Shelley (last name not provided), director of parks and recreation/events, told council on Oct. 14 that Newport News Parks & Recreation earned seven awards at the International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) conference, including nine gold, five silver and one bronze across categories covering event planning, marketing and community engagement (presentation phrasing reflected awards for the department and team).

Shelley credited broad city staff support for the achievements and highlighted marketing coordinator Marquise Johnson for managing event marketing that helped the department secure awards and sponsorship opportunities. She said the department’s small staff produces results on par with larger departments in neighboring jurisdictions and announced plans to apply next year for the World Festival and Event City Award, a multi‑year designation that evaluates a city’s infrastructure and support for festivals and events.

Council members and staff praised the department’s work. The presentation included a brief summary of the award counts for local Hampton Roads jurisdictions and read an endorsement quote from IFEA leadership that the presenter said was forthcoming in a press release.

No formal action was taken; Shelly requested continued staff support for events and next steps toward the international award application.