TFEA Professional Awards

Celebrate the People Who Make Texas Festivals & Events Exceptional

Every festival and event is powered by extraordinary people—dedicated professionals, passionate volunteers, visionary leaders, and trusted industry partners.

The Texas Festivals & Events Association Professional Awards recognize the individuals whose leadership, innovation, and commitment strengthen festivals and events across Texas while enriching the communities they serve.

Since 1993, these prestigious awards have honored those who have made lasting contributions to our industry and continue to inspire excellence throughout the state.

Nominations Open: July 1, 2026

Nomination Deadline: Friday, September 11, 2026 • 10:00 PM CST

Awards Presentation: 2026 TFEA Annual Conference

Help us recognize the individuals who make our industry stronger every day.

The Hall of Honor is TFEA's highest individual recognition.

This award honors an individual whose long-term leadership, service, and dedication have made an extraordinary impact on the festivals and events industry in Texas. Hall of Honor recipients have demonstrated a lifetime of excellence, professionalism, and commitment while mentoring others and helping shape the future of our industry.

Who should be nominated?

• Long-time industry leaders
• Individuals with significant career achievements
• Those whose contributions have had lasting statewide impact

Nominations for this award are made by the Past Chairs Committee.

Named in honor of Carson Watt, this award recognizes an outstanding festival or event professional who exemplifies leadership, innovation, integrity, and excellence in the management and production of events.

Recipients demonstrate exceptional professionalism while positively influencing both their organizations and the industry as a whole.

Who should be nominated?

• Festival and event professionals
• Executive Directors
• Event managers
• Parks and recreation professionals
• Destination and tourism professionals

Nomination Form will be available July 1, 2026.

Sponsored by dfest®

This award recognizes an emerging leader who is already making a meaningful impact on the festival and events industry.

The Young Professional of the Year demonstrates initiative, creativity, leadership, and a passion for serving their organization and community while representing the future of our industry.

Who should be nominated?

• Emerging professionals
• Rising leaders
• Individuals early in their careers who demonstrate exceptional potential

Named in honor of one of Texas' most dedicated volunteers, this award recognizes an exceptional volunteer whose passion, service, and commitment have made a meaningful difference to a festival, event, or community organization.

Volunteers are the heart of our industry, and this award celebrates those who consistently give their time, energy, and talents to help others succeed.

Who should be nominated?

• Outstanding community volunteers
• Long-time event volunteers
• Individuals who go above and beyond in service

Nomination Form will be available July 1, 2026.

Festivals and events depend upon trusted vendors and partners who consistently deliver exceptional products, services, and support.

This award recognizes a vendor whose professionalism, customer service, innovation, and dedication have made a significant impact on festivals and events throughout Texas.

Who should be nominated?

• Service providers
• Equipment companies
• Entertainment agencies
• Production companies
• Event suppliers
• Industry partners

Each award category has its own nomination criteria and submission form. We encourage you to review the eligibility requirements carefully before completing your nomination.

Consider sharing the nomination forms with your colleagues, board members, and staff to help recognize the outstanding individuals who contribute to your organization's success.