In keeping with its mission of nurturing and encouraging young talented individuals to ensure the future of the retail design and visual industry, PAVE will once again present its Rising Star Award to recognize the achievements of individuals who have demonstrated talent, vision, and implementation in the retail environment.

Retailers are invited to nominate an individual (under 35 years of age) who works in retail design, visual presentation, or contract design and is a proven visionary, innovator, and leader among his or her peers. The nominee can be a member of the retail organization, a retail designer, or an industry supplier with whom the retailer works closely.

Any retail organization can nominate up to two individuals by completing a nomination form and submitting it to PAVE no later than October 1, 2010. There is no charge to enter. The nomination form is available here.

• A retailer may nominate a member of its organization, a retail designer, or an industry supplier
• Individuals nominated must be 35 years of age or younger as of December 2010
• A completed nomination form must be submitted
• Three images illustrating the body of the individual’s work must be included with the nomination
• The nominee must demonstrate:

Originality—bring something fresh to the table
Passion for their work
Intuitive decision making
A willingness to take risks
Drive and ambition
Persistence and resourcefulness to achieve effective results
Vision—a big-picture, “what’s next?” mindset
Professionalism and appropriate business etiquette
The desire to seek inspiration from unexpected sources

Download the flyer here.

Download the nomination form here.

Rising Star nominations will be reviewed by a panel of industry professionals including retailers and educators. PAVE will contact senior management of all finalists by mid-October for employment verification and additional input about the finalist.

Awards will be presented during the PAVE Gala, Dec. 8, 2010, in New York City. All finalists will receive recognition at the Gala, where the winner will be announced. Finalists also will be recognized through print and online through PAVE and in industry trade press. Companies with a Rising Star finalist are requested to purchase seats at the Gala.

Contact Catharine Scott at PAVE at 954-241-4834 or e-mail pave@paveinfo.org