IAFE Institute of Fair Management Graduate Certification Program
SPONSORSHIP & REVENUE BUILDING
(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.” Individuals 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 AND 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 and registration to the IFM Summit, where the enrollees will present their case study findings. This does not include travel and registration expenses for the Annual Convention or travel related expenses to the IFM Summit.
SPONSORSHIP AND REVENUE BUILDING (2023)
This track has specialized coursework that presents fundamental principles and practices for generating revenue though sponsorship and fundraising. Participants will gain tangible assets for generating sponsorships and revenue for their organization.
#601 Experiential Marketing – and Consumer Engagement: (CyberSeminar) Also known as engagement marketing, bringing trends to life via emotional experiences by capitalizing on events. How do you create the emotional magnet to your fair? Companies both large and small are increasing their budgets for experiential marketing. Are you prepared to help with their mission? This course will identify trends driving Consumer behavior and company investments. Presented by Maggie Ellison, Event Marketing Strategies, Inc. (February 9, 2023 – 11:00 am CST)
#602 Insights and Tools to Create a Successful Event Sponsorship: (CyberSeminar) Sponsors, now more than ever, are demanding stronger brand awareness and highly visible opportunities to showcase their products and services. From outreach to establishing marketing benefits, including electronic marketing benefits) to determining the right amount to charge, this course will help navigate the challenges that accompany creation and, equally as important, execution of sponsorships. Presented by Chris Derby, Chief Marketing Officer, San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo (March 23, 2023 – 11:00 am CST)
#603 Best Practices for Sponsor Prospecting: (CyberSeminar)Who? What? Where? When? How? Do you have a prospecting strategy? This course will provide the attendees the tools and tactics to develop a prospect list, how to efficiently identify qualified candidates and best practices for tracking and measuring success-digging for gold! Presented by Maggie Ellison, Event Marketing Strategies, Inc. (April 13, 2023 – 11:00 am CST)
#604 Gaining Confidence and Selling It! (CyberSeminar) Have you lost your confidence in approaching sponsors, because of recent economic events, and YOU are deciding FOR THEM that they cannot afford to sponsor your event? What do you need to know, in the post covid world, before you make your pitch? Participants will learn the keys to engaging sponsors year-round making and developing a list of questions that may assist you gain the knowledge to make the final “ask” and learn to craft opportunities that deliver on the sponsor’s goals and objectives. Presented by Chris Derby, Chief Marketing Officer, San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo (May 11, 2023, 11:00 am CDT)
#605 Effective Grant Writing: (CyberSeminar) Support and grow your organizations efforts through effective grant writing. This course will provide the participants with tools to navigate the grant writing process. Presented by Christina Ryder, CSP – CEO, Grantwell and Instructor of Sociology, Department of Sociology & Anthropology (September 14, 2023 – 11:00 am CDT)
#606 Contracts and Proposals: (CyberSeminar) What does an effective proposal look like? What the key factors in a sponsor contract and what are the legal guidelines? Your fair is competing amongst many local, regional, and national events for companies’ budgets . . . make your proposal stand out! Presented by Jim Tucker, IAFE Legal Counsel at the 2023 IAFE Annual Convention
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 Entertainment and Programming activities. Minimum eight volunteer hours. To be approved by your mentor.
Case Study: Track enrollees will be assigned an active case study related to Entertainment/Programming 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: 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