With the international fair industry converging on Denver last week, the Colorado State Fair seized the home-field advantage to showcase its best work, securing top honors on both the regional and international stages. The fair is announcing a total of 15 awards from the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) and eight awards from the Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs (RMAF), alongside the graduation of several staff members from prestigious industry management programs.
Held locally in Denver from Dec. 1 - 4, the IAFE Annual Convention brought together industry leaders from around the globe. The Colorado State Fair’s creative efforts were honored with the prestigious “Best of” award for Best Marketing Campaign, awarded for the 2025 "Growing the Tradition" marketing campaign.
Overall, the Colorado State Fair took home 15 awards across various competitive categories. IAFE awards are divided into five divisions based on annual fair attendance and are judged by industry experts; the Colorado State Fair competes in Division 3 against other fairs and festivals with an attendance of 250,000 to 500,000.
2025 IAFE Awards:
- Hall of Honor Communications:
- Best Marketing Campaign: 1st Place – Growing the Tradition 2025 Theme Campaign
- Printed Promotional: 1st Place – 2025 Commemorative Poster
- Social Media Campaign: 1st Place – Flash Sale
- Souvenir: 1st Place – Growing the Tradition Watering Can
- All Other Marketing: 1st Place – 3D Character Statues
- Promotional Outdoor Digital Advertising: 2nd Place – Growing the Tradition Billboard
- All Other Marketing: 3rd Place – Chile Building Signage
- Online Advertisement: 3rd Place – Growing the Tradition Digital Ad
- Agriculture Awards:
- Individual Photo (Rodeo): 1st Place – Tie Down photo by Summer Lane Photography
- Individual Photo (Equine): 1st Place – Cutting photo by E Branded Media
- Evolved Program/Exhibit: 2nd Place – Colorado Proud Farm Trail
- Newly Established Program/Exhibit: 3rd Place – AgVenture Land
- Innovation in Sponsorship:
- Community Impact: 2nd Place – Pueblo Diversified Industries, Colorado State Fair Foundation (Exceptional Rodeo)
- Sponsorship Innovation: 3rd Place – United Rentals (American Heroes Day)
- Sponsor Continuity: 3rd Place – Big R
The Colorado State Fair was well represented throughout the convention, with staff members from both the state fair and other divisions of the Colorado Department of Agriculture presenting educational sessions throughout the week.
The Colorado State Fair’s dedication to growth was further highlighted by four staff leaders — Amber Henker, Callie Masar, Lea Cassidy, and Sheri Giordano — who graduated from the Institute of Fair Management (IFM). Established in 2007, the IFM provides industry professionals and volunteers with comprehensive training across core competencies such as management, risk management, marketing, programming, and operations.
Additionally, Robyn Toft, IFMG, continued her advanced education by graduating from the Management Certification Track. This specialized, senior-level programming demonstrates the Fair’s ongoing commitment to continued professional development for its leadership team.
Prior to the international convention, the Colorado State Fair team attended the Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs (RMAF) Convention, held Nov. 12–14 in Billings, Montana. The RMAF exists to unite fairs and events across the region to promote exceptional entertainment for public enjoyment.
The State Fair was awarded in multiple categories at this year’s RMAF event, bringing home a total of eight recognitions, including three first-place awards.
RMAF Summit Awards:
- Non-Fair Event: 1st Place – Sober Cowboy Rodeo
- Event Guide: 1st Place – 2025 Daily Guide
- Photo of Animals: 1st Place – Rodeo Photo by Summer Lane Photography
- Theme: 3rd Place – Growing the Tradition 2025 Fair Theme
- Competitive Exhibits Guide: 3rd Place
- Social Media Post: 3rd Place – Flash Sale Facebook Post
- Agriculture Promotion: 3rd Place – Colorado Proud Farm Trail
- Photo with People: 3rd Place – Plant Guy Selfie