^{Mission Statement}

^{The National Independent Concessionaires Association is a membership-driven organization dedicated to strengthening relationships with the Fair, Festival, and Special Events Industries through effective Communication, Education, Benefits, Leadership, and Solutions.}

^{Communication Committees}

^{WHAT is a Communication Committee?}

^{A Communication Committee is a group of Vendors and Fair Management that meets on a systematic basis to discuss and seek solutions that address mutual concerns.}

^{WHY have a Communication Committee?}

^{Communication}

^{Concerns are solved by recognition, mutual discussion, and joint effort to solve the concern.}

^{Shared Knowledge}

^{When we share the observations of our vendors and employees, we will have fewer water leaks, improved traffic patterns, safer events, and increased profits.}

^{WHY have a Communication Committee?}

^{Impactful Promotions}

^{Collectively design promotions that increase attendance, revenue, and quality of life in the community.}

^Trends

^{Because trends travel, as do Vendors, Vendors are a valuable resource of ideas.}

^{WHY have a Communication Committee?}

^{Guest Experience}

^{Making Blue Ribbon memories is our shared passion.}

^{Community Public Relations}

^{The Fair’s community IS the Vendor’s community.}

^{Let’s both make them better!}

^{WHERE can you form a Communication Committee?}

^{Any Fair or Festival!}

^{WHEN can you form a Communication Committee?}

^{The sooner the better!}

^{WHO can form a Communication Committee?}

^{YOU! Because you care!}

^{• Communicating consistently means good ideas are shared sooner�}

^{• Learning how others conduct their business�}

^{• Keeping costs down and revenues up}

^Benefits

^{• Working together as an ensemble, not as competitors�}

^{• Expecting to make critical choices that are successful is empowering�}

^{• Conducting businesses more intentionally and conscientiously�}

^{• Building loyalty and relationships}

^{Benefits Continued}

^{HOW can you organize a Communication Committee?}

^{Ask a NICA Member, the NICA Office, and/or a Fair Manager to help you organize a Communication Committee.}

^{• Set goals for what you want to accomplish}

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^{• Determine how many members your Committee will have}

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^{• Select the representation of one or multiple groups: Commercial Exhibitors; Concessionaires; Carnivals; Purveyors}

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^{• Invite Committee members}

^{• Choose time and place}

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^{• Prepare list of Committee members}

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^{• Decide when to meet: quarterly, during the Fair, off-season, or at conventions}

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^{• Develop meeting agenda discussion points}

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^{• Invite special guests}

^{• Order refreshments or a meal when necessary}

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^{• Send reminders leading up to the event}

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^{• Take notes during the meeting}

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^{• Listen for understanding, not agreement}

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^{• Distribute notes, comments, or suggestions to all Fair Stakeholders and Vendors}

^{Communication Committee Success Stories}

^{Throughout the country, Communication Committees have found success, sometimes in unexpected places.}

^{1. Offered practical training for owners, temporary employees, and alcohol servers in areas like guest services, health department rules, and responsible alcohol consumption.�}

^{2. Achieved unprecedented food and beverage per cap growth by working with the fair to increase length of stay.}

^{3. Researched, developed and launched a successful souvenir cup program that is profitable for both Fair and Vendors and increased the Fair’s brand recognition.}

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^{4. Raised the guest service score of “completely satisfied” with Vendor customer service from 38% to 64% over a three-year period.�}

^{5. Experimented with promotions to find ones that increased revenues and guest satisfaction.}

^{“Together We Can Communicate!”}

^{Learn More About NICA at www.nicainc.org}