Benefits of Effective Employee Training Programs for Fairs and Carnivals

4 reasons fairs and carnivals need employee training programs

Carnivals, fairs, and festivals are complex events that involve many people and an abundance of potential risks. A detailed employee training program can help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries by ensuring employees are aware of safety procedures and how to handle potential hazards.

From improved customer service to increased employee morale, check out these top 4 benefits of developing a high-quality employee training program for your event, and learn how the experts at McGowen Allied Specialty Insurance can customize a carnival, fair and festival insurance policy tailored to your specific needs.

1. Improved customer service

According to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), one of the largest accounting and consulting firms in the world, almost 80% of American consumers say speed, convenience, knowledgeable help and friendly service are essential components of a positive customer experience.

Employees who are well-trained are more likely to provide excellent customer service. This can lead to a better experience for guests, boost your event’s reputation and attract more visitors.

These are ways a well-trained staff can improve guest experience and your carnival, fair or festival:

• Employees should know the layout of the event, the different rides and attractions, and the rules and regulations in order to answer guests’ questions and provide them with accurate information.
• There will inevitably be difficult situations at your carnival, fair or festival. Employees should be able to handle these situations with grace and professionalism to maintain a positive atmosphere for everyone involved.
• Employees should be aware of potential problems and take steps to prevent them. For example, they should be on the lookout for hazards and make sure that rides are operating safely.

Happy guests are more likely to become your event’s best marketers, sharing their positive experiences with their friends and family.

2. Reduced liability risks

Liability risks are a major concern for any business, but they are especially important for carnivals, fairs, and festivals where there is a lot of potential for accidents and injuries. If an accident occurs, your business could be held liable for damages if it is found negligent.

Well-trained staff are less likely to make mistakes that could lead to accidents or injuries. They are familiar with safety procedures, more likely to follow them, and more likely to identify and respond to potential hazards.

Read these tips on how businesses can train their staff to reduce liability risks:

• Have a clear and concise policy on liability, including your organization’s liability limits and procedures for handling liability claims.
• Develop a comprehensive employee training program that covers safety procedures, risk identification, and incident response.
• Train staff on the specific hazards associated with their job duties.
• Provide regular refresher training to ensure staff members stay up-to-date on safety procedures.
• Create a culture of safety within the organization by emphasizing the importance of safety and by rewarding safe behavior.

Along with a variety of other benefits, IAAPA members can receive up to 10% off their insurance premium and exclusive access to industry-specific training resources through our IAAPA Elite Insurance Program. 

McGowan Allied Specialty Insurance developed this program based on the belief that seamlessly combining education, consultation and insurance can create a platform for ensuring that IAAPA members are the safest in the business.

Read More: How Online Programs Address the Challenges of Carnival and Amusement Park Training

3. Higher productivity

Training your staff can also boost productivity and your bottom line. Employees with high-quality training are more likely to solve problems quickly and effectively, which means they will keep your event running smoothly when expected problems arise. 

A well-trained staff can help to reduce wait times. This can lead to happier guests, who are more likely to spend more money at your event and return for another visit.

Here a few ways you can train your staff to increase productivity at your carnival, fair or festival:

• Provide the right tools and help them learn the skills they need to do their jobs quickly and efficiently.
• Set clear expectations, so employees know what is expected of them in terms of their job duties, performance goals and deadlines.
• Make training interactive and engaging to help staff learn the material more effectively and retain it longer.
• Once your staff has learned the material, give them opportunities to practice what they have learned.
• After your staff has practiced, provide them with friendly feedback on their performance to help them identify areas where they need to improve.

When your staff achieves a goal or makes progress, be sure to celebrate their successes. This will help them to stay motivated and to continue to strive for improvement.

4. Stronger employee morale

The more skills you teach your staff, the less you will have to check in. Employees who work independently with little micromanagement are typically more efficient and happier. This can free up your time, so you can focus on other aspects of your carnival, fair or festival.

An employee training program can also help you identify or address specific problems and work toward a solution. This shows your staff that you are invested in their success and growth, and it can help improve morale and the work environment.

Consider including these ways to boost morale and make staff training more engaging:

• When employees do a good job, be sure to recognize and reward them. This could be done with a simple thank you, a gift card or even a promotion.
• Incorporate relevant feedback into training to show employees you value their opinions and are committed to making their jobs better.
• Be approachable and easy to talk to about training to help employees feel comfortable coming to you with questions or concerns.
• Provide employees with opportunities to have fun with training. This could be done by organizing team-building activities, providing free food or drinks, or having a contest.

Another benefit of boosting employee morale and creating a positive work culture is decreased staff turnover. 

Well-trained and valued employees are less likely to leave in the middle of a season and more likely to return the following season. While the initial investment on robust employee training may seem high, the return on investment is well worth it.

Learn More: Providing Safe Drinking Water at Festivals & Fairs: Is It Worth It?

5 More Tips on How to Develop a Staff Training Program for Your Carnival, Fair or Festival

Developing a staff training program for your carnival, fair, or festival is essential to the safety and enjoyment of your guests. This is especially important due to the increased potential of accidents and injuries at these events. 

Follow these five tips to create a training program that will help your staff be prepared for anything that comes their way:

1. Design a comprehensive training program

Putting on a carnival or fair requires a comprehensive training program that covers a wide range of topics, including admission, ride maintenance and safety, guest services, food safety, and local and state food and beverage handling regulations. All staff must also know safety protocols and how to report and document incidents.

2. Tailor training to different learning styles

Incorporate different learning styles into your training to meet the individual needs of your staff. Integrate reading materials, slideshows presentations, and, if available, e-learning options.

3. Designate specific staff members to oversee training

Assign one or two key staff members to oversee the planning and execution of your training initiatives for employees and volunteers. This will ensure there is a point person who can answer questions and make adjustments to the program as needed.

4. Make time for ongoing training

Continuing training is essential for all carnival and fair staff, even those who have worked for the event before. Employees will stay ahead of industry trends, learn new skills to earn a promotion and keep up with the fast-paced nature of the event.

5. Document all employee training

It is essential to document all employee training and keep records that show the consistency and repeatability of your training program. This evidence of operator and employee training is critical in the event of an incident or investigation, as it can help to protect you from liability.

Even With the Best Employee Training Program, Accidents Can and Still Do Happen

That is why it is important to have high-quality insurance to protect your carnival, fair or festival in the event of an incident.

At McGowan Allied Specialty Insurance, we specialize in insuring amusement and entertainment businesses, and understand the unique risks associated with your industry. We can provide you with the coverage you need to protect your assets and your reputation.

Contact us online or call 727-547-3023 to learn more about our insurance solutions and receive a personalized quote. Our expert will work with you to create a customized plan that meets your specific needs.