A basic comprehensive overview of entertainment in the fair, festival and theme park industries. The information and insights for this program come from 30 years of experience with theme parks such as Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm and Six Flags; fairs and festivals across the US and Canada; corporate trade shows for Levi-Strauss, Western Union and Mattle Toys.

This program gives everyone a working definition for all types of entertainment, and shows ways to maximize the value of each. The course is comprehensive covering every aspect of the topic. You can see a pdf outline of the course contents, and we have included a glossary of terms used in the course of instruction.

The presentation fits most comfortably into a 90 minute format, but can be summarized for shorter workshops.

This may be a concept that you have never considerd, but with the change in demographics, (read as an aging population) it has become even more important. Everyone understands the idea of landscaping your event grounds...extend that concept to the sounds of your event. Taking control of elements such as sound levels, speaker placement, background levels and dynamic variations can improve the overall quality of your event. Learn how to evaluate these factors and more with this innovative presentation. 45 minute presentation and discussion. Here is a pdf of an article on the concept of soundscaping.

Sponsorships, what they are and how to get them, is always a popular topic. Our goal is to open your eyes to new revenue sources through cooperative relations with your grounds entertainment. By shifting your perspective about what a sponsorship means and what the real benefits are, you can expand your resources while involving more members of your community. This presentation is designed for a guided, working discussion group, with an emphasis on cases specific to you and your concerns. Here is a pdf of the notes from the sponsorship discussion.

This is an active walkabout program, so bring a lunch. Spend time on your grounds to see what it suggests to you. Find new opportunities for use and solve longstanding problems. This workshop can be conducted during the run of an event, or during the interim. Prior to this program you should assemble maps, pictures and information that would be helpful to see the event in action. Bring a camera, tape measure and good shoes.

Special areas of the grounds, marketing events and promotions often are designed around a particular theme. Many elements go into capturing the "look" of a theme, but one of the most valuable assets often goes overlooked; grounds acts. Entertainment can provide the elements that create the imagination needed to make a theme become a reality. There is a world of affordable possibilities that remain to be discovered and this program helps us explore them together. Here is a pdf of a one minute presentation "Thoughts on what a fair really is."

Always a favorite family experience, the free craft center is an activity any fair can afford to provide. Whether provided by an outside company, your staff or community volunteers, a craft center is a great value added attraction for your event. WIth proper preparation the right crafts and a few simple guidelines, your craft center is sure to be a success. A great way to involve sponsors and volunteers. Our hands on workshop will show you how your guests can make memories at the fair. Here is a pdf on creating a successful craft center.

In order to improve your resources for the leisure entertainment industry the following websites may be helpful...

Western Fairs Association

Arizona Fairs Association

Festival Network on line

Oregon Fairs Association

International Association of Fairs and Expositions

International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions