Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter?

Entries received on or before Friday, June 10, 2011 are $500 US per entry. Entries received during the extension period — Saturday, June 11 through Friday, June 17 — are $600 US per entry. Members of the Path to Purchase Institute and Shopper Marketing Expo Exhibitors receive a $50 US discount per entry. Oversized entries require pre-approval. Contact Peggy Milbrandt at (847) 675-7400, x141 for pre-approval.

What is the deadline for submissions?

Entries must be received by 5:00 p.m. CST on Friday, June 10, 2011. If you need additional time, an extension until 5:00 p.m. CST on Friday, June 17, 2011 is available. Each entry received during this extension period requires an additional surcharge of $100 US.

What category does my display fit under?

Visit the Retail Channels and Activation Tactics pages to view definitions. If you’re still not sure, contact Peggy Milbrandt at (847) 675-7400, x141 or visit our contact page. Entries may fit under various retail channels/activation tactics 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. You have until Friday, June 17, 2011 to make changes to your Nomination Forms and/or Contest Declarations. After 5:00 pm on Friday, June 17, 2011, no changes will be accepted.

How do I know if I'm a finalist?

Finalists will be announced following the first round of judging in August. All finalists will them compete in the second round of judging at the Shopper Marketing Expo on October 18.

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

Only if you are a finalist. 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 on October 17. Final judging will take place in conjunction with the Expo on October 18.

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 be sent in mid-August to all finalists. 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 Peggy Milbrandt at (847) 675-7400, x141 or visit our contact page for more information. Please note: we need detailed info about the person or company setting up/dismantling your display. We will require identification from all workers in the Gallery. Anyone attempting to remove anything from the gallery who is not authorized will be detained.

If I'm a finalist, 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 Dinner, 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?

Gold, Platinum, and Best of Times winners will be announced at the Design of the Times Awards Dinner at Navy Pier's Festival Hall in Chicago on October 19. A Winners' List will be made available at the close of the Awards Dinner and will be posted to the DOT 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.