How to Enter

Award Tracks 

  • Track 1: Apply for The Grand Awards 
  • Track 2: Apply for up to two Spotlight Awards 

 Eligibility 

  • Open to manufacturing companies with significant operations in Wisconsin. 
  • Past Grand Award winners may not apply the following year but are encouraged to serve as judges. 
  • No entry fee to apply. 

Application Requirements 

  • Submit a PDF application (max 15 pages) with detailed responses to all listed criteria. 
  • Include financial data (Grand Awards only), graphics, and photos as separate PDF/image files. 
  • All submissions must be electronic—no paper submissions accepted. 
  • Deadline to nominate: October 31, 2025 
  • Application deadline: December 10, 2025 

Judging & Awards 

  • Winners are selected by an independent panel of judges from the manufacturing industry, government, education, and media, including past winners. The three program sponsors do not judge applicants or influence award decisions. 
  • Four Grand Awards will be given based on company size: Small, Medium, Large, Mega. 
  • Four Spotlight Awards will be given based on specific categories applied for. 
  • Judges’ decisions are final and they may withhold awards if there is not a suitable winning entry. 

Event Details 

  • Winners will be announced at a black-tie banquet on February 19, 2026. 
  • CEOs (or proxies) of finalist companies receive one complimentary registration. 
  • Early registration is encouraged due to past sellouts. 

Confidentiality 

  • Application content may be used in press releases, but financial data remains confidential. 

Submission Help 

Ready to Apply? 

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