How To Enter
Step 1: Review the Submission Instructions
Download the printable Submission Instructions, which fully explain the following requirements and the entire submission process.
Step 2: Complete the Form and Submit the Entry Fee
Fill out the online entry form and remit payment via credit card or ACH/wire.
Step 3: Submit High-Res Photos and Videos
Submit overall and detail images of the entry. Videos and floor plans may be included in your submission. Submit via Dropbox. (See the Submission Instructions.)
Step 4: Create and Submit a Written Summary
Prepare written project description. Submit via Dropbox. (See the Submission Instructions.)
Questions?
Contact us at:
[email protected]
EXHIBITOR Magazine's World Expo Awards are not directly affiliated with EXPO 2025 Osaka or the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE). The competition is hosted and organized by Exhibitor Group and not recognized as an official competition of EXPO 2025.
Entry Info
Eligibility
The competition is open to pavilions, presentations, and pavilion elements appearing at Expo 2025 (the world's fair in Osaka, Japan). Pavilions include corporate pavilions, country pavilions, theme/signature pavilions, nongovernmental organization (NGO) pavilions, etc.
The competition is open to pavilions, presentations, and pavilion elements appearing at Expo 2025 (the world's fair in Osaka, Japan). Pavilions include corporate pavilions, country pavilions, theme/signature pavilions, nongovernmental organization (NGO) pavilions, etc.
Categories
Projects may be entered in multiple categories, but each category submission will require an additional fee.
• Best Large Pavilion: All pavilions greater than 2,500 square meters are eligible to enter this category. Judges will consider all elements of the pavilion, from exterior design to interior design to the overall attendee experience (including any activities, interactives, presentations, etc.). All entries in the Best Pavilion category are also automatically eligible for the People's Choice Award (which will be determined via online vote), and the Editor's Choice Award.
Projects may be entered in multiple categories, but each category submission will require an additional fee.
• Best Small Pavilion: All pavilions 2,500 square meters or fewer are eligible for this category. Judges will consider the design of the pavilion, as well as any activities, interactives, etc. All entries in the Best Small Pavilion category are automatically eligible for the People's Choice Award (which will be determined via online vote), and the Editor's Choice Award.
• Best Exterior Design: All pavilions are eligible to enter this category. Judges will consider only the entries' exterior designs and the designs' inspirations.
• Best Sustainable Design: All pavilions are eligible to enter this category. Judges will consider how the pavilion minimizes and/or offsets its environmental impact, including such elements as eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient features, sustainability solutions, reusage and recycling plans, etc.
• Best Activity/Interactive: This category is open to any activity or interactive experience within a pavilion. Entries may include hands-on or virtual experiences where attendees interact with a staffer, a kiosk, a touchscreen, or any other element within the pavilion. An interactive that employs technology is eligible for both the Best Activity/Interactive and Best Use of Technology categories. Entries in this category may include up to three different activities/interactives per entry.
• Best Interpretation of Expo Theme: This category is open to any pavilion or exhibit. Entries must explain how the pavilion and/or presentation interpreted the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives" and/or related subthemes (e.g., "Saving Lives," "Empowering Lives," and "Connecting Lives").
• Best Presentation/Storytelling: Entries can include live, multimedia, or prerecorded video presentations within a pavilion or exhibit. Judges can consider everything from the effectiveness of the presentation medium to the impact of key messaging to the memorability of the presentation as a whole (including the design of the presentation space, if applicable). Judges may also weigh how well the presentation or storytelling makes the content relatable and creates an emotional connection.
• Best Use of Technology: This category is open to any application of technology within a pavilion. Entries may include anything from immersive large-scale projection to augmented-reality applications to hand-held interactive devices to robotics and more. Judges will consider the uniqueness of the application and how the technology enhances the attendee experience.
• Best Exhibit/Display: This category is open to any individual exhibit and/or display housed within an Expo 2025 pavilion. Entries may include a specific segment of a pavilion, a unique room or display within a pavilion, an individual exhibit within a pavilion, etc. Judges will consider the design of the exhibit, as well as any activities, interactives, etc.
• Elements and Details: Entries may include any innovative elements or materials that are part of a larger exhibit or pavilion. Entries can include anything from a unique stairway, lounge, or reception desk to an eye-catching display, light fixture, seating ensemble, presentation stage, or individual segment of a pavilion. A culturally significant conference room, ceiling element, wall, etc. are also eligible. Judges will consider the aesthetics, appropriateness, and overall impact of each entry. Entries in this category may include up to three different elements per entry fee in this category.
• Best Staff: Entries must explain how the staff enhanced visitors' experience of the pavilion. Judges will look for: how staff engaged with visitors, provided information, and facilitated interactions that made the experience memorable; efforts made to personalize the experience for diverse visitors, including those with special needs; or examples of staff resolving issues or adapting to unexpected situations to maintain a seamless visitor experience.
• Best Uniforms: Entries must explain how the uniform design aligns with the pavilion's theme, brand identity, and overall aesthetic. Judges will look for: how well the uniforms meet the practical needs of staff while ensuring comfort and ease of movement; use of sustainable materials, innovative design elements, or eco-friendly production processes; and incorporation of cultural motifs, symbols, or themes that reflect the pavilion's identity or message.
• All-Access Entry: For one flat entry fee of $1,000 (by the early deadline of May 16), $1,250 (by the regular deadline of June 6), or $1,500 (by the late deadline of June 27), your pavilion will be entered in all of the aforementioned categories. (Each pavilion's size will determine its inclusion in Best Large Pavilion vs. Best Small Pavilion.) Additionally, All-Access entries will also be eligible for the Editor's Choice Award, selected by members of the EXHIBITOR editorial team, and the People's Choice Award, selected by popular vote on ExhibitorOnline.com.
The Judges
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Recognition
World Expo Award winners and Honorable Mentions will be selected at the judges' discretion. Awards may not be granted in all categories, and size parameters may be altered at the judges' discretion. Winners will be notified no later than November 2025. Winning entrants will be promoted via EXHIBITOR magazine and will receive a free custom trophy and the opportunity to purchase additional trophies.
People's Choice Award/Editor's Choice Award
All entrants in the Best Large Pavilion, Best Small Pavilion, and All-Access Entry categories that provide appropriate photos will be eligible for the People's Choice Award, which will be determined via online vote. All entrants will be eligible for the Editor's Choice Award, which will be judged by the editor of EXHIBITOR magazine. No additional fees or entry forms are required for these two awards. >> View articles featuring past winners.
NOTE: EXHIBITOR reserves the right to disband the awards program if the quantity of entries affects the viability and integrity of the program. Should this happen, applicable entry fees will be refunded.
All entrants in the Best Large Pavilion, Best Small Pavilion, and All-Access Entry categories that provide appropriate photos will be eligible for the People's Choice Award, which will be determined via online vote. All entrants will be eligible for the Editor's Choice Award, which will be judged by the editor of EXHIBITOR magazine. No additional fees or entry forms are required for these two awards. >> View articles featuring past winners.
NOTE: EXHIBITOR reserves the right to disband the awards program if the quantity of entries affects the viability and integrity of the program. Should this happen, applicable entry fees will be refunded.
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