Why events stay
Directors compare a spreadsheet, a custom site whose builder may leave, a science-fair tool that has gone quiet, and a new app that has not seen ten seasons. zFairs is the one other events already know — plus someone who will handle the software with you if the handoff is the job.
We keep releasing updates. Paperwork wizards, companion apps, MCP setup, awards night — this is not a frozen 2014 build. Your fair is not stuck on last decade’s compromise.
Full-time staff on 800-252-0903. Free live training on demand. Webinars when a whole crew needs the same hour. Not a prompt loop, not a ticket that waits until Monday after Saturday.
Self-serve create-event is real. So is sitting with a new director through the first season. A one-off custom site ages; when the developer retires, quits, or dies, the fair inherits a login and a wiki page. Other events already speak zFairs — transition is a walkthrough.
Student data
We do not sell student data. We do not use it to train advertising models. Encrypted in transit and at rest. Card numbers are not stored on our servers. FERPA and COPPA are obligations, not badges. Your program can export; we return or delete on request. Procurement packets (DPA, questionnaire, insurance, subprocessors) are a request, not a scavenger hunt.
We do not put HIPAA on this page. This is not a medical record system. Details: illuminatingsoftware.com/security
Who patches it next year. Who answers at 9pm in March. Whether the student spreadsheet is encrypted. What happens when the volunteer who built it is gone. A third-party platform is more standard because other events already run it. We add a person who will handle the software if that is what the handoff needs.
What directors say
“Registration, payment, project scheduling, judging, and evaluations are all located in one place… I cannot recommend zFairs highly enough.”
Alaina McNaughton, Associate Director, National History Day
“What zFairs has been able to do in four weeks is truly amazing. Timely replies, and they make the changes that are practical.”
Timara Underbakke, Director, Twin Cities Regional Science Fairs
“Their passion for science fairs is reflected in their attention to detail… we would recommend zFairs platform, service, and support.”
Pratham Patkar, IT Director, Society for Science