The Recreation & Event Management program takes home the GOLD

Monday, September 19, 2022, at the 65th Annual IFEA Convention, Expo & Retreat in McAllen, Texas, The Recreation and Event Management program in the Department of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services Administration (RPL) at Central Michigan University was recognized with a GOLD Pinnacle Award in the category of Best Event Management Bachelor’s Degree for consecutive award cycles, 2019 and 2022. The International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) and Haas & Wilkerson Insurance recognized the outstanding accomplishments and top-quality creative, promotional, operational, and community outreach programs and materials produced by festivals and events around the world.

“To win a Gold Pinnacle Award from the International Festivals & Events Association as the Best Event Management Bachelor’s Degree is a huge feather in the cap of CMU, the College of Education and Human Services, and the Department of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services Administration,”  said Tim Otteman, department chair.  “I am proud of the students, faculty, and staff involved in the recreation and event management program, but also thrilled that they are getting international recognition for all their hard work and commitment to excellence in the hallowed halls of Finch.”

IFEA President & CEO, Steven Wood Schmader said, “Facing the challenges of the pandemic years that we have all been through, while maintaining the highest degree of excellence in festival and event promotions and operations in every budget level and every corner of the globe, this competition continues to raise the standards and quality of the festivals and events industry to new levels, and also shows how event producers can use innovation and creativity to achieve the highest level of success under all circumstances.”