Memphis in May International Festival Awarded 7 Pinnacle Awards from the IFEA
On Monday evening, October 5, 2026, the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) announced the winners of the 2026 IFEA Pinnacle Awards during its 71st Annual IFEA Convention & Expo in Tucson, Arizona.
The Memphis in May International Festival received 7 Pinnacle Awards which were accepted by Memphis in May President & CEO, Mack Weaver.
Memphis in May received 5 Gold Pinnacle Awards, including “Best Organization Website,” “Best Overall Sponsorship Program,” “Best Facebook Site” for the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (WCBCC), “Best Event (Within an Existing Event)” for Memphis in May’s Open Fire World Championship at the WCBCC, and “Best T-Shirt Design” for the WCBCC. Memphis in May also won 2 Silver Pinnacle Awards for “Best Radio Promotion” for the WCBCC and for “Best Sponsor Activation” for the festival’s partnership with Home Depot at the WCBCC.
“It’s very pleasing that these awards represent the hard work that the Memphis in May staff and volunteers commit annually to best represent the city of Memphis on behalf of its citizens,” said Mack Weaver, Memphis in May President & CEO. “As this festival prepares to celebrate its 50th year serving Memphis, it is still being honored around the world. Our city should be proud and should continue to support this organization now and for many years to come.”
The Pinnacle Awards Competition recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of festivals and events from around the world and continues to be the gold standard of achievement and inspiration for the global festivals and events industry. This year’s entries also included submissions from Europe, Asia and Australia.
About Memphis in May
Memphis in May is a 501(c)3 nonprofit community-based organization whose mission is to promote and celebrate Memphis’ culture, foster economic growth, and enhance international awareness through education. Founded in 1977, Memphis In May has been responsible for millions of dollars in economic impact for the city of Memphis by producing the city’s most prestigious events, including the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, the Great American River Run, and its international salute. The Memphis in May International Festival was named to Travel+Leisure’s international list of “Festivals Worth Traveling For.” and Memphis has topped CNN Travel’s list of international destinations to visit in May because of Memphis in May events.
