Special Events

This award is presented to the best special event, such as media event or press day, non-media events such as exhibit, information booth, educational presentation, etc. 

This is awarded one per each region and among those, an international winner is selected.

Each agency may submit only ONE entry.

Criteria for selection:

  • Innovative strategy behind the event/project
  • Execution of the event/project


2025 Winners

International and Region 2

Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security 

Mobile Unit Response to Hurricane HeleneTennessee Dept. of Safety and Homeland Security

On 9/27/2024 storms from Hurricane Helene swept into the upper East Tennessee area.  This created massive flooding and devastation in the area in addition to widespread power outages and water utility outages.  The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOS) Driver Services Division reacted by coordinated mobile issuance sites to serve those citizens who had lost their credentials in the aftermath of the storm.  TDOS set up mobile sites duplicate credentials, and Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) worked swiftly with the Driver Services Division to bring the mobile briefcase units stationed around the state to the East TN area. After two weeks the hours of operation at the mobile sites were expanded to twelve hours each day on Monday through Saturday and five hours on Sunday.  Over the course of four weeks of deployment, the mobile units issued 1,652 total credentials. 


Region 1

Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration 

Maryland Work Zone Safety Press Conference  Maryland MVA 

The Maryland Work Zone Safety Press Conference hosted by Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) during National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) in April 2024 was a powerful event designed to raise awareness about the dangers faced by highway workers and the importance of safe driving through work zones. In the wake of a devastating work zone crash that tragically claimed the lives of six MDOT State Highway Administration workers, this event provided a platform to honor the victims and emphasize the critical need for safer driving in work zones.  


Region 3

Minnesota State Patrol 

K9 Matka Retires  Minnesota State Patrol

For eight and a half years, Minnesota State Patrol K-9 Matka has walked the halls of the Minnesota State Capitol, keeping her nose sharp and sniffing for explosive material. Now she's hanging up her working collar in exchange for the good life of a family pet. Over the years Matka has kept workers and visitors safe by checking out Capitol buildings for threats, responding to calls about suspicious or unattended bags, and doing bomb sweeps. The Hungarian Vizsla, who will turn 10 in July, retired on with the end of the Minnesota Legislature's spring session.    


Region 4

Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles 

Trunk or Treat Nevada  Nevada DMV

The Nevada DMV partnered with law enforcement, public safety agencies and community organizations to host a first-ever Halloween Trunk or Treat event at the Reno DMV office on October 28, 2023. This little kid-friendly, safe, free event included a police car petting zoo, free candy and swag, and opportunities for kids to meet a first responder and hop into an emergency vehicle. More than 3,000 people attended this event that had no real cost or budget as hundreds of volunteers donated their time and the candy was donated by local businesses.