Extended Deadlines Announced for World Expolympics at Expo 2025 Osaka
- Travis Stanton
- Jun 13
- 3 min read
The Experiential Design Authority (TEDA) is now accepting entries for the World Expolympics, a prestigious global competition honoring the most exceptional and immersive pavilions at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. Designed to spotlight boundary-pushing creativity, innovation, and guest engagement, this awards program celebrates the best experiential environments from around the world.
With Expo 2025 set to gather global leaders in culture, design, and technology, the World Expolympics seeks to recognize the pavilions that not only captivate but redefine what is possible in live, experiential environments. From architecture to tech integration, from sustainability to showmanship, the competition honors the many elements that make Expo pavilions unforgettable.
“We’re not just awarding beautiful spaces,” said Travis Stanton, TEDA Executive Director. “We’re recognizing immersive storytelling, purposeful engagement, and the visionary teams behind it all.”
How It Works
Entries will be evaluated by an esteemed panel of U.S. and international experts in architecture, experiential design, graphic design, and related fields. Each submission will be scored using strict criteria focused on concept and design, innovation, execution, engagement, and overall impact. For fairness, the highest and lowest scores will be dropped, and all scores will be shared with entrants post-competition for transparency and learning.
Gold, Silver, and Bronze Award winners will be named across each category. Award recipients will receive a complimentary custom trophy and will be featured in Exhibit City News and across TEDA’s and ECN’s websites, social channels, and live event programming. A special awards ceremony will take place in September 2025 (details to be announced).
Categories
Pavilions may enter a Primary Category (based on size or type) and as many Secondary Categories as desired. Entry fees vary based on deadlines and entry types.
Primary Categories include:
Best Large Pavilion (Over 2,500 sqm)
Best Medium Pavilion (1,000–2,500 sqm)
Best Small Pavilion (Under 1,000 sqm)
Best Corporate/Theme Pavilion
Secondary Categories include:
Best Exterior Architecture
Best Sustainable Pavilion
Best Activation/Engagement
Best Thematic Concept
Best Presentation
Best Tech Integration
Best Exhibit/Display
Best Design Detail
Best Pavilion Team
Special Awards:
Lifetime Achievement Award (FREE to enter)
Student Ambassador Award (FREE to enter)
Why Enter?
Low Entry Fees: Up to 50% less than comparable programs
More Opportunities for Recognition: Multiple winners per category
Impartial Oversight: No sponsorships or ads accepted from entrants
Transparent Judging: Full post-competition scoring disclosures
A Worthy Cause: Proceeds support scholarships, internships, and student recognition
Hassle-Free Submission: Optional complimentary entry processing
Important Dates
Early Deadline: June 20 ($200/entry or $795 Full Entry)
Regular Deadline: June 30 ($260/entry or $1,035 Full Entry)
Final Deadline: July 12 ($320/entry or $1,275 Full Entry)
Finalists will be notified by August 20, and winners will be announced during a ceremony in September 2025.
Entry Process
Entrants must complete the online form and share supporting materials (photos/videos via Dropbox, WeTransfer, etc.). For those who have submitted to other awards programs, TEDA offers complimentary entry processing — simply forward your original entry and indicate preferred categories.
The Full Expolympics Entry option allows pavilions to be considered in all applicable categories under a single discounted fee.
Eligibility
All pavilions, exhibits, presentations, or components showcased at Expo 2025 Osaka are eligible for consideration. Entrants from around the globe are encouraged to participate.
For entry forms, detailed category descriptions, and submission guidelines, visit:🌐 www.experientialdesign.org/expolympics
Join us in honoring the most extraordinary pavilions of Expo 2025 — and help shape the future of experiential design.
The Experiential Design Authority is an independent organization committed to promoting excellence in the experiential design field through unbiased recognition, professional development, and community engagement.
Media inquiries or questions regarding submissions may be directed to info@experientialdesignauthority.com.
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