For more than 30 years, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has been a member of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions, the industry authority on fair management and development. Membership in IAFE has proven beneficial for the Show, and now IAFE will benefit from the Show's leadership. "What is good for IAFE is good for the Show and vice versa," stated Dan Gattis, Show general manager. Gattis took the IAFE reins on Dec. 2, 1999, when he was elected to a one-year term as president during the organization's 109th annual convention in Las Vegas. He stepped into this policy-making role after serving as an officer in three other elected positions.

 

Dan Gattis wears two hats in the fair and exposition industry - general manager of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and president of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions.

Gattis asserted that the Show must continue to look for ways to improve and to better serve the customer. Participation in IAFE is one way he seeks new ideas for maintaining the Show's status as the best attraction in town. "We must turn our attention outward and be aware of what others are doing in fairs, education and the livestock business. This position will provide a unique opportunity to interact with fair executives throughout the world and gain from their knowledge and experience," said Gattis.

IAFE, with headquarters in Springfield, Mo., serves as the official organization of the fair industry. What began in 1885 with a half-dozen fairs has grown into an international, nonprofit corporation with more than 2,700 member fairs, carnivals and concessionaires. Ever alert to changing business conditions that could affect its members, this group provides invaluable resources, information regarding fair trends and ideas, access to industry studies and statistics, and representation on legislative issues. It also honors industry leaders with various annual awards, several of which have been bestowed upon the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in years past.

Seeking to infuse the Show with fresh ideas, Gattis travels to fairs and rodeos throughout the year. He broadens his exposure to new ways of doing things by visiting different venues each year. He noted, "Some large fairs are currently struggling to be successful, while many small fairs are prospering and implementing creative ideas."

Gattis encourages the Show's management team to attend IAFE seminars and conferences related to their areas of responsibility. Skip Wagner, the Show's assistant general manager, Operations Department, is disappointed if he does not collect at least 10 ideas from each activity. He appreciates Gattis' encouragement to be innovative. Wagner said, "If only one idea is carried out and it makes a difference, it was worthwhile."

As IAFE president, Gattis said his priorities are to create a more compelling international focus and to select the best qualified candidate to replace the IAFE executive vice president, who steps down at the end of 2000. "Just as our name reflects, I think it is important to gain more recognition for our members outside the United States and Canada if we are truly an international organization," said Gattis. So far, IAFE outreach includes fairs in Australia and Great Britain. "With Houston and the Show having an international attitude and reputation, my position offers IAFE a chance to emphasize this perspective of the organization," he added.

Securing an effective leader to replace IAFE Executive Vice President and General Manager Lewis Miller will be of major importance. Miller will be a tough act to follow after successfully managing the day-to-day operations for the past 20 years.

While visiting the 2000 Show, Miller expressed support for Gattis' election as president and praised Gattis' ability "to hold his own opinion and not be easily influenced by others."

Gattis brings many years of fair experience to his IAFE position. His involvement in fairs stems from his Texas childhood. "My whole family attended the Waco Heart O' Texas Fair, where my father served as a volunteer," explained Gattis. Also active in FFA, Gattis exhibited livestock at fairs throughout the state, including the Houston Fat Stock Show held at the Sam Houston Coliseum. He joined the Show staff in 1976 and has served as general manager since 1984.

His career as a rodeo general manager was as unexpected as his move to Houston. "It seemed more likely that I would be working in a large agribusiness corporation," said Gattis, who received a bachelor's degree in agriculture and a master's degree in education from Southwest Texas State University. But after holding agriculture-related positions with Round Rock High School and the Texas Education Agency, he found himself in Houston — a place he never planned to be. "I used to make speeches saying that I would move anywhere in Texas but Houston," he said with a grin. "I had to change my speeches."

Gattis spoke fondly of Houston as he welcomed IAFE members to an exhibits seminar hosted by the 2000 Show. Though here to gather ideas for their own fairs, the IAFE members were happy to provide their feedback for improving the Houston event. Appreciative, Gattis was quick to credit the guests for their contributions and commented, "Everything they see came from them in some way."

 

IAFE Excutive Vice President and General Manager Lewis Miller and IAFE President Dan Gattis visit during a conference in Houston.

 

Tapping the Show's general manager to lead IAFE was no surprise to Wagner, who said, "They are generally looking for leaders of the most successful member fairs." Recognizing that the Show is considered the best fair in the United States, Gattis acknowledged the need to work to maintain that position.

"If you don't have vision, you won't stay number one," said Gattis. His own number one position with IAFE will help him maintain his vision and play a key role in keeping the Show one of the most internationally recognized fairs in the world.