Application Guidelines

Budget Categories

Events of all sizes are encouraged to submit entries. You will be judged among your peers in the same event budget category so you are competing with festivals with similar budgets. There are three event budget categories:

• $49,999 and under
• $50,000 - $249,999
• $250,000 and over

Please submit each entry in one of these event budget categories. Budgets should include the entire budget for the event that you are entering, including all in-kind services. THIS WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED!

Deadlines & Pricing

• March 1 - April 30 - $25 per category application
• May 1 - May 31 - $35 per category application
• June 1 - June 17 - $45 per category application
• Final deadline - June 16th at 11:59pm
• Applications will only be accepted for events that occurred or were scheduled for between June 1, 2024 and May 31, 2025. *Events can be in-person, virtual, hybrid or community engagement / at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I see the entries that were submitted? - All entries will be displayed at the Convention & Expo - August 12-14 at the Renaissance SeaWorld Resort in Orlando, FL. In an effort to focus on sustainability, most entries will be displayed digitally and a link to all digital files will be made exclusively available to members after the event.

When will winners be announced? - Winners will be announced at the 30th Annual Convention and Expo Awards Luncheon, Wednesday, August 13. Winners will be presented with an award to display.

Do I have to be present to win? - Although we encourage you to attend the Convention and Expo, you do not have to be present to win a SUNsational Award.

How can I view the winning entries? - A PowerPoint of all winning entries will be placed on the FFEA website.

Will press releases, on winning entries, be distributed? - Press releases, explaining the award and the competition, will be written and distributed throughout the state. Additionally, customized press releases for your specific market will be distributed to all winners immediately following the luncheon. We encourage you to send out press releases to your media contacts as well.

Rules & Policies

• Only FFEA members are eligible to submit entries.
• You may only submit ONCE PER CATEGORY for EACH event you produce however you may enter in as many categories as you would like.
• Entries must have been produced and/or utilized between June 1, 2024 and May 31, 2025. *Events can be in-person, virtual, hybrid or at-home.
• Please pay close attention to the submission requirements. If submission requirements are not met, your entry may not be judged.
• All entries become the property of FFEA. FFEA assumes no liability for items lost, taken, or damaged.
• All entries must be submitted and paid for by June 16, 2025.
• All entries must include payment at time of submission.

Judging

Entries are judged by professionals in their fields of radio, television, photography, website development, promotions, graphics, advertising, public relations, marketing, social media, and special event production. The entries are judged through a point system based on the criteria listed for each category.

Three SUNsational Awards will be given in each award category; a best in category award and two runner-up awards, unless, in the opinion of the judges, no award is merited. The judges reserve the right to give multiple awards in a category if scores are tied.

Cost

The early entry fee for each entry is $25 for nominations submitted by April 30th or $35 for nominations submitted between May 1 - May 31. The entry fee between June 1 – June 15th is $45. You may pay the entry fee online with credit card or mail a check to: FFEA, 2115 Alameda Avenue, Orlando, FL 32804. All payments must be received prior to June 15, 2025 in order for the application to be included in the judging. There is no charge to nominate for the Distinguished Awards.

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CATEGORIES

JUDGING CRITERIA

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

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Printed Materials Categories

Promotional Mailer: Postcard / Direct Mail Piece / Newspaper Insert

Promotional / Marketing Poster (not for sale)

Commemorative Poster (for sale)

Program / Event Guide / Brochure

Tickets & Invitations

Event Recap / Annual Report

Is the item’s message informative, clear, concise, compelling enough to engage the audience, easy to understand, possess exceptional design features and is it original? Judging done in person.

Upload a digital PDF or Jpeg of the item.

Mail the original printed item by July 1.

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Outdoor Advertising Categories

Billboard / Signage
This category includes all outdoor billboards (print and digital) and signage.

Banners / Street Pole Banners
This category includes over the street banners, street pole banners and promotional outdoor signage.

Installations / Wraps
This category includes any installations and wraps including vehicles, elevators, parking garages, trash cans, etc.

Is the message informative, clear, concise, compelling enough to engage the audience, easy to read, have visual impact, and original? Judging done online.

Upload a digital PDF or jpeg image of advertisement.

No mailing requirement.

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PR / Media Categories

PR / Media Campaign
Includes Press Kit, Overall Media Campaign, Press Conferences, Publicity Stunts

Social Media Ad Campaign
Includes single or multiple ads or campaigns promoted through social media platforms

Creativity and originality of content.

Clarity and consistency of messaging.

Effectiveness in engaging the target audience.

Demonstrated results and impact of the campaign.

Submit required documents online as one PDF. No mailing requirements.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION: (typed as a minimum of one page document)

• Introduction & Background of Campaign
• Effectiveness of Campaign
• Any images or samples of releases or media related to campaign.

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Photo Categories

Photo (Black & White or Color)

Does the photo have original and exceptional composition, use of light and color, and evoke an emotion or leave an impression?Judging done online.

Upload a digital jpeg of the photo image.

No mailing requirements.

Photo Opp Area or Selfie Station

Is the photo area/backdrop visually appealing? Does it accurately represent the event brand? Judging done online.

Upload up to 3 digital jpeg images of your photo area or selfie station.

No mailing requirements.

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Promo Item / T-Shirt Categories

Promotional Item
Examples of promotional items include, but not limited to, souvenirs, hats, mugs, pins, volunteer / sponsor recognition items.

Is the promotional item original, have visual impact, and serve a purpose for its target market? Judging done in person.

Upload front and back image of item.

Mail one of each item to the FFEA Office by July 1.

T-Shirt
Collared shirts should be entered under Promotional Items. Examples include promotional shirts for sale and not for sale and volunteer shirts.

Does the T-shirt display good use of design and originality?Judging done in person.

Upload front and back image of shirt.

Mail t-shirt to the FFEA Office by July 1.

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Multimedia Categories

Television Program, Ad OR PSA

Promotional or Recap Video

Radio Program, Ad OR PSA

Is the message informative, clear, concise, compelling enough to engage the audience, original, and have impact? Judging done online.

Submit YouTube or Vimeo link to video or upload to online application.

No mailing requirement.

Website

Mobile App or Mobile Responsive Event Page

Facebook

X

Instagram

TikTok

Is the website/page/app informative, clear, concise, compelling enough to engage the audience, easy to navigate, have visual impact and does it possess exceptional design features and display originality?Judging done online.

• Demonstrates consistent and engaging content tailored to the appropriate platform.
• Shows use of features like events, reels, stories, live streams, and ads.
• Highlights creativity, tone, and alignment with brand and event goals and target audience.
• Demonstrates measurable engagement (likes, shares, comments, reach, etc.).

Submit link to webpage, social media site or app download link.

No mailing requirement.

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Volunteer Program
Recognizes exceptional planning, recruitment, training, and management of volunteers that enhance the success of an event.

Demonstrates a strategic approach to recruiting and retaining volunteers.

Includes training methods, recognition efforts, and logistical coordination.

Highlights the role volunteers played in event success.

Provides metrics such as number of volunteers, hours served, or participant feedback.

Submit required documents online as one PDF. No mailing requirements.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION: (typed as a minimum of one page document)

• Introduction & Background of main event and program
• Effectiveness of Program
• Partner Involvement

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION:

• Printed Materials
• Promotional / Marketing / Media Materials
• Supporting Photographs
• Measurable Results

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Educational Program
Honors an innovative and impactful educational component, program or event designed to inform or inspire.

Clearly defines educational goals and target audience.

Includes content delivery methods (e.g., workshops, exhibits, activities).

Demonstrates creativity and audience engagement.

Shows impact through participation, feedback, or learning outcomes.

Submit required documents online as one PDF. No mailing requirements.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION: (typed as a minimum of one page document)

• Introduction & Background of main event and program
• Effectiveness of Program
• Partner Involvement

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION:

• Printed Materials
• Promotional / Marketing / Media Materials
• Supporting Photographs
• Measurable Results

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Multi-Agency Collaborative Program
Recognizes outstanding collaboration between multiple organizations or agencies to plan or implement an event component or program.

Describes the roles and contributions of each partner agency.

Highlights the coordination and communication involved.

Demonstrates how the collaboration enhanced safety, operations, or impact.

Includes outcomes that would not have been possible without the partnership.

Submit required documents online as one PDF. No mailing requirements.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION: (typed as a minimum of one page document)

• Introduction & Background of main event and program
• Effectiveness of Program
• Partner Involvement

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION:

• Printed Materials
• Promotional / Marketing / Media Materials
• Supporting Photographs
• Measurable Results

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Community Outreach Program
Celebrates initiatives that extend an event’s reach through purposeful community involvement or support.

Describes the outreach strategy and target group(s).

Demonstrates community involvement before, during, or after the event.

Shows measurable community benefit or engagement.

Includes innovative approaches to inclusion and connection.

Submit required documents online as one PDF. No mailing requirements.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION: (typed as a minimum of one page document)

• Introduction & Background of main event and program
• Effectiveness of Program
• Partner Involvement

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION:

• Printed Materials
• Promotional / Marketing / Media Materials
• Supporting Photographs
• Measurable Results

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Sponsor Partnership
Honors a creative and mutually beneficial sponsorship collaboration that elevated the event experience and sponsor visibility.

Describes the sponsorship activation or integration.

Demonstrates how the sponsor’s goals were met.

Highlights creativity, visibility, and audience engagement.

Includes results such as ROI, exposure, or extended partnerships.

Submit required documents online as one PDF. No mailing requirements.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION: (typed as a minimum of one page document)

• Introduction & Background of main event and program
• Effectiveness of Program
• Partner Involvement

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION:

• Printed Materials
• Promotional / Marketing / Media Materials
• Supporting Photographs
• Measurable Results

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Children's Program
Celebrates outstanding programming designed specifically to educate, entertain, or engage children at an event.

Describes the concept and target age range.

Demonstrates creativity, safety, and interactivity.

Includes engagement strategies and educational or entertainment value.

Shows participation numbers or feedback.

Submit required documents online as one PDF. No mailing requirements.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION: (typed as a minimum of one page document)

• Introduction & Background of main event and program
• Effectiveness of Program
• Partner Involvement

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION:

• Printed Materials
• Promotional / Marketing / Media Materials
• Supporting Photographs
• Measurable Results

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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative
Recognizes intentional efforts to make an event more inclusive, representative, and accessible to all.

Describes the DEI goals and strategies implemented.

Demonstrates how the initiative increased access, representation, or belonging.

Includes training, programming, outreach, or operational changes.

Shows impact through participation, feedback, or partnerships.

Submit required documents online as one PDF. No mailing requirements.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION: (typed as a minimum of one page document)

• Introduction & Background of main event and program
• Effectiveness of Program
• Partner Involvement

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION:

• Printed Materials
• Promotional / Marketing / Media Materials
• Supporting Photographs
• Measurable Results

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Event Safety / Risk Management Plan
Honors the creation and implementation of a safety and risk management plan that minimizes hazards and ensures a safe environment for attendees, staff, and vendors.

Outlines key safety and risk mitigation procedures.

Demonstrates collaboration with safety officials or consultants.

Includes staff/volunteer training, signage, or contingency plans.

Shows how the plan was activated or evaluated.

Submit required documents online as one PDF. No mailing requirements.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION: (typed as a minimum of one page document)

• Introduction & Background of main event and program
• Effectiveness of Program
• Partner Involvement

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION:

• Printed Materials
• Promotional / Marketing / Media Materials
• Supporting Photographs
• Measurable Results

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Overall Event Theme & Branding
Recognizes excellence in the cohesive visual and creative presentation of an event through theme development, branding, and marketing materials.

• Demonstrates a clear and creative event theme that is carried consistently across all branding elements.
• Includes visual examples of logos, signage, merchandise, digital and print media, and/or décor.
• Shows innovation and originality in storytelling and guest experience through design.
• Considers how the theme enhanced audience engagement or recognition of the event.

Submit required documents online as one PDF. No mailing requirements.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION: (typed as a minimum of one page document)

• Introduction & Background of theme selection and event
• Explanation of how theme enhanced the event

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION:

• Logo
• Promotional / Marketing / Media Materials
• Supporting Photographs
• Measurable Results

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Best New Event or Program
Honors an outstanding new event or program introduced within the past 18 months that has demonstrated success, creativity, and community impact.

• Event or program must have launched within the last 18 months of the application deadline.
• Includes description of goals, planning process, and implementation.
• Demonstrates innovation, audience appeal, and relevance to the community or organization.
• Provides measurable outcomes such as attendance, revenue, engagement, or media coverage.

Submit required documents online as one PDF. No mailing requirements.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION: (typed as a minimum of one page document)

• Introduction & Background of event

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION:

• Promotional / Marketing / Media Materials
• Supporting Photographs
• Measurable Results