The fair industry is at a crossroads. With rising costs, shifting attendance patterns, and an evolving marketing landscape, fair organizers need data-driven strategies more than ever. Fairs.com recently conducted a nationwide industry survey across its network of over 180 partner fairs and fairground events. The results reveal clear patterns about what drives growth and what holds fairs back. Here's what we learned.
Our survey drew responses from just under 100 fairs across 18 states. The vast majority of respondents fall in the 10,000 to 50,000 attendance range, and nearly 90% run their fair for 7 days or less. These are the community-rooted events that form the backbone of the fair industry.
The picture is mixed. Among the fairs surveyed, 34% reported year-over-year attendance growth, though most of those gains were modest. Another 27% held steady. And 39% declined, with 12% experiencing drops of more than 10%. The industry is essentially split between growth and decline, and certain strategies consistently show up among fairs that are growing.
When asked to rate their top challenges on a scale of 1 to 5, fairs pointed to two clear leaders: operating costs (3.94) and recruiting and retaining volunteers (3.79). These were followed by limited marketing abilities (3.39), competition (3.24), pricing and promotions (3.15), declining attendance (3.12), reputation and community perception (3.01), and government regulation (2.55).
Costs are rising across the board, and finding people to help run these events is getting harder. But many of the other challenges, particularly around marketing, pricing, and promotions, are areas where smart strategy can make a real difference.
The data reveals three key themes that separate growing fairs from those that are stagnating or declining: promotions and pre-sales, marketing and visibility, and programming. Let's look at each in more detail.
A full 87% of fairs run at least one type of promotion against their general admission ticket prices. The most popular promotion type by far is multi-day passes (54%), followed by early bird discounts (42%), flash sales (18%), family group bundles (8%), and other promotion types (5%).
Fairs that rated their marketing effectiveness highest typically used 2 to 3 different promotions in combination. The most effective combinations included early bird discounts, multi-day passes, flash sales, and online discounts. Fairs that rated their effectiveness lowest tended to only use 1 to 2 promotions.
The lesson? More promotions generally lead to better results, and promotions work well together. Pairing a flash sale with a multi-day pass gives fairgoers multiple reasons to buy early. That said, 2 to 3 well-chosen promotions seems to be the sweet spot.
How fairs price general admission varies significantly by size. Across the board, most fairs price their general admission tickets between $5 and $15. About 40% of fairs are either unsure or do plan on raising prices next year, not surprising given that operating costs are the number one reported challenge. But the data suggests that low pricing alone may not be the answer to driving attendance. Pairing your pricing strategy with smart promotions is a more effective path.
Organic social media is both the most used and the highest rated channel by fairs, with paid ads coming in a close second in terms of effectiveness. While 73% of fairs report using print publications, only about 25% rate them as good or excellent in effectiveness. TV received a very low effectiveness rating of just 19%, yet nearly half of fairs still leverage this channel.
The bottom line: social media is the most highly rated channel in terms of marketing effectiveness for fairs.
The cost data makes a compelling case for paid social advertising. When comparing average CPM across channels, social media comes in at roughly $2, compared to $9 for billboards, $12 for Spotify, $18 for radio, $22 for print ads, and $25 for TV. You can reach far more people for the same dollar through social ads than through any traditional channel.
Three marketing tips to keep in mind:
Demo derbies, rodeos, and truck and tractor pulls are the grandstand events fairs most often put on, and between 40% and 60% of fairs that run these events rate them as having strong or very strong results for drawing crowds. Other events reporting strong results included rough trucks, motocross, and monster truck shows.
Concerts, on the other hand, are tough. Big name concerts are hard to make profitable, and it's harder to bring in crowds with up-and-coming or cover band talent. Action-packed, participatory events tend to outperform concerts when it comes to driving gate attendance.
Many fairgrounds are also looking beyond fair season to generate revenue year-round. RV and boat storage is the most profitable way to monetize fairground property outside of the fair itself, with 85% of fairs offering it reporting profitability. Other profitable opportunities include horse shows, stall rentals, auctions, and flea markets. Community events and weddings also show strong profitability potential.
Even the best strategies won't work without buy-in from fair boards and leadership. Fair boards are most resistant to changes in event programming and pricing strategies. They are least resistant to change in areas of marketing and advertising.
This is actually good news. The areas where change is easiest to implement, marketing and advertising, also happen to be the areas where the data shows the most opportunity for improvement. Starting with marketing changes can build confidence and momentum for bigger shifts in pricing and programming down the road.
If you want to grow your fair, here's what the data says to pay attention to:
The world is changing faster every day. Growth will come to those who adapt.
This post is based on data from the Fairs.com Industry Survey. Fairs.com currently serves over 180 fairs and fairground events across the US.
"}, {"slug": "can-your-ticketing-platform-handle-opening-night", "title": "Can Your Ticketing Platform Handle Opening Night?", "date": "April 13, 2026", "category": "Insights", "image": "https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/69337300123da164da15bb29/69dd1d4dc69ccbb11946017f_compressed_image.jpg", "imageAlt": "", "thumbnail": "https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/69337300123da164da15bb29/69dd1d4dc69ccbb11946017f_compressed_image.jpg", "summary": "", "metaDescription": "", "body": "For many fairs, the biggest test of a ticketing platform is not whether it works on a normal Tuesday afternoon. The real test is what happens when demand spikes.
A headline act gets announced. Opening night hits. A promotion takes off. Families buy on the way to the fairgrounds. Suddenly, hundreds or thousands of people are trying to purchase tickets, pull them up on their phones, and get through the gate at nearly the same time.
That is when reliability matters most.
For fairs, a ticketing problem is never just a technology issue. It becomes an operations issue immediately. If checkout slows down, sales are lost. If mobile delivery is clunky, guests get frustrated before they even arrive. If scan-in lags at the gate, lines build fast and the first impression of the event starts to slip.
On high-volume days, reliability affects everything:
That is why fair operators should think about ticketing reliability as part of event readiness, not just software selection.
A reliable platform does more than process transactions. It helps fairs stay in control when demand is at its highest. It supports smooth online checkout, handles concentrated traffic, delivers tickets quickly, and helps gate staff keep people moving. Just as importantly, it reduces the risk that a busy moment turns into unnecessary friction for guests and staff.
High-volume days are often the days that matter most. They are the days when fairs drive major attendance, major revenue, and major momentum. A fair should not have to wonder whether its platform can hold up under pressure. It should know.
That is where Fairs.com comes in.
Fairs.com is built to help fairs handle the moments that matter most, from the first click to the front gate. The platform is designed to support high-demand onsales, heavy mobile traffic, and fast scan-in workflows so fairs can grow attendance without creating operational headaches.
Across peak event periods, Fairs.com has supported 85,000+ tickets sold across peak fair weekends, handled 6,500+ purchases in a single minute on-sale window, and maintained 99.999% uptime during high-demand periods. It has also supported fairs through 4x normal traffic during major ticket launches, helping organizers stay confident when interest surges.
That scale matters, but the operational outcome matters even more. At the gate, fairs using digital workflows have scanned in 12,000+ guests in a single hour, helping reduce bottlenecks and keep entry moving during the busiest windows. On the purchase side, the platform has delivered sub-1-second checkout load times during traffic surges, making it easier for guests to complete their purchase before they ever reach the grounds.
Just as important, Fairs.com is not built as a one-dimensional ticketing tool. It connects ticketing with the fair’s digital experience more broadly, helping operators drive more pre-sales, reduce gate congestion, and create a smoother experience from promotion to purchase to entry. That is a big reason reliability on busy days is not just about infrastructure. It is about how the whole system works together.
The goal is simple: when demand rises, the platform should not become the problem. It should be one of the reasons the day runs smoothly.
Busy days should feel exciting, not risky. Fairs.com gives fairs a platform built for volume, tested for high-demand moments, and designed to help teams operate with confidence when attendance is at its peak.
"}, {"slug": "kiosks-or-no-kiosks", "title": "Kiosks or No Kiosks? A Decision Framework for Fairs", "date": "April 13, 2026", "category": "Insights", "image": "https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/69337300123da164da15bb29/69cd58e37b2e09f830984634_4.%20Kiosks%20or%20No%20Kiosks_%20A%20Decision%20Framework%20for%20Fairs.png", "imageAlt": "", "thumbnail": "https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/69337300123da164da15bb29/69cd58e37b2e09f830984634_4.%20Kiosks%20or%20No%20Kiosks_%20A%20Decision%20Framework%20for%20Fairs.png", "summary": "", "metaDescription": "", "body": "Self-service kiosks are showing up at fairs and festivals everywhere. Vendors pitch them as the silver bullet for long gate lines, slow concession transactions, and understaffed ticket booths. And in some cases, they're right, kiosks can be a powerful tool. But in plenty of others, they're an expensive distraction from the real problem.
The question isn't whether kiosks are good or bad. It's whether they're the right solution for your fair, right now, given your volume, your infrastructure, and the operational improvements you may not have made yet.
This post offers a practical framework to help you make that call.
Before talking hardware, it's worth stepping back. The goal isn't to install kiosks. The goal is to move people through your gates and points of sale as fast as possible so they can get to the part they actually came for, the fair itself.
Kiosks are one way to do that. But they're far from the only way, and they're certainly not the cheapest or simplest. If you haven't explored the lower-cost, higher-impact options first, a kiosk deployment may end up solving a problem you could have fixed with better operations.
There are situations where kiosks genuinely earn their keep. If several of the following describe your fair, kiosks may be worth serious consideration:
If you're processing tens of thousands of transactions per day at your gates, even well-trained staff can become a bottleneck. Kiosks add parallel processing capacity that doesn't get tired or need breaks.
If most of your fairgoers are buying tickets at the gate rather than online in advance, every transaction takes longer and lines grow fast. Kiosks can absorb some of that walk-up demand.
Sprawling fairgrounds with several gates can be difficult to staff consistently, especially during peak surges. Kiosks give you a way to add capacity at remote entry points without adding headcount.
Kiosks aren't just hardware. You need software licensing, reliable power and connectivity, weatherproofing, on-site technical support, and a plan for what happens when a unit goes down mid-rush. If you can fund the full ecosystem, not just the purchase order, kiosks can work well.
On the other hand, there are plenty of situations where kiosks are the wrong call:
For small to mid-size fairs, the math often doesn't work. The capital outlay, maintenance, and staffing needed to support kiosks can exceed what you'd spend just adding another ticket seller or two.
If you're not actively driving pre-sales, don't have separate lines for scan-in versus walk-up, and aren't using mobile purchasing options, kiosks won't fix the root problem. They'll just give people a slightly different way to wait in a line that shouldn't be that long in the first place.
Kiosks need reliable power, strong connectivity, and protection from the elements. If your fairgrounds struggle with any of those basics, kiosks are going to create more headaches than they solve.
Sometimes the appeal of kiosks is that they feel like a modern, visible investment. But if they're masking operational problems, poor line management, undertrained staff, weak pre-sale strategy, the real issues will keep showing up in other ways.
Before investing in kiosks, most fairs would benefit more from focusing on a handful of high-impact operational improvements:
The single biggest thing you can do to reduce gate congestion is to get people to buy their tickets before they show up. A fairgoer who arrives with a ticket or a QR code on their phone scans in and keeps moving. A fairgoer who needs to buy at the gate creates a transaction that's five to ten times slower. Invest in your pre-sale marketing, offer early-bird pricing, and make the online buying experience seamless.
This sounds simple, but it's surprisingly uncommon. Have a dedicated scan-in line for people who already have tickets and a separate purchase line for walk-ups. This one change alone can dramatically reduce wait times because you're no longer letting transactions slow down the people who are ready to walk through.
Place QR codes around town in the weeks leading up to the fair and on the fairgrounds themselves. Link them to your mobile ticket purchase page. Someone standing in a walk-up line who sees a QR code and buys on their phone just converted themselves into a scan-in. That's one less transaction your gate staff has to process.
Make sure your gate staff are well-trained, fast, and confident. A skilled ticket seller with a good POS setup can process transactions remarkably quickly. Pair that with smart scheduling that surges staff during peak entry times and you can handle a lot of volume without any hardware.
Handheld or tablet-based POS devices let you flex capacity during rushes. A roaming seller can work the line, start transactions before people reach the window, or open a pop-up selling point wherever the crowd builds. It's cheaper and more flexible than a fixed kiosk.
If you're trying to decide whether kiosks are right for your fair, run through these questions:
First, what's your daily gate volume? If you're not consistently processing very high transaction counts, kiosks are unlikely to be the most cost-effective solution.
Second, what percentage of your attendees are walk-ups versus pre-sales? If walk-ups dominate, your first move should be driving that pre-sale number up, not adding kiosks to handle the walk-up flood.
Third, have you implemented the operational basics? Separate lines, QR codes, trained staff, mobile POS. If not, start there. You'll likely see a bigger improvement for a fraction of the cost.
Fourth, can you support the full kiosk ecosystem? Not just the hardware, but connectivity, power, weather protection, technical support, and a backup plan for failures. If any of those are shaky, the kiosk experience will frustrate fairgoers more than it helps them.
If you've done the operational work, your volume justifies it, and your infrastructure can support it, then yes, kiosks can be a great next step. They become a force multiplier on top of a strong foundation.
Kiosks aren't a bad idea. But they're a last-mile optimization, not a first move. The fairs that get the most out of kiosks are the ones that have already done the hard work, driving pre-sales, streamlining their gate operations, training their teams, and making it easy for fairgoers to buy and scan in quickly.
If you skip that work and jump straight to kiosks, you're spending real money to put a band-aid on problems that better operations would solve more effectively and more affordably.
Get your foundation right first. Then, if the volume and the math support it, bring on the kiosks. That's when they really shine.
"}, {"slug": "the-fair-marketing-playbook-a-timeline-from-90-days-out-to-year-round", "title": "The Fair Marketing Playbook: A Timeline from 90 Days Out to Year-Round", "date": "April 13, 2026", "category": "Insights", "image": "https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/69337300123da164da15bb29/69cd58d0a418d9014b75331e_5.%20The%20Fair%20Marketing%20Playbook_%20A%20Timeline%20from%2090%20Days%20Out%20to%20Year-Round%20(1).png", "imageAlt": "", "thumbnail": "https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/69337300123da164da15bb29/69cd58d0a418d9014b75331e_5.%20The%20Fair%20Marketing%20Playbook_%20A%20Timeline%20from%2090%20Days%20Out%20to%20Year-Round%20(1).png", "summary": "", "metaDescription": "", "body": "Most fairs market the same way every year. Things are quiet for months, then someone flips a switch a few weeks before opening day and suddenly it's all hands on deck, social posts, radio spots, flyers everywhere. The fair runs, the gates close, and marketing goes silent again until next year.
It works well enough. But it leaves an enormous amount of value on the table.
The fairs that consistently grow attendance year over year aren't doing anything magical. They're simply more disciplined about when they do what, and they understand that the data they collect from ticket sales isn't just a receipt, it's the foundation for a year-round relationship with their community.
This post walks through a practical marketing timeline, starting 90 days before your fair and extending well beyond closing day, along with how to put your data to work in between.
Three months out is when you set yourself up for everything that follows. This isn't the time to start selling hard. It's the time to get organized so your selling is effective when it starts.
What's the story of this year's fair? What's new, what's returning, what makes this year worth showing up for? Get your brand assets, photography, and core messages finalized now so you're not scrambling to build ads and emails while you should be running campaigns.
This is one of the most important things you can do and it serves double duty. Early-bird pricing creates a reason to buy now, which drives pre-sale volume and reduces your gate-day pressure. But just as importantly, every early ticket sale captures a name, an email, a zip code, and purchase behavior data. You're building your marketing list months before the fair even opens.
Your sponsors want visibility. Give it to them by building them into your marketing calendar as co-promoters. A sponsor sharing your ticket link with their audience is free reach and credibility you can't buy.
You don't need to go heavy yet. Behind-the-scenes content, throwback photos from last year, entertainment lineup teasers, and countdown-style posts start building anticipation without burning out your audience before you've even announced the full schedule.
At 60 days, you shift from foundation-building to active audience growth. The people who were always going to come are probably already aware. Now you're reaching the people who need a nudge.
If your budget supports it, this is when paid social ads, local digital display, and traditional media like radio or TV start earning their keep. Target your geographic area broadly but use your existing buyer data to build lookalike audiences so your paid spend goes further.
If you ran early-bird sales, you already have a growing list. Send those buyers updates about what's coming, new acts, food vendors, special events. They've already bought in, so your job now is to turn them into ambassadors who tell their friends. Also hit your prior-year attendee list. They came before, and a well-timed email with a compelling reason to come back can convert at a surprisingly high rate.
Local businesses, schools, churches, civic organizations, these groups have audiences that overlap heavily with your fairgoers. Partner with them to distribute ticket links, hang posters, or run group-buy promotions. This kind of grassroots marketing is often more effective than anything you can buy.
Generic \"come to the fair\" messaging has a ceiling. At 60 days out, start highlighting specific attractions, performers, food experiences, and family-friendly events. Give people something concrete to get excited about and a reason to pick a date and commit.
With a month to go, your messaging shifts from awareness to action. People know about the fair. Now they need a reason to stop thinking about it and actually buy.
If you have date-specific events, limited-capacity experiences, or VIP packages, now is when you lean into them. Messaging like \"Saturday night is almost sold out\" or \"Last chance for early pricing\" gives people the push they need to go from interested to committed.
Anyone who visited your website, clicked a ticket link, or started a purchase but didn't finish is a warm lead. Retargeting ads are inexpensive and highly effective here because you're reaching people who already raised their hand.
Post photos and videos from past years. Share testimonials. Highlight your ticket sales numbers if they're strong. People are more comfortable committing when they see that others already have. User-generated content from past attendees is especially powerful here because it feels authentic in a way that branded content can't match.
A huge percentage of your ticket sales in this window will happen on a phone. If your mobile buying flow is clunky, slow, or confusing, you're losing conversions at the exact moment people are ready to buy. Run through the entire process yourself on a phone and fix anything that creates friction.
The week before the fair opens is where marketing and operations start to overlap, and that's a good thing.
Your audience at this point is largely people who are already coming. Give them what they need: parking information, gate hours, weather tips, what they can and can't bring, schedule highlights for each day. This kind of content reduces anxiety, improves the guest experience, and it still reaches new people organically because it's the kind of thing attendees share with their friends.
This is your last chance to convert walk-ups into pre-sales, and that matters for both revenue and operations. Messaging like \"Buy now and skip the line\" or \"Pre-sale tickets get you through the gate in seconds\" gives people a clear, practical reason to buy in advance rather than waiting.
QR codes on signage and around the grounds, upsell opportunities at the gate, day-of social media plans, and any push notification or text message strategy for ticket holders should all be locked in and ready to go. You won't have time to figure this out once the fair opens.
Once the gates are open, marketing becomes about two things: enhancing the experience for the people who are there, and creating urgency for the people who haven't come yet.
Photos of packed midways, videos of performances, crowd reactions, food close-ups, this is the content that makes someone scrolling their phone at home think \"I need to get out there.\" Don't overthink production quality. Authentic, in-the-moment content outperforms polished posts during a live event.
If you have email addresses or phone numbers from ticket sales, use them. Daily highlight emails, push notifications about schedule changes, or texts with food and drink specials keep your attendees engaged and can drive incremental spending on the grounds.
QR codes on signage that link to ticket upgrades, additional day passes, ride wristbands, or food packages let fairgoers spend more without standing in another line. Every QR code scan is also another data point you're collecting for future marketing.
The content you create and collect during the fair, photos, videos, testimonials, crowd shots, becomes next year's marketing library. Assign someone the specific job of documenting the event. You'll thank yourself in January when you're building next year's campaign and have a vault of real, compelling content to pull from.
The gates close, the rides come down, and for most fairs, marketing goes dark until next year. This is one of the biggest missed opportunities in the industry.
While the experience is still fresh, reach out to everyone who bought a ticket. Thank them for coming, share a few highlights, and include a link to a short post-event survey. You'll get valuable feedback and you'll reinforce the positive emotional connection they have with your fair right when it's at its peak.
A highlights reel, a photo gallery, or even a simple \"by the numbers\" post extends the life of the fair beyond its actual dates. It gives attendees something to share and reminds everyone else what they missed. This kind of content consistently performs well on social media because it taps into both nostalgia and fear of missing out.
Here's the thing most fairs don't fully appreciate: every ticket sale you process isn't just revenue. It's a data point. A name, an email address, a zip code, a purchase date, a ticket type, whether they're a first-time buyer or a returning attendee. Taken together, your ticket sales data is a detailed portrait of your community.
And that data gives you something incredibly valuable, the ability to stay in the conversation year-round instead of going silent for eleven months.
Not all of your attendees are the same, and they shouldn't get the same messages. Families behave differently than groups of friends. First-time visitors have different motivations than someone who's come every year for a decade. Single-day buyers might be convertible to multi-day passes. Your data tells you who these groups are, and segmenting your communication makes every message more relevant.
This doesn't mean bombarding people with emails every week. It means staying present with a light, consistent touch. A quarterly newsletter with community updates. A holiday greeting. A first-look announcement when next year's dates are set. An exclusive early-access window for returning attendees before tickets go on sale to the public. Each touchpoint reinforces the relationship and keeps your fair top of mind.
If your data shows that a large percentage of your attendees come from a particular zip code, that tells you where to focus your local marketing spend. If you see that multi-day pass buyers tend to purchase earlier, you know to push those packages in your early-bird campaign. If first-time buyers have a low return rate, you know you need a better post-fair nurture strategy for that segment. The data doesn't just help you market, it helps you make smarter decisions about your fair overall.
Paid media is rented attention. Your email list is owned attention. You can reach those people anytime, for free, with a message that's personalized to their history with your fair. Over time, that list becomes the single most powerful tool you have for driving ticket sales, building loyalty, and growing attendance. Protect it, grow it, and use it well.
Great fair marketing isn't about one big push. It's a disciplined timeline that starts months before the gates open, stays active through the event, and continues long after the last visitor leaves.
The fairs that grow year over year are the ones that treat their marketing like a year-round conversation with their community, not a seasonal megaphone. They use the data they're already collecting to make every message smarter, every dollar more efficient, and every fair better than the last.
Start with the timeline. Build the habits. And stop letting your most valuable asset, the relationship with the people who already love your fair, go quiet eleven months out of the year.
"}, {"slug": "the-proven-fair-success-playbook", "title": "The Proven Fair Success Playbook: How 180+ Fairs Are Increasing Attendance, Boosting Pre-Sales, and Creating Better Experiences", "date": "April 13, 2026", "category": "Insights", "image": "https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/69337300123da164da15bb29/69cd5905466211e31d5a5c04_2.%20The%20Proven%20Fair%20Success%20Playbook.png", "imageAlt": "", "thumbnail": "https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/69337300123da164da15bb29/69cd5905466211e31d5a5c04_2.%20The%20Proven%20Fair%20Success%20Playbook.png", "summary": "", "metaDescription": "", "body": "If you run a fair, you've probably asked yourself some version of these questions: How can we increase ticket purchases? How can we attract new people from our community? How can we maximize the impact of our limited marketing spend? And how can we make sure both volunteers and customers have a great experience at our gates?
You're not alone. Working with over 180 fairs nationwide, Fairs.com has seen clear patterns in what works and what doesn't. This post breaks down the proven four-step playbook that successful fairs are using to increase attendance, boost pre-sales, and deliver better experiences for everyone involved.
The playbook is built on four sequential steps, each one building on the last. The key insight is that success requires running the full playbook in order. Running partial efforts will not drive meaningful or sustained results.
The four steps are:
The goal of the playbook is to increase attendees and sales while ensuring you have sufficient operational capacity, volunteers, staff, and systems, to handle increased demand. A strong driver of all this is increasing pre-sales, which is an indicator of both increased interest in your event and smoother, more efficient gate operations.
Here's what happens when you skip steps: advertising without a strong online presence equals wasted marketing dollars; marketing that drives eyes to an offer of limited value equals lost sales; and efficient gate operations without high attendees equals wasted volunteer capacity.
To see the playbook in action, consider two real-world fairs that both experienced high-demand gate openings.
Fair A had just 1% pre-sale and a poor gate setup. The result? Long lines, unhappy fairgoers, and a large volume of scan-in customers flooding in when gates opened, creating chaos for volunteers.
Fair B had a 58% pre-sale rate and an optimized gate setup. The result? Steady flow, short lines, and approximately 30% more people through the gates during the peak hour compared to Fair A.
The difference was clear: pre-sales combined with smart gate operations made all the difference in the visitor and volunteer experience.
Your online presence is your fair's first impression. Before visitors ever hit the gate, they visit your website or social media. That first impression determines whether they show up. The data backs this up: 81% of consumers research online before purchasing, 67% of social media users research brands on social platforms before making a purchase, and 65% or more of tickets are now purchased online via digital platforms.
Put yourself in a potential fairgoer's shoes. When they land on your site, they're asking themselves a series of questions: Does this look like something I want to do? When and where is it? Where do I buy tickets? And can I purchase quickly?
Your website needs to be easy to navigate, mobile-friendly (60% and growing of users access via phone), and built to help visitors find tickets, schedules, and information fast. Your site should deliver: mobile optimization, SEO optimization, a clear and prominent way to buy tickets, easy-to-find event information, compelling visuals and design that build excitement, and a simple checkout experience.
Common pitfalls to avoid include burying your \"Buy Tickets\" button, using bland design with no compelling visuals, placing hard-to-read maps on the homepage, and cluttering the page with content that isn't relevant to what fairgoers are searching for.
Consistent social media posts that highlight what's happening, build excitement, and keep your community engaged are essential. Your fair is unique, and unique content is what breaks through the noise online.
Campaign Phases: Start posting 90+ days out and phase the types of posts. Build a content calendar. During fair season (60 days pre through 2 weeks post-fair), move from awareness to conversion to post-fair recap. Post 3 times per week up to 3 times per day. During fair week, aim for a minimum of 3–5 posts per day. In the off-season, keep engagement alive with 1 post per week to every other day.
Content and Calls to Action: Strive for authenticity and create real-volume content with clear calls to action. Start posts with direct actions like \"Buy Tickets Now\" and include ticket or registration links right away. Highlight early bird pricing, camping, and vendor info. Use engagement prompts like \"Tag your fair friends!\"
Platforms and Formats: Meta (Facebook and Instagram) is a must. Experiment with other platforms like X, TikTok, and YouTube. Reels resonate, video outperforms pictures.
Direct updates and reminders via email and text boost pre-sales and keep people informed before and during the fair. Best practices include optimizing subject lines with curiosity and clarity (keep them under 50 characters), warming up your list with general information emails first, and moving your primary CTA above the fold with action-oriented language like \"Reserve Your Tickets Now.\" Over 60% of event-related emails are opened on mobile, so always test button sizes and spacing.
Once you have a strong online presence in place, it's time to amplify it with paid social media advertising. Key tips include distributing across channels rather than relying on a single one, focusing on CPM to compare costs and expand reach cost-effectively, and carefully considering audience targeting.
Fairs running strong paid campaigns have seen nearly 100% increases in pre-sale volumes year over year. The takeaway is that authenticity outperforms polish, when people see their own community reflected in the creative, every dollar goes further.
Delivering higher online value is what drives higher online sales. The key is to develop a pricing and promotion strategy that creates a win-win, uses multiple promotions, and delivers optionality so attendees can buy when, how, and where they want.
Several promotion types have proven results:
The fairs that rated their marketing effectiveness highest used 2–3 promotions, which typically included early bird or online discounts, multiday passes, and flash sales.
The final step is ensuring your gate operations can handle the increased demand you've created. The essentials include clear signage, dedicated lines for scan-in, card, and cash, and staff set up for success with Wi-Fi working and tested.
Best practices focus on four areas: clear signage and flow, trained and dedicated staff, reliable connectivity and equipment, and smart line setup. Create dedicated lines for pre-sale, credit-only, and cash/credit transactions. The experience outside the gate is just as important as the experience inside the gate.
You don't have to reinvent the wheel. Just run the plays that pay. Consistent messaging, clear calls to action, and a commitment to running all four steps of the playbook will lead to stronger engagement, higher pre-sales, and lasting growth for your fair.
"}, {"slug": "the-future-of-your-fair-board", "title": "Your Fair Survived a Century. Will It Survive the Next Transition?", "date": "April 13, 2026", "category": "Insights", "image": "https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/69337300123da164da15bb29/69cd58f48437baec824350d3_3.%20Your%20Fair%20Survived%20a%20Century.%20Will%20It%20Survive%20the%20Next%20Transition_.png", "imageAlt": "", "thumbnail": "https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/69337300123da164da15bb29/69cd58f48437baec824350d3_3.%20Your%20Fair%20Survived%20a%20Century.%20Will%20It%20Survive%20the%20Next%20Transition_.png", "summary": "", "metaDescription": "", "body": "You've been at this a long time. You know what it takes to keep a fair running, the budgets, the politics, the weather disasters, the last-minute vendor cancellations. You've held it together through all of it. And if you're like most longtime fair board members, you inherited this role from a generation before you who did the same thing. They carried the fair for decades, and when the time came, they handed it to you.
Now that responsibility sits with you. Not just keeping the fair alive for another season, but making sure there's someone ready to take it when you step back. And that's the part that doesn't get talked about enough.
Here's the uncomfortable truth: if you don't have a clear pipeline of younger leaders learning the real work of your fair board right now, you're running on borrowed time. Not because you're doing anything wrong today, but because the transition takes longer than most people think. The generation that handed you this role didn't do it overnight. They brought you in, let you learn, gave you room to grow into it. That same process has to start now for the generation coming behind you.
And here's what makes it harder this time: the generation you're trying to hand it to doesn't engage the same way yours did.
This isn't speculation, it's well-documented. Deloitte's 2024 and 2025 Global Gen Z and Millennial Surveys, which together represent over 44,000 respondents across 44 countries, found that roughly nine in ten Gen Zs and millennials consider a sense of purpose to be important to their satisfaction and well-being in any organization they give their time to. They don't just want to show up and be told what to do. They want to understand why it matters, have a voice in shaping it, and feel like their contribution actually moves the needle.
This is a fundamental shift from how many of us came up. We were handed tasks, we did them well, and we earned our seat over time. That model worked for our generation. But younger generations are won over differently, by being involved and having their input genuinely incorporated from day one. If you want them at the table, they need to feel like the table is actually theirs too.
For fair boards, this has a very practical implication: the old playbook of \"put in your time and eventually you'll get a say\" will not attract or retain the next generation of fair leaders. You have to involve them earlier and more meaningfully than you were involved.
Think about your broader goal. If you want more people from your community coming through the fair gates, as fairgoers, exhibitors, vendors, or performers, then you need to engage all generations. And the people best suited to engage a generation that isn't yours are people from that generation.
A 25-year-old board member knows what will get their friends to show up. They know where to reach them, what platforms they're on, what experiences they're drawn to, and what will make them come back. You can't Google that. You can't assume it. You need those voices in the room, and they need to be empowered to act on what they know.
A lot of boards have tried to address this by starting a junior fair board. On paper, it sounds right. In practice, it often goes sideways, not because the idea is bad, but because of how it's executed.
The most common mistake is creating a junior board that doesn't actually have a say in anything meaningful. They get a title, maybe a few tasks that nobody else wanted, and they're treated like another item on the to-do list rather than an asset that could help with the already overwhelming work of running a fair. Young people see through that immediately. They know the difference between being involved and being managed.
If your junior board exists mostly so you can say you have one, it's doing more harm than good. It's teaching the next generation that your fair doesn't actually value their contribution, and they won't stick around to be proven wrong.
Start by asking questions instead of making assumptions. Before you structure a junior board or youth initiative, go to the younger people in your community and ask: What would this need to look like for you to actually want to join? What would make it worth your time?
Get ready to hear things that might surprise you. They'll tell you they want real involvement, not busywork. They want a genuine say in decisions. They want the opportunity to set their own direction, test new ideas, and learn from the outcome. They're not asking to run the whole fair tomorrow. They're asking for a shot at something that actually matters.
Then follow through. Give them a front-row seat to the actual work of a fair board, not just the tasks no one else wants, but the full picture. Let them sit in on budget conversations, vendor negotiations, and strategic planning. Give them a project they can own from start to finish, with a real budget, even a modest one. Let them see it through and learn from the experience.
When they make mistakes, and they will, treat those as the affordable leadership development tools they are. A stumble on a small project is infinitely better than a leadership vacuum five years from now because no one was ever given the chance to learn.
This is the part most boards miss. Bringing in younger leaders isn't just about succession planning, it's about making the fair better right now. These aren't empty seats to fill. They're people with fresh perspectives, different networks, and knowledge you don't have.
They know how to reach audiences you're not reaching. They know which local creators and influencers could put your fair in front of thousands of people. They understand what experiences younger families and young adults are actually looking for. Gather their perspective. Ask what they'd change. Ask what they'd add. You might be surprised how much of it makes sense.
The knowledge you carry, the relationships, the institutional memory, the judgment that comes from decades in the room, is genuinely irreplaceable. But if it only lives in your head, it retires when you do. The most valuable thing you can do with that experience is transfer it, while simultaneously being open to what the next generation brings to the table.
Your fair has survived this long because people like you refused to let it fail. The next chapter depends on whether you're willing to bring new people into the work, not on your terms, but on terms that actually work for them.
The next generation isn't asking to tear anything down. They want to be part of something worth building. The question is whether you'll make room for them before they stop asking.
"}, {"slug": "announcing-a-transformative-partnership-fairs-com-and-ian-hills-you-make-the-difference-national-tour", "title": "Announcing a Transformative Partnership: Fairs.com and You Make THE Difference National Initiative led by Ian Hill.", "date": "February 6, 2026", "category": "insights", "image": "https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/69337300123da164da15bb29/69610cab9fc650aa71ff1f8b_fairs-partnership-thumbnail.webp", "imageAlt": "", "thumbnail": "https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/69337300123da164da15bb29/69610cab9fc650aa71ff1f8b_fairs-partnership-thumbnail.webp", "summary": "Together, the initiative strengthens fairs nationwide by modernizing operations, supporting leaders, and amplifying community impact.", "metaDescription": "", "body": "Announcing a Transformative Partnership: Fairs.com and You Make THE Difference National Initiative led by Ian Hill.
At Fairs.com, we’re on a mission to help fairs thrive in today’s fast-paced digital world. Fairs are more than just events, they’re where agricultural heritage shines, communities come together, and traditions are celebrated. We’re here to make sure fairs of all sizes have the tools they need to grow, succeed, and keep those traditions alive for generations to come.
As such, we are thrilled to announce our sponsorship of the You Make THE Difference National Initiative led by award-winning Rural Community Champion Ian Hill. Through our support, the You Make THE Difference National Initiative aims to empower fair leaders, amplify their impact, and ensure the lasting success of the fairs and communities they serve.
Ian Hill, a visionary social innovator and leadership expert, is dedicated to creating lasting change in communities worldwide. His You Make THE Difference National Initiative is a groundbreaking initiative that equips fair boards and community leaders with the skills, tools, and strategies they need to thrive. It’s more than a program, it’s a movement to empower leaders who truly make a difference in their communities.
Fairs, their boards, and volunteers are the backbone of these initiatives, driving economic growth, fostering civic engagement, and connecting generations. Ian Hill’s program focuses on fostering resilience, collaboration, and innovation among these vital leaders, ensuring fairs remain impactful and sustainable.
The partnership between Fairs.com and the You Make THE Difference Initiative is rooted in a shared vision for strengthening fairs and their communities. We know that when fair leaders succeed, their entire community thrives.
This national initiative is dedicated to empowering fair boards across the country.
Together, we aim to:
Awarded state fair board associations will receive a comprehensive training program which includes:
Fairs are more than events, they’re traditions worth protecting, celebrating, and evolving. Through this partnership, we’re working to ensure fairs remain vibrant and impactful for future generations.
Stronger fairs mean stronger communities, economies, and traditions. Together, we’re building a brighter future for fairs nationwide.
Interested in joining the movement and bringing Ian Hill's You Make THE Difference National Initiative to your state? Apply here!
"}, {"slug": "marketing-your-fair-to-todays-audience", "title": "Marketing Your Fair to Today's Audience", "date": "February 6, 2026", "category": "insights", "image": "https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/69337300123da164da15bb29/6978c09336c842ac6ca0eb5a_663d087021ce99240e1817f8_663b84a8e43f7b6fa279cb90_Rectangle%20921091.webp", "imageAlt": "", "thumbnail": "https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/69337300123da164da15bb29/6978c08e9dda517d67905b7f_663d086f8e25eefb20ca5e3a_663b83cf75a5c007ce1da5ef_Mask%20group.webp", "summary": "", "metaDescription": "", "body": "“We have no trouble reaching our tried and true attendees year after year, but it’s been an uphill battle reaching new people and growing our fair.”
Does this sound familiar? Perhaps, like most fairs, you face challenges in attracting new attendees or resonating with a younger demographic. As audience behaviors shift dramatically towards digital platforms, and the winning against competing entertainment and educational events for the patrons for your fair. tapping into a broader audience pool becomes absolutely necessary to ensure the continued success of your fair year after year. A digital-first marketing approach is not just beneficial; it’s essential. The truth is, people plan their weekends in advance and often choose which events to attend based on what they see on social media. Here at Fairs.com, we are dedicated to helping you bridge that gap. By building a social-first marketing plan, we ensure your fair isn’t merely a memory of the past, but a vibrant, must-visit event for all ages.
Consider this striking statistic: the percentage of people in the US using social media has skyrocketed from 44% in 2010 to over 90% today. Has your marketing budget evolved to match this shift? Are you effectively meeting your potential fairgoers where they spend a significant amount of their time, on social media?
Today, 58% of consumers visit a brand’s social media accounts before its website. Additionally, 9 out of every 10 Americans are active on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Having an active social media presence is no longer a luxury; it's a requirement to survive and thrive. These platforms offer the chance to reach a broad demographic from ages 18 to 65+, providing a dynamic space to engage with them directly and vibrantly.
Digital marketing offers clear advantages over traditional methods, especially in terms of cost-efficiency and targeting precision:
With advanced machine learning, platforms like Meta’s Ads Manager enable precise targeting to identify and engage potential fair-goers. This ensures that your marketing efforts are not only more efficient but also cost-effective, typically achieving CPMs between $1.90 and $2.15. Another advantage of digital marketing is its measurability. Unlike traditional advertising where reach and impact are estimated, digital marketing provides exact data on how many times your ad was seen, clicked on, and converted into ticket sales, enabling you to make informed decisions to maximize your budget.
Maintaining an organic social media presence is essential for building an engaging community, acting as a dynamic showcase of what attendees can expect at your fair. However, considering that only about 5-10% of your organic followers see your posts, supplementing with a paid strategy ensures your fair captures the broadest audience possible.
Email marketing provides a direct line of communication to past attendees through digital ticketing, allowing you to engage them at a very low cost. This approach is not only cost-effective, it’s necessary, given that it costs five times more to attract a new customer than to retain an existing one.
At Fairs.com, we understand that many fairs are hesitant to allocate 18%-22% of their budget to agency fees for social media management. That's why we offer a different model: high-quality marketing management at no charge. We measure our success by the success of the fairs we support, focusing on providing the tools and strategies to modernize your marketing efforts and connect effectively with today's digital-first audience, charging only minimal platform fees when absolutely necessary.
Ready to transform your fair’s marketing strategy without the hefty fees? Visit us at Fairs.com, where we can help forge your fair’s digital future.
"}, {"slug": "the-secret-to-winning-over-that-one-grumpy-weve-always-done-it-this-way-board-member", "title": "The Secret to Winning Over That One Grumpy, “We’ve Always Done It This Way” Board Member", "date": "February 6, 2026", "category": "insights", "image": "https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/69337300123da164da15bb29/69610bef593de47e93a0e80e_overcoming-grumpy-board-member.webp", "imageAlt": "", "thumbnail": "https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/69337300123da164da15bb29/69610bef593de47e93a0e80e_overcoming-grumpy-board-member.webp", "summary": "Because sometimes the biggest hurdle isn’t budget… it’s Bob.", "metaDescription": "", "body": "The fair was struggling. Attendance had dipped, vendors were losing interest, and even the county was starting to question its funding. That’s why Jenny joined the board. Like many who step up, she cared deeply. She grew up showing livestock through 4-H, and she knew what the fair meant to her town. Her background in marketing gave her hope she could bring in fresh ideas and help turn things around.
That hope took a hit at her very first board meeting.
She barely got a few sentences into a proposal about shifting some ad dollars to social media before Bob, a longtime board member, shut it down.
“We don’t need that.”
Bob had been on the board for 34 years. His heart was in the right place. He’d helped guide the fair through its glory days. But those days were behind them, and his opinion still carried weight.
Jenny blinked. “But this could help us reach new families. We need that.”
“Been doing this long enough to know what works,” Bob said. “Radio, TV, and flyers in the feed store. That’s all the marketing we need. Social media is just a fad.”
Sound familiar?
Jenny’s story plays out in fair board meetings across the country. The fairs most in need of change often face the most resistance. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Modernizing your fair isn’t just about adopting new tools. It’s about building bridges, with your community, and with fellow board members who may not yet see the need for change.
If you’ve ever faced a “Bob,” this guide will help you move the conversation forward, respectfully and effectively.
Quick Tip: Never start with your idea. Start with your shared purpose.
Fair board members care deeply. This isn’t just a hobby, it’s a mission. Fairs are more than events; they’re vital threads in the fabric of rural and agricultural communities. They pass down tradition, bring generations together, and provide local kids a stage to shine.
So before proposing change, start by reaffirming that shared love for the fair.
Ask questions like:
If you’re getting nods, you’re making progress.
If not, try this facilitation exercise:
Hand out sticky notes and ask, “In 5 words or less, what’s the most important challenge we need to solve for our fair?” Post them up. You’ll quickly see themes emerge, and alignment will start to take shape.
Don’t skip this step. Leading with your idea before aligning on the challenge is the fastest way to lose the room.
Tradition matters, but not if it keeps you stuck. Once you’ve agreed on your shared goals, take an honest look at whether your current approach is helping you achieve them.
Ask questions like:
You’re not presenting a solution. You’re prompting reflection.
When someone gives an answer that doesn’t quite add up, it will show without you needing to argue. This step helps everyone see the gap between where you are and where you want to be.
Often, resistance isn’t about the idea itself, it’s about fear.
Fear of the unknown. Fear of messing things up. Fear of complaints. Fear of change.
Instead of pushing forward, lean in with curiosity. Listen harder.
Let’s say a board member raises a concern like,
“What about our older attendees? They won’t want to deal with digital tickets.”
That might sound like a tech concern. But often, the real worry is,
“I’m worried we’ll get complaints, and I don’t want to deal with the fallout.”
When you ask thoughtful questions and listen carefully, you’ll often discover it’s not the idea that’s the problem, it’s the uncertainty around it.
By asking, listening, and digging into the real “why” behind the pushback, you make others feel heard, not steamrolled. That builds trust.
And here’s the truth: change isn’t about convincing people to jump onboard overnight. It’s about creating space for conversation. That space only opens when people feel safe expressing their concerns.
Sometimes the strongest resistance comes not from fear of change, but from fear that change erases the past.
Board members like Bob have poured years, sometimes decades, into the fair. If a new idea feels like a criticism of how things were done before, they’ll resist.
You can disarm that quickly by reframing:
“We wouldn’t be in a position to try new things if you hadn’t built what we have today.”
This is about strengthening tradition, not replacing it. Social media is today’s version of radio or TV, it’s just where people are paying attention now.
New ideas don’t threaten the past. They help protect it for the future.
Once you’ve built trust, show what’s possible.
No buzzwords. No jargon. Just real results from real fairs.
Even better? Bring in someone who’s done it. A board member from another fair. A technology provider like Fairs.com. Real people with real outcomes.
Hearing it from a peer builds confidence and credibility.
Now that you’ve done the work, aligned on goals, asked hard questions, uncovered concerns, and shown results, it’s time to make your ask.
Keep it small and connected to your shared goals.
“We all want to make the fair easier for volunteers and more fun for guests. What if we tested digital ticketing for just one smaller event this year and saw how it goes?”
That’s it.
A small win builds momentum. When people see success, they get curious. Curious turns into open. Open turns into action.
Progress doesn’t have to be painful. It just needs to be practical.
Bob may not have changed his mind in one meeting. But he listened. And more importantly, he felt heard.
Jenny didn’t try to win with a PowerPoint or a hard sell. She won with empathy, shared goals, and a willingness to walk slowly.
You can too.
Every fair has its Bobs. But every fair also has its Jennys, people who care deeply, want to preserve tradition, and know that small steps toward progress matter.
Fairs aren’t meant to stay frozen in time. They’re meant to grow with the people they serve.
Let’s help them do just that.
Fairs.com helps modernize fairs across the country with digital ticketing, marketing support, and tools designed just for fair operations.
If you're ready to explore how your fair can take the next step, with zero pressure and a whole lot of support, we’re here to help.
"}, {"slug": "why-go-digital-embracing-the-future-of-fairs", "title": "Why Go Digital? Embracing the Future of Fairs", "date": "February 6, 2026", "category": "insights", "image": "https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/69337300123da164da15bb29/6978c0e70d606c073e010135_663d08783c6a43813f9468cc_663b83c78580a9840e1c0da9_Mask%20group.webp", "imageAlt": "", "thumbnail": "https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/69337300123da164da15bb29/6978c0e20351d298984dbf8b_663d0877decc890775e84c39_663b83c77ac9892c5e3e084d_Rectangle%20921090.webp", "summary": "", "metaDescription": "", "body": "In today's digital-driven world, ignoring the shift towards online integration can feel like trying to stop a flood with a bucket, an exercise in futility and a considerable strategic oversight for any business. For fairs, which depend heavily on broad visibility and easy accessibility, embracing digital technologies is not merely advantageous, it is crucial for their continued relevance and growth. This blog post explores why moving to digital platforms is imperative for the survival and prosperity of fairs.
Historically, fairs began as gatherings primarily focused on agricultural and livestock displays, serving as a community highlight where local farmers showcased their produce and livestock. Over the decades, this concept has evolved dramatically. Today's fairs have transformed into multifaceted entertainment venues featuring live music, interactive games, artisan crafts, and a variety of food vendors that cater to a broad audience. This evolution reflects a significant shift in consumer interests. Visitors are not just looking for traditional fair activities but a comprehensive entertainment experience.
The way the world does business has fundamentally changed. Digital commerce has taken the lead, becoming the norm rather than the exception. This shift is backed by a global trend towards online transactions, people increasingly shop, book, and pay for services online. Going digital is no longer an option but a necessity for staying relevant in any industry, including the fair sector. Fairs that have adopted digital ticketing systems and online marketing strategies are not just surviving; they're thriving, reporting higher attendance and improved customer engagement.
Ignoring the digital shift can have severe consequences. Fairs that cling exclusively to traditional methods with no social or online strategy risk the ongoing health and viability of their fair. Reports and headlines about reduced visitor numbers and financial difficulties are more frequent among these events. Conversely, fairs that leverage digital tools effectively are not only avoiding such pitfalls but are also experiencing growth and revitalization, attracting new demographics and re-engaging past attendees.
Today’s fairgoers have distinct expectations that reflect broader consumer behavior trends:
The fairs that will lead tomorrow are those that proactively adapt to meet and exceed today’s audience demands. By embracing digital tools, these fairs enhance visitor experiences, streamline operations, and ultimately, boost their bottom line. Fairs.com offers tailored solutions that support this transition. Our platform ensures fairgoers can discover your event, purchase tickets, and enjoy the day with minimal hassle, all through their digital devices.
Taking your Fair through a digital transformation can indeed be intimidating, it may feel like a colossal wave about to crash down on top of you. However, with Fairs.com, you don’t just face the wave; you ride it. Our expertise in digital fair management equips you to not only survive the digital shift but to lead it, ensuring your fair remains a favored destination in this new era.
Ready to modernize your fair and captivate a broader audience? Visit Fairs.com today, and let us help you harness the power of digital transformation to ensure your fair's longevity and success.
"}, {"slug": "the-new-ftc-fee-transparency-rule-what-event-organizers-need-to-know-about-ticketing-compliance", "title": "The New FTC Fee Transparency Rule: What Event Organizers Need to Know About Ticketing Compliance", "date": "February 6, 2026", "category": "insights", "image": "https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/69337300123da164da15bb29/69610ae87878617156586439_ticketing-compliance-thumbnail.webp", "imageAlt": "", "thumbnail": "https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/69337300123da164da15bb29/69610ae87878617156586439_ticketing-compliance-thumbnail.webp", "summary": "The landscape of live event ticketing just changed dramatically. Are you ready? As of May 12, 2025, the Federal Trade Commission’s Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees is officially in effect, ushering in a new era of pricing transparency for live-event ticketing. While this may feel like a regulatory challenge, it’s also a powerful opportunity to earn your customers’ trust by being upfront and clear about your prices.", "metaDescription": "", "body": "The new rule targets bait-and-switch pricing tactics, often referred to as “junk fees.” For live event organizers, this means every unavoidable fee must be included in the total price you advertise, and that total must be displayed more prominently than any other pricing information.
There are two main areas you must focus on to remain compliant:
If you address both of these, you’re well on your way to compliance.
Note: This article is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Always consult qualified legal counsel for specific compliance guidance.
This is the most straightforward path to compliance.
✅ Benefit: Simplicity. Customers see one price across all channels, and compliance is easier.
This approach creates added complexity in both compliance and marketing.
❌ Challenge: Every marketing channel must carefully account for fees, and inconsistency risks compliance violations.
Fairs that lead with transparent, all-in pricing enjoy:
📩 Ready to ensure your ticketing platform keeps you compliant while building customer trust? Contact us to learn how Fairs.com helps fairs of every size meet FTC requirements with confidence.
"}, {"slug": "why-i-started-fairs-com---a-founders-journey", "title": "Why I Started Fairs.com – A Founder’s Journey", "date": "February 6, 2026", "category": "insights", "image": "https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/69337300123da164da15bb29/6978c130d2c5e857b516d195_663d087e9ecfad2f05fff9b4_663b7e4097d8ce5919c4f318_Rectangle%20921089.webp", "imageAlt": "", "thumbnail": "https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/69337300123da164da15bb29/6978c12ad0fd3429ea6e3e67_663d087c800666881edaa0dd_663b808ccbd045adf229eb63_Rectangle%20921089.webp", "summary": "", "metaDescription": "", "body": "Hello! I’m Scott Hillyer, Founder and CEO of Fairs.com. I’d like to share with you how a mix of personal frustration, a love for our community traditions, and a big dream sparked the creation of this company.
Fairs were always a highlight of my year as a kid. They’re more than just a place for great food and fun rides; they are essential community gatherings that celebrate our agricultural heritage and pass these traditions on to our kids. It’s been hard to watch these fantastic events miss out on the benefits of modern technology.
My eyes were really opened last year after coming back from a long stint overseas. I was so excited to reconnect with my family and make some special memories, so we headed to our local fair. But what was meant to be a fun day out turned into anything but. The fair's website was a confusing mess of ticket options, and once we got there, we ran into all sorts of issues at the gates as we tried to redeem our tickets.
It took more than an hour waiting in line to find a staff member who could actually help fix our issue! This of course was a very annoying start to our day. As I looked around, I realized we were not the only family having these issues. Was this an isolated problem with the one fair I happened to attend? Or was this a sign of a much bigger problem affecting countless fairs trying to succeed in today’s digital world?
Driven by a mix of curiosity and concern, I started talking to fair board members all over the country. It quickly became clear that my experience was far from unique. Many fairs were indeed struggling with outdated systems when moving to digital ticketing. I also heard an even bigger issue troubling fair board members: dwindling attendance. I kept hearing, \"Our fair just isn’t what it used to be, our attendance numbers keep going down.\" Many fairs lacked the expertise, the budget, or the time to connect with today’s online audiences.
This realization turned a simple business idea into a heartfelt mission. The need was too great and the opportunity to make a real difference was too significant to overlook. That’s the spirit behind Fairs.com, we're here to ensure that these essential community events don't just survive; they thrive.
We're committed to giving every fair the boost it needs to shine. A key part of our strategy is to help fairs connect with new fans and keep their loyal visitors thrilled, all using the magic of online tools. And yes, we offer our website and marketing services for free. Why? Because that's exactly what fairs need to succeed, and their success is our success.
Our own achievements aren't our primary measure of success; we gauge our impact by the success of the fairs we help. We leverage technology to enhance the fair experience, making it more enjoyable and accessible for everyone. This isn't just business to us, it's a passion. Our team is deeply committed to revitalizing these vital community gatherings.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. I’m incredibly excited about the future and deeply grateful to play a role in enhancing America's fairs. Together, we're not just preserving cherished traditions; we're elevating them for future generations to enjoy.
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