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The Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass festival in Sevierville, Tenn., produced by the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce, won the coveted 2015 Gold Grand Pinnacle Award (Division 1: Budget under $250,000) from the International Festival & Events Association (IFEA). The award was presented during the organization’s 60th Anniversary IFEA Convention & Expo recently in Tucson, Ariz.
The Grand Pinnacle is the highest award given by the IFEA in recognition of those festivals and events who have a balance of all the elements necessary to ensure a successful event. Fellow finalists within that division were July 4th at the National Archives, produced by the National Archives, Washington D.C. and the Annual Spring into Summer Festival produced by the Oak Grove Tourism Commission, Oak Grove, Ky.
“This is a tremendous honor for Sevierville,” says Sevierville Chamber of Commerce marketing director Amanda Marr. “Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass has been judged by industry professionals to be among the best in the nation – and it wouldn’t be possible without the support of our community, sponsors, city and all who visit us for the event each year.”
The Sevierville Chamber of Commerce also earned six other awards during the IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards Ceremony including:
- Gold Pinnacle Award for Best Event / Organization E-Newsletter: Sevierville’s Great Escape
- Gold Pinnacle Award for Best Social Media Site: fb.com/Sevierville
- Gold Pinnacle Award for Best Company Image Piece: Shine in the Smokies Logo
- Silver Pinnacle Award for Best Cover Design: Sevierville Vacation Planner
- Bronze Pinnacle Award for Best Miscellaneous Printed Materials (Multiple Page): Sevierville Sports Planner
- Bronze Pinnacle Award for Best Ad Series: Sevierville’s Winterfest Celebration
“We are very proud to have earned so many notable awards on a globally competitive field. International Festival & Events Association allows us to stack our event production, marketing and promotions against strong organizations from around the nation and around the world so we’re always thrilled when our work is recognized within that competition,” says Sevierville Chamber of Commerce CEO, Brenda McCroskey. “Further, the range of categories in which we received awards is very broad and ranges from overall event production to social media marketing, digital remarketing, design and advertising creative. I think that really speaks to the versatility of our team here at the Sevierville Chamber.”
Awards were handed out in a total of 68 different categories. The International Festivals & Events Association is the premiere association supporting and enabling festival and events 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, 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 next Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass festival will take place May 20-21, 2016.
Photo (L-R): Sevierville Chamber of Commerce marketing director Amanda Marr and IFEA President & CEO Steve Schmader
