2024 Award Winners

For the past 30 years, the Florida Festivals & Events Association has celebrated our members' achievements in event marketing, programming, service and innovation through the Sunsational Awards.

The Sunsational Awards are judged in three different budget levels and 20 different categories. Members may submit one item per category per event for nomination.

We had over 500 submissions for the Sunsational Awards and we are thrilled to honor more than 50 organizations representing over 200 events.

Congratulations to the following organizations on winning at least one award this year!

ArtFest Fort Myers

Bal Harbour Village

Boynton Beach CRA

Celebration Residential Owners Association

Centre for the Arts at Mizner Park, Inc.

City of Boca Raton

City Of Clearwater

City of Clermont

City of Coconut Creek

City of Coral Springs

City of Dania Beach

City Of Delray Beach

City of Eustis

City of Hialeah

City of North Miami

City of North

City of Ormond Beach

City of Pompano Beach

City of St. Cloud

City of Hallandale Beach CRA

City of Hialeah

City of Jacksonville

City of Lake Worth Beach

City of Madeira Beach

City Of Miami Gardens

City of West Palm Beach

City of Weston

Clay County Agricultural Fair

Coconut Grove Arts Festival

EventFest, Inc.

Flamingo Gardens

Florida Renaissance Festival

Florida State Fair

FusionFest Inc.

GL Homes

Greater Sebring Chamber of Commerce

HistoryMiami Museum

Lake County Fairgrounds and Event Center

Manatee Lagoon

MartinArts

Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition, Inc.

Naples, Marco Island Everglades CVB

Ormond Beach Leisure Services

Palm Beach County Public Affairs

Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce

Palm Beach Public Relations LLC

Rosemary Prince, LLC

Seabreeze Jazz Festival

South Florida Fair & Palm Beach County Expositions, Inc.

Spirit of Suwannee Music Park

The City of Tamarac

The Villages Entertainment

Town of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea

Town Of Orange Park

Ultra Music Festival

Village of Palm Springs

Village of Wellington

Visit Fort Myers

Visit Panama City Beach

West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority

Westgate CRA

Winterfest, Inc

2024 Award Winners

Check out our Facebook Page for a Full Gallery of Award Winners.

For more information on this year's awards program, visit our Sunsational Award Overview page or the Application Guidelines.

Distinguished Awards

Winners of the Distinguished Awards are nominated by their peers for their innovation, dedication to the industry and demonstration of leadership.

Outstanding Supplier

LIGHTNING WIRELESS SOLUTIONS

LWS is dedicated to service through excellence. They constantly strive to implement three key values Pride, Integrity, and Punctuality. Their relationships are partnerships from now and into the future and they have achieved industry leading customer service with a vast knowledge of new emerging technologies. You can count on LWS to be your one source provider of wireless communications, vehicle tracking solutions, and vehicle lighting and equipment.

Emerging Leader

emily dockery - town of orange park

Emily's dedication and versatility have made an extraordinary impact on her community. She is the driving force behind an impressive array of events—managing everything from farmers' markets to concerts, festivals, and holiday celebrations.

In a town with fewer than 10,000 residents, she orchestrates over 27 events each year, handling everything from event design and sponsorship recruitment to logistics and communications. Emily's work not only includes creating unforgettable experiences but also managing significant digital and branding efforts.

Emily is known for her exceptional graphic design skills, managing multiple websites, social media accounts, and park reservations, all while ensuring each event is better than the last. Her commitment extends beyond work, involving personal growth, community service, and mentoring interns.

COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD

CITY OF PORT ST. LUCIE PARKS & REC - fam fest

This honor recognizes an event that has gone above and beyond to create a meaningful and positive impact within its community. From fostering local engagement to supporting charitable causes, this award celebrates the events that not only shine on the stage but also bring about real change and enrich the lives of those they touch.

The 2024 Community Impact Award recognizes an event that has made a remarkable contribution to cultural appreciation and community unity. The FAM Fest, initiated by the City of Port St. Lucie Parks and Recreation Department, is a shining example of how an event can celebrate and highlight the richness of Black culture through Food, Art, and Music.

In its inaugural year, FAM Fest brought together 1,500 attendees for a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity. Through a collaborative effort by a dedicated committee and partnerships with local nonprofits, the event showcased twelve Black artists, featured an array of musical performances, and offered a variety of culinary delights. The careful planning and inclusive approach ensured a meaningful and engaging experience for all.

FAM Fest’s success not only fostered a sense of community but also significantly enhanced public awareness of the City of Port St. Lucie’s Parks & Rec Department commitment to cultural enrichment. This event has set a new standard for how to create impactful, inclusive celebrations and is poised to become a cherished annual tradition.