The 2024 OAC Spring Meeting is scheduled for April 19 at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center.
Meet Adam Heffron, Executive Director of the Ohio Expo Center & State Fair
Join with others invested in Ohio agriculture, as we get to know our new executive director of the Ohio Expo Center & State Fair – Adam Heffron.
Heffron will share his forward-looking vision for the fair, highlighting plans for innovation, enhancing community engagement and underscoring the pivotal role of agriculture in Ohio’s economy and cultural identity. His leadership promises exciting developments for the future of the Ohio State Fair.
Matt Reese, editor of Ohio’s Country Journal, will lead us in this visit.
Featured Speaker:
Adam Heffron, recently appointed by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine as the new Executive Director of the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair, brings a deep and varied background in the hospitality and entertainment industry to this role, with over 30 years of experience that includes leadership positions at significant events and venues across the United States.
Previously, Heffron served as the Director of Dane County’s Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin, where he managed a multi-venue events center hosting agricultural and other large events. His tenure at the Alliant Energy Center was marked by efforts to secure the future of the World Dairy Expo in Madison and the initiation of redevelopment plans for the 164-acre campus to enhance its offerings for large-scale events.
Heffron’s extensive experience also includes roles at Summerfest, the world’s largest music festival, where he was Director of Facilities and Operations, contributing to the festival’s significant economic impact on the Milwaukee community. His career has spanned various roles, including with the Wisconsin State Fair, Washington State Fair, Meet Minneapolis: Convention & Visitors Association, the Minnesota State Fair, and a prior stint with the Ohio Expo Center and State Fair.
Raised on the grounds of the Minnesota State Fair, Heffron’s passion for the industry started at a young age, living in a historic home on the fairgrounds, which later became a police station. His educational background in hospitality administration with an emphasis on exposition and fair management from Georgia State University further solidified his foundation in the field.
Adam Heffron is enthusiastic about leveraging his diverse experiences to lead the Ohio State Fair and Expo Center into a new era of growth and development, as outlined in the Expo 2050 plan.
Moderator
Matt Reese is the editor of Ohio’s Country Journal. He grew up on a small farm in northwest Ohio and spent most of his youth writing, doodling, taking pictures, reading and exploring the surrounding farmland. With a family full of teachers, Matt also grew up around a culture supportive of education. He was active in athletics in high school before graduating from Ohio State University where he studied agricultural communications. This led to his career in agricultural journalism.
Matt continues to work on the family Christmas tree farm in Hancock County. He and his wife, Jenna live on a small farm in Fairfield County with sheep, rabbits and chickens. They have a daughter, Campbell, and a son, Parker. They are active in their local church and with numerous other organizations.
Meeting Agenda:
- 11:30 am: Registration
- 12 Noon: Lunch
- Featured Speaker
- 2024 Hall of Fame Inductee Announcement
- 1:30 pm: Adjourn
Cost & Registration:
- Members & Member Guests: $37
- Non-Members: $50