Frequently Asked Questions

Competitors

  • You can pre-register now through our competition page. Official applications open June 1 and are accepted on a rolling basis. Once a category is full, it’s closed.

  • The fee is $400, but you will only be invoiced if you are selected to compete.

  • After you pre-register, you’ll receive an email with tips and opportunities for seeking sponsorship or financial assistance in your community. If cost is a barrier, we want to help you overcome it.

  • Yes. You’ll select your preferred category when you apply. Each category is limited to 10 participants, so early application gives you the best chance to claim your spot.

  • Most categories are BYO-materials (except where otherwise noted, like floral design and sewing machines). Full category-specific checklists are sent after acceptance. If you have questions, drop us a message.

  • Judges will score competitors using a standard rubric. The top scorer in each category will receive a grand prize. All artists receive exposure, a professional photo of their final work, and one free Life Plus experience.

  • Yes! Artists are welcome to sell finished pieces (where applicable), accept commissions, or distribute cards and promotional materials.

  • Yes. From check-in at 5 PM to final breakdown during networking hour (9–10 PM), your presence is expected and valued.

Sponsors

  • Nope! Every sponsorship is custom. We’ll have a conversation, learn about your goals, and build a unique partnership that delivers real value.

  • Head to our Sponsor page and fill out the quick form. We’ll reach out shortly after to set up a conversation.

  • Past ideas have included sponsoring a category of artists or our artists’ lounge area. We’re open to creative ideas and experiences.

  • You contribute $400 to cover an artist’s registration fee. If your selected artist competes, you’re recognized during the event and in event materials. If they don’t compete, your money is returned.

  • Corporate sponsorship with us is all about collaboration, not cookie-cutter packages. We don’t do gold-silver-bronze tiers or logo dumps — we do creative partnerships that deliver actual value.

    Here’s how it works:

    1. You start the conversation. Fill out our short sponsorship interest form and let us know what your brand is about and what you're hoping to achieve.

    2. We listen. We'll learn your goals — visibility, audience engagement, cultural alignment, social impact — and explore creative ways to integrate your brand into the event.

    3. We co-create. From custom activations and branded experiences to artist support or category partnerships, we’ll pitch ideas that fit you (and only you).

    4. You shine. You’ll be meaningfully seen by over 500 guests, including 200+ working artists, and a growing online audience — not to mention our post-event media recap.

    We only partner when we know we can deliver. If we’re not the right fit for your goals, we’ll tell you upfront — because real partnerships deserve real results.

    Want to start the conversation? Click here to connect.

Attendees

  • General admission is $25 for adults. Kids under 12 are free. Organized youth groups under 18 may attend for free with prior approval.

  • Registration opens July 1. Pre-register now to get first access when tickets drop.

  • We recommend staying for the full experience (5–10 PM), but re-entry is allowed with a wristband.

  • Yes — but not the kind you pay for! We won’t be selling food or drinks at the event. However, some categories (like cake and charcuterie) may offer edible samples, and we’ll have plenty of water provided by our water sponsor.

  • Absolutely. This is a family-friendly event with plenty of interactive experiences. Children must be supervised.

  • Yes. After the competition segment, there’s dedicated time for mingling, asking questions, and connecting directly with the artists.

Judges

  • Our judges are respected professionals across art, design, fashion, media, and related industries. Each category has a panel that understands the craft being judged.

  • All judges are vetted by the Life Plus team based on expertise, professionalism, and commitment to fairness.

  • You’ll attend the full event, score 10 artists in your assigned category, and participate in the awards segment. You’ll receive a judging rubric in advance.

  • Yes, as long as you’re not judging a category you’re directly sponsoring.

Volunteers

  • Please visit our Contact Us page and fill out the volunteer request form. Let us know a bit about your skills and interests, and we’ll follow up promptly.

  • We’re looking for:

    • Greeters and check-in support

    • Artist and audience assistants

    • Digital media experts

    • Videographers and photographers

    • Tech-savvy volunteers (A/V, livestream, etc.)

    • Project managers and team leads

    • Break-down and cleanup crew

  • Yes! You’ll be scheduled in shifts so that you can enjoy the competition as well.

  • Yes — all volunteers receive a Life Plus thank-you package, behind-the-scenes access, and a comped ticket for a future class or experience.