2024 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award

IFEA Announces 2024 World Festival & Event City Recipients

The International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) – The Premier Association Supporting and Enabling Festival and Event Professionals Worldwide – announced and recognized the 2024 recipients of their “IFEA World Festival & Event City” award, during the IFEA Annual Convention & Expo presented by atVenu in Pittsburgh, PA on September 29, 2024.

2024 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award Recipients included:

Gwangju Dong-gu, Republic of Korea (View Video)
McAllen, Texas, United States (View Video)
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States (View Video)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States (View Video)
Phuket, Thailand (View Video)
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (View Video)

The IFEA World Festival & Event City Award was designed and created as a way for the global festivals and events industry to openly encourage, support and recognize positive local environments for festivals and events worldwide. Festivals and events create tremendous community and economic capital in the markets that they serve, but the partnership with and support from the local community, at all levels, is critical to the success and sustainability of existing festivals and events, as well as the ability to attract and encourage new events.

“The IFEA is pleased to recognize and highlight those cities and markets who have worked, through concerted efforts, to provide an environment conducive to successful festivals and events,” said IFEA President Steven Wood Schmader, CFEE, during the presentations. “Through this award, the IFEA hopes to create a continuing dialogue between events and cities around the world, at a time when each needs to be supporting the other more than ever. The quality of all the entries paints a bright picture for our industry and those cities recognized with this award are helping to build a strong foundation and example that we hope all cities, globally, will work to emulate.”

City entries were judged by an international panel of industry experts in the only recognition program of its kind. Each city entry was considered based upon a compilation of detailed information in the following areas:

Community Overview – providing the judges with a better understanding of each community and the infrastructure in place to host and/or support those producing and attending festivals and events.
Community Festivals & Events – providing the judges with an understanding of the diversity and success of current festivals and events that serve each market’s city residents and visitors.
City / Government Support of Festivals & Events – helping the judges to understand the strength and depth of support by each Applicant City and other area governmental bodies (County, State, taxing districts, etc.) as it pertains to festivals and events.
Non-Governmental Community Support of Festivals & Events – helping the judges to understand the commitment to festivals and events and direct support provided by community individuals and non-governmental organizations. Without this type of support most festivals and events could not achieve the level of success that these important partnerships help to build.
COVID-19 Pandemic Support of Festivals and Events - help the judges to understand the strength and depth of support by the applicant City (government bodies; non-governmental organizations and agencies; health care services; and others) to support the health and long-term financial sustainability of the festivals and events in your market, as well as their reciprocal support for your community, as a whole, during the pandemic.
Market Leveraging of the “Community Capital” Created by Festivals & Events – helping the judges to understand how the City and its non-governmental partners maximize the branding and marketing images/opportunities provided by local festivals and events to leverage return in other areas; and
An Extra Credit section giving each city the opportunity to highlight additional programs, services, and event-related resources that were not covered in the areas above (local University degree programs in Event Management, local certified professionals, shared event-resource programs, etc.)

More information, photos and videos about each of the 2024 IFEA World Festival & Event City Award Recipients, can be found below.

Headquartered in Boise, Idaho, the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) is The Premier Association Supporting and Enabling Festival & Event Professionals Worldwide. In partnership with global affiliates under the umbrellas of IFEA Africa, IFEA Asia, IFEA Australia, IFEA Europe, IFEA Latin America, IFEA Middle East (MENASA), and IFEA North America, the organization's common vision is for "A Globally United Industry that Touches Lives in a Positive Way through Celebration." The Association offers the most complete source of ideas, resources, information, education and networking for festival and event professionals worldwide. Visit the IFEA website at www.ifea.com for additional details.

*To maintain the goals, purposes and intent of this award, the IFEA does not release names or information about non-winning entries.

MORE DETAILS

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

Individuals presenting 2024 IFEA World Festival & Event City Awards include:

Steven Wood Schmader, CFEE
President/CEO
International Festivals & Events Association

Jazelle Jones
IFEA World Board Chair
Deputy Managing Director / Director of Operations
City of Philadelphia Office of Special Events

Daniel Baldacci, CFEE
President
IFEA Latin America

Gwangju, Dong-Gu. Republic of Korea

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As of 2024, Gwangju Dong-gu comprises 13 administrative districts with a total population of 55,341. This unique area blends urban and natural environments, encompassing the old city center around Chungjang-ro and Geumnam-ro, as well as parts of Mudeungsan-Mountain. In recent years, efforts in urban regeneration and developing a culture-centric city have led to a trend of increasing population. The Gwangju Dong-gu area is surrounded by a dense cluster of 36 cities within a 50-mile radius, with a total population of 3.5 million people. This region includes the five districts of Gwangju as well as several cities from Jeollanam-do and Jeollabuk-do. Gwangju Dong-gu is a region famous for its various festivals and events serving as a cultural hub where tradition and modernity harmoniously co-exist. The most representative area is the Chungjang-ro district, where the unique festival combines retro vibes with modern elements, offering a distinctive cultural experience held, which is ‘Chungjang Festival of Memories’. Gwangju Dong-gu is a city developing into a global festival with a nostalgic and retro theme through implementing a phased approach for festival globalization through a 10-year roadmap and hosting international programs such as the Busking World Cup and enhancing key attractions like the Maricle Theater and Fire Art Parade. Gwangju Dong-gu is a city encouraging active citizen participation for continuous festival operations through running a Citizen Festival School where citizens can participate directly from planning to operation, forming a youth planning group called 'Jjin-i' for young people aged 19 to 39 and aiming for a symbiotic festival where local residents, merchants, and cultural artists collaborate". And Gwangju-Dong-gu is a city promoting regional Activation through various festivals through hosting diverse festivals in key commercial areas, such as Geumnam-ro and Chungjang-ro, to stimulate regional Activation and Organizing major festivals like the Chungjang Festival of Memories, Raon Festa, and Old City Hall Night Festival. Gwangju Dong-gu is a city creating a New City Image (City of Humanities) through Festivals by hosting festivals such as the Chungjang Festival of Memories and the Mudeungsan Inmun(Humanities) Festival, we aim to present the image of a humanities city to visitors and Based on past achievements, Gwangju, Dong-gu are proclaiming the vision of Dong-gu, Gwangju, as a city of humanities.

Milwaukee, WI, USA

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Milwaukee is known as the City of Festivals, and all year round, we celebrate the city's many diverse cultures, ethnicities and identities, the expansive and gifted arts community, and unique occasions. From the world’s largest music festival, spread across three weekends every summer to the largest celebration of Pride in Wisconsin, PrideFest, the largest celebration of Irish and Celtic culture outside of Ireland at Irish Fest to the rumbling rally of motoculture during the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival, we celebrate just about everything in the City of Festivals.

Phuket, Thailand

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Phuket, Thailand's largest island, attracts tourists from all over the world with its diverse array of natural attractions, vibrant culture, and contemporary conveniences. Situated in the Andaman Sea, Phuket's strategic geographical location facilitates seamless accessibility via air, land, and sea routes, with Phuket International Airport serving as a gateway for direct fl ights from major international cities. Renowned for its vibrant festivals and distinctive cuisine, Phuket's rich cultural heritage is showcased through events such as the Vegetarian Festival, featuring elaborate processions and rituals, and the Phuket Peranakan Festival, celebrating the island's unique blend of Thai and Chinese heritage.

Moreover, Phuket's designation as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy in 2015 underscores its culinary signifi cance, with a diverse array of dishes refl ecting a harmonious fusion of different cultural infl uences. Phuket’s robust tourism industry drives economic growth and employment opportunities, supported by urbanized infrastructure and a wide range of accommodation, catering, and leisure services.

Phuket is a fantastic destination for outdoor activities including hiking, golf, snorkeling, and scuba diving, thanks to its immaculate beaches, azure oceans, and lush hills. Its thriving arts and entertainment scene also offers visitors of all interests a variety of entertainment and culturally enriching opportunities. Furthermore, Phuket has emerged as a leading destination for health and wellness tourism, boasting top-quality medical facilities and specialized healthcare services, further enhancing its appeal as a world-class tourist destination.

McAllen, TX, USA

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Looking for a city with a heart for celebration? I know a place. I know a place that brings people closer. A place where cultures blend, friends gather, and new traditions are created. I know McAllen, Texas.

McAllen is a bicultural community that grew under the Texas sunshine into an event city like no other. McAllen’s roots are woven into every celebration, creating new traditions and transforming seasonal events into unforgettable experiences - like the McAllen Holiday Parade. Not only is it the largest illuminated holiday and helium balloon parade in Texas, has been selected as the Best Parade in the World 7x and Best Parade in Texas 6x by the International and Texas Festival & Events Associations, respectively.

McAllen is a 2x IFEA World Festival & Event City that welcomed guests to over 800 events and festivals In 2023, McAllen's roots are woven into every celebration to create new traditions and transform every event into an unforgettable experience, like the McAllen Holiday Parade, the largest illuminated holiday and helium balloon parade in Texas,

Designated by the Texas Governor, McAllen is the official South Pole of Texas, Santa’s warm weather winter getaway, and home to holiday events that blend seasonal fun with south Texas personality.

McAllen created original festivals like Fiesta de Palmas and MXLAN where Latino culture thrives, and a place for special events that celebrate the arts, subcultures, competition, and inclusive outdoor fun. McAllen hosts eight-hundred-and-three events each year that generate over seventy-five million dollars in annual economic impact; with an additional sixteen million dollars of impact from the McAllen Holiday Parade. Thanks to the work of over twenty-seven hundred volunteers and a dedicated special events team.

Feel like celebrating?

Experience McAllen, so you’ll be the one who knows a place-McAllen, Texas.

Philadelphia, PA, USA

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Philadelphia has a long and extensive history when it comes to the event and hospitality industry. The first international trade show in the United States, the Centennial Exposition, took place in Philadelphia in 1876, exactly one hundred years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The City of Philadelphia, named "the Birthplace of America," is filled with rich history and culture dating back more than 340 years. As one of the country's first cities, the local community is proud to showcase historical attractions, beautiful parks, and many modern adaptations, all to ensure Philadelphia lives up to its "City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection" moniker. Today, as the United States of America approaches the semi quincentennial milestone, Philadelphia remains in the international spotlight. In 2025, Philadelphia expects to host the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps to commemorate the 250th birthday of each branch. Philadelphia will take center stage in 2026, hosting USA250 celebrations throughout the year, the FIFA World Cup and Major League Baseball All-Star Weekend festivities. Philadelphia stands ready to work with the world's best event producers over the next three years to deliver signature events that honor our country, and bring people together in creative and meaningful ways.

Pittsburgh, PA, USA

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A city built on innovation, Pittsburgh continues to push the envelope with major contributions in technology, education, medicine and beyond. Whether it’s your first time, or your fiftieth, once you emerge through the Fort Pitt Tunnel, a world of possibility unfolds – a city of multitudes. Known for small-town friendliness with big-city buzz, Pittsburgh has a world of food, beverage, sports and cultural options in our walkable downtown, all steps from the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
In the eyes of many of our visitors, Pittsburgh offers a surprising and unexpected experience, with natural beauty, unique terrain and diverse offerings at every turn – where 446 bridges lead you to 90 neighborhoods that offer their own flavor (and their own way to eat fries), where thousands of acres of riverside parks and Appalachian paths are waiting to be explored, where you’ll find for every rule, this city holds the exception.
And, because of our long heritage in being the exception to the rule, we stand out from the rest in the way we win the hearts of visitors from near and far.

THINKING OF ENTERING?

Read what IFEA World Board Chair, Jazelle Jones, City Representative and Director of Special Events, Mayor's Office, City of Philadelphia, PA and eight time winner of the IFEA World Festival & Event City Award has to say on the benefits of entering your city! Read More Here.