Here’s your opportunity to receive statewide recognition. WFEA will once again recognize outstanding creative, promotional and community outreach programs and materials produced by events and festivals from Washington at its annual conference on Thursday, October 30th at 5 p.m. in Bellevue.

Applications are due September 30th, 2025

The Washington Festivals and Events Association is accepting nominations for its Hall of Fame, which recognizes individuals who through their exceptional work and achievements have made a significant contribution to the events industry.Festivals and events throughout the state are invited to nominate worthy event organizers.

WFEA has set the following criteria:

• Nominee must have made a significant contribution to the festival and event industry.
• They should also have made substantial achievements and contributions to their communities.
• Nominees can be from any facet of the events industry – vendor, supporter, senior professional or volunteer.
• They must be a current or past WFEA member (www.wfea.org).

Without volunteers, the festival and events industry would come to a halt. All events – be they large, small, for profit or non-profit – utilize the services of many people who are dedicated to making their communities and our industry better. We want to recognize outstanding event volunteers whose unselfish and dedicated service to a member festival or event has made a significant difference in their community and mirrors the commitment to success in our professional ranks.

Criteria for Volunteer of the Year

• Event (s) they have volunteered for

• How many years have they served

• Committees that they have served on, chair positions

• Ability to work with others

• Their value to the organization

• How they have made their community better.

Criteria for Supporter of the Year:

• Nominee must be from outside of the industry. Examples would be a government official or sponsor.

• They may have helped guide festivals and events through the pandemic, or provided them with much needed revenue

WFEA has set the following criteria for the Event of the Year:

• Nominee must have made a significant contribution to the festival and event industry.

• They must demonstrate that they used best practices and made an impact in the communities they serve.

• Their organizations should have also made substantial achievements and contributions to their communities.

• Events must have been held between Sept. 30, 2023 and Sept. 30, 2024.

• They must be a current or past WFEA member (www.wfea.org).

MAKE NOMINATION

The Large Market Event Organizer of the Year award recognizes an event organizer for their significant contributions to their community and/or to the field of festivals and events.

Award criteria includes recognizing individuals who come up with new and creative ideas for the industry.

The Small Market Event Organizer of the Year Award recognizes a live event professional for their unwavering commitment, leadership, passion and contributions to the festival and event industry.

This award is meant for those individuals who work tirelessly to make a difference in people’s lives.

The Rising Star Award is intended to recognize an emerging leader in the field of Festivals and Events.

The Rising Stars Award is about celebrating and recognizing the achievements of those at the beginning of their career in the sector – shining a spotlight on their success.

The Start to Finish Playbook on How to Fund and Produce an Event

Featuring Articles By:

• David Doxtater, The Workshop

• Riley Stockton, Spokane Hoopfest

• Wendy Tyner, Tyner and Associates

• Carol Riley, formerly of Olympia Harbor Days

• Peggy Doering, Spokane Valleyfest

• Chuck Denney, Tumwater Parks and Recreation

• John Thorburn, Bold Hat Productions

• Eric Corning, formerly of Seafair

• Jon Stone, Jon Stone Consulting

• Amy Maxwell, Ticket Tomato

• Ashley Young, Tacoma Venues and Events

• Amy McGuffin, Kittitas Chamber of Commerce

• Frank Sebastian, Emergency Management Group

• Eddie Redman, Grand Event Rentals

Cover Photo: Jesse Roper at Juan de Fuca Festival in Port Angeles

Photo by: Jay Cline

The Complete Guide To Selling Sponsorship

Featuring Articles By:

• Paula Beadle, Sponsorship Marketing Association

• Amy Lindsey, Riverfront Spokane

• Tawnia Linde, Clark County Fair

• Brett Gorrell, Seattle Seafair

• Kathy Kramer, Central Washington Fair

• George Sharp, Thurston County Economic Development

• Cari Dixon, Washington State Fair

• Amanda Korb, Blue Ink

• Bruce Skinner, Washington Festivals and Events

Cover Photo: Spokane Hoopfest