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

• August 17, 2026
• Media Article

Go behind the scenes of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair with Paige Mawson as she shares her career journey, the importance of agricultural education, and advice for students and graduates exploring careers in agri-food.

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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

https://youtu.be/_JXU-wxHc7I