IAFE Institute of Fair Management Graduate Certification Program
LEADERSHIP TRACK
(January 2023 – Management Conference 2024)
The IAFE Institute of Fair Management (IFM) Certification Tracks are specialized, continuing education programming for IFM graduates. This senior level coursework is presented through varying methods of instruction CyberSeminar, Instructor-led, Case Study and Service-Learning Projects.
Upon completion, the enrollee will become “certified” in the respective track completion. They will receive a certificate of accomplishment valid for five years. Every five years a minimum of three approved continuing education courses are required to maintain “Certified Status.” The individual will then be re-certified for an additional five years receiving an updated certificate. Continuing education courses are offered through the IAFE at the Annual Conventions, management conferences, zone meetings, and other IAFE events.
IAFE IFM CERTIFICATION TRACKS
1. MANAGEMENT (2024)
2. ENTERTAINMENT AND PROGRAMMING (2024)
3. MARKETING AND PROMOTIONS (2025)
4. FACILITIES MANAGEMENT (2025)
5. LEADERSHIP (2023)
6. SPONSORSHIP & REVENUE BUILDING (2023)
IFM graduates may enroll in one track per year. Tracks will be offered every three years. Completion of all six tracks is not required. Once you complete a track, you will be certified within that track. However, all six tracks may be completed if an individual should choose to do so.
INVESTMENT: The investment for each track is $649 (USD). This includes all coursework, required program CyberSeminars * See note on course #504.
LEADERSHIP TRACK (2023)
The IAFE Leadership Track consists of upper-level course work that links industry issues with practical solutions, presented by world-class instructors representing multiple industries. The IFM Leadership Graduate track fosters personal growth and social development by providing practical skills that improve teamwork, increase your job satisfaction, and impact your community.
Coursework includes:
#501 Organizational Behavior: (CyberSeminar) Review the impacts that individual groups and organizational structures have on behavior in the workplace. Presented by Thane Chastain, Director of Visual Learning and Engagement, Kansas Leadership Center (February 9, 2023 – 2:00 pm CST)
#502 Civic Leadership – What’s it all about? (CyberSeminar) There has been a recent revelation that working to make a difference in your civic life and community and developing knowledge, values, skills, and motivation to become a well-rounded leader. Does your fair have a social strategy? This course will identify what Civic Leadership is, provide examples of civic leadership, how to overcome obstacles, assemble a team, and develop resources. Presented by – Gary Slater, CEO Iowa State Fair (March 23, 2023 – 2:00 pm CST)
#503 What is Leadership in Teams & Collaborative Environments? (CyberSeminar) Times are a changing . the days of top-down management are fading, and horizontal organization charts are in the future. The course will define what collaborative leadership is, how to create an environment that supports team development and releases creativity, how to empower others, how to create an inclusive environment, and how to implement a collaborative leadership plan. Presented by Dr. Brett Whitaker, Chair & Assistant Professor of Leadership Studies, Fort Hays State University, KS. (April 13, 2023 – 2:00 pm CST)
#504 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Dig a Little Deeper* (CyberSeminar).This course will dive deeper into the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion discussion. *Pre-requisite for this course if Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Why it Matters to Your, Your Organization, and Your Community offered at the 2022 IAFE Annual Convention and on May 4, 2023) How does a more inclusive organization create an innovative and creative environment. What strategies should your organization incorporate that creates impact? What does a DEI policy look like? What DEI initiatives could be impactful for your organization? Presented by Cleo Franklin Jr., Founder and CEO – Franklin Strategic Solutions (May 11, 2023 – 2:00pm CDT)
#505 Building Your Trust Culture: The Importance of Trust Leadership and Your Toolkit to Building Trust (CyberSeminar) Why do you need trust in leadership? Leadership trust is a must-have in today's workplace for all leaders, your trust level can be the difference between success and failure when implementing critical initiatives in an organization. Research has shown that team members who trust their leaders tend to be more forthcoming, loyal, and often more trusting of the organization. Trust is earned currency in every relationship and there is no simple one-size-fits-all answer to trust-building. But there are several essential leadership skills and actions that help build trust in the workplace. Our Leadership workshop will dive into the characteristics and critical actions required to build trust in leadership and establish a culture of trust in your organization. The workshop will cover the following aspects of trust leadership:
-Defining the key elements of trust, its importance, and identifying the activities (externally and internally) that build and break trust within your organization
-A review of best practices and benefits of establishing a trusting culture for you, your employees, and customers
-How to address and overcome organizational hurdles to building trust
-Implementing a best practice system to measure and monitor your team's trust level
Presented by Cleo Franklin Jr., Founder and CEO-Franklin Strategic Solutions (August 17, 2023 -2:00pm CDT)
#506 Ethical Leadership: (CyberSeminar) Are you a leader, a role model, or both? Participants learn what it is to be an ethical leader, define the characteristics of ethical leaders, how to communicate their ethical standards, and create an ethical environment others can work and thrive. Presented by Dr. Brett Whitaker, Chair & Assistant Professor of Leadership Studies- Fort Hays State University, KS. (September 14, 2023 – 2:00 pm CDT)
#507 Who’s in the Lead? (Board Related) (CyberSeminar) Is progress stalled or derailed because your organization doesn’t have a defined leader? Who is in the lead? The Board Chair, Executive Director/CEO? Join Bill in working through key components of how effective communication and policies create a successful environment. Presented by Bill Charney, Charney Associates (October 26, 2023 – 2:00pm CDT)
Service-Learning Project: An integrated activity that connects the concepts and principles of this track to real-life application through volunteerism. Each participant will gain practical experience while focusing on management/operation activities. Minimum eight volunteer hours. To be approved by your mentor.
Case Study: Enrollees will be assigned an active case study related to leadership from a member fair. The group will evaluate the case through provided guidelines, actively engage with the event, and provide their final recommendation with a presentation to the IAFE Education Advisory Board at IFM Summit. Each group will be provided an industry mentor to aid the group in their case study efforts.
Testing: In order to complete the track certification, enrollees are required to successfully pass a final exam, administered online. Passing score is considered 90 percent or greater. Enrollee will be provided multiple opportunities to achieve a passing score.
Re-Certification: Upon completion, the enrollee will become “certified” in the respective track completed. Every five years, a minimum of three approved continuing education courses are required to maintain “Certified Status.” Continuing education courses are offered, through the IAFE, at the annual conventions, management conferences, zone meetings, and other IAFE events.
**Coursework subject to change, courses available ONLY to those enrolled in the corresponding IFM certification track.
2023 Track Registration Closes January 20, 2023