2026 Professional Excellence Awards Program

The Texas Association of Fairs and Events strives to promote the professional standards and business practices of its members and continuously maintain its high code of conduct. The association prides itself on recognizing and rewarding cutting-edge ideas and the professional men and women who work in this exciting industry through the following annual awards.

Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award

HALL OF FAME LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

As TAF&E's highest honor, this award inducts those who have exceeded the expectation of those around them and shined brightly as an example of dedication, integrity and professionalism. Nominations are open and due November 1, 2025. If you would prefer a word document of the application, please email texasfairsandevents@gmail.com and we will be glad to email you one.

Hall of Fame Application

Professional of the Year and Volunteer of the Year

At the Annual Convention, two members are recognized for their tireless service and exemplary commitment to their events and to our Association.

Nominations are open and due November 1, 2026
If you prefer a word document of the application, please email texasfairsandevents@gmail.com and we will be glad to email you one.

Professional and Volunteer of the Year Award

Congratulations to Our Past Winners!

Congratulations to all of our past Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Awards:

2025 Nanci Kimmey

2024 Douglas Borchardt

2023 Jerry Huffman

2022 Cecil Willis

2021 Paul Tibaldo

2020 Gayle Hall

2020 Virgil Bartlett

2019 Tony Fiori
2018 Daniel C. Clark

2017 Don Buckalew
2016 John Sykes
2015 James Bricker, Buddy & Jenny Siltman

2014 Don Jobes, Dwayne & Beverly Steck, Kay Wolf

2013 Buster Brown, Keith Martin, & Steve Poynor

2012 Lynn Griffin & Pete Van de Putte

2011 Don Ahrens & Wayne Gallagher

2010 Louis Katz & Carolyn Newport McKee

2009 Errol McKoy & Steve Russell

2008 Tony McMillan & Leroy Shafer

2007 Jim Beale & Roy Henderson

2006 Jerry L. Henneke, Rita Jayne Haynes, & Travis Boeker

2005 James Roden, Murray Ferguson, & Lawrence Hemann

2004 Jack King & Marge Rosenberg

2003 Walter "Diz" Ansel

2002 Joe Vera III & Alice Emmons

Professional of the Year and Volunteer of the Year Past Winners

At the Annual Convention, two members are recognized for their tireless service and exemplary commitment to their events and to our Association. Congratulations to our past winners.