Nominations & Judging FAQ
How do I enter the VIP Awards?
How do I enter the VIP Awards?
Start at the VIP Awards Nomination Hub, review the information and when ready to enter the data, select Nominate Now. You'll be directed to Award Force, our secure awards platform, where you can create an account, select your award category and begin your entry.
You can save your work and return to it at any time before the submission deadline. Your entry is not final until you submit it.
Who can enter the VIP Awards?
Who can enter the VIP Awards?
The VIP Awards recognize the people, organizations, solutions and partnerships creating meaningful impact across the retail ecosystem.
Eligible entrants include technology and solution providers, consulting firms, agencies, service providers and other organizations supporting the retail industry, as well as individuals eligible for designated leadership awards. Specific eligibility requirements are included with each award category.
Is there a fee to enter?
Is there a fee to enter?
There is no fee to begin a nomination.
For solution provider award categories, an Awards Experience Package is required when the completed entry is submitted: $850 USD Early Bird (9/18/26) / $950 USD Standard.
The package includes one VIP Awards Gala ticket, independent evaluation by senior retail executive judges, nominee recognition and promotional visibility throughout the awards season, marketing assets, website recognition, and additional Finalist and Winner benefits.
Individual leadership categories, including Bridge Builder: Person of the Year and Retail Partner: Person of the Year, are free to submit and include a complimentary Awards Experience Package.
What are the important dates for the 2027 VIP Awards?
What are the important dates for the 2027 VIP Awards?
Nominations Open: August 31, 2026
Nominations Close: October 16, 2026
Judging & Public Voting: November 2–20, 2026
Finalists Announced: December 4, 2026
VIP Awards Gala: January 8, 2027 Gotham Hall, New York City
Can I recommend someone without completing the full award entry?
Can I recommend someone without completing the full award entry?
Yes. The Nomination Hub includes a simple recommendation process.
Solution providers may recommend retail client leaders for the Bridge Builder Award or Retail Partner: Person of the Year. Retailers may recommend solution provider partners for eligible award categories, and retail peers for Bridge Builder and Retail Partner.
A recommendation is not the same as a completed award entry. The VIP team will contact the recommended individual or organization with next steps.
What makes a compelling submission?
What makes a compelling submission?
The strongest entries tell a clear, specific story, and not a sales pitch.
Every entry is built around three areas:
The Opportunity — What business problem or opportunity was addressed, and what made your approach relevant or differentiated?
Partnership in Action — How did trust, transparency, collaboration and shared accountability contribute to the outcome?
Impact — What changed as a result? Include measurable results, business outcomes and supporting evidence wherever possible.
Entries may include up to 600 words total across the three sections.
Can I include supporting materials?
Can I include supporting materials?
Yes. Entrants may include up to two supporting documents and two videos to strengthen their submission. Case studies, customer evidence, research, metrics and other materials that substantiate the entry can be especially helpful.
Supporting materials should reinforce the story told in the written submission rather than replace it. Videos cannot exceed 3 minutes in length.
Can I include confidential information or customer results?
Can I include confidential information or customer results?
Entries are reviewed only by assigned VIP judges and the awards administration team, and judges are subject to confidentiality requirements.
Entrants are responsible for ensuring they have the appropriate authorization to share any confidential, proprietary or customer information included in their submission. Information provided for judging is not used publicly.
Can I enter more than one award category?
Can I enter more than one award category?
Yes. Organizations may submit entries in multiple categories when the work genuinely meets the criteria for each award.
Each category requires a separate submission and its own Awards Experience Package.
How are entries judged?
How are entries judged?
Entries are evaluated by a panel of 25+ senior retail executives and industry leaders using standardized criteria focused on business impact, differentiation and partnership excellence.
Each entry is independently scored by a minimum of five judges. Judges assigned to an entry evaluate it individually and do not see the scores or evaluations of other judges.
Judges are also required to identify potential conflicts of interest and recuse themselves when appropriate.
How does public voting work?
How does public voting work?
Public community voting takes place during the judging period and contributes to the final evaluation. To protect the integrity of the process, voting is limited to a maximum of five verified domain votes per company.
Public voting is one component of the overall evaluation and does not replace independent judging.
Can I edit my entry after I start it?
Can I edit my entry after I start it?
Yes. You may save, return to and revise your entry as often as needed before you make your final submission and the submission period closes.
The VIP Awards Gala
Are nominees required to attend the VIP Awards Gala?
Participating organizations must have a representative present at the VIP Awards Gala to accept an award on stage.
Each completed solution provider submission includes one Gala ticket through the Awards Experience Package. Individual leadership awards include a complimentary Awards Experience Package.
When and where is the 2027 VIP Awards Gala?
The 2027 VIP Awards Gala will be held Friday, January 8, 2027, at Gotham Hall in New York City, kicking off NRF Retail’s Big Show week with the retail community.
Who attends the VIP Awards Gala?
The VIP Awards brings together leaders from across the retail ecosystem, including senior retail and brand executives, technology and solution strategists, consultants, analysts, marketing and growth leaders, founders, industry innovators, VIP judges, Finalists, Winners and members of the broader VIP community.
Why should our team attend?
The VIP Awards is designed to be more than an awards ceremony. It brings retailers, solution providers and industry leaders together in an celebratory environment built around recognition, meaningful connection and stronger industry relationships.
The evening combines executive relationship building, dinner, entertainment, an inspiring keynote and the live presentation of the VIP Awards.
What should I expect during the evening?
The evening begins with a reception and networking, followed by dinner, entertainment, the keynote address and the live VIP Awards ceremony.
The 2027 keynote will be delivered by world-renowned adventurer, author and leadership expert Alison Levine.
What is the dress code?
Cocktail attire. Suits, ties and elegant dresses are appropriate; tuxedos are not required.
Visit our VIP Awards gallery to see photos from previous years and get a feel for the evening.
How are dietary restrictions and special accommodations handled?
Dietary restrictions, food allergies and accommodation needs can be provided during attendee registration.
If your needs change after registration, contact info@vendorsinpartnership.com and our team will assist you.
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