International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) Designates Mackenzie Coburn as a Certified

The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) is proud to announce that Mackenzie Coburn, Sponsorship Sales Manager, of Eastern States Exposition has been designated as a Certified Fair Executive (CFE) during the 2026 IAFE Management Conference.
 

Eastern States Exposition Sponsorship Sales Manager Mackenzie Coburn with her Certified Fair Executive (CFE) plaque.

“We are thrilled to congratulate Mackenzie Coburn on this outstanding achievement in earning the prestigious CFE designation,” said David Grindle, President and CEO of the IAFE. “As a dedicated member of the IAFE, Mackenzie has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing the fair and exposition industry through hard work, leadership, and expertise. We are proud to support Mackenzie’s professional growth and look forward to the continued impact she will make in the industry.”

The CFE designation is the highest level of professional certification offered by the IAFE. The program encourages ongoing professional development in fair management, recognizes individuals who meet established standards of excellence, and elevates the professional status of leaders across the industry. It also honors those who have demonstrated long-term commitment to their fairs, communities, and the IAFE.

To earn the CFE designation, Coburn completed a rigorous certification process, including documenting professional experience and achievements and undergoing a comprehensive review by the IAFE Certification Committee. In addition, she is a graduate of the Institute of Fair Management (IFM), a requirement for certification.


About Eastern States Exposition
It’s always showtime at Eastern States Exposition (ESE), a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation located in West Springfield, Mass. ESE is committed to excellence in providing opportunities for the development and promotion of agriculture, industry, education and family entertainment while preserving our New England heritage. The 175-acre campus holds five exhibition buildings, equivalent to 355,000 square feet of ground level indoor space. Their year-round, on-site dining and entertainment locations include Storrowton Village Museum, Eastern States Farmers Market & Wine Café, Storrowton Tavern & Carriage House. The facility also hosts more than 120 shows and events annually, such as The Big E, America’s only multi-state fair, and Hooplandia, the Northeast’s Ultimate 3x3 Basketball Tourney + Festival. For more information, check out EasternStatesExposition.com, or find us on social media.


About the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE)
The IAFE, based in Springfield, Mo., is a voluntary nonprofit organization that supports agricultural fairs, shows, exhibitions and expositions at the state, provincial, regional and county levels. Its associate members include state and provincial associations of fairs, as well as non-agricultural expositions and festivals. Additionally, the organization collaborates with associations, corporations, and individuals who provide products and services to its members, all to enhance fairs, shows, expositions, and related fields. For more information, visit www.fairsandexpos.com or call (417) 862.5771.