Amanda Blair is a Tulsa born native with deep roots in the sooner
state. After finishing high school at
Jenks, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the
University of Oklahoma. While pursuing
her career at Expo Square she has completed her Master’s in Public
Administration from the University of Oklahoma, is an Institute Graduate of
IAFE and received the designation of Certified Fair Executive in 2013.
Blair is the Executive Manager of Sales and Marketing for Expo Square, as
well as the Manager of the Tulsa State Fair. She began her career path at Expo
Square as the Assistant Manager of the Ticket Office in 2005. Since then, Blair
contributed to the organization as the Marketing and Media Relations Manager
from 2007-2008. Both roles provided a foundation and well-rounded background in
event planning and execution. Her leadership and accomplishments at Expo Square
and the Tulsa State Fair illustrated her commitment to excellence which earned
her the opportunity to become Fair Manager in October 2008.
Over the past 5 years, Blair has been challenged to produce the
community’s largest event, the Tulsa State Fair; which she feels is an
enriching opportunity to provide an educational and entertaining experience
that continues and supports Oklahoma’s heritage. She possesses a great deal of gratitude to
those who have taught her, and is a firm believer that your education is never
complete.
During her career as Fair Manager, she has emphasized a collaborative team
effort approach, with a focus on creativity, professionalism and striving to
have a lasting impact on the Tulsa community. In 2011, she was instrumental in
the Inaugural Corndog Classic 5K Run, which provided an avenue for the Fair to
give back to a community that has been so supportive for over 100 years.
Blair’s passion and progressive approach has enabled her to refine the Tulsa
State Fair’s focus, creating an environment which has yielded an increase in
revenue and attendance.
In addition to her career, she serves on the Event, Entertainment and
Tourism Advisory Committee for Tulsa Technology Center, Leadership Tulsa
Membership Committee and the IAFE YPI Steering Committee as the Zone 6
Representative. Blair has been recognized by Tulsa Business Journal and
Oklahoma Magazine as a Top 40 under 40. She thrives in a fast paced environment
and looks forward to continuing her career in the Fair and Event Industry.
In this episode, Amanda Blair, talks about managing and marketing the Tulsa
State Fair and how the carefully orchestrated introduction of a new mascot
created enormous buzz! Find out about the “Corn Dog Classic” and how it is used
to kick of Fair Season with fun and charity. Listen in as Amanda shares her
ideas about “scrappy” marketing as well as how to achieve the lofty goal of the
Fair - “Disney World in eleven days!”