Tennessee Valley Fair’s Foundation Director Received IAFE Certified Executive Designation
Knoxville, Tenn. (May 2, 2024) – The Tennessee Valley Fair’s Foundation Director, Kristen Bright, received her Certified Fair Executive (CFE) designation from the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) this past week.
What is the IAFE’s CFE designation? The purposes of the CFE program are a) to provide incentive for professional improvement in fair management; b) to recognize those who achieve the specific standards; and c) to develop professional status in the field of fair management. Certification also honors those members who have demonstrated their abilities through years of service to their fairs, fair associations, communities, and the Association. To be eligible to apply, Ms. Bright had to meet criteria such as graduating from the Institute of Fair Management, 5+ years of service in the industry, participation on IAFE committees, presenting at conferences, taking classes, volunteering, and more.
About Kristen Bright: Ms. Bright is originally from West Tennessee but has called East Tennessee home for 12 years since her enrollment and graduation from the University of Tennessee. She began her career at the Tennessee Valley Fair in 2016 as the Social Media Intern while finishing her studies at the Haslam College of Business, majoring in Marketing. Since her time as an intern, Ms. Bright has also worked as the Sponsorship and Special Events Coordinator and the 100th Fair Celebration Coordinator and Historian. Since 2019, she has served as the Foundation Director, overseeing everything for the Tennessee Valley Fair Foundation. Ms. Bright has been involved with the IAFE for over 6 years. She is an Institute of Fair Management graduate, and she has served as an active member of the Sponsorship, Ticketing, and Convention Program committees, and was the Sponsorship Committee Chair in 2023.
Ms. Bright is only the fourth person in the state of Tennessee to receive the CFE designation. Two of the other three are also from the Tennessee Valley Fair: Larry Suchomski, former Executive Director and current Special Projects Coordinator, and Scott Suchomski, Executive Director.
The 104th Tennessee Valley Fair is September 6th-15th, 2024. Learn more at tnvalleyfair.org.
About the International Association of Fairs and Expositions
The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE), based in Springfield, Mo., is a voluntary, nonprofit 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 interested in improving fairs, shows, expositions, and allied fields. For more information, visit www.fairsandexpos.com, follow the IAFE on Facebook or Instagram or call (417) 862-5771.
About the Tennessee Valley Fair
The Tennessee Valley Fair is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization and one of the state’s largest multi-day events attracting thousands of attendees each year. Known for its innovative exhibits, livestock shows, concert series, action sports, exciting rides and variety of unique foods, the Tennessee Valley Fair offers great entertainment for the entire family. The Tennessee Valley Fair is proud to present nightly fireworks sponsored by the Tennessee Education Lottery. For more information, please visit www.tnvalleyfair.org or call (865) 215-1471.
Contact:
Abbington (Abby) Villas
Marketing Coordinator
(865) 215-1473
abby@tnvalleyfair.org
www.tnvalleyfair.org or (865)215-1471
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