AROID AWARDS SUBMISSIONTrophies, Bragging Rights & a Place in IAS HistoryEach year, IAS members bring their most stunning aroids to compete in our celebrated Aroid Awards - ranging from “Best in Show” to “Most Unusual” and “People’s Choice.”Winners receive trophies, earn serious bragging rights, and - new for 2026 - will be permanently memorialized on the IAS website in our showcase of award-winning plants. 2026 DEADLINES & DETAILS: ENTRY FORM DUE Monday, September 14 | By midnight EST PLANT DROP OFF Friday, September 18 | Between 10 am - 1 pm EST (local time) Complete an entry card for each plant. Fuchs Pavilion | Miami-Dade County Fair & Expo PLANT PICK UP Sunday, September 20 | 4 pm EST (local time) Aroid Awards | Fuchs Pavilion | Miami-Dade County Fair & Expo |
CATEGORIES | PRIZES | JUDGINGDenis Rotolante’s Best in Show Award Enid Offolter’s People’s Choice Award - Voted by Expo Attendees Tim Anderson’s Best Anthurium Simon Mayo’s Best Philodendron David Scherberich’s Best Monstera Peter Boyce’s Best Alocasia We’re also expanding the awards this year with new categories that celebrate the creativity and artistry of our community: Tom Croat’s Most Unusual John Banta’s Best of Others Marie Nock’s Best Flower Arrangement Stripey Crochet Award Barry Schwartz’s Best Aroid Art Award HOW IT WORKSSubmit an entry form with the details for each plant. You’re welcome to submit more than one form. Bring your plants during the designated drop-off time listed above and complete an entry card for each plant on-site. Panel-judged awards take place Friday afternoon and are announced Saturday morning. The People’s Choice winner will be announced during the Member Dinner & Auction on Saturday evening. PICK UP: Be sure to collect any plants at the time specified above. IAS is unable to store plants. Anything remaining after the deadline will be donated! DEADLINES REMINDER: Review the header above for due dates related to:
Winners not only receive trophies and framed certificates—they also earn lasting recognition! All winning entries will be featured on the IAS website as part of a permanent digital showcase—it's a great way to earn bragging rights and share your prized plant with the global aroid community long after the Expo ends. Thank you for helping make the IAS Tropical Plant Expo a true celebration of aroid diversity and excellence! REQUIREMENTS TO PARTICIPATE
PEST & DISEASE FREE: Inspect carefully before drop-off. NO INVASIVES: Plants listed on the Florida Invasive Species Council’s Invasive Species List, or any restricted species, cannot be accepted. MEMBERS ONLY: You must be a current IAS member to participate. NURSERY-PROPAGATED ONLY: Wild-collected plants are not permitted. ETHICAL GROWING: Follow the IAS Statement on Unethical & Unsustainable Wild Collection. |
©2026 International Aroid Plant Society, Inc., is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, classified as a 509(a)(2) public charity (FEIN 99-2040644). All rights reserved. |
