City of Newport News Parks and Recreation Honored with 2025 IFEA Awards

Newport News, VA - The City of Newport News Parks & Recreation Department has been recognized among the world's best, earning seven awards at the 2025 International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) / Haas & Wilkerson Insurance Pinnacle Awards. The awards honor the highest achievements in festival and event planning, marketing, and community engagement from across the globe.

This year, Newport News Parks & Recreation brought home three Gold, one Silver, and three Bronze awards, celebrating excellence across a variety of citywide events and marketing initiatives that highlight creativity, innovation, and community spirit. Since 2019, Newport News has received 22 Pinnacle Awards.

The city's award-winning events directly enhance the quality of life for residents by creating inclusive, welcoming spaces where the entire community can connect. By attracting visitors from across the region, they also showcase the city's vibrancy and hospitality. Through creative programming and thoughtful planning, Parks & Recreation fosters a stronger, more unified Newport News.

2025 IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards - City of Newport News Winners:

GOLD AWARDS

• Best Digital/Social Ad Series - Drop the Mic Concert Series
• Best Ad Series - NlightN Holiday Event Series
• Best Give-Away Item - Juneteenth Freedom Festival

SILVER AWARD

• Best Single Magazine Display Ad - NlightN Holiday Event Series

BRONZE AWARDS

• Best Printed Materials (Multiple Page) - Tour of Newport News
• Best Printed Materials (Single Page) - Drop the Mic Concert Series
• Best Promotional Photograph - Denbigh Day Parade & Festival

"These awards reflect the dedication, innovation, and teamwork of our Parks & Recreation staff," said City Manager Alan K. Archer. "Each event is an opportunity to bring our community together and showcase the creativity that makes Newport News such a special place to live, work, and visit. I'm incredibly proud that their hard work continues to earn recognition on an international level."

The IFEA Pinnacle Awards, sponsored by Haas & Wilkerson Insurance, recognize excellence in all aspects of event production and promotion, including marketing, merchandising, programming, and community impact. Submissions are received from festivals and events around the world, with winners representing the highest standard of achievement in the global industry.

In addition to Newport News' success, neighboring localities were also recognized at this year's ceremony. Norfolk Festevents, Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, and York County Economic & Tourism Development each received multiple awards for their signature regional celebrations-further showcasing the strength and creativity of Hampton Roads' event professionals.

"The team at Newport News Parks & Recreation continues to set a shining example of creativity, purpose, and community connection in our industry," said Steven Wood Schmader, CFEE, President & CEO of the IFEA. "Their achievements at the 2025 Pinnacle Awards highlight the exceptional quality and impact of their work."

The 2025 IFEA Annual Convention & Expo, held in Palm Springs, California, marked the 30th anniversary of the Pinnacle Awards and drew submissions from around the world, including Australia, Ireland, South Korea, and the United States.

For more information about the IFEA and the Pinnacle Awards, visit www.ifea.com .

For details about upcoming City of Newport News events, visit www.nnparks.com/events .

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