2026 IFEA Volunteer of the Year, Sponsored by SecurEvent Solutions

Give Thanks to Those Who Selflessly Give So Much To Your Event

Take a moment to think about all the dedicated volunteers who bring your event to life—those who give their time, energy, and heart to make it all possible. Could your event succeed without them?

Every volunteer deserves appreciation, but is there someone who truly goes above and beyond? The one who always shows up, jumps in wherever needed, and makes your job just a little bit easier?

You thank them throughout the year—but imagine how special it would be for them to be recognized by the entire festivals and events industry!

Nominate your standout volunteer for the 2026 IFEA Volunteer of the Year Award, sponsored by SecurEvent Solutions. It only takes a few moments to submit a nomination that could mean the world to someone who gives so much.

Do something amazing today—celebrate those who make it all happen.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 IFEA Volunteer of the Year Award, sponsored by SecurEvent Solutions.

5:00 p.m. MDT, Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Nominations will be accepted anytime prior to June 10, 2026.

Accepting Nominations

If you would like to submit a nomination, we are happy to accept it at any time. All nomination selections and winners for the IFEA Volunteer of the Year will take place at the next Annual IFEA Convention & Expo.

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About the Award:

To be eligible for consideration for the IFEA Volunteer of the Year Award, the nominee shall:

• Be a current volunteer of an IFEA member organization
• Have provided significant enthusiasm, organizational assistance and specific expertise
• Be a volunteer of the nominating festival or event for at least 3 years
• Have shown initiative and leadership in his or her efforts
• Have a positive attitude
• Have exemplified his or her dependability
• Have a significant depth of involvement
• Have made a difference to the festival or event
• Have received no remuneration for services directly associated with his or her volunteer duties

Once nominations have been received, the IFEA Volunteer of the Year Committee, comprised of members of the IFEA World Board of Directors, will review all nominations and select the Volunteer of the Year winner from all of the candidates submitted.

Volunteer nominations submitted from previous years may be carried over into the current year's competition with the permission of the nominator. The nominator will have the option to re-write the nomination if desired.

The winner of the IFEA Volunteer of the Year award will be honored at the Annual IFEA Convention & Expo at the IFEA Awards Luncheon. As the guest of the IFEA the winner will receive an all expense* paid trip to the Convention to accept their award. Additionally, the winner will be promoted through local and national media releases, be featured in an issue of “ie” magazine, on the IFEA Website and in email promotions.
*Includes 2 nights hotel, airfare and Convention registration.

The IFEA Volunteer of the Year Award is sponsored by SecurEvent Solutions. The cross-over between security services and event volunteers is integral to ensuring the smooth and safe operation of any event. While security services provide professional expertise in safeguarding attendees and assets, volunteers play a crucial role in supporting various logistical and operational aspects of the event. Together, they form a cohesive team dedicated to creating a secure and enjoyable environment for all attendees. The collaboration between security services and volunteers highlights the importance of community engagement and cooperation in fostering a positive event experience. Sponsoring the IFEA Volunteer of the Year Award demonstrates a commitment to recognizing the significance of volunteers and bolstering the mission of each event through active support. For more information on SecurEvent Solutions, go to: www.secureventsolutions.com

Submit Entries To:

1. Explain your volunteer’s significant depth of involvement.(20 points)
2. Show specific examples of your volunteer’s roles and responsibilities. (10 points)
3. Describe how your volunteer has provided significant enthusiasm, organizational assistance and specific expertise. (10 points)
4. Explain how your volunteer has shown initiative and leadership in his or her efforts. (20 points)
5. Tell how your volunteer has exemplified his or her dependability. (10 points)
6. Describe your volunteer’s positive attitude. (10 points)
7. Describe how your volunteer has made a difference to the festival or event. What impact has your volunteer had on your festival/event? What void would there be without him or her as a volunteer? (20 points)

1. A high-resolution photograph of the volunteer you are nominating. (300 dpi or higher)
2. A local media list (up to 15 contacts) in order for IFEA to send Press Releases to your media.

• Submit in Excel format.
• Include: Name; Organization; City; State; Email