RCA members are invited!

RDI 55th International Design Awards Celebration
Join Us for an Evening of Design Excellence

You're cordially invited to the Retail Design Institute's 55th International Design Awards - the most prestigious celebration of outstanding retail spaces and innovative design worldwide. This year, we're elevating the awards experience to honor the exceptional creativity shaping our industry.

Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM ET
Venue: Fashion Institute of Technology, Katie Murphy Amphitheater, New York City
Dress Code: Cocktail Attire/Dress to Impress
Format: Join us in-person OR virtually from anywhere in the world

An Evening to Remember 
For over 50 years, our International Design Awards have honored the retail spaces that shape how consumers experience brands. This year's elevated celebration promises to be our most exciting yet as we:

• Reveal the Retail Experience of the Year,  the pinnacle of retail design excellence
• Honor Outstanding Winners across all retail categories from activations to large format stores
• Present Prestigious Institute Awards, including the Legion of Honor, Fellow of the Institute, and Member Recognition for Service to the Institute
• Connect Global Communities through our hybrid format, reaching design professionals worldwide
• Celebrate Innovation with networking, recognition, and inspiration

How to Attend
Join Us In-Person in NYC: Experience the full elevated celebration at FIT's beautiful Katie Murphy Amphitheater. Don your cocktail attire, connect with industry leaders, celebrate winners face-to-face, and be part of the live energy of this prestigious evening.

• Register for In-Person: In-Person Event Registration
• $75 for Current Members
• $125 for Non-Members

• Attend Virtually: Can't make it to New York? Join our virtual watch party and experience the awards from anywhere in the world. Connect with global chapter watch parties and fellow design professionals online.
• Register for Virtual: Virtual Watch Party Registration
• FREE for Current Members
• $25 for Non-Members 

What to Expect
This elevated hybrid celebration will showcase the year's most innovative retail projects, from cutting-edge flagship stores to creative pop-up experiences. You'll witness the reveal of category winners, Outstanding Merit Awards, and the coveted Retail Experience of the Year, while networking with the creative minds behind the industry's most compelling spaces. 

Whether you're a designer, architect, brand professional, or retail enthusiast, this event offers inspiration, recognition, and the opportunity to connect with our global community of retail design professionals.

Click here to register