The State Fair of Texas is proud to announce that Melanie Linnear, senior vice president of concessions, has been elected as the 2026-2027 President of the Texas Association of Fairs and Events.
The Texas Association of Fairs and Events (TAF&E) was formed in 1926 to provide inspiring leadership, create agriculture and education opportunities, and develop strategies and techniques that enhance and advance the fair and special events industry throughout the Lone Star State. The Association is led by a volunteer Board of Officers and Directors, who are elected by their peers. TAF&E exists to promote the value and importance of Texas fairs, festivals, and special events by advocating for and supporting its members, who share the desire to improve their events.
Melanie began her journey with the State Fair of Texas in January 1989 as a secretary in the concessions department. Over the past three decades, her dedication, leadership, and passion for the organization have guided her rise to the senior management team, where she now serves as senior vice president of concessions, reflecting both her loyalty to the State Fair and her significant contributions to the fair and events industry. In her current role, Melanie oversees the State Fair’s concessions department, working with nearly 90 concessionaires to ensure the State Fair of Texas remains a premier destination for food and beverage.
She also partners with the State Fair’s director of community affairs to implement the Big Tex Business Masterclass, a five-month cohort program designed to equip small businesses in the local food and beverage industry with the tools, operational discipline, and network needed to grow and thrive. Melanie plays an integral role in the State Fair’s broader community initiatives, including the State Fair Cares Food Drive following the Fair’s closing day, as well as the State Fair Cares Holiday Event and Benefit, both of which mobilize concessionaires, staff, and board members to support local nonprofits serving those in need.
In 2013, Melanie received her Leadership Certificate from the Texas Event Leadership Program (TELP) through TAF&E in conjunction with the Texas Agri-Life Extension Program at Texas A&M College Station. Since then, she has remained involved and committed to TAF&E through her membership and by serving in multiple leadership roles, including six years on the Executive Board and Board of Directors, and is TAF&E’s Lead Ambassador for Texas Young Professionals, which caters to professionals in the association who are ages 40 or younger.
In 2018, Melanie graduated from the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) Institute of Fair Management (IFM) after completing a two-year curriculum in fair operations and fair management. Also in 2018, she was selected to serve on the National Independent Concessionaire Association (NICA) Advisory Board for a 3-year term. In 2021, she chaired the International Association of Fairs & Expositions (IAFE) Concessions/Exhibits Committee, and in 2023, she completed certification as a Certified Fair Executive (CFE) and currently serves on the Board of Directors for EWI as a Board Advisor after having served as Board President in 2017-2018. Most recently, she joined the Executive Board and Board of Directors for the Greater Dallas Texas Restaurant Association (TRA).
For nearly four decades, Melanie has helped shape not only the State Fair of Texas, but the broader fair and events industry across the state and nation. Her leadership is grounded in service, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to elevating others. As she steps into this volunteer leadership role, Melanie will continue her dedicated service to the State Fair of Texas while helping guide fairs and events across the state toward a strong and innovative future. The State Fair of Texas proudly celebrates this milestone and looks forward to the lasting impact she will continue to make on the industry she has helped strengthen for generations.