Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter?

Entries received on or before Friday, June 11, 2010 are $420 U.S. per entry. Entries received during the extension period — Saturday, June 12 through Friday, June 18 — are $520 U.S. per entry. Members of the In-Store Marketing Institute and Shopper Marketing Expo Exhibitors receive a $50 U.S. discount per entry. Entries requiring 110-volt electricity will be charged an additional $75 U.S. Entries with footprints larger than 20 square feet are subject to an additional fee of $60 U.S. per square foot. Oversized entries require pre-approval. Contact Maureen Macke at at (847) 675-7400, x127 for pre-approval.

What is the deadline for submissions?

Entries must be received by 5:00 p.m. CST on June 11, 2010. If you need additional time, an extension until 5:00 p.m. CST on June 18, 2010 is available. Each entry received during this extension period requires an additional surcharge of $100.

What category does my display fit under?

Visit the Retail Categories and Campaign Types pages to view definitions and examples. If you’re still not sure, contact Maureen Macke at at (847) 675-7400, x127 or on our contact page. Entries may fit under various retail category/display type combinations, and you are allowed to enter the same display in multiple categories. Each submission is a separate entry — separate entry materials and fees must accompany each submission.

Can I make changes to Nomination Forms and/or Contest Declarations I have already submitted?

Visit the Contest Entry page and log in using your e-mail address and 4-digit PIN. Choose the entry you wish to edit and make the necessary changes. Remember to print the updated forms. You have until June 18, 2010 to make changes to your Nomination Forms and/or Contest Declarations. If you have already shipped your entry materials, you must re-send printed copies of the Nomination Forms and/or Contest Declarations. After 5:00 p.m. on June 18, 2010, no changes will be accepted.

Do I have to set up my display in the Design of the Times Gallery?

Yes. In order to be eligible for an award, all entries must be set up in the Gallery on the show floor of the Shopper Marketing Expo, which takes place in Chicago on Oct. 6-7, 2010. Setup takes place Oct. 4-5. Final judging will take place in conjunction with the Expo.

When will I receive information about setting up my entry in the Design of the Times Gallery?

Entrant Kits containing information about and instructions for shipping and setting up entries in the Gallery will arrive around the beginning of August. Entrant Kits will be delivered to the contact listed on the entry’s Nomination Form.

I can’t attend the Expo, can someone setup my entry for me?

Yes. If you or someone from your organization is not able to set up your display, you can hire Freeman labor to manage your setup. Labor order forms will be included in your Entrant Kit. Please contact Maureen Macke at (847) 675-7400, x127 or on our contact page for more information.

Do I have to be present to win an award?

No. While we recommend that you attend the Expo and the Design of the Times Awards Reception, you are not required to be present to win an award. However, your entry must be set up in the Gallery in order to be eligible for an award.

How and when do I find out if I win?

Winners will be announced during the Design of the Times Awards Reception at Navy Pier’s Festival Hall in Chicago on Oct. 6. Winners Lists will be made available at the close of the Reception. The winners will be posted to the Expo and Institute websites shortly after the event.

When will I receive my trophy?

For each winning entry, one trophy will be delivered to the entry’s main contact approximately 6-8 weeks after the event. Additional trophies can be ordered for an additional fee.