PAVE Global and VMSD Launch Sixth Annual VMSD Scholarship + Experience

One student will receive a $1,500 scholarship and travel to the 2026 International Retail Design Conference in Las Vegas.

PAVE Global, in partnership with VMSD, is pleased to announce the return of the VMSD Scholarship + Experience for its sixth year, supporting students preparing for careers in retail and consumer environment design.

One student will receive a $1,500 scholarship and the opportunity to attend the 2026 International Retail Design Conference (IRDC) in Las Vegas, October 7–8. The experience includes airfare, hotel accommodations, a daily per diem, and attendance at the two-day conference.

IRDC brings together professionals from across the retail design and visual merchandising industries for education, conversation, and connection. For the selected student, the experience offers an opportunity to step outside the classroom, learn directly from industry professionals, and gain a closer look at the ideas and conversations shaping retail design today.

“VMSD is proud to once again offer a scholarship opportunity for students pursuing careers in retail and store design. Supporting the next generation of talent is essential to the continued growth and evolution of our industry, and we’re excited to see the fresh perspectives and ideas these emerging leaders will bring to its future. We wish all of this year’s applicants the very best of luck,” said Murray Kasmenn, VP Group Publisher of VMSD magazine.

The scholarship is open to third- and fourth-year undergraduate students and graduate students studying Interior Design, Retail Design, Hospitality Design, Visual Merchandising, UX Design, Architecture, Engineering, Product Design, or a similar field in the United States or Canada. Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applications are due Thursday, September 17, 2026, before 11:59 PM Eastern / 8:59 PM Pacific.

For complete eligibility requirements, application details, and to apply, visit www.paveglobal.org/vmsd. Questions may be directed to info@paveglobal.org

---

About VMSD, www.vmsd.com

Since 1897, VMSD (Visual Merchandising Store Design) is committed to providing retail professionals with the most up-to-date, innovative retail design ideas and industry news -- and to do so in a way that inspires, challenges, and motivates.

Presented annually by VMSD magazine, the International Retail Design Conference (IRDC) is a one-of-a-kind conference that delivers two full days of education and design dialogue centered on the newest best practices, emerging opportunities, and fresh strategies for engaging shoppers, maximizing resources, and rethinking the retail experience.

About International Retail Design Conference (IRDC), www.vmsd.com/irdc

Presented annually by VMSD magazine, IRDC is a one-of-a-kind conference that delivers two full days of education and design dialogue. Recognized as the premier educational and networking event for the store design and visual merchandising communities, attending IRDC offers student designers a unique opportunity to broaden their knowledge of retail design while they interact with and learn directly from professionals.

About PAVE, www.paveglobal.org

Founded in 1992 as The Planning and Visual Education Partnership, PAVE Global is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation, with all proceeds benefitting PAVE's educational programs. The organization enables young talent to build successful careers designing and creating consumer environments. Our vision is to cultivate relationships with students, educators, and the design industry through financial assistance, top-industry thinking, inspiration, and mentorship.