Today, it would be hard to identify a more respected and beloved figure in the festivals and events industry. With a degree and career background in Music Education, added to his incomparable support of the event profession and those who serve it, he is “Mr. Holland” and all of those whose lives he has touched are his opus.  He is also an innovative and resourceful business leader who is an inspiration to his employees as well as other business owners and professionals.

As President & CEO of Dixie Flag Event Services Team (DFEST), Pete has served the festival and event industry as a full service event support company that makes flags, banners, and decorations for events across the country.  In his volunteer capacity, Pete has served as Chair of the Texas Festivals & Events Association (TFEA), the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) World Board, and the IFEA Foundation Board, as well serving as a board member of the Texas Fairs & Events Board, among many other business and community related positions.

In his honor, the Texas Festivals & Events Association presented Pete with their Hall of Honor Lifetime Achievement Award and named the Texas Endowment for the International Festivals & Events Association Foundation Scholarship the “Pete Van de Putte Scholarship.”  Fittingly, it is designed to provide support and opportunities to deserving Texas professionals and organizations in the field that he has helped to build.