Awards Recognition
IAFE Awards
The Missouri State Fair celebrated many honors at the 2020 International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) Convention. The Missouri State Fair was recognized for programs in sponsorship, competitive exhibits, agriculture education, and 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
OVERALL JUDGES’ CHOICE AWARD – Top award honored by agriculture awards judges for all categories
Missouri State Fair Foundation First-Time Exhibitor Grant Program
1st Place Wins
Partnership with outside groups/businesses – Cattle barn bedding pilot project
Innovative ways technology was used within agriculture – #LilBart social media campaign
Any other agriculture program, exhibit or outreach – MSFF First-time exhibitor grant program
2nd Place Wins
Agriculture education during COVID-19 – Video – MSFF Read to Win program
Any other agriculture program, exhibit or outreach – MDA State Fair Stories
3rd Place Wins
Correcting a COVID-19 related issue or challenge – Additional swine scales help with social distancing in Swine Barn
Innovative ways technology was used within agriculture – Sale of Champions online viewing/bidding with LiveAuction.tv
COMPETITIVE EXHIBITS Sponsored by North American Midway
1st Place Wins
Virtual Demonstration – Missouri 4-H Virtual State Fair Demonstrations on Facebook
Strategy or Tactic to Engage Competitive Exhibits Participants – Missouri 4-H Best of Show
INNOVATION IN SPONSORSHIP Sponsored by Etix
2nd Place Win
Sponsor Communication – Overall sponsor communication process through COVID-19
3rd Place Win
New Sponsor Outreach – Sponsorship with NUCOR Steel Sedalia
HALL OF HONOR COMMUNICATIONS Sponsored by K&K Insurance
1st Place Wins
Single photo of Fairgrounds being used to serve the community – Little Library at the Trails End Plaza
Budget Friendly Tactics – Overview of the ways the Fair saved money on advertising due to COVID-19
3rd Place Wins
Single photo of Fairgrounds being used to serve the community – COVID-19 testing in the Swine Barn
Communications to fairgoers about status of the 2020 Fair – Overview of how the MSF communicated with fairgoers during the spring/summer months
NON-FAIR FACILITY USAGE Sponsored by Ungerboeck Software
1st Place Wins
Facility Beautification Project – Sheep Pavilion renovations
Creative Funding for Facility Project(s) – Sponsorship with NUCOR Steel Sedalia
3rd Place Win
Facility Beautification Project – Legacy Plaza
