2025 Hall of Fame

It's Time To Recognize the Leaders of Our Industry

It’s time to present the IFEA’s most prestigious honor. It’s time to induct someone into the IFEA Hall of Fame. Who will it be? Will it be your own Executive Director? Will it be one of your mentors? Will it be a colleague you’ve met at an IFEA Annual Convention? Will it be . . . you? Who that person will be is up to you. Now is the time to submit a nomination for that leader and recognize them for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the festivals and events industry.

2024 Nomination Deadline

5:00 p.m. MDT, Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Nominations will be accepted anytime prior to June 11, 2025.

Questions?

For questions on any of the IFEA Awards Programs, contact: Nia Hovde, CFEE, Vice President/Director of Marketing & Communications, at Email: nia@ifea.com

Qualities and Characteristics
of the IFEA Hall of Fame

Induction into the IFEA Hall of Fame is a mark of distinction, reserved for those who have made exceptional contributions to the festivals and events industry. These individuals are not only recognized for their achievements but also for the qualities that have set them apart as leaders, innovators, and mentors. IFEA Hall of Fame Inductees embody many of the following key qualities and characteristics—traits that illustrate their lasting impact on the industry and the high standards they uphold.

Visionary Leadership: Demonstrates a forward-thinking approach and has guided successful events or initiatives that have had a lasting impact on the industry.
Commitment to Excellence: Consistently strives for high standards in event planning, management, and execution, with a commitment to quality that sets an example for others.
Industry Innovation: Known for introducing new ideas, concepts, or technologies that have shaped the way events are planned and experienced, enhancing the industry's progress.
Professional Integrity: Maintains a reputation for honesty, ethics, and reliability within the industry, earning respect from peers, partners, and attendees alike.
Mentorship and Support of Others: Shows a dedication to nurturing future industry leaders, sharing knowledge, and offering guidance to colleagues and newcomers in the field.
Service to the Community and Industry: Engages in initiatives that positively impact the community and contributes to the growth and betterment of the festivals and events industry as a whole.
Achievement and Impact: Has a proven track record of successful events, influential projects, or initiatives that have had a measurable, positive effect on the industry or community.
Global Impact and Reach: Recognized not only on a local level but also on a national or global scale for contributions that have raised the profile of the events industry worldwide.
Long-standing Dedication: Has many years of experience and commitment to the field, with a body of work that demonstrates consistency, resilience, and dedication.
Adaptability and Resilience: Known for effectively navigating challenges and adapting to industry changes, showing resilience and innovation even in difficult circumstances.

About the Award:

Known as the associations most prestigious honor, the IFEA Hall of Fame recognizes those outstanding individuals who, through their exceptional work and achievements, have made a significant contribution to the Festivals and Events Industry and a profound difference in the communities they serve, both locally and internationally. The International Festivals & Events Association is now accepting nominations from its members for those individuals who meet this standard for the Induction Ceremony during the Annual IFEA Convention, Expo & Retreat.

Nomination Criteria:

Nominations must represent a current or past IFEA member who has made substantial achievements and/ or contributions to the festivals and events industry. Nominees can be retired and represent any facet of our industry (i.e. vendor, supporter, senior professional, etc.).
(Current IFEA World Board of Directors, IFEA Foundation Board of Directors and IFEA Staff Members are not eligible to be nominated*).

How to Submit a Nomination:

Nominators must review the IFEA Hall of Fame Brochure and follow all necessary requirements to complete a nomination.
2025 IFEA Hall of Fame Brochure available soon.

How Inductees are Selected:

Once nominations have been received, the IFEA Hall of Fame Committee, comprised of members of the IFEA World Board of Directors, will review all nominations and select one or more individuals to be honored in to the IFEA Hall of Fame.

Honoring the Inductee:

The Honoree (s) will be the guest (s) of the IFEA on an all-expense* paid trip to the Annual IFEA Convention & Expo, where they will be inducted at the IFEA Awards Luncheon, in their honor.
*Includes 2 nights hotel, airfare and Convention registration.