The Dane County Fair Association is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic General Manager to lead the planning and execution of the annual Dane County Fair. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual or organization with a strong background in event management and a passion for community engagement, youth development, and creating memorable experiences. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders, including the Fair Board, youth organizations, vendors, sponsors, and the public. The Dane County Fair is a four-day celebration held the third week of July at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Attracting 30,000 to 35,000 attendees each year, the fair features a lively midway, delicious local and fair-favorite foods, commercial exhibits, live entertainment, and a wide variety of youth project showcases. It’s a summer tradition that brings the community together and highlights the best of what Dane County has to offer. A major focus of the fair is celebrating the achievements of Dane County youth. The event features both large and small animal shows, along with thousands of non-animal exhibits in categories such as cultural arts, photography, woodworking, mechanical sciences, culinary arts, clothing, horticulture, and more. Nearly 800 youth from 54 local clubs, FFA chapters, and schools participate in the fair, presenting over 6,000 projects. The fair provides a platform for educational youth development organizations and school-based projects to share their work and be recognized. We are looking for a collaborative leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment, values inclusivity, and is committed to delivering a safe, inspiring, and successful event. If you have a passion for bringing people together and creating meaningful experiences for youth and the broader community, we encourage you to apply and help shape the future of this cherished Dane County tradition.
Key responsibilities include but not limited to:Business Development & Partnership Growth- Identify and pursue new business opportunities through outreach, and consultative sales.
- Cultivate and expand relationships with existing partners by offering tailored packages with high-value deliverables.
- Attend industry events to gather insights, foster relationships, and stay ahead of market trends.
- Develop and execute sponsorship and partnership opportunities, from concept to delivery, in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
Exhibit Sales Management & Operations- Create sales collateral and run promotional campaigns in partnership with the Board of Directors to attract vendor partners.
- Oversee the exhibit sales program, including tracking, forecasting, and regular reporting on pipeline progress to ensure revenue goals are met or exceeded.
- Manage exhibitor and sponsor contracts, communications, service kits, and customer fulfillment.
Event Programming & Strategic Planning- Use feedback from attendees, vendors, and community input, as well as industry trends, to develop engaging and relevant event programming each year.
- Collaborate with leadership on multi-year strategies aimed at growing attendance, sponsorships, and community impact.
- Evaluate all Dane County Fair event components annually and propose improvements and recommendations for future years.
Attendance Promotion- Work closely with the Board of Directors to develop a promotional campaign that ensures consistent branding, messaging, and alignment with event priorities.
Registration & Admission Management- Research, recommend, and implement the registration/ticketing platform for the event.
- Coordinate on-site registration and admission, including staffing, equipment, and troubleshooting.
- Ensure accurate data collection for attendance tracking and post-event reporting.
Pre-Event Logistics- Manage event details such as facility coordination, food and beverage requirements, audiovisual needs, and timelines.
- Negotiate contracts and pricing with vendors and suppliers.
- Create vendor work orders and review BEOs (Banquet Event Orders) and function orders to ensure accuracy.
- Secure necessary permits, licenses, and insurance in compliance with local regulations.
Event Onsite Management- Oversee event setup, and breakdown, ensuring all logistical components (AV, food and beverage, room sets, exhibitor relations, etc.) are executed according to plan.
- Manage the event on site while the event is open to the public.
- Manage volunteers and event staff to ensure smooth operations and a positive attendee experience.
- Act as the primary point of contact during the event, addressing any issues quickly and professionally.
Financial Management & Reporting- Develop and manage the event’s annual budget, revenue goals, and expense forecasts to ensure alignment with financial objectives.
- Prepare post-event financial reports, including attendance data and recommendations for future improvements
External Partner Relations- Work with External Contractors who are employed by the Dane County Fair to ensure event success.
- Clearly communicate expectations and needs of external contractors coordinating pre-event logistics, on-site management and post event follow-up.
Qualifications, Skills, Experiences- Required:Event Management, Customer Relations, Sales,
- Preferred:Event Planning, Vendor Management, Business Analysis, Business Metrics, Business Strategies, Customer Engagement, Financial Management, Governance Management, Program Management, Revenue Growth, Stakeholder Relationship Management, Strategic Planning,
Job Specifics:Location:Madison, Wisconsin (Remote)Job Posting End Date: October 30, 2025
Interested parties should submit applications to: Richard Straub, President Dane County Fair Association 292 Glenway Road Brooklyn, WI 53521 by clicking on APPLY TO THIS POSITION. About Dane County FairThe Dane County Fair is an annual, family-friendly event held in Wisconsin’s capital city every July. Friends from near and far venture to the Alliant Energy Center in Madison for free concerts, entertainment, great food, animals, and adventure. The Fair has a rich history dating back to 1851 when the first Dane County Fair was held in Madison. The Fair's long history guides us as we strive to honor the past while continuing a tradition and looking to the future.
Vision Statement:The Dane County Fair is committed to lifelong learning and growth while valuing traditions and looking toward the future to blend rural and urban communities together in one central location.
Values:Agriculture, education, community, youth involvement, inclusivity, tradition, growth, family and friends, and local foods and environment.
Education:Our organization is centered around the community of Dane County, and it is our goal to host an event that is not only fun, but educational for everyone in attendance. Attendees are encouraged to walk through the New Holland Pavilions and the Exhibition Hall to view youth-developed projects that are an accumulation of their hard work throughout the year. With support from our generous Friend of the Fair sponsors, we are able to offer this public exhibition for Dane County’s youth, giving them the opportunity to be recognized in their endeavors. Dane County Fair sponsors also allow us to offer educational displays — such as the Kiddie Farm and Learning Lane — to our attendees, along with unique daily activities.
Outreach:Through community partner support, the Fair is able to be a central location for different outreach groups, allowing for positive impacts across our community. The American Red Cross hosts a blood drive on Thursday, while Operation Homefront provides free school supplies to military families. The Fair proudly works with the public libraries, Madison School & Community Recreation, and daycares. Our outreach continues throughout the year with the Dane County Fairest of the Fair program — an ambassador who serves as voice and a face for the Fair as well as a role model to youth in Dane County.