2026 PAVE Global Rising Star Award
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WHAT IS A RISING STAR?
PAVE Global is thrilled to announce the 19th Annual Rising Star Award, now open for nominations and honoring exceptional individuals shaping the future of the consumer environments industry!
A Rising Star is a young professional who has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in the brand environment industry. These emerging leaders anticipate their clients' needs, motivate their teams, turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, and inspire consumers.
RECOMMEND A PAVE RISING STAR
Retailers, brands, designers, and industry suppliers are encouraged to recognize an individual's extraordinary contributions and talented mindset as innovators and leaders among their peers by nominating them for this award. Additionally, young professionals who meet the criteria of a Rising Star are eligible to self-nominate.
Reflecting on the blended channels that comprise a brand today, you can shine a spotlight on your nominee with a prestigious accolade that will be a testament to their visionary influence and inspiration throughout their career!
Nominations are free and can motivate a nominee to do even more great things. Gather some of their work and tell us why you think they should become the next PAVE Rising Star!
The PAVE Rising Star judges are looking for individuals who are original, passionate visionaries. A Rising Star nominee is intuitive in decision-making, willing to take risks, ambitious, persistent, resourceful, and socially responsible. They demonstrate authenticity in their designs and can implement sustainable projects.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
- Nominees may be from your organization or another.
- Nominees must be engaged in the design or supply of retail environments. This includes designers, visual merchandisers, store planners, and project managers.
- Nominees must be 40 years of age or younger as of December 2026.
- Nominations can be self-submitted or submitted by a retailer, brand, design firm, or industry supplier.
NOMINATION REQUIREMENTS
- Attach three to five supporting materials that demonstrate what makes the nominee a Rising Star. Provide descriptions of images, including program intent and a brief line on its success.
- There is no fee to make a nomination.
- All nominations should be made through Submittable.
JUDGING All nominations will be reviewed virtually through Submittable by a panel of industry professionals. PAVE may contact the senior management for all finalists for employment verification and any additional input as needed.
PRESENTATION OF AWARDS All finalists will be recognized this December during the PAVE Gala in New York City, where the winner will be announced. Finalists will receive a travel stipend, up to $1,000, to attend the Gala.
NOMINATION DEADLINE Monday, October 26, 2026, before 11:59 PM Eastern/8:59 PM Pacific HAVE QUESTIONS? Please contact us at info@paveglobal.org.
PAVE Rising Star is proudly sponsored by:
