Two Indiana State Fair Commission executives elected to prominent national IAFE Positions, Indiana State Fair honored with multiple awards

During the recent business session of the 2025 International Association of Fairs and Expos (IAFE) Convention and Trade Show in Denver, Colorado executives of the Indiana State Fair Commission were elected to prestigious, national leadership posts.

Ray Allison, CFE, Chief Operating Officer of the Indiana State Fair Commission, has been elected Chair of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) Board of Directors and Anna Whelchel, CFE, Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer of the Indiana State Fair Commission, has been elected Zone 3 Director of the IAFE. Furthermore, the 2025 Indiana State Fair was also honored in multiple categories and took home nine awards.

“These two professionals are known throughout the industry as being the top professionals in their fields. We are truly proud of their accomplishments. This recognition highlights the outstanding work and creativity happening across our team every day,” said Cindy Hoye, Executive Director of the Indiana State Fair Commission.

Allison is a 1996 graduate of Bradley University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Communications. He began his professional career in the advertising industry, specializing in brand development for small and mid-sized businesses.

His connection to the Indiana State Fair began in college and has continued every August since — totaling 32 Fairs. Allison joined the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center full-time in 2007 as Public Safety Manager. He was promoted to Public Safety Director in 2009, Director of Operations in 2012, and Vice President of Administration in 2014.

In his current role as Chief Operating Officer, Allison oversees the Indiana State Fair Foundation, strategic planning initiatives, and campus development projects. His responsibilities also include event services, facility operations and maintenance, safety and security, food and beverage, livestock, and agricultural education.

“It has been a privilege to work in the fair industry for more than 30 years and to play a small part in carrying on the traditions that make this industry so unique. It is an honor to serve as Chair of the IAFE Board of Directors and support its members across North America and the world,” said Allison.

Allison was appointed to the IAFE Board Executive Committee in 2023. He served as Second Vice Chair in 2024, Vice Chair in 2025, and now assumes the role of Chair for 2026.

Whelchel serves as the Chief Revenue & Marketing Officer for the Indiana State Fair Commission, which oversees year-round operations of the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center and the annual Indiana State Fair. Since joining the Commission in April 2013, she has held several leadership roles, including Marketing Manager, Director of Marketing, and Vice President of Marketing.

In her current position, Whelchel leads a wide portfolio of departments, including year-round facility rentals, sales and sponsorships, marketing and advertising, media relations, community engagement, State Fair programming and entertainment, and guest services. She is an active member of the live event industry and has earned recognition as a Certified Fair Executive through the IAFE. Her accomplishments also include receiving the 2025 InspireHER Woman of the Year Award and being named an Indy Best & Brightest nominee by Junior Achievement of Central Indiana.

Whelchel has been instrumental in shaping new and innovative revenue-generating strategies for the State Fairgrounds, including the successful acquisition of the Christmas Nights of Lights Show. She attributes her leadership approach to surrounding herself with exceptional people who challenge and inspire her.

The 2025 Indiana State Fair was honored in multiple categories:

Judge’s Choice

• Agricultural Awards: Program/event/exhibit educating consumers/fairgoers on the story of food during the annual fair (Farm to Concessionaires)

First Place

• Agricultural Awards: Program/event/exhibit educating consumers/fairgoers on the story of food during the annual fair  (Farm to Concessionaires)
• Hall of Honor Communications Awards: Double-Sided, Multi-Page, or Folded Promotional Piece (Indiana State Fair Daily Sheets)
• Competitive Exhibits Awards: New Class of Competition (Puzzle Competition)
• Agricultural Awards: Agriculture Individual Photo: Horticulture/Crops (Wilson’s Corn Eating Competition)
• Agricultural Awards: Agriculture Individual Photo: Livestock (not Equine) (Grand Drive pres. by Farm Credit Mid-America)

Second Place

• Competitive Exhibits Awards: Creative Display (Single Photo or Photo Series) (Indiana Arts Mural by Koda Witsken)
• Hall of Honor Communications Awards: Single-Sided, Flat Promotional Piece (Indy Monthly Magazine Ad)

Third Place

• Hall of Honor Communications Awards: Radio Ad