Manager of Features and Education at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair: Career Insights with Paige Mawson | That’s a Food Job! #132

About Paige Mawson

Paige Mawson is the Manager of Features and Education at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair – one of the largest indoor combined equestrian and agricultural events in the world, attracting around 300,000 visitors annually to Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto. A graduate with a background in museum studies, Paige’s training in education and informal learning environments turned out to be the perfect foundation for a role that essentially runs a pop-up museum for 10 days a year. She joined the Royal in 2022, drawn in by the organization’s centenary and a job posting that called for exactly the kind of storytelling, curriculum-connected, community-centred education work she was trained to do.

We discuss how the Royal is planned year-round across distinct phases of ideation, logistics, and execution, and how educational programming is designed to meet Ontario curriculum goals from kindergarten through post-secondary. We also discuss the widespread misconception that agriculture is disconnected from everyday life, and why the food system in fact draws on professionals from fields as varied as computer science, law, sustainability, and communications.

Throughout the episode, Paige provides both context and practical guidance for students and new graduates looking to explore careers in agri-food – including where to find entry points, how to lead with curiosity, and why transferable skills matter more than a direct agricultural background.

Resources Mentioned

• Royal Agricultural Winter Fair: Annual event, Exhibition Place, Toronto
• Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies: Directory of local agricultural fairs across Ontario
• AgScape: Ontario-based agriculture education programming and volunteer network
• AgCareers: A global online job board and human resources portal specifically dedicated to the agriculture, food, natural resources, and biotechnology industries
• Agriculture in the Classroom Canada: National agriculture education resource
• 4-H Canada: Youth programs including livestock, gardening, and rural skill development
• Farm and Food Care Ontario: Farm tours and consumer outreach programming
• Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council: Workforce and career resources for the agri-food sector

Sponsor

AgCareers is on a mission to provide global talent solutions in agriculture and food. They strive to “Feed the World with Talent” in the industries they serve. Their passion for agriculture is evident in their investment of time and resources in engaging with candidates and employers in the industry. Visit AgCareers.com to explore career opportunities and build your future in agriculture.

Watch the Episode Below

Timestamps

00:00 – Intro
00:58 – What the Royal Is
05:07 – Connecting Country and City
09:27 – Year-Round Planning Cycle
11:49 – Paige’s Collaborative Role
13:16 – Designing Educational Programming
17:28 – Paige’s Career Path
19:26 – Common Misconceptions
20:43 – AgCareers Sponsor Break
21:48 – Where to Start: Local Agricultural Fairs
25:23 – Roles Beyond Farming
27:00 – Transferable Skills in Agri-Food
29:48 – Paige’s Royal Highlights
31:20 – Champion Showcase and Food at the Fair
33:35 – Getting Involved: 4-H, AgScape, Farm Tours
35:55 – One Takeaway for Listeners
37:19 – Tickets and What’s Coming at the 2026 Royal