Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs

Trade Show
2026-01-24 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Prefunction Area

Keynote Speaker
2026-01-24 08:30 - 09:45 | Ball Room 1, 2, 3 & 4
Keynote Speaker: Ian Hill
The 2026 conference welcomes Ian Hill as keynote speaker, a renowned leader whose passion for empowering communities and organizations is recognized nationally. Ian’s address is promised to be both inspirational and practical, focusing on the essential qualities of leadership, the value of innovation, and the enduring power of purpose in shaping the future of Maine’s agricultural fairs. His stories, insights, and actionable advice are sure to light a fire under all attendees, motivating them to return to their respective fairs energized and equipped for the year ahead.

Registration & Information
2026-01-24 08:00 - 17:00 | Paul Bunyan Entrance

Presidents Meeting
2026-01-24 07:30 - 08:15 | Mtg. Room 1 & 2

Breakfast
2026-01-24 06:30 - 08:30 | Ball Room 1, 2, 3 & 4

Jesse & the Rhythm Rockets
2026-01-23 20:30 - 23:30 | Ball Room 1, 2, 3 & 4

MAAF Foundation Auction
2026-01-23 19:30 - 20:30 | Ball Room 1, 2, 3 & 4

Variety Show
2026-01-23 18:00 - 19:00 | Ball Room 1, 2, 3 & 4

Trade Show Closes
2026-01-23 17:00 | Prefunction Area

Annual Meeting
2026-01-23 15:30 - 17:00 | Ball Room 1, 2, 3 & 4

Fire Marshal
2026-01-23 14:00 - 15:15 | Mtg. Room 5 & 6
Safety is paramount. The Fire Marshall will present on best practices for fire prevention, emergency preparedness, and compliance with regulations—ensuring everyone’s peace of mind.

Listen to Your Fair Guests
2026-01-23 14:00 - 15:15 | Mtg. Room 1 & 2
Feedback is a gift. Discover effective methods for gathering, interpreting, and using guest input to continually improve the fair experience.

Generational Gaps
2026-01-23 14:00 - 15:15 | Mtg. Room C
Fairs connect people of all ages, but bridging generational divides can be challenging. This session provides tools to foster respect, understanding, and collaboration among volunteers, participants, and guests of every age.
Gillian Palmer Biography
Dr. Gillian Palmer is an events and business consultant with deep roots in the fair, entertainment,
hospitality, insurance, and academic industries and has a passion for providing
community-centered experiences. She spent many years at Eastern States Exposition, home of
The Big E, where she held a variety of roles spanning business development, event coordination,
food concessions management, group sales, and corporate/social hospitality. Her work supported
both large-scale fair operations and year-round events, giving her a well-rounded, hands-on
understanding of what makes fairs successful from both an operational and guest-experience
perspective.
In addition to her industry career, Gillian is the founder of Events by Gillian, where she provides
event management, consulting, and coaching services. She also serves as an Assistant Professor
of Management, bringing real-world fair and event experience into the classroom. Gillian holds a
Doctorate of Business Administration, with research focused on mindfulness and consumer
behavior in the events industry—work that reflects her interest in creating meaningful, engaging
experiences for attendees, exhibitors, and communities.
A Western Massachusetts native, Gillian is deeply committed to giving back. She serves on
several boards, remains an active consultant for The Big E, and is a proud graduate of the
Institute of Fair Management. At her core, she is driven by community, connection, and helping
businesses and individuals continue to thrive for generations to come.

Creating Memorable Experiences
2026-01-23 14:00 - 15:15 | Mtg. Room A & B
Fairs are about more than farm animals and midway rides—they’re about stories, smiles, and sensations that linger long after the gates close. Experts will share techniques for designing unforgettable moments for guests and participants alike.

Secretary
2026-01-23 13:00 - 13:45 | Mtg. Room D
Designed specifically for fair secretaries, this session covers organizational skills, record-keeping, communication, and problem-solving tips to keep everything running smoothly.

Treasurer
2026-01-23 13:00 - 13:45 | Mtg. Room 1 & 2

Exhibit Hall - How did you Manage it
2026-01-23 13:00 - 13:45 | Mtg. Room A & B
Learn how to transform exhibit spaces for optimal engagement, educational value, and community involvement. Whether your hall houses crafts, livestock, or culinary delights, this session explores best practices in layout and presentation.

EMA
2026-01-23 13:00 - 13:45 | Mtg. Room 5 & 6

Registration & Information Closed for Lunch
2026-01-23 11:30 - 13:00 | Paul Bunyan Entrance

Lunch
2026-01-23 11:30 - 13:00

Strategies for Long Term Planning
2026-01-23 10:15 - 11:15 | Mtg. Room A & B
Building a successful fair means thinking beyond the next year. Industry leaders will guide you through crafting a strategic plan that secures financial stability, encourages innovation, and prepares your fair for decades to come.

Putting History Back into Your Fair
2026-01-23 10:15 - 11:15 | Mtg. Room D
Discover innovative ways to honor local heritage—whether through exhibits, storytelling, or interactive events. This session is dedicated to helping fairs reconnect with their roots and pass down traditions to new generations.

Marketing
2026-01-23 10:15 - 11:15 | Mtg. Room 5 & 6
In an era of digital outreach and changing demographics, effective marketing is key. Discover tactics for reaching new audiences, maintaining loyal followings, and communicating your fair’s unique value.

Banquet Flower Arranging
2026-01-23 10:00 - 13:00 | Local Flower Shop – TBA
Banquet Center Pieces provided by: Blue Hill Fair & Northern Maine Fair
Built Off Site at Lougee & Frederick’s Florist – 21 Washington St, Bangor, ME 04401

Hollywood Slots Behind the Scenes Tour
2026-01-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Casino

Livestock Superintendents
2026-01-23 09:30 - 11:00 | Mtg. Room 1 & 2

Trade Show Opens
2026-01-23 09:00 - 17:00 | Prefunction Area

Grant Writing
2026-01-23 09:00 - 10:00 | Mtg. Room 5 & 6
“Funding Your Farm or Fair: How to Find and Win Grants That Work for You”

Grants can open doors—whether you’re trying to expand your operation, invest in infrastructure, improve soil health, launch an educational program, or just keep the lights on. But finding the right opportunities—and writing a proposal
that actually gets funded—can feel like a full-time job. This session cuts through the noise. We’ll walk through where to look for AG-friendly grants, how to decide what’s worth your time, and what makes a strong proposal stand out.

You’ll leave with practical tools, insider tips, and sample language you can actually use. If you’ve ever wondered how others seem to “crack the code” of grant funding—this is for you.
Ryan Martin – Bio
Ryan Martin is a nonprofit executive, educator, and consultant working at the intersection of food, agriculture, and the environment. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute, where he oversees a $2.5 million portfolio of USDA-funded programs focused on research, education, and policy innovation across the Upper Midwest.
Before joining the Institute, Ryan served as Executive Director of Viles Arboretum, a 220-acre public center for agroforestry and climate resilience in Maine’s capital city. There, he led the organization through a period of strategic growth—expanding partnerships, increasing revenue, and deepening the Arboretum’s role as a leader in public land stewardship and environmental education.
Earlier in his career, Ryan directed the Summer Institute at Tilton School, launching a globally focused STEAM initiative, and spent several years as a horticulture and agriculture teacher at the Midcoast School of Technology – an award-winning program that combined regenerative agriculture curriculum with hands-on farm management and business skills for high school students.
As a consultant, Ryan has supported a range of mission-driven organizations, including
Cultivating Community (ME), Bold ReUse (OR), and the Lexicon of Sustainability (CA),
offering expertise in grant writing, staff development, and operational strategy.
In 2022, he was elected to the Hallowell City Council on a platform of environmental
stewardship and equitable governance, where he helped pass one of Maine’s first municipal bans on synthetic pesticides. He has also served in volunteer leadership roles with Maineshare, the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, and in other settings.
Ryan holds a B.S. in Environmental Studies from the University of Maine at Machias and an M.S. in Sustainable Food Systems from Green Mountain College. He lives in Maine with his wife Jessi, a public health nurse, and their two young children.

Pulling Commission
2026-01-23 09:00 - 10:00 | Mtg. Room D

Race Directors Meeting
2026-01-23 09:00 - 10:00 | Mtg. Room C
