Maps and Schedules

I know this should be rudimentary, maps let visitors know where the locations of stages, restrooms, first aid, and vendors are located.
A lot of fairs take time color coding buildings or stages, bigger fairs even create zones for their kids area or food vending.

In a lot of ways, I wish this was one of the most important things that fairs would focus on.
A common thing that happens is a fair that wants to rearrange the stages to see what works for foot traffic and people attractions, noise control or even bringing attention to a new display on the grounds.
But they don't update the maps, so people are generally wandering around looking for a stage that doesn't exist. Missing shows unintentionally, frustrating the guest and sometimes the performers.

As soon as a stage gets discussed/built, the map should change as well. With today's technology, that isn't a difficult task, I am sure even the smallest fairs can cut and paste. Also, signs should match the names of the stages. I appreciate sponsorship's to the stages, it is a huge help financially, but the map should also reflect that name change, some guests will ask the information desk for a stage, and it is hard to find if the name is different than the new stage name.

Additionally the information people should be well versed on the buildings and stage locations. I appreciate the volunteers, if they have an updated map, it helps them give the guests a great experience.

Schedules, then, in my opinion, should be the second most important part of the fairs responsibility to the guests.
The majority of families only get to go to the fair once a year, and they want to make the most out of the time and money they have saved to be there, and to have the schedules to map out their day.
That said, the schedule should be easy to read, and the times accurate.

I think that signs for the schedules is a brilliant idea too. A fair wouldn't have to print 1000's of paper maps and schedules if it was clearly marked around the grounds or even sandwich boards in front of the stages.

Of course having a fair app is also really handy, if the map and schedule are accurate.
A few of the fairs have gone this route, and we keep downloading the new apps to see the best one to use.

So far they are pretty successful. 

Also a big help, an updated webpage. There are still a lot of us web surfers that like to look up entertainment acts, concerts and times online in advance.
It helps us plan what day to arrive to the fair, especially if we can only go once.
The pages should be updated to reflect the new map, stages, and sponsorship's.
I like it when they have opening times and closing times.
It is also helpful to have the correct driving address and phone number, a lot of fairs are good about this, and it is appreciated for us out of state guests.

I really appreciate any map, the photo of the Riverside County Fair map was hanging on the wall, we snapped a picture on our phone and found each desired location. It was fantastic. 

If these two services were written or printed for the guests, the fairs would give their families the best experience possible.