The MAFE Convention held January 8 - 10, 2026, is a very popular and highly anticipated event with more than 1,300 attendees, and is a tremendous opportunity to display your talent to the majority of Fairs and Festivals in Michigan.
Below are the guidelines and application. Applications are due November 3.
There are a few opportunities for showcase:
Musical Showcase Entertainment
The Showcase Entertainment on Thursday night from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. kicks off the convention along with other welcoming events. Acts are invited to perform in front of convention fair and festival attendees. We strive to provide a variety of talented groups to entertain and are always looking for new groups to participate. There will also be an opportunity for two to three acts on Friday from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Both Thursday and Friday showcases will take place at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. There is also an opportunity to perform for one act on Saturday during the awards banquet.
Kids/Family Friendly Showcase Entertainment Acts
On Friday afternoon, MAFE will offer showcase entertainment specifically for kid and family friendly acts.This showcase will be located within the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel from 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm. We are looking for acts that would entertain the younger ones and families. This could include, but is not limited to: magic shows, interactive on-grounds entertainment and balloonists, jugglers, stilt walkers, clowns and more.
If you are interested in appearing in the Showcase and meet the criteria of the below Guidelines, please submit your application via Jotform by November 3 and should include a MAFE showcase entertainment application (see below) and links to videos/photos of your act.There are a limited number of available slots for acts to perform, so submit your application as early as possible. Applicants will be notified of their selection and participation.
Guidelines for Application
In order to submit an application to Showcase, an agency or act must be a member of Michigan Association of Fairs & Exhibitions in good standing. (Associate member application is located on the MAFE website under Member Resources —> Membership and dues are $85 annually or request an invoice.)
Each agency or member of act must register for the convention and have proper identification.
Each live act will be allowed a maximum of fifteen (15) minutes to perform, including introduction.
Each digital showcase act will be allowed a video that is a maximum of three (3) minutes.
The Michigan Association of Fairs & Exhibitions will be responsible for providing the following:
Room to showcase
Staging, sound equipment, lighting, and stage power
Emcee
All acts must provide their own instruments and be present at the Showcase site for rehearsal three (3) hours prior to opening time.
Acts may not repeat at the Showcase for more than two consecutive years.
An agency that is confirmed for the Showcase but fails to appear without valid reason or an agency that permits their act to go over their allotted time will not be allowed to Showcase for two years.
Each act will be provided one (1) table, outside the showroom, to discuss dates and contracts during the showcase.
The use of fire is strictly forbidden for any showcase.