Skip to main content

SEPTEMBER 28-30, 2026
Charlotte Convention Center - Charlotte, NC

Symposium Distinction Awards FAQ

Welcome to the Symposium Distinction Awards program!   

2026 IMPORTANT DATES
Open for Submissions – April 1
Deadline to Submit – August 7
Notification of Results – August 26

What are the Symposium Distinction Awards?
The Symposium Distinction Awards recognize excellence in healthcare design, construction, and innovation, honoring outstanding projects, products, design teams, and individuals who have made a meaningful impact on the healthcare facilities industry.
Who is eligible to enter the Symposium Distinction Awards?
The awards program is open to architects, designers, engineers, contractors, healthcare systems, manufacturers, consultants, and industry professionals involved in healthcare facility planning, design, construction, or product development.
What types of projects can be submitted?

Submissions are accepted for all patient care–related healthcare facilities, including but not limited to:

  • Hospitals and medical centers
  • Outpatient and ambulatory care facilities
  • Specialty care and treatment centers
  • Renovation, expansion, and adaptive reuse projects
Projects of any size, scope, or budget are eligible.
What makes a strong submission?

Successful entries clearly communicate:

  • The challenge or opportunity addressed
  • The design or product solution
  • Measurable outcomes or results
  • Visual documentation, data, or third‑party validation
Supporting images, links, and documentation help judges fully understand the entry.
Is there a limit to the number of entries I can submit?
No. There is no limit to the number of entries an individual or organization may submit, as long as each entry is completed and paid for separately.
Is there a fee to enter the Symposium Distinction Awards?

Yes. Entry fees for the Symposium Distinction Awards are:

  • $205 for Design Awards and Individual Awards
  • $305 for Product Awards
All fees are charged per entry.
What is the deadline to submit an entry?
The submission deadline for the 2026 Symposium Distinction Awards is August 7 at 11:59 PM (PT). Entries submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Can I edit my entry after submitting it?
Not once you submit it but you may save your entry as a draft and return to edit it at any time. However, all entries must be finalized and confirmed by August 7 to be eligible for judging. Draft entries that are not confirmed by the deadline will not be reviewed by the judges.
What does “URLs” mean on the submission form?

The Entry Sample URLs section allows you to provide supporting materials for your submission, such as:

  • Links to articles or press coverage
  • Project or product websites
  • Photo galleries or videos
  • Shared drives (e.g., Google Drive or other private links)
Some entrants choose to create a private webpage to showcase their supporting documentation. You may also upload files directly to the submission platform. Accepted file formats are JPG and PDF, with a maximum file size of 5 MB per file.
When will entrants be notified of the results?
All entrants will be notified by August 26, 2026, regardless of whether they win. Notifications will be sent via email to the primary contact listed on the original submission.
When and where will the winners be announced?
The 2026 Symposium Distinction Awards winners will be announced onsite during the Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo in Charlotte, North Carolina.
What do Symposium Distinction Awards winners receive?

Each 2026 Symposium Distinction Awards winner will receive:

  • A 40” x 40” display board showcased at the Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo, September 28–30, 2026
  • A Symposium Distinction Awards trophy
  • A complimentary full conference registration to the Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo
  • An invitation to the VIP Reception on Tuesday, September 29, offering exclusive networking with the advisory board, sponsors, and industry leaders
  • Onstage recognition during the Awards Ceremony
  • Recognition in the HFSE Event Guide
  • Recognition at your booth or design gallery at HFSE (if applicable)
  • Recognition in the October 2026 issue of The Leaflet
  • Recognition in Medical Construction & Design Magazine
Do I need to be an exhibitor at HFSE to enter a Product Award?
No. You do not need to be an exhibitor at the Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo to submit a Product Award entry.
However, exhibitor winners will receive special booth signage, and when winners are announced, their booth number will be shared to encourage attendees to visit them on the expo floor.
How are entries judged?

Entries are evaluated by a panel of industry experts and healthcare facilities leaders based on criteria such as:

  • Innovation and originality
  • Design excellence
  • Impact on patient care and outcomes
  • Functionality and performance
  • Overall contribution to the healthcare facilities industry
Who can I contact with additional questions?

For additional information about the Symposium Distinction Awards, please contact:

Jenabeth Ferguson
📧 [email protected]
📞 203‑307‑2696
Enter Now