The ShowFest Excellence Awards are a long standing tradition of highlighting the best and brightest of festivals, events and supporting members across North Carolina. Our full membership is dedicated to identifying the professionals that raise the bar and provide outstanding examples.
Award nominations are a benefit of membership and open to those festival, events and supporting members that are full members and have paid in full their annual membership dues. Dues must be paid prior to nomination submissions. Membership includes regular, supporting, educational and legacy members. Membership does not include additional calendar listings submitted by members.
Step 1 - Award Registration: Complete the ShowFest Awards Registration form. Select ALL the nominations you will be submitting and make one payment. The registration form is due by Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
Step 2 - Advanced Nominations: Select the individual nomination category, complete the information requested and upload materials for each award entry. Make sure to have all your materials ready to upload as PDF. All nominations must be submitted before the conference. Judges will review materials prior to the conference. Once a nomination is complete, it can not be altered. All nominations must be submitted by Wednesday, January 15, 2025.
Step 3 - On-Site Submissions: For several categories, additional materials are required on-site. After completing the online nomination, you must bring the original items to the conference for review. Submissions must be turned in by 5 pm on Sunday, January 26. The nine (9) categories that require additional on-site submissions are: Event of the Year, Press Kit, Photo, Sponsorship Packet, Merchandise, Brochure, Print Media, Poster, and T-shirt.
The "Andy Smith" Best ShowFest Exhibitor and the Student Choice Award will be reviewed on-site during the conference. All Exhibit Hall and Merchandise entries will be automatically included in the review.
Payment for award entries must be received at time of nomination submission. If an invoice is needed, please contact the NCAF&E office to make a request.
Award winners will be announced on Monday, January 27 as part of the ShowFest Showcase and Awards Dinner.
Download the entire ShowFest Excellence Awards information packet for all the details.
If you have any questions, please contact the NCAF&E office or the awards co-chairs:
- NC Association of Festivals & Events, 877-NC FESTS
- info@ncfestivals.com
NCAFE Vice Chair
Theresa Mathis, City of Wilson, 252-205-2704, tmathis@wilsonnc.org
