A. REQUIRED First Step- Pay HERE for All Entries
About the event
About the application
To complete your Excellence Awards submissions, please update the payment amount so it reflects the total number of applications you’re submitting or plan to submit, each entry is $15. Once payment is processed, we can approve your applications.
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 who raise the bar and provide outstanding examples.
Award nominations are a benefit of membership and are open to festival, event, and supporting members who are full members and have paid their annual membership dues in full. Dues must be paid prior to nomination submissions. Membership includes regular, supporting, educational, and legacy members. Calendar listings submitted by members (beyond the two primary listings associated with the membership) are not eligible for awards.
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 Friday, January 16, 2026.
Step 2 - Advanced Nominations: Select the individual nomination category, complete the information requested, and upload materials for each award entry. Make sure all your materials are ready to upload as a 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 Friday, January 16, 2026.
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. On-Site Submissions must be turned in by 5 pm on Sunday, January 25. 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 the time of nomination submission. If an invoice is needed, please get in touch with the NCAF&E office to request one.
Award winners will be announced on Monday, January 26, during the ShowFest Showcase and Awards Dinner.
Download the entire ShowFest Excellence Awards information packet for all the details.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with the NCAF&E office or the awards co-chair, Theresa Mathis:
- NC Association of Festivals & Events, 877-NC FESTS
- info@ncfestivals.com
NCAFE President
Theresa Mathis, City of Wilson, 252-205-2704, tmathis@wilsonnc.org
Prices
| Event of the Year | $15.00 | |
| Director of the Year | $15.00 | |
| Volunteer of the Year | $15.00 | |
| Sponsor of the Year | $15.00 | |
| Supporting Member of the Year | $15.00 | |
| Rising Star Award | $15.00 | |
| Event Associated with an Event | $15.00 | |
| Best Children's Program | $15.00 | |
| Best Community Outreach Program | $15.00 | |
| Best Festival Social Media | $15.00 | |
| Best Event Website | $15.00 | |
| Best Supporting Member website | $15.00 | |
| Best Press Kit | $15.00 | |
| Best Non-Print Media | $15.00 | |
| Best Event Photo | $15.00 | |
| Best Sponsorship Packet | $15.00 | |
| Best Merchandise | $15.00 | |
| Best Brochure | $15.00 | |
| Best Print Media | $15.00 | |
| Best Event Poster | $15.00 | |
| Best T-shirt | $15.00 |
Questions on the application
User information
- First name
- Last name
Additional information
- Uploade your festival/event logo
- Name
- Organization or Business
