HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas State Fair is losing another top official.
Assistant General Manager Lori Hart is leaving the fair to become the new Director of Education for the 
International Association of Fairs and Expositions in Springfield, Mo. Hart has been with the fair for 18 years. Hart tells BW news that she knew of potential changes that were going on in Springfield, and that piqued her interests. However, she says it was after the fair that she was approached about the job and decided it was a great opportunity. Her last day with the Kansas State fair is Dec. 19.
Hart says she will be staying in Hutchinson and will be able to work from home, but will do a lot of traveling from Hutchinson to Springfield and other locations. Hart’s job will be to employ professional development for fair and expo leaders and staff in order to obtain and maintain accreditation.
The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) is a voluntary, not-for-profit corporation, serving state, provincial, regional, and county agricultural fairs, shows, exhibitions, and expositions. Its associate members include state and provincial associations of fairs, non-agricultural expositions and festivals, associations, corporations, and individuals engaged in providing products and services to its members, all of whom are interested in the improvement of fairs and allied fields.
The IAFE began in 1885 and today, represents more than 1,100 fairs around the world, and more than 900 members from allied fields. Throughout the years, the IAFE has remained true to its purpose of promoting and encouraging the development and improvement of agricultural fairs, shows, and expositions.