NACS 2026 BOSS Awards Finalists Announced

The Experiential Design Authority is proud to unveil the finalists for its NACS 2026 BOSS Awards. The BOSS (Best of Show Stand) Awards celebrate the best examples of experiential design on the show floor of the convenience and fuel retailing industry's biggest annual event, which was held October 7–9 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. A panel of preliminary judges evaluated all stands, seeking those that offered exciting experiences, immersive environments, impactful product displays and sampling, and/or eye-catching design.

The following 30 exhibits have been chosen as finalists.

5-hour Energy – Booth #N1621

Archer – Booth #N262

Barebells USA – Booth #C4067

Bloom – Booth #C3969

C4 Energy – Booth #C3969

Celsius Holdings – Booth #N1251

Chomps – Booth #C4213

Core-Mark – Booth #C4636

Dover Fueling Solutions – Booth #C7037

Ferrara Candy Company – Booth #N1229

Gallo – Booth #N2151

Grabba Leaf – Booth #N2163

ITG Brands – Booth #N1914

JTI Liggett – Booth #N1115

Keurig Dr Pepper – Booth #C3830

Kraft Heinz – Booth #C4925

Lucky Beverage Company – Booth #N929

Mondelez International – Booth #N1429

Monster Energy Company – Booth #N1929

Novus Foods – Booth #C4187

PDI Technologies – Booth #C5936

PepsiCo – Booth #N2329

Red Bull North America – Booth #N1029

Reynolds American – Booth #N2305

Spindrift Beverage Company – Booth #N335

The Coca-Cola Company – Booth #C3805

The Hershey Company – Booth #C4025

Tropicana Brands Group – Booth #N1041

Verifone – Booth #C5924

Yerba Madre – Booth #N937

TEDA has also named five finalists in a special category, honoring the best 10-by-10-foot exhibits at NACS 2026.

The five finalists for Best Small Exhibit include:

Be Love – Booth #C3587

Saint James Brands – Booth #N1166

Saputo Cheese USA – Booth #C4298

Sesh Products US – Booth #N534

Tru Brands – Booth #C3679

Additionally, the finalist that earns the most "likes" on social media will be named the People's Choice winner and receive a free custom trophy. To vote, visit The Experiential Design Authority's official social channels on LinkedIn, Facebook, and/or Instagram to like the photos associated with your favorites.

This year's finalists showcase the full breadth of the convenience channel, from energy drinks and better-for-you snacks to confectionery, tobacco, and the fueling, payment, and software technology that keeps the modern c-store running. In the weeks ahead, a seven-member panel of judges from The Experiential Design Authority's U.S. and International Advisory Boards will score and rank all finalists.

“The NACS Show floor is one of the most competitive in the industry, with brands fighting for the attention of retailers who have very little time to spare,” said Travis Stanton, Executive Director of The Experiential Design Authority. “These finalists rose above the noise with smart, memorable, and immersive design, and they represent the best of the best from NACS 2026.”

All finalists will be honored during a webinar hosted by TEDA in early November.

About The Experiential Design Authority: Comprising a collective of industry leaders and champions of experiential marketing and design, The Experiential Design Authority serves as a governing body overseeing a number of international competitions, including the BOSS Awards, ExSys Awards, and World Expolympics. The organization is committed to fairness and transparency, as well as the value of professional competition and the goal of giving back to the next generation of experiential design professionals. For more information, visit www.experientialdesignauthority.com.