2025-2026 Competitive Events Guidelines

Visual Design
Visual Design allows members to showcase their creativity and technical skills by developing
original visual content. Members present their designs to a panel of judges, demonstrating their
use of design principles, visual communication techniques, and the creative process behind
their work.

Event Overview

Division High School

Event Type Team of 1, 2, or 3 members
Event Category Presentation
Event Elements Presentation with a Topic

Educational Alignments

Career Cluster Framework Connection Marketing & Sales

NACE Competency Alignment Career & Self-Development,
Communication, Critical Thinking,
Leadership, Professionalism, Technology

2025-2026 Topic
Make Your Mark: Rethink the Recruitment Booth and Design Beyond the Tri-Fold
Design a visually compelling and modern FBLA recruitment booth, using this year’s theme of
Make Your Mark, for a school or community Organization & Club Fair. Go beyond the
traditional tri-fold display by exploring elevated design elements.

Your booth design should:

• Capture attention and reflect what makes your chapter unique
• Align with FBLA’s official brand guidelines (colors, fonts, and logos)
• Clearly communicate the benefits of joining FBLA
• Include visual components that could be used across print and digital formats

Think creatively: How can you turn your booth into an eye-catching, informative, and on-
brand experience that leaves a lasting impression?

District/Region/Section
Check with your District/Region/Section leadership for District/Region/Section-specific
competition information and deadlines.

State
Check with your State Leader for state-specific competition information and deadlines.

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National
Required Competition Items
Items Competitor Must Provide Items FBLA Provides
Preliminary • Conference-provided nametag • Table
Presentation • Photo identification
• Attire that meets the FBLA Dress
Code
• Technology and presentation
items
Final • Conference-provided nametag • Table
Presentation • Photo identification • Power
• Attire that meets the FBLA Dress • Projector with HDMI
Code cord
• Technology and presentation • Projector screen
items, including any adapter or
cord needed beyond an HDMI
connection

Important FBLA Documents

• Competitors should be familiar with the Competitive Events Policy & Procedures
Manual, Honor Code, Code of Conduct, and Dress Code.

Eligibility Requirements
To participate in FBLA competitive events at the National Leadership Conference (NLC), the
following criteria must be met:
• Membership Deadline: FBLA national membership dues must be paid to the specific
division by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on March 1 of the current school year.
• Repeat Competitors: Members may only compete in an event at the NLC more than
once if they have not previously placed in the top 10 of that event at the NLC. If a
member places in the top 10 of an event at the NLC, they are no longer eligible to
compete in that event at future NLCs, unless the event has been modified beyond a
name change. Chapter events are exempt from this procedure.
• Conference Registration: Members must be officially registered for the NLC and must
pay the national conference registration fee to participate.
• Official Hotel Requirement: To be eligible to compete, competitors must stay within
the official FBLA housing block.
• State Entry Limits: Each state may submit up to four entries per event.
• Event Participation Limits: Each member may participate in:
o One individual or team event, and
o One chapter event (e.g., Community Service Project or Local Chapter Annual
Business Report).
• Competitor Responsibility: Only registered competitors are permitted to plan,
research, prepare, and set up their presentations. Advisers and others may not assist.
• Participation Requirement: To be eligible for an award, each competitor must
complete all components of the event at the National Leadership Conference.
• Team Composition: All members of a team must be from the same local chapter.

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• Identification at Check-in: Competitors must present valid photo identification
(physical or digital) that matches the name on their conference name badge.
Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, passport, state-issued ID, or school ID.
• Late Arrivals: Competitors will be allowed to compete until such time that the results
are finalized, or participation would impact the fairness and integrity of the event, as
determined by Competitive Events staff. If judges have left the competitive event area,
it is no longer possible to compete. Five penalty points will be assessed for late arrivals
in any competitive event.
• Event Schedule Notes:
o Some events may begin before the Opening Session.
o All schedules are posted in local time for the NLC host city.
o Schedule changes are not permitted.

Event Administration
This event consists of two phases: a preliminary presentation and a final presentation.

Preliminary Presentation Details

Timing Structure
• Equipment Set-Up: 3 minutes
• Presentation: 7 minutes (a one-minute warning will be provided)
• Question & Answer (Q&A): 3 minutes
• Important: Time allocations are exclusive. The presentation must begin
immediately after the 3-minute set-up time concludes. Time may not be shifted
between segments. Competitors will not interact with judges during the set-up
period.
Venue & Format
• Presentations occur in-person at the National Leadership Conference (NLC).
• Competitors/teams are randomly assigned to presentation sections.
• Presentations will take place in a large, open area with a designated space of
approximately 10' x 10', which includes a table and chairs for the judges.
• The preliminary round is closed to conference attendees and audience.
Technology Guidelines
• Internet Access: Not Provided
• Presentations must be delivered using one or two personal devices (laptop, tablet,
mobile phone, or monitor approximately laptop-sized).
• If using two devices, one must face the judges and the other must face the
presenters.
• Projectors and projector screens are not permitted, and competitors may not
bring their own.
• Wireless slide advancers (e.g., presentation clickers or mice) are allowed.
• External speakers are not allowed; audio must come directly from the presenting
device(s).
• Electricity will not be available.
Non-Technology Items
• Visual aids, samples, notes, and other physical materials related to the project may
be used.
• Items may be placed on the provided table or on the judges table, if space allows.
• No items may be left with the judges following the presentation.

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Restricted Items
• Animals, except for authorized service animals.
• Food, which may be used for display only and may not be consumed by judges.
• Links and QR codes, which may be shown but may not be scanned or clicked by
judges at any time.
Research
• Information must be supported by credible, well-documented sources.
• Any use of copyrighted material, images, logos, or trademarks must be properly
documented.
Team Expectations
• In team presentations, all members must actively participate in the delivery of the
presentation.
Event Specific Information: Competitors should incorporate the following aspects in
response to the topic
• Apply Design Principles: Use balance, contrast, alignment, and other design
principles to create visually strong and purposeful layouts.
• Demonstrate Technical Skills: Use digital design tools effectively, showing
knowledge of proper formatting, file setup, and software features.
• Communicate Visually: Design visuals that clearly communicate a message, meet
audience needs, and support the purpose of the project.
• Explain the Creative Process: Describe how ideas were developed, refined, and
brought to life, including how problems were solved along the way.
• Present Work Professionally: Organize and present design work clearly, using
correct terminology and justifying design decisions with reasoning.

Final Presentation Details

Timing Structure
• Equipment Set-Up: 3 minutes
• Presentation: 7 minutes (a one-minute warning will be provided)
• Question & Answer (Q&A): 3 minutes
• Note: Each time segment is exclusive. Once the 3-minute set-up period ends, the
7-minute presentation time begins automatically. Competitors may not shift time
between segments. Competitors will not interact with judges during the set-up
period.
Advancement to Finals
• The top-scoring competitors or teams from each preliminary section will advance
to the final round in equal numbers.
• The number of competitors or teams advancing to the final round depends on the
number of preliminary sections:
• 2 sections: Top 6 from each section advance
• 3 sections: Top 4 from each section advance
• 4 sections: Top 3 from each section advance
• 5 sections: Top 3 from each section advance
• More than 5 sections: Top 2 from each section advance
Audience & Viewing Rules
• Final presentations may be open to conference attendees, depending on space
availability.

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• Finalists may not view other presentations in their own event.
Technology Guidelines
• Internet Access: Not Provided
• Presentations must be delivered using one or two personal devices (laptop, tablet,
mobile phone, or monitor approximately laptop-sized).
• If using two devices, one must face the judges and the other must face the
presenters.
• If the final round takes place in a conference room, the following equipment will be
provided: a projector, projector screen, power access, and a table.
• Competitors using laptops or devices without an HDMI port must bring their own
compatible adapters.
• It is the responsibility of final-round competitors to decide whether or not to use
the provided technology.
• Wireless slide advancers (e.g., presentation clickers or mice) are allowed.
• Electricity will not be available.
Non-Technology Items
• Visual aids, samples, notes, and other physical materials related to the project may
be used.
• Items may be placed on the provided table or on the judges table, if space allows.
• No items may be left with the judges following the presentation.
Restricted Items
• Animals, except for authorized service animals.
• Food, which may be used for display only and may not be consumed by judges.
• Links and QR codes, which may be shown but may not be scanned or clicked by
judges at any time.
Research
• Information must be supported by credible, well-documented sources.
• Any use of copyrighted material, images, logos, or trademarks must be properly
documented.
Team Expectations
• In team presentations, all members must actively participate in the delivery of the
presentation.
Event Specific Information: Competitors should incorporate the following aspects in
response to the topic
• Apply Design Principles: Use balance, contrast, alignment, and other design
principles to create visually strong and purposeful layouts.
• Demonstrate Technical Skills: Use digital design tools effectively, showing
knowledge of proper formatting, file setup, and software features.
• Communicate Visually: Design visuals that clearly communicate a message, meet
audience needs, and support the purpose of the project.
• Explain the Creative Process: Describe how ideas were developed, refined, and
brought to life, including how problems were solved along the way.
• Present Work Professionally: Organize and present design work clearly, using
correct terminology and justifying design decisions with reasoning.

Scoring
• Preliminary round scores are used to determine which competitors or teams advance
to the final round from each section.
• Final round scores determine the final rankings and top award winners.
• Judges are responsible for breaking all ties in both preliminary and final rounds.

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• All judging decisions are final. Results announced at the National Leadership
Conference are considered official and will not be changed after the conclusion of the
National Leadership Conference.

Penalty Points
• Competitors may be disqualified if they violate the Code of Conduct or the Honor
Code.
• Five points are deducted if competitors do not follow the Dress Code or are late to
their assigned presentation time.

Recognition
• A maximum of 10 entries (individuals or teams) may be recognized per event.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

• FBLA complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by providing reasonable
accommodations for competitors. Accommodation requests must be submitted
through the conference registration system by the official registration deadline. All
requests will be reviewed, and additional documentation may be required to
determine eligibility and appropriate support.

Recording of Presentations
• Unauthorized audio or video recording is strictly prohibited in all competitive events.
• FBLA reserves the right to record presentations for educational, training, or archival
purposes. Competitors should be aware that their presentations may be recorded by
FBLA-authorized personnel.

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Visual Design Presentation Rating Sheet
Below Points
Expectation Item Not Demonstrated Meets Expectations Exceeds Expectations
Expectations Earned

Materials not described All materials and event

Event topic and at
and/or one or more Event topic and all topic described, and the
Description of the event least one of the
elements are missing or materials described competitors connect the
topic and materials materials described
incomplete different pieces together

0 points 1-6 points 7-8 points 9-10 points

Demonstrates a clear Applies multiple design

understanding of core principles with skill and
Some design design principles. creativity. Layout is
principles are used, Layout is visually polished, purposeful, and
Apply Design Principles:
No evidence of design but inconsistently or strong, well- visually compelling,
Use balance, contrast,
principles is present; without clear organized, and enhancing the overall
alignment, and other
layout appears random purpose. Layout may supports the message impact and effectiveness of
design principles to
or disorganized. No lack visual clarity or or purpose. the design. Design decisions
create visually strong and
design terms are used impact. Limited use Appropriate design are clearly justified using
purposeful layouts.
of design terms are used, and accurate terminology and
terminology design choices are thoughtful explanations
explained with logical that show a deep
reasoning. understanding of the work.

0 points 1-9 points 10-16 points 17-20 points

Tools and features are used

Basic understanding Design tools are used
Demonstrate Technical skillfully and efficiently.
of tools is shown, correctly with proper
Skills: No evidence of Formatting, file setup, and
but formatting, file formatting, file setup,
Use digital design tools technical skill; tools are execution are precise and
setup, or use of and appropriate use of
effectively, showing misused or formatting is professional,
features is core features. Work
knowledge of proper missing or incorrect. demonstrating a strong
incomplete or shows technical
formatting, file setup, command of the design
inconsistent. competence.
and software features. software.

0 points 1-9 points 10-16 points 17-20 points

Visuals attempt to
Visuals clearly Visuals are engaging, well-
Communicate Visually: communicate a
Visuals do not convey a communicate the crafted, and deliver a
Design visuals that message but are
clear message and lack intended message, are strong, focused message.
clearly communicate a unclear,
connection to the appropriate for the Design choices are highly
message, meet audience inconsistent, or not
audience or project target audience, and effective in reaching the
needs, and support the well-suited to the
purpose. support the overall audience and reinforcing
purpose of the project. audience or
purpose of the project. the project’s purpose.
purpose.

0 points 1-9 points 10-16 points 17-20 points

Provides a detailed and

Explain the Creative Provides a limited or Clearly describes how
thoughtful explanation of
Process: unclear explanation ideas were developed
the full creative process.
Describe how ideas were No explanation of the of the process. Few and refined. Includes
Describes brainstorming,
developed, refined, and creative process is details are given relevant steps and
revisions, and specific
brought to life, including provided. about idea explains how
problem-solving strategies
how problems were development or challenges were
that shaped the final
solved along the way. problem-solving. addressed.
design.

0 points 1-9 points 10-16 points 17-20 points

Demonstrates with Emphasize interpretation of

Explains how
Consistency in graphic visual aids the the topic and design as it
graphic design is
Consistency in graphic design to theme not consistency between relates to graphic design
consistent with
design to theme addressed graphic design and and theme including use of
theme
theme visual aids

0 points 1-6 points 7-8 points 9-10 points

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Below Points
Expectation Item Not Demonstrated Meets Expectations Exceeds Expectations
Expectations Earned
Presentation Delivery

Presentation flowed in a
Competitor(s) were
Statements are well- Competitor(s) did not Presentation flowed in logical sequence;
prepared, but flow
organized and clearly appear prepared logical sequence statements were well
was not logical
stated organized
0 points 1-6 points 7-8 points 9-10 points
Demonstrated 1-2 of
Consistently displays Demonstrated 3 of the
the listed skills
confidence, poised listed skills Demonstrated all skills,
Did not demonstrate (confidence, body
body language, engaging (confidence, body enhancing the overall
any of the listed skills language, eye
eye contact, and language, eye contact, presentation
contact, or voice
effective voice or voice projection)
projection)
projection.
0 points 1-6 points 7-8 points 9-10 points
Responds accurately Responds confidently with
Does not respond to Provides incomplete
and clearly to most clear, accurate, and
Demonstrates the ability questions or responses or unclear answers
questions, showing thoughtful answers that
to effectively answer are completely off- that show limited
adequate enhance the overall
questions topic. understanding.
understanding. presentation.
0 points 1-6 points 7-8 points 9-10 points
Presentation Protocols
Execution Aligned with Guidelines: (All criteria must be met)
 Used only allowable technology devices (sizing specs followed; maximum
of two, with only one facing judges at a time)
 Presentation aligned with the assigned topic
 Maintained professional boundaries during set-up time (no interaction
Adherence to Competitor(s) Did Not
with judges)
Competitive Events Follow Guidelines
 Did not leave materials behind after the presentation
Guidelines
 Links or QR codes were displayed appropriately (not clicked or scanned by
judges)
 Audio was presented without external speakers (preliminary round)
 Avoided use of food or live animals
0 points 10 points
Staff Only: Penalty Points (5 points for dress code penalty and/or 5 points for late arrival penalty)
Presentation Total (140 points)
Name(s):
School: Section:
Judge Signature: Date:
Comments:

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