Ohio Expositions Commission seeks stable funding as fairgrounds overhaul continues

The Ohio Expositions Commission asked the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee to preserve a modest state subsidy and continue support while it completes a multi-year modernization of the Ohio Expo Center and the Ohio State Fair.

"Our mission is to professionally operate and maintain, for public benefit, a year‑round service‑oriented event facility and produce our annual state fair," Executive Director Adam Heffern told the committee. Heffern said the commission runs a 360‑acre campus and stages nearly 200 events, including the 12‑day Ohio State Fair, which draws just under 1 million visitors per year.

The commission projects about $21,000,000 in annual expenses for the coming biennium, Heffern said, and described the agency as “largely financially self‑sustaining.” Revenue categories include fair admission, parking, concert ticket sales, vendor and sponsor fees, ride revenue and year‑round event rentals. Heffern said roughly half of expenditures support the annual fair and the other half go to facility oversight and maintenance across about 30 buildings.

Heffern thanked past and current state leaders for Expo 2050 construction funds and listed completed and ongoing projects: an 850‑space parking lot, a new first aid center, a north main gate, two major exhibition buildings under construction, renovation of three buildings, underground infrastructure work, expanded site Wi‑Fi and new shaded seating. He said the commission is coordinating with event organizers to minimize disruptions as work continues into 2026.

Heffern asked the committee to maintain General Revenue Fund support of approximately $380,000 in the coming biennium to offset youth premiums, scholarships and participation costs. "These funds help offset but they do not entirely cover the cost of the premiums and awards that we issue to the youth participating at the fair," he said, and added the appropriation also supports groups such as the All‑Ohio State Youth Band and the Youth Choir.

Committee members asked how the Expositions Commission attracts and schedules year‑round events. Heffern said many events are longstanding annual users (for example, the Quarter Horse Congress, which has used the grounds for decades) and that new business often arrives by direct inquiry; the office reviews calendar availability, potential conflicts and the event’s footprint before contracting. Heffern also told senators that recruiting skilled tradespeople remains a challenge: the commission has been unable to refill certain mechanic positions and uses contractors for specialized trade work.

Heffern described the Taft Coliseum’s rapid changeovers among horse shows, ice hockey, basketball tournaments and concerts as an example of the campus’s operational complexity. Senators praised staff work and asked about acreage and staffing; Heffern said the campus is approximately 360 acres and the commission employs about 57 staff members.

The commission’s requests and construction plans were presented without a formal committee vote at the hearing; committee members thanked Heffern for his testimony and moved to subsequent witnesses.

The commission materials and testimony outlined expected outcomes for the Expo 2050 work and a continued request for targeted GRF support for youth participation.