NEWS FROM THE COMMUNITY
First Filipino American to lead San Mateo County Fair;
Justin Aquino named fair operations manager
22 March 2018, San Mateo, CA – Justin Aquino, an accomplished Filipino American county fair and corporate event professional, has been named operations manager of the San Mateo County Fair, one of the biggest annual event destinations in the San Francisco Bay Area. This year, it runs from June 9-17 at the San Mateo County Fair on Saratoga Drive, San Mateo. (Note: Daly City is the largest city in San Mateo County).
“We are pleased to welcome Justin to our leadership team,” said Dana Stoehr, chief executive officer for the San Mateo County Event Center and Fair. “Justin has an impressive background in the diverse aspects of a county fair, from concessions to exhibits to execution of large-scale events. We are delighted to welcome him back to California where his county fair roots were established.”
As the fair operations manager, Justin is responsible for planning, organizing, directing and coordinating the activities of the San Mateo County Fair. The fair is an annual Bay Area event that attracts more than 120,000 guests each year. “The county fair has a special camaraderie and family atmosphere,” said Aquino. “Memories are formed into traditions that create joyful reunions for employees, vendors and guests. There is no better opportunity to celebrate the successes and talents from those living in our county than at the annual fair.”
The 2018 fair is themed “We Build the Fun.”
SIDELIGHT: San Mateo County Fair Concert Series to feature TLC, Sheila E., Sugar Ray, master illusionist Gossamer Magic, Pablo Cruise, Average White Band and John Michael Montgomery from June 9-16. (Photos from https://www.sanmateocountyfair.com/ )
Aquino comes to San Mateo from the Utah Valley Convention Center, where he spent the last three years as event manager with Spectra Venue Management. He also served as the center’s exhibitor services manager, show manager and catering and sales manager. Previously, Aquino worked for the Orange County Fair and Event Center as year-round event coordinator. The Southern California fair is a month-long event that attracts over a million fair guests each year. His duties included commercial and concessions coordination.
“The fair industry is where my career began,” said Aquino. “Even in a management development program with my former employer I shared that I saw my future as a fair manager. The fair business is in my heart and soul; it is where I have the most passion.”
Aquino holds a bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the International Association of Venue Managers mentoring committee. He is a former board member of the Equestrian Center in Utah.
The San Mateo County Fair is the Peninsula’s premier community event for Bay Area family fun and entertainment. The 2018 fair opens June 9 and runs through June 17. The San Mateo County Fair strives to provide a diverse experience through education, inspiration and entertainment. The annual Bay Area fair represents a celebration of our community’s talent, interests, innovations and rich agricultural and artistic heritage. Visit sanmateocountyfair.com to purchase tickets, for regular updates, contest entry, ticket giveaways and promotions. #SMCF2018. (Pennie Rorex/Rorex)
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NERISSA M. FERNANDEZ
Global Head, ABS-CBN Global Corporate Affairs & PR
Regional Head, North & Latin America Corp Affairs & PR
ABS-CBN International
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