Placement: Proclamations and Special presentations
Action Requested: Discussion
title
Presentation of the 2026 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award and Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards
body
Submitted By: Nan Krushinski, Director of Special Events
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal to Enjoy Culture, Nature and Recreation.
Executive Summary (General Business): The City of Port St. Lucie has been recognized as a 2026 IFEA World Festival & Event City by the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA), the premier global association supporting festival and event professionals. Additionally, the City was awarded eight IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards in multiple categories.
Presentation Information: A 5-minute presentation of the awards will be provided by Nan Krushinski, Director of Special Events.
Staff Recommendation: Request that the Council hear the presentation regarding the IFEA Awards.
Background: Originally founded in 1956 as the Festival Manager’s Association, the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) is now ‘The Premier Association Supporting and Enabling Festival & Event Professionals Worldwide.’ The IFEA leads globally to identify and provide access to professional resources and networks, to enable the “power of gathering in celebration,” and to support creation of festivals and events where “powerful spaces of unity, creativity and community can come alive.”
This year’s awards were given at the 71st Annual IFEA Convention & Expo. The City was evaluated on its community infrastructure and success of its local festivals and events. The evaluation also considered the strength of collaboration among City government, other governmental agencies, businesses, event organizations and community partners.
The City of Port St Lucie is the recipient of the 2026 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award. In addition, the City received eight IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards:
1. Gold: Best Printed Materials, Multiple Page - Veterans Day Ceremony 2025
2. Gold: Best Printed Materials, Single Page - Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration 2026
3. Gold: Best Street Banner - Eggstravaganza 2026
4. Silver: Best Ad Series - River Nights 2026
5. Silver: Best Promotional Photograph - Fall Fun Fest 2025
6. Silver: Best Street Banner - Irish Festival 2026
7. Bronze: Best Promotional Photograph - Stars and Stripes Grand Opening 2026
8. Bronze: Best Street Banner - Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration 2026
Issues/Analysis: N/A
Financial Information: N/A
Special Consideration: N/A
Location of Project: N/A
Attachments: N/A
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: N/A
Legal Sufficiency Review:
N/A