CLEVELAND - The Collegiate Event and Facilities Management Association (CEFMA) is proud to announce the launch of two new national awards recognizing excellence and leadership in intercollegiate athletics facilities, events, and operations.

CEFMA is now accepting nominations for the CEFMA High Impact Award and the CEFMA Emerging Leader Award, designed to honor outstanding professionals who have made significant contributions to the industry over the past year.

Nominations are now open and will be accepted through Friday, April 3, 2026.

CEFMA High Impact Award
The CEFMA High Impact Award recognizes a collegiate athletics administrator who has demonstrated exceptional performance and meaningful impact in facilities, event, or operational management over the past year.

Eligibility & Criteria:

• Nominees MUST be current, dues-paying members of CEFMA
• Nominees may oversee facilities, events, operations, or a combination of these areas 
• Candidates will be evaluated on their body of work between January 2025 and February 2026
• Areas of consideration may include:
  • Coordination and execution of responsibilities across one or multiple sport seasons
  • Consistent delivery of intercollegiate athletics events or other events utilizing athletics facilities (e.g., concerts, festivals) 
  • Development and execution of enhancement, renovation, or major capital projects 
  • Leadership in strategic and operational management initiatives
  • Implementation of policies and procedures that enhance safety, security, and the overall experience of student-athletes, staff, and guests 

One (1) award recipient will be selected. The recipient must have direct responsibilities within collegiate athletics facilities, events, or operations. 

Award Benefits:

• 2026-27 CEFMA Membership 
• Complimentary registration for the 2026 CEFMA Convention, June 7–10, in Las Vegas, NV
• Four (4) nights of hotel accommodations at the NACDA Convention Hotel
• Travel stipend up to $800 (reimbursable following the Convention)
• Public recognition during the 2026 CEFMA Convention

CLICK HERE to access the CEFMA High Impact Award nomination form.

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CEFMA Emerging Leader Award
The CEFMA Emerging Leader Award recognizes individuals with five (5) years of experience or less who have demonstrated exceptional performance and leadership potential within athletics facilities, events, or operations. 

Eligibility & Criteria:

• Nominees MUST be current, dues-paying members of CEFMA
• Nominees may be full-time employees or graduate assistants
• Candidates will be evaluated on their body of work between January 2025 and February 2026
• Areas of consideration may include:
  • Demonstrated leadership qualities and future leadership potential
  • Impact and contributions across one or multiple sport seasons or events
  • Meaningful involvement in special projects, facilities initiatives, or events

One (1) award recipient will be selected. The nominee must have direct responsibilities within collegiate athletics facilities, events, or operational management. 

Award Benefits:

• 2026-27 CEFMA Membership
• Complimentary registration for the 2026 CEFMA Convention, June 7–10, in Las Vegas, NV
• Four (4) nights of hotel accommodations at the NACDA Convention Hotel
• Travel stipend up to $800 (reimbursable following the Convention)
• Public recognition during the 2026 CEFMA Convention 

CLICK HERE to access the CEFMA Emerging Leader Award nomination form.

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Nomination Deadline

All nominations must be submitted no later than Friday, April 3, 2026. 

CEFMA encourages members to recognize deserving colleagues and emerging professionals who continue to elevate the standards of excellence in collegiate athletics facilities, events, and operations. 

For full award details and nomination information, please visit the CEFMA Awards page HERE.

For questions regarding the CEFMA awards or membership please contact, Cam Trudell (ctrudell@nacda.com) or Jackson Grove (jgrove@nacda.com) in the NACDA Office.

About CEFMA: CEFMA is dedicated to providing educational programs, best practices, professional development, and networking opportunities for individuals involved in collegiate athletics facilities and events. CEFMA seeks to enhance the growth, leadership, and success of our members in an inclusive & diverse environment.  For more information about CEFMA, please visit www.cefma.net. CEFMA is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), which is in its 61^st year. For more information on NACDA and the 19 professional associations that fall under its umbrella, please visit www.nacda.com.