Competitions at FLOAT
DESIGNER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION SERIES
FLOAT offers five (5) different design competitions that are part of our Designer of the Year series:
Friday, January 23 – 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Entrance Decor – Sponsored by Elitex Balloons USA and Anagram Balloons
Saturday, January 24 – 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Column Design – Sponsored by Gemar USA
Saturday, January 24 – 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Organic Decor – Sponsored by Betallic
Sunday, January 25 – 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Table Centerpiece – Sponsored by FLOAT
Sunday, January 25 – 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Awards and cash prizes will be given away for 1st Place, 2nd Place and 3rd Place in each of these competitions, and an additional “Delegates’ Choice” award winner will also receive an award for being the favorite of those in attendance.
By entering at least three (3) of these events, you are eligible to be in the running for our coveted Designer of the Year title.
PLEASE NOTE: With the exception of Table Centerpiece, all competitions are limited to no more than ten (10) entries.
Those wanting to specifically enter as a Designer of the Year candidate must pay a $250 deposit in order to compete. DOTY registrations open on November 12, 2025.
Those who want to enter individual Designer of the Year events must pay a $50 deposit per competition in order to compete. Individual registrations open on November 17, 2025.
These deposits are fully refundable once you have completed your entries and are considered acceptable by the Competition Director.
FLOAT’s Deadline Contests
Not a big fan of live challenges where you have to work in front of an audience? Then consider one of our two deadline contests:
Hanging Decor – Sponsored by Clik-Clik
Monday, January 26 – 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM submission time
Delivery Piece – Sponsored by HI-FLOAT and HI-SHINE
Tuesday, January 27 – 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM submission time
There are no deposits required to enter either of these events…just show up with your entry and you’re officially in!
The FLOATEE Awards
OK, would prefer to let your portfolio do the talking? Then consider entering our photo submission contest!
Arch Design
Baby Shower / Gender Reveal
Backdrop or Wall Design
Ceiling Decor
Column Design
Corporate Event
Dance Floor Design
Deco-Twisting Design
Delivery Piece
Distortion Design – NEW
Entrance Decor
Foil Design
Helium Design
Lighting Effects
Linking Decor
Milestone Event
Mixed Media Design
Mosaic Design
Mural Design
Non-Profit Event
Organic Decor
Parade or Festival Decor
Photo Op Design
Sculpture – Linking
Sculpture – Non-Round
Sculpture – Round
Table Centerpiece
Teen Event
Themed Event – Holiday
Themed Event – Other
Wedding or Bridal
Overall – Under $10K
Overall – Over $10K
The winner of each category will receive a prize at Opening Night at FLOAT 2026.
Entry fees required for each category submission:
November 17 to December 7 – $3 per entry
December 8 to December 21 – $5 per entry
December 22 to December 31 – $7 per entry
Submissions open on November 17