How To Enter
Step 1: Submission Guidelines
Download the detailed, printable Submission Instructions, which fully explain the following requirements and the entire submission process. Step 2: Form/Fee
Fill out the online entry form and remit payment via credit card.
Step 3: PowerPoint/Summary
Download the PowerPoint Template and prepare a written project description and low-res visuals via PowerPoint format. (Submit via DropBox.)
Step 4: Art/Visuals
Submit overall and detail images of the completed project. Videos and floor plans may be included in your submission. (Submit via DropBox.)
Questions?
Contact Linda Armstrong,
[email protected]
Entry Info
Eligibility
Entries must have debuted between June 1, 2024, and June 1, 2026. The exceptions are the Best of 40 Years category (open to stands debuting on or after June 1, 1986) and the Conceptual Design category (open to unrealized stands from any time period). Projects must be primarily used as trade show exhibits and must comprise mainly trade show exhibit components. All entries must have been designed and constructed for a specific client. Exhibits that have previously won an Exhibit Design Award are encouraged to apply for the Best of 40 Years category; however, previous winners are ineligible in other categories. See category information below for additional eligibility requirements.
Entries must have debuted between June 1, 2024, and June 1, 2026. The exceptions are the Best of 40 Years category (open to stands debuting on or after June 1, 1986) and the Conceptual Design category (open to unrealized stands from any time period). Projects must be primarily used as trade show exhibits and must comprise mainly trade show exhibit components. All entries must have been designed and constructed for a specific client. Exhibits that have previously won an Exhibit Design Award are encouraged to apply for the Best of 40 Years category; however, previous winners are ineligible in other categories. See category information below for additional eligibility requirements.
Categories
Projects may be entered in multiple categories, but each category submission will require an additional fee and a separate Dropbox folder for entry materials.
Projects may be entered in multiple categories, but each category submission will require an additional fee and a separate Dropbox folder for entry materials.
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Best of 40 Years – To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the program, we're looking for the best of the best in stand design. As such, any stand that debuted on or after June 1, 1986, is eligible for this category. While previous Exhibit Design Awards winners are encouraged to enter, all exhibits that meet the above eligibility criteria are welcome to enter.
• Before and After – Exhibit refurbishment projects, showing "before" and "after" views. More than 50 percent of "before" exhibit must be reused in "after" project.
• Conceptual Design* – Any stand design that has never been constructed/realized. The design's primary purpose must be that of a trade show exhibit. Each design must be capable of being constructed; that is, it can't break the laws of physics. Plus, entries must include feasible ballpark budgets.
• Double-Deck Exhibit
• Excellent Element/Application – Innovative elements or materials that are part of a larger exhibit (e.g., components, graphics, materials, technology, demonstrations, etc.). Submit only one element per entry.
• Experiential Exhibit – Exhibits that create a specific mood, atmosphere, and experience for attendees.
• Green Exhibit – Structures that reduce the negative impact on the environment.
• In-Line Exhibit
• Interactive Exhibit – Exhibits crafted to entice visitors to actively engage with the structure or a major component of the design. Compared to the Experiential category, here attendees have a physical, hands-on interaction via technology, handles/gears, product activations, etc.
• International Exhibit – Exhibits launched at trade shows outside the United States.
• Island Exhibit
• Lighting Design – Lighting design for the entire exhibit.
• Peninsula Exhibit
• Self Promotion – Stands that promote exhibit designers, producers, or manufacturers.
• Small Booth – Exhibits 200 square feet or less.
• Small Budget –Exhibits designed and built for less than $75 per square foot. Specific budgets are required.
• Use of Storytelling – Exhibits designed to tell the story of a product, users, brand, etc.
* See the Submission Instructions for further entry parameters.
• Before and After – Exhibit refurbishment projects, showing "before" and "after" views. More than 50 percent of "before" exhibit must be reused in "after" project.
• Conceptual Design* – Any stand design that has never been constructed/realized. The design's primary purpose must be that of a trade show exhibit. Each design must be capable of being constructed; that is, it can't break the laws of physics. Plus, entries must include feasible ballpark budgets.
• Double-Deck Exhibit
• Excellent Element/Application – Innovative elements or materials that are part of a larger exhibit (e.g., components, graphics, materials, technology, demonstrations, etc.). Submit only one element per entry.
• Experiential Exhibit – Exhibits that create a specific mood, atmosphere, and experience for attendees.
• Green Exhibit – Structures that reduce the negative impact on the environment.
• In-Line Exhibit
• Interactive Exhibit – Exhibits crafted to entice visitors to actively engage with the structure or a major component of the design. Compared to the Experiential category, here attendees have a physical, hands-on interaction via technology, handles/gears, product activations, etc.
• International Exhibit – Exhibits launched at trade shows outside the United States.
• Island Exhibit
• Lighting Design – Lighting design for the entire exhibit.
• Peninsula Exhibit
• Self Promotion – Stands that promote exhibit designers, producers, or manufacturers.
• Small Booth – Exhibits 200 square feet or less.
• Small Budget –Exhibits designed and built for less than $75 per square foot. Specific budgets are required.
• Use of Storytelling – Exhibits designed to tell the story of a product, users, brand, etc.
* See the Submission Instructions for further entry parameters.
The Judges
The competition will be judged by a panel of marketing and design experts.
Click on a photo to view each judge's bio.
Click on a photo to view each judge's bio.
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Criteria/Recognition
Criteria
Design experts will evaluate entries based on their aesthetics, functionality, and innovation.
Design experts will evaluate entries based on their aesthetics, functionality, and innovation.
Recognition
One EDGE Award (for Exhibit Design and Graphics Excellence) along with Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards will be given. Jurors may also select Honorable Mentions.
Winners that provide print-quality visuals (as described in the Submission Instructions) will be featured in EXHIBITOR's December/January 2026/2027 issue. One trophy will be awarded to each winner (EDGE, Gold, Silver, and Bronze), and all winners, related winning firms, and Honorable Mention recipients may order additional trophies. Plus, all entries are considered for features and columns unrelated to the competition.
Winners will be notified by Aug. 31, 2026. Pending judges' scores, awards may not be granted in all categories.
One EDGE Award (for Exhibit Design and Graphics Excellence) along with Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards will be given. Jurors may also select Honorable Mentions.
Winners that provide print-quality visuals (as described in the Submission Instructions) will be featured in EXHIBITOR's December/January 2026/2027 issue. One trophy will be awarded to each winner (EDGE, Gold, Silver, and Bronze), and all winners, related winning firms, and Honorable Mention recipients may order additional trophies. Plus, all entries are considered for features and columns unrelated to the competition.
Winners will be notified by Aug. 31, 2026. Pending judges' scores, awards may not be granted in all categories.
NOTE: EXHIBITOR reserves the right to disband the awards program if the quantity of entries affects the viability and integrity of the program. Should this happen, applicable entry fees will be refunded.
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