City of West Palm Beach receives 31 international honors for excellence in community events at the annual IFEA convention

West Palm Beach, Florida – The City of West Palm Beach has once again proven itself a leader in creativity, community engagement, and event excellence, earning an impressive 31 awards at the 70th Annual International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) Convention & Expo. The recognition, presented by the world’s premier organization for festival and event professionals, shines a spotlight on the city’s long-standing commitment to bringing people together through imaginative and well-executed events.

The awards ceremony, held during the annual IFEA convention, recognizes outstanding achievement in event production, marketing, and community impact. With a collection of gold, silver, and bronze accolades, West Palm Beach’s Community Events Division received honors across nearly all of its hallmark celebrations, including the beloved 4th on Flagler, the award-winning GreenMarket, the dazzling Holiday in Paradise featuring the famous Sandi Tree, and the soulful Soul in the City Jazz Experience.

“Being recognized on a global stage is an incredible honor and a testament to the excellence we strive for in West Palm Beach,” said Mayor Keith A. James. “I am grateful to our team for their dedication to fostering community pride and creating memorable experiences that our residents and visitors enjoy throughout the year.”

Led by Marketing and Community Events Manager Angela Poco, the city’s Community Events Division brought home 10 gold, 9 silver, and 12 bronze awards this year—an achievement that highlights not only artistic and logistical mastery but also the city’s growing influence in event innovation. “Our mission has always been to design experiences that unite our community and showcase the best of West Palm Beach,” Poco said. “It is deeply rewarding to see so many people enjoy these events, and to have our work recognized alongside such outstanding peers is truly an honor.”

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The IFEA Awards program is highly competitive, drawing submissions from across the globe. Winners are evaluated on creativity, execution, and their ability to positively impact their communities. West Palm Beach’s success in multiple budget categories demonstrates the city’s versatility—hosting everything from small-scale neighborhood gatherings to large, internationally recognized festivals that attract tens of thousands of visitors.

Among this year’s winning entries, the GreenMarket stood out once again, securing multiple gold awards for its creative marketing and innovative community engagement efforts. Celebrated as one of the best farmers markets in the country, GreenMarket earned top honors for Best Promotional Poster, Best Printed Materials (Single Page), and Best Sponsor Gift. The 4th on Flagler Independence Day celebration also garnered recognition, with a gold award for Best Single Digital/Social Ad and a bronze for Best Full-Length TV Program.

The city’s holiday centerpiece, Holiday in Paradise, captured widespread acclaim, earning gold for Best Multimedia Component for its Brightline digital display campaign and silver for its multi-page printed materials. The event, featuring the iconic 35-foot sand Christmas tree known as “Sandi,” continues to symbolize West Palm Beach’s signature blend of creativity and coastal charm.

Smaller yet equally innovative events such as Clematis by Fright and Screen on the Green also received accolades, showcasing the city’s dedication to providing entertainment and engagement year-round. Clematis by Fright earned gold for Best Radio Promotion and bronze for Best Single Digital/Social Ad, while Screen on the Green took home a silver award for its creative collaboration with the Cox Science Center & Aquarium on “300 Dinos.”

Across all categories, the city’s programs were praised for their ability to boost tourism, stimulate the local economy, and strengthen civic pride. West Palm Beach’s events draw hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, generating millions in local revenue and spotlighting the city as a cultural hub in South Florida.

Under Poco’s direction, the Community Events Division has built an impressive legacy—earning more than 600 awards over the past four decades for its commitment to creative programming and public engagement. This year’s 31 awards further solidify that legacy, demonstrating how the city continues to adapt, innovate, and lead in a competitive landscape.

Beyond the trophies, city leaders emphasized the broader value of these events to residents. They serve as gathering places where families and friends celebrate local culture, arts, and history. Events like the Soul in the City Jazz Experience and Clematis by Night contribute not only to the city’s economy but also to its identity—reflecting the vibrancy and diversity of the people who call West Palm Beach home.

In addition to local celebrations, collaborations such as Vintage Vibes with the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority earned silver for Best New Festival or Event, reinforcing the importance of partnerships in sustaining community creativity.

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The IFEA recognition also underscores how event management can align with larger goals, such as sustainability and inclusion. West Palm Beach has integrated green initiatives and accessibility improvements into its event planning, setting an example for other municipalities nationwide.

As the city looks ahead to another year of community events, Mayor James said the team’s focus remains the same—bringing people together and keeping West Palm Beach at the heart of Florida’s cultural calendar. “These awards remind us that when we work together, we can create something truly special for our residents and visitors,” he said.

For residents eager to experience these award-winning celebrations firsthand, details about upcoming events can be found at www.wpb.org/events or by following the City of West Palm Beach on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Information is also available by calling (561) 822-1515 (TTY: 800-955-8771).

With another record-breaking year of recognition behind them, West Palm Beach’s community events team shows no signs of slowing down—continuing to turn creativity, collaboration, and community spirit into gold.