The Town of Mooresville is pleased to announce that Christine Patterson, Director of Experience & Engagement, has been named 2026 Director of the Year by the North Carolina Association of Festivals & Events (NCAFE) in recognition of excellence in event management and outstanding leadership.
Patterson was recognized for excellence in event management and leadership, as well as for the award-winning growth of the Bands, Brews & BBQ Festival. In addition, festival presenting sponsor, deBotech, was named Sponsor of the Year by NCAFE. deBotech has served as the Town of Mooresville’s Bands, Brews & BBQ Festival’s Presenting Sponsor for several years, an invaluable contribution to the event’s overall success.
Beyond her local impact, Patterson contributes to the broader festivals and events industry through conference panels, mentorship, and service as a board member of the Mooresville Convention & Visitors Bureau, where she helps promote Mooresville as a destination for tourism, festivals, and cultural experiences.
With more than 20 years of experience in hospitality, tourism, and customer service, Patterson brings an experience-driven approach to creating impactful events and meaningful community engagement. During her seven-year tenure with the Town, she has revitalized existing programming, secured new sponsorship support, and helped establish signature Town events.
deBotech’s investment enabled the Town to secure nationally recognized artist Jo Dee Messina for the 2024 festival, and artists Night Ranger and Jefferson Starship, for the 2025 festival.
The Town of Mooresville congratulates Mooresville-based deBotech on this well-deserved recognition and thanks the company for its continued leadership, generosity, and dedication to building meaningful community experiences.
deBotech, a leader in advanced composite manufacturing, is known for producing the Olympic bobsled for the U.S. Bobsled Team. The company brought the U.S. Olympic Bobsled & Skeleton Team to the Bands, Brews & BBQ Festival, offering attendees a rare opportunity to see and sit inside Team USA’s new bobsled manufactured by deBotech, meet Olympic athletes, take photos, receive signed hero cards, and participate in interactive experiences. Athletes distributed medals to children, answered questions, and shared personal stories. Additionally, deBotech partnered with Ghostface Brewery to create a festival-exclusive fundraising brew, “MUSA,” named after the new Team USA bobsled and representing “Made in the USA/Mooresville USA.” Proceeds from the brew supported U.S. Olympic athletes, who rely on private funding for training and competition.
Background Information
The North Carolina Association of Festivals & Events is a professional organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and connecting festival and event professionals across the state. Through training, networking, advocacy, and industry recognition, NCAFE works to elevate standards, promote best practices, and strengthen North Carolina’s vibrant festivals and events community. The association’s annual awards program celebrates excellence in event management while encouraging innovation, collaboration, and continued professional growth throughout the industry.
The Director of the Year Award recognizes excellence in event management and honors professionals who demonstrate outstanding leadership, achievement, ethical standards, and a strong commitment to advancing the festival and events industry. The award also highlights individuals who elevate professional standards and serve as models of innovation and collaboration.
The Sponsor of the Year Award recognizes businesses, civic, or service organizations whose outstanding partnership demonstrates exceptional support of festivals and events through engagement, collaboration, and impact. The award honors sponsors who go beyond financial contributions to help elevate event experiences, strengthen community connections, and advance the festivals and events industry across North Carolina.
The Town of Mooresville’s Arts & Events division has been recognized for its excellence in event planning and marketing, winning two awards at the 2025 ShowFest Event Innovators Conference, hosted by NCAFE.
