Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship

Central Michigan University's Event and Recreation Management Bachelor's Degree program has, once again, showcased its excellence by securing the prestigious Gold Pinnacle Award from the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA). This remarkable achievement marks the fifth consecutive year (2019-2023) that CMU's program has shined on the global stage, solidifying its reputation as a leader in event management education and also as an inspiration to aspiring event managers and universities worldwide.

Tim Otteman, a faculty member and department chair for Recreation, Parks, and Leisure Services Administration at Central Michigan University, expressed his excitement about this remarkable achievement: "We are thrilled to be selected again as the Gold Pinnacle Winner for Best Event Management Bachelor's Degree from the International Festivals and Events Association. All the credit goes to the outstanding students and faculty we have in our program and all of our partners we have internally at CMU and externally across the United States. To win it once was amazing; to have been honored this way for five straight years is both incredible and humbling."

The IFEA paid tribute to the Event and Recreation management program at Central Michigan University on Monday, October 9, 2023, during the IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards Ceremony held at the 66th Annual IFEA Convention, Expo & Retreat, presented by Clover, in McAllen, Texas.

The IFEA Pinnacle Awards Competition, hosted by the International Festivals and Events Association, is a renowned platform that recognizes outstanding accomplishments and high-quality creative, promotional, operational, and community outreach programs within the festivals and events industry worldwide. For CMU to have consistently stood out in this competitive arena for five consecutive years is a testament to the program's dedication to excellence and innovation and to producing top-notch graduates who are well-prepared to thrive in the competitive events industry.

The IFEA, headquartered in Boise, Idaho, serves as a global hub for festival and event professionals. Through its partnerships with various international affiliates, IFEA fosters collaboration and unity in the festivals and events industry, ensuring that celebrations around the world touch lives in a positive way. Their recognition of Central Michigan University's Event Management program further emphasizes the program's impact on the industry and its commitment to excellence.