SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) will host its 2026 Annual Convention & Trade Show from November 29 to December 3 in Louisville, Kentucky. The event will bring together fair and exposition professionals, industry partners, and exhibitors for five days of education, networking, business connections, and celebration.
Themed “A Story Worth Telling,” the 2026 convention will highlight the people, traditions, ideas, and experiences that define the fair industry and the communities it serves.
This year’s convention features:
- Educational Program: Attendees can choose from a wide range of sessions covering leadership, marketing, sponsorship, technology, agriculture, operations, governance, consumer protection, and other topics relevant to today’s fair industry.
- Keynote Speaker – Kindra Hall: Wall Street Journal bestselling author and award-winning storyteller Kindra Hall will open the convention with “Stories That Stick: The Irresistible Power of Strategic Storytelling.” Her presentation will explore how strategic storytelling helps organizations connect with audiences and achieve meaningful results.
- IAFE Trade Show: The industry’s largest trade show will bring together hundreds of exhibitors showcasing products, services, entertainment, equipment, concessions, technology, and other resources for fairs and expositions. Attendees can also experience live entertainment showcases on two dedicated stages, while a third stage will feature short presentations highlighting the products and services of participating suppliers.
- Educational Experiences: Four paid Educational Experiences will take attendees beyond the traditional classroom for behind-the-scenes learning and firsthand experiences in the Louisville and Lexington areas. Experiences include the Lexington Experience at EQUIAS Labs & Keeneland Racetrack and Learning in the KFC Yum! Center, offering attendees a closer look at organizations and venues beyond the traditional fair setting.
- Industry Networking: The convention offers a variety of ways for attendees to connect with colleagues and share ideas. Fair to Fair: Quick Connections That Matter is designed specifically for fairs with annual attendance under 25,000 and uses a structured speed-networking format to connect peers facing similar challenges and opportunities. Additional networking events include Coffee & Connections, the First Friends Reception for first-time attendees, and YP Connect & Cocktails for young professionals.
- Telling the Story Reception: Themed to complement this year’s convention, the Telling the Story Reception will bring attendees together for an afternoon of entertainment and networking, featuring performances from featured entertainers and an opportunity to experience the talent that makes fairs unforgettable.
- Wagons & Whiskey: The IAFE Education Foundation’s signature fundraiser returns on November 29 at the Kentucky Derby Museum. The Kentucky-inspired evening will feature food, entertainment, live and silent auctions, and other fundraising activities that benefit the Institute of Fair Management and the Foundation’s educational initiatives.
- Celebrating Achievement: The convention will celebrate the accomplishments of individuals and fairs throughout the week. Highlights include recognizing Institute of Fair Management (IFM) graduates and IFM Graduate Track graduates, honoring recipients of the IAFE Hall of Fame and the Certified Volunteer Fair Manager designation, and celebrating the winners of the 2026 IAFE Contests.
- Experience Louisville: Beyond the convention program, attendees can explore Louisville’s history, culture, attractions, restaurants, and renowned hospitality throughout their stay.
“We all have stories worth telling, and fairs have an incredible collection of them, from the traditions that have been carried forward for generations to the new ideas shaping the future,” said David Grindle, IAFE President & CEO. “I’m excited to see our members share those stories, celebrate what they’ve accomplished, and leave Louisville with new ideas they can take home to their fairs.”
Registration for the 2026 IAFE Convention & Trade Show is now open.
