The International Fan Club Organization (IFCO), a regulatory body with an international scope, is widely regarded as the foremost authority on setting-up and operating fan clubs. Founded in 1967 by Loudilla, Loretta and Kay Johnson, IFCO is now a respected force in the entertainment industry, a clearing house for fan clubs, and consumer watchdog for the fans.

This section of the web site was developed for those of you who may want to know a little more about IFCO, its history and its evolving role over the years.

IFCO Historical Perspective:

• 1967 - International Fan Club Organization founded and established business operation.

• 1968 - Inaugurated its annual fan-driven celebration (dinner and show), held in conjunction with the Disc Jockey Convention (in the Fall) and staged (first four years) at the Hermitage Hotel.

• 1971 - The IFCO festivities (generally acknowledged as the precursor to Fan Fair) re-scheduled to the Spring, coinciding with that newly-created event, co-sponsored by the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Association. (Since re-named CMA Music Festival.)

• 1972-1980 - IFCO participated in the annual Wembley Festival in London. Hosted an exhibit booth each year and staged showcases both on-site and off-site during the Springtime event.

• In addition to staging its Dinner & Show on-site at Fan Fair through 1994, IFCO also presented the New Country Showcase during its dinner on Friday evening, preceding the arena extravaganza. And in conjunction with Opryland USA, produced the Noon Luncheon Shows at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds.

• In 1992-1993 - IFCO worked closely with organizers of Fan Jam in Dallas to present a fan event which largely benefitted Saint Jude Children's Hospital and the historic West End District in that Texas city.

• 1994 - IFCO was involved with presentation of the first ever Las Vegas Country Music Fan Festival, held at the MGM Grand Hotel and Theme Park in December; produced both main-stage (Grand Garden Arena) and secondary stage shows and hosted an exhibit booth. A portion of event proceeds benefitted the Children's Miracle Network.

• 1994-1995 - IFCO worked with the FanFestgroup and Academy of Country Music to present the first West Coast fan-driven event, held at the Los Angeles County Fair and Exposition Center (Fairplex).

• Since 1995 - IFCO has staged its annual show in the historic Ryman Auditorium. Billed as the "music kick-off for the Fan Fair celebration," the show has consistently played to a capacity crowd.

• 1995-1996 - IFCO participated in the Indiana Country Music Expo in Indianapolis, sponsored by WFMS/95.5 Radio and WGRL/104.5 FM.

• 1998 - IFCO Center Stage Talent Search, a series of talent showcases, originated in Nashville.

• 2003-thru-2005 - A portion of IFCO Fun Fest Show proceeds benefitted Country Cares / St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. In 2004, a Celebrity Silent Auction was added to the evening's agenda with 100% of proceeds benefitting St. Jude Kids.)

• 2006-2007 - IFCO "Fun Fest" Show benefitted Monroe Carell, Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. 100% of proceeds from the a Celebrity Silent Auction benefitted the Hospital.)

• 2008 - IFCO "Fun Fest" Show benefitted Monroe Carell, Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. (No Celebrity Auction on-site.)

---

Policy Statement:

IFCO is dedicated to promoting Country and other popular music genres, artists, fan clubs and fan interests worldwide. IFCO does not exist for the purpose of providing a forum for expression or furtherance of personal, political or social views and opinions. To that end, IFCO reserves the right to terminate or otherwise suspend any member or organization should it be found that they have utilized IFCO's name or resources for purposes conflicting with these stated policies.