We invite you to join our proud legacy by becoming
a member of the Texas Association of Fairs and Events today! Your
membership investment in TAF&E provides both fair/event members
and associate members with a variety of valuable benefits and
services.
Fair or Event Membership Application (PDF file)
Associate Membership Application (PDF file)
Education
Providing educational
and networking opportunities for out members is a primary focus of
the Association. The TAF&E Annual Convention and Trade Show,
held in January, is the highlight of the association's activities.
Educational workshops and roundtable discussions give participants
the opportunity to share information, ideas and experiences. Each
year the Convention program features some of the most respected fair
and event professionals from across the country, presenting topics
that are largely selected by our members through evaluations of
previous conventions.
Highlights of
the convention include the Trade Show, featuring more than 80
individuals and companies who supply goods and services to fair and
event planners, and the Talent Showcases, which allow members to
audition new entertainment first hand.
Throughout the
year, TAF&E brings educational opportunities closer to home
through a series of regional workshops and behind-the-scenes tours.
At these workshops, attendees have the opportunity to continue their
education while also seeing that knowledge applied first-hand.
Behind-the-scenes tours have given attendees the opportunity to
watch the mechanics of an event unfold, including previous visits to
the State Fair of Texas, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the
Washington County Fair. Attendees have the opportunity to see all
aspects of real-time event management such as cash handling, ticket
and gate operations, livestock exhibits, food concessions, carnival
safety and much more.
Communications
A primary strength of
the TAF&E is the communication channel we create among our
members. Our communication program is designed to share information
about emerging event planning trends, create revenue opportunities,
and update our members on upcoming events and
opportunities.
- Membership
Directory
This annual
directory and calendar of events links our members and serves as a
valuable resource guide and business prospecting tool.
- Fair and Event
News
The official newsletter of the Texas Association of
Fairs and Events is packed with a quarterly update on association
activities and insightful articles about event planning and
management.
- Fax and Email
Alerts
TAF&E uses these alerts to update the membership on
everything from upcoming association activities to job postings
and legislative briefs.
- www.texasfairs.com
Our website gives members access to real-time
information and association activities. Members can download
registration forms, event schedules and useful articles with just
the click of their mouse. The website also features a calendar of
events to promote our member fairs and festivals to Texas event
patrons.
Professional
Development
Any association is
only as good as its members and TAF&E offers several exciting
programs to help events, and the professionals who manage them,
continue their professional training and growth.
Scholarships
TAF&E's
commitment to youth is best demonstrated through its scholarship
program. Fair/event members of the association can nominate a
student for possible selection as one of ten annual recipients of a
$2,000 scholarship. Funds to endow this program are raised by the
association through its silent and live auctions at the TAF&E
Annual Convention. Click here to download a scholarship application
form and rules.
Recognition of Professional
Excellence
The Texas Association
of Fairs and Events strives to promote the professional standards
and business practices of its members and continuously maintain its
high code of conduct. The association prides itself on recognizing
and rewarding cutting-edge ideas and the professional men and women
who work in this exciting industry.
- Ray Cammack
Marketing and Communication Awards of
Excellence
Each year TAF&E
honors the brightest and best in its annual Marketing Awards
Contest. Promotional materials from our members are judged by a
panel of experts and awards are presented in over 20
categories.
- North American Midway Entertainment, Inc. Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award
As TAF&E's
highest honor, this award inducts those who have exceeded the
expectation of those around them and shined brightly as an example
of dedication, integrity and professionalism.
- Professional of the Year and
Volunteer of the Year
At the Annual
Convention, two members are recognized for their tireless service
and exemplary commitment to their events and to our
Association.
Strategic
Partnerships
In addition to
supporting our membership from within, the Texas Association of
Fairs and Events represents its members by creating partnerships and
channels of communication to external audiences.
- Texas Fair and Event Leaders
Day at the Capitol
During each
legislative season, TAF&E organizes a legislative event to
create a presence for our industry with Texas's elected officials.
The Association has been instrumental in influencing legislation
that affects our members, such as the successful passage of a bill
in 2001 that grants a property tax exemption to all fair
associations that own their own fairground property. TAF&E
serves as a legislative watchdog for any issue that could impact the
fair/event, agriculture and entertainment industries.
- Media Clearing
House
TAF&E understands the value of positive media
coverage of our member's events and strong communication about the
value these events have on the economy of Texas. The TAF&E
office serves as a clearing house for media calls, sharing leads
with its members and providing requested data to qualified
journalists.
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