PAVE Rising Star Award

Recognizing emerging leaders shaping the future of consumer environments.

The PAVE Rising Star Award honors young professionals who are making a meaningful impact in the consumer environments industry through leadership, creativity, collaboration, and innovation.

Presented annually at the PAVE Gala, this award recognizes individuals who are not only excelling in their careers but are also inspiring the people, teams, brands, and communities around them.

Nominations are free. Self-nominations are welcome.

RECOMMEND A RISING STAR

Retailers, brands, designers, and industry suppliers are encouraged to recognize an individual's extraordinary contributions and talented mindset as innovators and leaders among their peers by nominating them for this award. Additionally, young professionals who meet the criteria of a Rising Star are eligible to self-nominate.

Reflecting on the blended channels that comprise a brand today, you can shine a spotlight on your nominee with a prestigious accolade that will be a testament to their visionary influence and inspiration throughout their career!

Nominations are free and can motivate a nominee to do even more great things. Gather some of their work and tell us why you think they should become the next PAVE Rising Star!

The PAVE Rising Star judges are looking for individuals who are original, passionate visionaries. A Rising Star nominee is intuitive in decision-making, willing to take risks, ambitious, persistent, resourceful, and socially responsible. They demonstrate authenticity in their designs and can implement sustainable projects.

NOMINATION DETAILS

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Nominees may be from your organization or another.

Nominees must be engaged in the design or supply of consumer environments. This includes designers, visual merchandisers, store planners, and project managers.

Nominees must be 40 years of age or younger as of December 2026.

Nominations can be self-submitted or submitted by a retailer, brand, design firm, or industry supplier.

NOMINATION REQUIREMENTS

Attach three to five supporting materials that demonstrate what makes the nominee a Rising Star. Provide descriptions of images, including program intent and a brief line on its success.

There is no fee to make a nomination.

All nominations should be made through Submittable.

JUDGING
All nominations will be reviewed virtually through Submittable by a panel of industry professionals.

PAVE may contact the senior management for all finalists for employment verification and any additional input as needed.

PRESENTATION OF AWARDS
All finalists will be recognized Thursday, December 10, 2026, during the PAVE Gala in New York City, where the winner will be announced.

Finalists will receive a travel stipend, up to $1,000, to attend the Gala.