Awards & Recognitions

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