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Competition 1​

Theme: My Favourite Place - Backdrop & Photo Opportunity Competition

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1st Place: Award Certificate & £500 Cash

2nd Place: Award Certificate & Sponsored Goodies + 6 months BAPIA Membership*

3rd Place: Award Certificate & Sponsored Goodies + 6 months BAPIA Membership*
(6 months BAPIA membership only applies to UK or ROI residents)

Ready to build something that stops people in their tracks?

We’re inviting creatives to design and build a visually exciting backdrop and photo opportunity inspired by “My Favourite Place.”

This could be anywhere your imagination takes you — a tropical island, under the sea, a magical forest, Paris, New York, a cosy garden, a fantasy world — as long as visitors can quickly recognise and connect with your theme.
 

The Objective

Create a backdrop + photo moment that:

• Is visually striking

• Clearly shows your chosen “favourite place”

• Makes people want to stop and take a photo

• Uses your preferred creative style and techniques
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Competition Overview

• Maximum entries: 10

• Entry fee: £50 per team

• Team size: Up to 3 individuals per team

• All team leaders & members must be pre-registered for CAP Expo 
   

Competition Schedule

• Saturday 21st March 2026: 10:00–17:00

• Sunday 22nd March 2026: 09:00–12:00
   

Detailed timings:

• Teams may set up their workstation between 09:15 and 09:45 on Saturday.

• Competition work time runs 10:00–17:00 on Saturday 21 March. - this is the show set-up day

• All entries must be fully completed by 12:00 on Sunday 22 March. - the show will be open to the public

• A 30-minute clean-up period follows; all workspaces must be completely cleared by 12:30.

• Competitors must vacate the competition area by 12:30 to allow judging to commence.

No time extensions will be granted.

It is the entrant’s responsibility to be ready to begin on time. The competition will start and finish promptly.
 

Space & Construction Requirements

• Maximum size: 3m (W) x 2m (D) x 3m (H)

• All competition pieces must be freestanding

• No overhead or wall-mounted rigging permitted

• All structural elements, framing, and props must fit entirely within the designated competition space
   

Permitted Materials

Competitors may use:

• Balloons (all styles)

• Florals (fresh or faux)

• Props

• Fabric, additional textures, and structural frames

• Lighting accents

• Mechanical elements
   

All materials must be supplied by competitors. CAP Expo and its organisers will not provide any products.

• No mains power will be available

• All lighting and electrical elements must be battery powered

• Power will be available during construction for tools and equipment only

• Lighting and mechanical elements must not distract from or interfere with other entries
   

CAP Expo is not responsible for lost, delayed, or faulty products. Competitors must ensure all materials are on site and ready before the competition begins.
 

Judging Criteria
Entries will be judged on the following:
 

Theme Interpretation

How clearly does the design represent the chosen theme or “favourite place”?

Is it easy to recognise and understand?

Visual Impact

Does the backdrop attract attention and create a strong overall impression?

Is it eye-catching and appealing from a distance?
 

Creativity

Original ideas and imaginative use of balloons and décor elements.

Does the design show creative thinking and personal style?
 

Photo Appeal

Does it work well as a photo opportunity?

Is there good framing, depth, and balance for people taking pictures?
 

Finish & Build Quality

Overall quality of construction and presentation.

Is it neat, stable, and well finished?
 

Additional Rules

• Shine products are strictly prohibited due to health and safety concerns

• Professional conduct and good sportsmanship are expected at all times

• Any competitor found cheating or sabotaging another entry will be immediately disqualified and may be permanently barred from future CAP Expo competitions
   

CAP Expo promotes safe and responsible balloon use. This includes securely fixing helium-filled balloons to prevent release into the atmosphere.

• Recycling and general waste disposal will be provided - please keep workspaces and show floors safe and hazard-free

• Competitors are responsible for striking their own competition entry and removing any props, structures and equipment, this must take place after the show closes at 4pm on Monday 23rd March.

Structural frameworks may be pre-built and brought on site, however no creative elements may be pre-made. Vinyl may be cut and prepared in advance.

All competitors are responsible for assembling their own teams. CAP Expo organisers, staff, and volunteers may not compete or assist.
Team members must be confirmed before the competition begins and cannot be changed.
 

CAP Expo and BAPIA are not responsible for any lost or stolen items within designs. It is the responsibility of the competitor to ensure that all elements are fixed securely and cannot be removed.

 

The results of the competition will be announced on Monday 23rd March at 1500

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