ShowFest Event Innovators Conference 2026

Welcome to the ShowFest 2026 exhibitor registration! Browse through our application and let us know if you have any questions. You must be a supporting member of NCAF&E to register for an exhibit booth. This is an electronic agreement; by registering, you are validating and approving it. We look forward to hosting the ShowFest 2026 Event Innovators Conference in Charlotte, NC.

 

Join us! January 26-27, 2026
Charlotte, NC✍️Education Sessions 
🎈Exhibit Hall 
🤝Network with Industry Professionals 
🎸Entertainment Showcase 
🏆Excellence Awards Program & MORE!!  

 

#celebrate #innovate #educate #showfest2026 #gettingrevvedupfor2026

Sponsor the hospitality room social hour. The fun will happen on Sunday, Jan 25 from 4:30pm-6pm. Include: - 1/2 page ad in program. -Logo on event page. -Recognized during the social & conference.

Overall Conference Sponsor benefits include: -One conference registration w/ exhibit space. -Premium logo placement on the event page. -Full page ad in program. -Recognized during the conference. & MORE

-Includes one conference registration w/ exhibit space. -Prominent logo placement on event page. -Logo on the certificates or awards. -Full page ad in program. -Recognized during the conference.

Have your logo on the back the conference badges for everyone to see! -Full page ad in program. -Logo on event page. -Recognized during the showcase & conference.

ShowFest Showcase is an evening filled with amazing music and great food! One of the most popular events during the conference! -Includes one conference registration w/ exhibit space. -Full page ad in program. -Premium logo placement on event page. -Recognized during the showcase & conference.

Includes: -1/2 page ad in program. -Signage during break. -Logo on event page. -Recognized during the conference.

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

 

Best Sponsorship Packet -This nomination requires both the electronic nomination and the original item submitted onsite. 

 

Cultivating sponsors is a major milestone. Sponsorship packets, handouts, resources, and information provide guidance and assurance of return on investment. Submit your sponsor materials for consideration. 

 

As many events are moving to include more electronic, digital, or online options, they may choose to submit Sponsorship Packets under the "Non-Print Media" category. 

 

Note: Submit your original packet or printed materials onsite during the conference for review. The original packet must be received by 5 pm on Sunday, January 25. 

Supporting Member of the Year - A supporting member, associate, or business that provides a service or product to the festival and event industry but is not directly engaged in the management of the event. The nominee MUST be a member of NCFA&E, who has shown exceptional leadership and cooperation in assisting event staff to meet their goals. Please include a detailed description of what the member does to set themselves apart, and why they deserve this award. 

 

Submission may be two-typed page maximum and must include a photograph or logo of the Supporting Member. 

This award is given to recognize the business, civic or service organization whose outstanding financial support and/or manpower to the festival/event sets and example for others in the community to follow. Please include a detailed description of what the Sponsor has done for your event and why they deserve this award. 

 

Submission may be one-typed page maximum and must include a photograph or logo of the Sponsor. 

Rising Star Award - This award recognizes new events or festivals that are only 1-3 years old. We are seeking events that provide a unique experience for their community. Please include when the event started, the goal, focus or purpose, a listing of the key partners for the event, the overall budget amount, estimated attendance and summary of growth, and basic event information such as schedule, promotions, and merchandise. Previous winners may not re-apply. 

 

Submission may be typed two-page maximum.  

Photos and supporting materials are limited to two additional pages. 

 

Event of the Year - This nomination requires both electronic nominations and the on-site entry. 

 

This award recognizes the most outstanding event or festival of the year. Do you deserve the title? Nomination questions include the event's goals, estimated attendance, paid staff size, volunteer base, event schedule, and overall budget range. Along with the information, nominees must attach a copy of the schedule or program guide and a maximum of six (6) pages of additional review materials. The extra materials may include photography and other images to help communicate why your event is worthy of this award. 

 

Note: Any award winner within the past three years may not be nominated again. The association strives to recognize a wide variety of events throughout North Carolina. 

 

In addition to the nomination, all nominees must set up a display at the ShowFest Conference. Displays must be set up by 5 pm on Sunday, January 25. Displays typically include a very visual tri-fold board, photos, and festival materials. The display may be a mix of display and technology. The maximum size of a display board is 3 ft x 4 ft. The technology must be self-generating as judges cannot control/adjust during review. 

 

Those submitting a nomination for Event of the Year must have a representative attending ShowFest. 

 

Submission entry requires answering 14 questions.

Photos and supporting materials are limited to six (6) additional pages. 

 

Event Associated with an Event - This award recognizes new events or activities associated with an established event or as an event-within-an-event. We are seeking new events that provide additional unique experiences. Please include why and how the additional event was added. Include any key partners, other expenditures, estimated participation, and how the additional event supported your main event. 

 

Submission may be one-typed page maximum.  

Photos and supporting materials are limited to two additional pages. 

 

Director of the Year Award - This award recognizes excellence in event management. Nominees should have demonstrated leadership, competence, achievement, ethical standards and a strong commitment to the festival industry. Please include a description of the nominee's contributions to the festival industry and their particular festival or event.

 

Submissions may be two pages maximum and must include a photo of the Director. 

 

Those submitting a nomination for the Director of the Year award must have a representative from their organization attend ShowFest. 

Best Event T-shirt -This nomination requires the electronic nomination and onsite submission of the original item. 

 

Event t-shirts share the message, become collectibles, and keep the event alive in the community beyond the event date. Submit your t-shirt for consideration. Shirts can have short sleeves, long sleeves, a one-color print, or multi-color. 

 

Note: This category is for t-shirts only. All other wearable items must be submitted under the Best Merchandise category. 

 

Upload a photograph for registration. 

 

NOTE: Please submit your original t-shirt for review onsite during the conference by 5 p.m. on Sunday, January 25. 

Best SUPPORTING MEMBER Website - Seeking nominations of Supporting Members of NCAF&E that provide valuable online information. Submission should include an example of how their website helps planners or associates communicate details or make decisions regarding event planning. Submission must include a screenshot of the Home page and web address for review. 

 

Submission may include a one-typed page maximum providing highlights and descriptions of the website. 

 

Best Print Media -This nomination requires both the electronic nomination and submission of the original item onsite. 

 

Festivals use printed media in various ways—advertisements, billboards, magazines, flyers, handouts, invitations, calendars, rack cards, postcards, programs, save-the-date materials, etc. Submit your print media for consideration. Both black-and-white and color entries are accepted. 

 

Note:  The award excludes brochures; they are in a separate category. 

 

Upload an electronic version of your print media, PDF, or photograph for registration. 

 

NOTE: Please submit your original brochure onsite during the conference for review by 5 p.m. on Sunday, January 25. 

Best Brochure Award - This nomination requires both the electronic nomination and the original item to be submitted on-site. 

 

Festivals use printed brochures for various reasons, including maps, schedules, special events, sponsor recognition, and more. Submit your printed brochure. Both black-and-white and color entries are accepted. 

 

Note: All other printed materials are included under the Print Media category. This award is for brochures only. 

 

Upload an electronic version of your brochure, PDF, or photograph as part of your nomination. 

Submit your original brochure onsite during the conference for review by 5 pm on Sunday, January 25. 

Best Press Kit -This nomination requires both the electronic nomination and the original item submitted onsite. 

 

Communication with the press is vital to get your message out to the masses. Submit your press kit, brochure, handouts, or screenshots of your online resources. 

 

Submit your press kit, brochure, or handouts. If your kit is digital or online, you may print a copy for this category or submit it under the "Non-Print Media" category instead.

 

NOTE: You must submit your original printed press kit for review onsite during the conference. The Press Kit must be received by 5 p.m. on Sunday, January 25. 

Best NON-Print Media Award - Festivals and events may submit a wide variety of non-print media used for promotion, awareness and engagement.

 

As many event are moving away from printed materials and using more digital options, submissions may include, but are not limited to: TV, Radio, Internet, PSA, press kits, sponsor packets, schedules and brochures. 

 

Submission must provide a link to the non-print media and upload a script/copy of the communication. 

 

 

 

Best Merchandise Award -This nomination requires both electronic nomination and onsite submission of the original item. 

 

Festivals now sell or give out all sorts of merchandise, from small collectibles to large purchases. Events may submit any item that is NOT a T-shirt (T-shirts are a separate category). Events may submit multiple merchandise items; however, remember they will compete against one another. 

 

Upload a photograph of your merchandise item with your nomination. 

 

NOTE: Submit your original item onsite during the conference for review by 5 pm on Sunday, January 25. 

Best EVENT Website - We all understand that in today's world, a great internet presence is required to attract attendees to your festival/event. For events that are held in Fall or end of the year, please make sure  your website is live.  For events early in the year, submit a screen shot of your Home page and 3 additional screen shots of your best website pages.

 

Submission may be one-typed page maximum highlighting website functions.
Additional supporting document must include 4 screen shots of website, including Home page. 

 

Best EVENT Social Media - Examples of social media include, but are not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Flickr, webcasts, blogs, apps. Include a screenshot of the platform and briefly describe how it is used, audience engagement, navigation, visual impact, original to event, and the impact on your festival. 

 

Social media links must be provided.

Submission may be a one-typed page maximum highlighting social media functions. 
Additional supporting documents must include 3 screenshots. 

 

Note: Submissions may be on separate platforms or submitted as a campaign with multiple layered outreach. If nominated separately, the nominations will compete against one another and require separate payments for each submission. 

 

 

Best Event Poster -This nomination requires both the electronic nomination and the original item to be submitted onsite. 

 

Festivals and events use posters for publicity, to announce event dates & information and as collectable fine art. Submit any size or style for consideration. 

 

Upload an electronic version of your poster, a PDF or photograph within your nomination. 

Submit your original poster onsite during the conference for review by 5 pm on Sunday, January 25. 

Best Event Photo -This nomination requires both the electronic nomination and the original item submitted onsite. 

 

A picture is worth a thousand words. Submit your best event photo for consideration. Photos can be black & white or color. Photos must be original and may not be computer-generated or altered by technology. 

 

Upload your photo for nomination. Submit your original onsite during the conference for review. The original must be received by 5 p.m. on Sunday, January 25. Display photos in a format of 5 x 7 or 8 x 10.

Best Community Outreach Program - For events and festivals that benefit or support a community initiative, raise awareness, raise funds that help a cause, or hold additional programs for community outreach. The program may be held anytime throughout the year. It is not limited to your main event/festival. Please provide a detailed description of how this program supports the community, the purpose of the program, a description of the cause or charity, how it was selected, and how the program was implemented. Provide an explanation of how the outreach ties into your main event/festival. 

 

Submission may be one-typed page maximum.  

Photos and supporting materials are limited to two additional pages. 

 

Best Children's Program - This is for festivals and events that have programming exclusively for children under 12 years of age. Please describe the purpose and objective of the program for children. Provide a detailed description of how the idea came into fruition and how it was implemented. 

 

Submission may be one-typed page maximum.  

Photos and supporting materials are limited to two additional pages. 

 

The "Betsy Rosemann" Volunteer of the Year Award - Named after long time member of NCAF&E, we are looking for that special person, or group, that was invaluable to the success of your festival or event. Please include a detailed description of what this person/group does to make your event a success and why you feel they deserve the award. 

 

Submission may be one-typed page maximum and must include a photograph of the volunteer.