2011 Western Fairs Association Convention

Western Fairs Association has a membership of over 150 Fairs throughout the Western United States and Canada. Every season the fairs of the west spend over $40 million buying acts and attractions to showcase during fair time. These acts perform before a collective audience that exceeds 20 million guests. Showcasing at the WFA Convention & Trade Show gives you the opportunity to grab some of those entertainment dollars./n/nPLEASE NOTE: Although some fairs will be hiring for the upcoming season most will be looking to book their 2012 fair dates.

Western Fairs Association has a membership of over 150 Fairs throughout the Western United States & Canada. Every season the fairs of the west spend over $40 million buying acts and attractions to showcase during fair time. These acts perform before a collective audience that exceeds 20 million guests. Showcasing at the WFA Convention & Trade Show gives you the opportunity to grab some of those entertainment dollars. It is the marketing tool for those entertainers looking to play their local and/or surrounding fairs. A Showcase performance is your 15 minute audition for fair entertainment buyers.

Buyers are looking for what is familiar. Keep your originals for later, play cover tunes now. A Showcase performance is entertainment as well as an audition but, keeping the sound level down, keeps the buyers in the room. Be available to speak with the buyers. Buy a Trade Show Booth. (Trade Show information is available at westernfairs.org.) Attend the convention programs, evening events and Network, Network, Network! Finally, keep your name out in front. By joining the Western Fairs Association your name and contact information is printed in the Directory that is mailed to all member fairs. Likewise, you have a list of the fairs dates and contact information at your fingertips.

The number of acts applying for performance slots always exceeds the number of performance slots available. The WFA Showcase Committee, consisting of entertainment buyers, fair managers, and your peers, select the acts most likely to be successful on the fair circuit. Selected acts receive a complete package of marketing support that includes 15 minutes of live performance time, on-site signage, your listing in the convention program and your photo and contact information in the pre-convention and post-convention issues or our quarterly magazine the "Fair Dealer". Your photo, contact information and link on the WFA website free for six months starting in February 2011. Selected acts also receive convention badges (Badges must be worn to attend programs and events). WFA provides concert quality sound, stage, lights, technicians, backline and an experienced and professional production manager. Acts selected, to showcase, are responsible for their own travel, lodging and food. WFA does not provide hospitality.

Fees for showcasing, membership and a Trade Show booth are as follows: a 15 minute Showcase performance, $600; Annual Membership, $275 and an In-line Trade Show Booth; $850 (add $200 for non-members and $100 for a corner booth). A discount of $300 applies when you purchase the package.

Only those serious about playing for fairs throughout the Western United States and Canada should apply to be considered to showcase at the 2011 Western Fairs Association Convention & Trade Show, January 17 & 18, 2011 at the Grand Sierra Resort & Casino, Reno, Nevada.

Submission deadline is Monday, Oct. 25, 2010. Selection will take place November 3, 2010 and acts will be notified no-later- than Monday, November 8, 2010.