A highlight of the show floor, this competition is a premier presentation of creativity and skill in tabletop design. Awards are given to the best tables in four categories:

2012 People’s Choice
Place one poker chip in the voting box of your favorite table.  The table with the most chips wins!

Most Innovative Table
Entry with the most unique use of materials. 

Best Use of a Theme
Awarded to the best tabletop theme or conceptual design.

Most Viable Concept
The most functional, practical design to execute or incorporate into an event.

Check out photos and results from the 2011 Tabletop Design Competition

Read an article about the 2011 competition in Catering Magazine

Show off what you’ve got! Winners receive cash, awards and professional credentials.
Download the Entry Form (Word or PDF)

Challenge Yourself Professionally
Competitors create a table display for eight with materials they bring and assemble on-site.  Six foot rounds and chairs are provided to house designs, however alternate tables and chairs that accommodate an eight-person setting are allowed.

An expert panel of judges will score entries on the following criteria: Innovation, Functionality, Technicality, First Impression and Cohesiveness. Using unconventional or unexpected items in a display could win you Most Innovative. First impression scores high for the Best Use of a Theme award. Most Viable Concept requires you to be savvy when designing. To win the 2012 People’s Choice award, be sure to appeal to the masses.

For a starting point on our judges’ expectations, check out photos and results from the 2011 Tabletop Design Competition. Or, read the article in Catering Magazine on the 2011 winners.

What Winning Gets You
Enter your best design(s) and you could walk away with:

• $250 cash
• An award suitable for display
• Credentials to help further your business goals (a resume booster)
• Kudos and recognition from your peers
• Business exposure to Expo attendees
• Press opportunities (last year’s winners were featured in Catering Magazine)

The Best Part
There’s NO ENTRY FEE to compete and show off your skills.  Multiple design entries are allowed. Register early to guarantee your spot.

Download the Entry Form (Word or PDF)

Additional Catering Programs
The Expo has many more programs of interest to catering and event professionals, including CPCE Certification. Take a look at the 2012 line-up!

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