Nominations

This Is A Moment to Shine!

This is the opportunity for talented professionals to step into the spotlight and be crowned the 2026 Nail Excellence Awards – Best (Category) of the Year!

Imagine the moment the name of you or someone you nominated is announced on stage, surrounded by some of the biggest names in the nail industry—leaders, technicians, and enthusiasts from around the globe. Winning represents more than walking away with an exclusive award. Recipients will receive:

Industry recognition as one of the best in 2026
Global exposure within the nail community
A full refund of their standard Gala ticket

This is more than a competition—it’s a chance to be celebrated, recognized, and elevated within their career.

Don’t miss the opportunity to for you or someone you know to stand out!

Nomination Information

Nomination Deadline:
Entries close June 15, 2026
Entry Fee: $1 per entry
Category Submissions:

● Nominees may enter as many categories as they choose.

● Nominations may be submitted by yourself or by others.

Final Round Requirement:
🎟 To be eligible for the final round of judging, nominees MUST purchase a Gala ticket.

Rules & Requirements

Nominations may be submitted by anyone (self-nominations are welcome).

Only the nominee’s information should be entered on the nomination form.
Nominees may enter multiple categories.
All categories are open to licensed professionals only, except for Rookie of the Year, Best Press On Nail Artist, Best Nail Content, and Industry Impact Award.
There will be two rounds of judging, each with a different panel of judges, including:
- Nail industry leaders
- Professionals from outside the nail industry
To advance to the final round of judging, nominees must purchase a Gala ticket by June 15, 2026.

Images must be clear without words/ logos on images.
Entries will not be considered for final judging without a Gala ticket purchase.

Category winners will receive a refund equal to the price of a Standard Event Ticket.
$145 if purchased during Early Bird
$220 after Early Bird pricing ends

If a winner purchased a VIP ticket, they will only receive the Standard Ticket amount ($145 or $220). The VIP upgrade difference is not refunded.

Expo tickets are not included.

How to Complete Your Entry Form

How to Complete the Entry Form
When submitting a nomination, this is the opportunity to tell the nominee’s story and show the judges why they deserve to win. You should be detailed, confident, and authentic, and include the following:

Their Unique Strengths
You should describe what makes their work stand out, sharing what sets them apart—their technique, creativity, consistency, or attention to detail.
Their Achievements
You should highlight major accomplishments, milestones, awards, or recognitions related to their category.
Their Passion and Dedication
You should explain why they love what they do and how they have invested time, effort, and resources into growing their craft.
Their Impact on Others
You should share how their work has inspired, educated, or positively influenced clients or the nail community.
Why They Are the Best Fit for This Award
You should connect their skills, vision, and accomplishments to the purpose of the award and explain why they deserve this honor.