Theme Competition, Fashion Shows, Product Displays, and More!

We know our show requires a lot of logistical preparations, but we want you to have the chance to flex your creative muscles too! So, each year, we challenge exhibitors to create a one-of-a-kind piece in their medium that represents the show's competition theme. We display the entries in the Centre Aisle to give you extra exposure at the show entrance, and a panel of special judges select three winners who will receive cash prizes for their hard work and creativity, and our visitors will select a fourth winner for the People's Choice award!

1st: $500, 2nd: $300, 3rd: $200, People's Choice: $200

Read on below for the prompt of the 2025 One Of A Kind Spring Show theme competition.

• You will be required to register your entry with a form by the deadline, and drop your submission off during designated times at move-in.
• Check out our Theme Competition Pinterest Board to see past competition theme displays and entries.
• Theme Competition Entry Deadline: Friday, February 28, 2025.

Celebrate the carefree joy of a Beach Day, the theme for this year’s center display and exhibitor competition. Every year we challenge our makers to create and submit a One Of A Kind piece in their medium. This theme is rich with meaning and can be interpreted as the beauty and tranquility of a quiet day by the water but also as the place where families and friends come together to enjoy fun activities and make memories. Summer at the beach is hopeful and bright with reflective blue water and sunny skies.

Our fashion shows highlight the works of our talented clothing, textile, and accessories designers. We are excited to welcome back Erika Larva of Monarch Events Group, where she will be curating daily fashion shows filled with One Of A Kind fashions.

NOTE:

• Exhibitors can submit a maximum of 4 pieces for the fashion shows; the fashion show team will select 1-2 per exhibitor.
• To participate, simply pre-package and load your fashion show submissions so that they are the first to be unloaded when you get onsite. Then, drop them off to the Fashion Show coordinators in the designated spot during move-in.
• Products will be returned to you after the last fashion show they are featured in.
• There will be the opportunity to showcase kids' fashions and accessories on weekend shows only.

For questions, please email Erika Larva of Monarch Events Group Inc.

To further showcase all the amazing products, we have at the Show, we will be creating a curated product display in the theme of "Picnic" Product Merchandising Display on the show floor.

About the Display:

Spring is in full bloom and summer is around the corner. For Canadians, the warmer weather brings more opportunities to relax in nature, and nothing says outdoor relaxation like a picnic. This special curated merchandising area brings together products inspired by the beauty of adventures, cozy blankets, and breaking bread under the open sky.

How this will work:

• Submit your information for our consideration for the product display. Our show decorator/stylist will review all relevant information and connect directly with the artisans on her shortlisted pieces
• Selected artisans will be provided with more info regarding product drop-off during move-in
• While we will make the best attempt to showcase all shortlisted products for the display, however, we cannot guarantee that selected items will be used or featured as we put together the display. If your piece is not selected, you will be contacted during setup to pick up your work.

Submit your products to be considered for this display by completing this form.
Deadline: Friday, February 28, 2025

Our Best Booth Awards go out to exhibitors who go the extra mile when putting together their display! Judged by visual merchandising expert Ani Nersessian of VM ID, each booth is reviewed to consider these basic criteria:

• Good Lighting Matters: A well-lit booth is essential for a great display. Dim booths stand out for the wrong reasons—keep yours bright to showcase your work!
• Clear Branding Counts: Use bold signage and a well-designed space to grab attention and help shoppers find you.
• Smart Space Use: Ensure your booth is inviting, engaging, and well-organized. Think about customer flow—like room for strollers if you sell kids' clothing.
• Show Your Creativity: Let your brand shine through signage, colors, and displays—make your space uniquely you!

There is no need to enter--you are eligible for our Best Booth Awards just by exhibiting in the show. Winners will be announced in the onsite newsletter and on social media, with a detailed breakdown from our judge explaining why each winner was chosen.

Our expert judge will select winners in five different categories based on booth size/show duration:

• Heavyweight (150 sq feet and up): $400 + preferred placement in next year's show
• Middleweight (75 and 100 sq ft): $300 + preferred placement in next year's show
• Featherweight (50 sq ft): $250 + preferred placement in next year's show
• Rookie of the Year (Rising Stars): $200 + preferred placement in next year's show
• Marketplace: $150 + preferred placement in next year's show

NEED SOME HELP GETTING STARTED?

• Check out our Best Booth Pinterest page to be inspired by past winners
• Read through our page on Booth Design
• Read the tips from our veterans on this thread on the On My Way to OOAK Facebook group
• Watch Ani break down previous best booth displays and the biggest booth mistakes

Sustainability is a top priority for the One Of A Kind team as we recognize the environmental impact of the events industry. We are committed to understanding and addressing these challenges to drive continuous improvement each year.

For this year’s Sustainability Awards, we’re focusing on Sustainable Booth Design. Our Sustainability Panel will review submissions and select one winner to receive the One Of A Kind Sustainability Award at this year’s event.

About the Award:

This award will recognize one of our vendors who is taking active steps to reduce their business’ environmental footprint with regards to the build and design of their show booth as part of Informa’s Better Stands initiative. To help you identify ways to reduce your environmental impact—both at the One Of A Kind Show and other events—you’ll be asked about:

• Lighting
• Materials in your booth
• How you're shipping your booth
• Transportation for on-site staff

Want to submit your business to be considered for this award? Complete this form and let us know what you are doing to contribute to a more sustainable future for makers and craft enthusiasts.
Deadline: Friday, March 14, 2025