social media page
Commercial Exhibits & Concessions Sponsored by Pickering Events
2nd Place Wins
Vendor Communications and Operations
Vendor welcome handout
Vendor Recognition
2 vendors receiving Friends of the Fair Award in 2025
3rd Place Win
Innovative Layout Changes
Adding a food vendor in the public campground
Marketing and Promotion
Concession specials for special Fair event days