Name: IFEA / Haas & Wilkerson Insurance Pinnacle Awards Presentation
Start: 2026-10-05T16:30:00-0700
End: 2026-10-05T18:00:00-0700

This premier gathering of festival and event professionals, suppliers, and industry partners from around the world offers unparalleled opportunities for education, inspiration, and meaningful connection. From those taking their first steps toward a new event, to those advancing long-standing, globally recognized experiences, there is something for everyone as we explore emerging trends, address real-world challenges, and identify new opportunities.
Mark your calendar. Step Forward. The future of festivals and events starts here.

IFEA / Haas & Wilkerson Insurance Pinnacle Awards Presentation

Monday October 5, 2026 4:30pm - 6:00pm PDT

Room - Turquoise Ballroom

Join us as we put a memorable cap on the first day of the convention with one of the most anticipated events of the year...the IFEA / Haas & Wilkerson Insurance Pinnacle Awards...paying tribute to both creativity and excellence in multiple categories, from marketing to merchandise; operations to sponsorship; education to volunteer programs; and many, many more; all leading up to the presentation of the coveted Grand Pinnacle Awards. This is the Academy Awards Ceremony for the festivals and events industry. The IFEA / Haas & Wilkerson Insurance Pinnacle Awards, recognizing festival and event excellence, have been proudly sponsored by Haas & Wilkerson Insurance for more than three decades! Don’t miss this unopposed special event as we all wait to hear… “And the Pinnacle Award goes to…”

Speakers

Vanessa Van de Putte

President & CEO, dfest

Steven Wood Schmader, CFEE

President & CEO, International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA World)

Steven Wood Schmader, CFEE, is the President & CEO of the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA World), which celebrates 71 years as the “Premiere Association Supporting and Enabling Festival & Event Professionals Worldwide” in 2026. The IFEA operates with a visi... Read More →

Andrew Vandepopulier

Producer, Haas & Wilkerson Insurance

After graduating from the University of Central Missouri with a degree in Business and Education Andrew began working in the disaster and catastrophe claims field for Farmers Insurance. He spent 3 years working around the Midwest handling all types of claims from hail to wildfires... Read More →

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