Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center

conventions, consumer shows, conferences, sports, concerts, fairs, exhibitions, meetings, weddings, banquets, and retreats. It’s a special place where memories happen all year long. Business View Magazine recently spoke about the operations and surprising scope of the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center with Executive Director Cynthia Hoye; VP and COO Mike Berkery; and Anna Whelchel, VP of Marketing, as they geared up for the August 2019 edition of the beloved Indiana State Fair. The following is an edited transcript of that conversation. BVM: What sets the Indiana State Fair apart from the rest? Hoye: “The Indiana State Fair started in 1852. We’re the sixth oldest state fair in the country. It was held in downtown Indianapolis for many years, and then traveled to other cities across the state of Indiana before moving back to a different location in Indianapolis in 1891. They purchased two farms and the first fair was held in this location in 1892, where it continues to this day. In the 1850s, these fairs were a place for farmers to come together and share best practices in livestock and equipment, and how to farm. In today’s world, the fair is more about the farmer helping the consumer understand where their food comes from. “What sets the Indiana State Fair apart from other fairs is our commitment to agriculture and livestock; our commitment to 4H and youth; and our commitment to teaching the story of agriculture. When the fairgrounds was built in 1892, they had a grandstand, a place for arts and culture to be showcased, and all sorts of buildings on the campus specifically for livestock. As we have progressed over 160-plus years, we take great pride in using the buildings as multi-use facilities. One day, you may have a livestock show, the next day a flower and patio show, or a hockey game. We’re driven to maximize the use of these facilities 365 days a year, not just the 17 days of the fair every August.”