VMSD magazine hosts a range of competitions and editorial opportunities throughout the year. For questions regarding deadline extensions or general information, please contact the VMSD editors at vmsd@smartworkmedia.com.
Retail Renovation Competition
Featuring the best retail renovation and conversion projects from around the world, the Retail Renovation Competition is eligible for design firms, retailers, manufacturers or suppliers to enter. Our Retail Renovation of the Year, along with 1-5 First Place winners and 6-8 Honorable Mention winners, is featured in our September issue. The Retail Renovation of the Year recipient will also win a complimentary registration to that year’s International Retail Design Conference (IRDC).
DEADLINE: May 3
Featured annually in our September/October issue.
Eligible: Retailers, designers, manufacturers and suppliers. Projects must be renovations or conversions, new builds will be disqualified. Renovations are considered to be existing stores that are updated or renovated by the retailer, and conversions are considered to be spaces taken over by a retailer and renovated/updated.
Cost to enter: $200
International Visual Competition
This annual competition highlights displays with a temporary shelf-life, from storewide promotions to pop-ups to windows, from the previous year. Our Best in Show winner, along with 1-5 First Place winners and 6-8 Honorable Mention winners, is featured in our July/August “Visual Issue.” The Best in Show also receives a complimentary registration to that year’s International Retail Design Conference (IRDC).
DEADLINE: The deadline for 2024 has passed; please check back in early 2025 for the new submission form.
Featured annually in our July/August issue.
Eligible: Retailers, designers, manufacturers and suppliers.
Cost to enter: $50 for first entry, $20 for subsequent entries; $20 for students
Retail Design Firm Resource Guide
Get noticed! This annual listing of design and architecture firms from around the world also includes a ranking of the top firms of the year (based on annual firm fees). The full, comprehensive listing is found year-round on vmsd.com, and the ranking is featured in our May/June “Design Firm” issue.
DEADLINE: The deadline for 2024 has passed; please check back in early 2025 for the new submission form.
Featured annually in our May/June issue and on vmsd.com.
Eligible: Contract design firms, architecture firms, independent designers.
Cost to enter: Free
International Retail Design Conference (IRDC) Call for Speakers
Submit your proposal for consideration to speak at VMSD‘s International Retail Design Conference (IRDC). 2024’s event will take place in Kansas City, Mo. The host hotel and specific dates will be announced soon. Drawing hundreds of attendees both domestic and international, this annual event, now in its 24th year, features a variety of educational presentations and hands-on workshops for retailers and designers. (Suppliers and manufacturers must be sponsors in order to attend the event.) Learn more at irdconline.com.
DEADLINE: The deadline has passed; please check back in early 2025 for the new form. If you’re interested in sending your materials for consideration, please contact the VMSD editors directly at vmsd@smartworkmedia.com.
Eligible: Retailers, educators and designers. Designers must have a retail co-presenter in order to be considered.
Cost to enter: Free
Holiday Windows Recap
VMSD decks the pages of its annual “Look Book” issue with a range of holiday windows from around the globe. This yearly recap features displays from New York to China to London and everywhere in between.
DEADLINE: Submissions are closed for 2024. Please check back in late 2024 for the submission form.
Featured annually in our January/February issue.
Eligible: Retailers, designers, visual merchandisers, manufacturers and suppliers.
Cost to enter: Free
VMSD Designer Dozen
Do you know someone making a difference in your organization, age 35 or under? Nominate yourself or a peer/co-worker for this annual recognition of rising stars in the retail industry. Retailers, designers and visual merchandisers are eligible to enter.
DEADLINE: The deadline has closed for 2024. Check back in early 2025 for the 2025 submission form.
Featured annually in our March/April issue.
Eligible: Designers, retailers and visual merchandisers age 35 and under.
Cost to enter: Free
