Each year, the IFEA recognizes outstanding examples of quality and creativity in the promotional programs and materials produced by its 2,400 member festivals and events around the world. More than 1,500 entries were submitted this year from the world’s top festivals and events.
In 2011, the 500 Festival helped secure for the City of Indianapolis the coveted IFEA World Festival & Event City Award presented by VISA. The award was designed and created as a way for the global festivals and events industry to openly encourage, support and recognize positive local environments for festivals and events worldwide. City entries were judged by an international panel of industry experts and divided into population categories and global regions. Africa, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and North America were all represented in the only recognition program of its kind. City entries were considered based on submitted information in the following areas: community overview, community festivals and events, city/government support, and non-governmental community support.
In addition,the 500 Festival received the following honors:
- Best Volunteer Program
- Best Event within An Existing Festival (OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon)
- Best Single Newspaper Display Ad
- Best Ad Series
- Best Event Invitation (Regions 500 Festival Snakepit Ball, presented by Cindy and Paul Skjodt)
- Best Media Kit
- Best Media Relations Campaign
- Best Single New Sponsorship Program (University of Indianapolis)
- Best Overall Sponsorship Program (OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon)
- Best New Product or Service (OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Runner Tracking)
- Best Educational Program (500 Festival & Indianapolis 500® Education Program)
- Best Event within An Existing Festival (IPL 500 Festival Parade)
- Best Event within an Event to Benefit a Charity (500 Festival Media Pit Stop Challenge at American Family Insurance 500 Festival Community Day)
- Best Children’s Programming (Chase 500 Festival Kids’ Day & Rookie Run)
- Best Vendor/Supplier (Williams Randall Marketing)
- Best Sponsor Solicitation Package (Indianapolis Power & Light Co.)
- Best Event E-Newsletter (OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon)
- Best Newspaper Insert/Supplement
- Best Promotion Publicizing an IFEA Award
- Best Event within an Existing Festival (American Family Insurance 500 Festival Community Day)
- Best Sponsor Follow-Up Report (American Family Insurance 500 Festival Community Day)
- Best Sponsorship Program for Individual Sponsor (Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Indiana)
- Best Hat (OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon)
- Best New Merchandise (500 Festival mouse pad)
© 2011 500 Festival