Events

As a global organization, IFES welcomes international experts, including IFES staff, to share their knowledge and stories from the field at our headquarters in Washington, DC. These events foster discussion and promote the exchange of ideas within the international development community. Many of these are open to the public. See below for upcoming opportunities to attend.

IFES seeks to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of individuals in advancing freedom and democracy by bestowing named awards in honor of founders of the organization, including past chairs of the Board of Directors, Charles T. Manatt and Patricia Hutar, and Senior Adviser Joe C. Baxter.

The Charles T. Manatt Democracy Award is presented to one Democrat, one Republican and a member of the international community who demonstrates a dedication to democracy and human rights embodied by the award’s namesake.

Baxter had a firm commitment to the principles of local ownership, transparency and sustainability of electoral administration. The Baxter Award honors an individual with a proven track record of exceptional dedication to improving the way in which people have a say in the way they are governed.

The Patricia Hutar Award honors public servants who, through their work or activities, express a commitment to improved democratic practices. Hutar, a Republican activist, was a founding board member at IFES.

Learn more »

IFES’ U.S. Election Program brings together election officials, parliamentarians and diplomats from around the world to observe and learn about the U.S. electoral system and discuss elections and voting from comparative international perspectives.

IFES takes visitors on an exclusive tour of polling sites throughout the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area on Election Day – a hallmark of this special program. Many educational, social and cultural events are included in the program.

The U.S. Election Program is designed for senior management representing national and regional electoral authorities and professional associations, parliamentarians, diplomats and representatives of the international development community. Participation in the program is by invitation only.

Learn more »