The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, NC State Fair Division, is seeking proposals from qualified advertising agencies or media buying agencies to develop a comprehensive media program for the 2018
N.C. State Fair. The scope of services includes: development of an advertising plan, placement of advertisements in media (television, radio, print, digital and out of home) and distribution of advertisements to media.
The annual State Fair occurs in October and is one of the largest 11-day fairs in North America. It draws more than 900,000 patrons annually. The Fair boasts an extreme variety of entertainment for all ages including: amusements, horticulture, agriculture and livestock exhibits and competitions, horse shows, free grounds entertainment, crafts, history and other special exhibits.
The advertising contract for the State Fair was last bid in 2015. The awarded amount was $660,000/year for a one-year contract with two optional years in one-year increments. The Department elected to exercise the optional years. The budget was increased in both 2016 and 2017.
Media placement for the 2017 N.C. State Fair was distributed as follows: Television: 32.3%
Out of Home: 12.7%
Digital: 38.2%
Radio: 16%
Print: 0.7%
Scope of Work:
- Vendor should apply adequate market research to develop an overall media buying plan for the N.C. State Fair, categorized by suggested campaigns that will increase paid admission. This will include possible trade opportunities with placement implications.





