The city of West Palm Beach has recently been showered with accolades by the Florida Festivals & Events Association (FFEA), scoring an impressive 17 Sunsational Awards for its events. Held annually, these awards recognize member organizations for their excellence in event marketing, programming, and innovation. West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James expressed gratitude for the FFEA's recognition of the community events team's dedication. "Thank you to everyone involved in making our events shine season after season," he said, according to a press release from the city.
The Sunsational Awards brought to light the various creative strategies employed by the city to market and execute its events. Categories where West Palm Beach excelled include social media, promotional materials, and event installations among others. Mary Pinak, Community Events Manager for the City of West Palm Beach, said in a statement obtained by wpb.org, "It is such an honor to be recognized by our colleagues at FFEA." She also praised the collaborative efforts that are essential to seamlessly deliver over 200 annual events. The city's ability to innovatively to connect with residents and visitors alike through these events was highlighted by these numerous awards.
Among the events recognized, the West Palm Beach GreenMarket notably swept first place in three categories: Billboard / Signage, Facebook, and Instagram, showcasing its wide-reaching and effective marketing presence. The 4th on Flagler event also garnered attention, receiving first place for Installation / Wraps, second for Television, and third for T-Shirt designs—a testament to the city's multifaceted approach in event promotion. Other celebrated events included Clematis by Night, Holiday in Paradise, Screen on the Green, and the Soul in the City Jazz Experience, each of them securing top spots in various categories.
These awards reinforce the city's commitment to creating memorable experiences. As Pinak mentioned, the greatest gift lies in uniting people for connection and community. "We appreciate everyone who works collaboratively to ensure the success of our more than 200 annual events each year, including our community partners and sponsors," Pinak told wpb.org. The detailed list of awards serves to further set a high standard for community engagement through city events.
For more information about the city's events and to view a full rundown of the awards, individuals can visit the City of West Palm Beach’s official events website, call their dedicated line, or follow their social media on Facebook, Instagram, and X. To stay updated with event news from the city, WPB encourages following @eventswpb on Instagram and Facebook.
