The ILDA Awards recognize creative achievement in laser displays, promote and publicize ILDA and its Members, and establish credibility for the artistic medium of laser light. Since the ILDA Awards were instituted in 1988, there have been over 1300 total winners (Artistic and Technical awards), won by 150 different companies and individuals. Also, there have been 22 winners of ILDA's highest honor, the Career Achievement Award.
For an example of what the Awards are like, see the page for our most recent 2021 ILDA Awards.
We invite ILDA Members to enter the 2022 ILDA Artistic and Technical Awards, and to make nominations for persons to receive the 2022 Career Achievement Award. And for non-members, we also invite entries in the ILDA Digital Network category, for technical advancements related to the IDN standard or development.
Winners will be honored at the ILDA Awards Banquet and Presentation, during the 2022 ILDA Conference in London.
ILDA Award winners and guests at the 2015 ILDA Awards Banquet and Presentation in Dubai, hosted by Abdulwahab Baghdadi, 3rd Dimension EvenTech
The countdown clock below shows the time left until the deadline. In case of a disagreement between your local clock and the countdown clock, your local clock determines the deadline (e.g., 11:59 pm your local time on Tuesday, May 31, 2022).
The deadline for entering the 2022 ILDA Awards has passed. Thanks to everyone who entered. The rules are kept below for reference.
There are 18 Artistic categories, such as "Corporate Show" or "Abstract Show". ILDA Members may submit up to three entries per category, with a total limit of 23 Artistic entries.
Summary of how to enter: You will submit one overall Artistic Award Entry Form with basic information such as your company contact info. You will also submit one overall Entry Spreadsheet where you list detailed information on each of your Artistic entries. For each Artistic entry, you will submit a video or photograph. If any entries depict laser light on or near persons, you also must submit documentation of the entry's safety.
Please read through ALL of the following sections. They contain important information and rules which must be followed for a successful Artistic Award submission. If you have any questions, please contact ILDA well in advance of the entry deadline listed towards the top of this webpage.
At this time, there are no announced changes in the 2022 rules, compared with the 2021 rules.
If the show consisted of just beams from more than one laser projector, playing to a pre-recorded audio track or using music from a person not readily visible to most of the audience (a behind-the-scenes DJ), then enter in A13, Beams/Atmospherics Show for Multiple-Scanner Projectors. This category is for a "show using more than one set of X-Y scanners and optionally Add-On Effects… where the laser light is seen in mid-air."
If the show also had graphics, abstracts and/or patterns projected on a screen, enter in A08, Multi-Effect Laser Show. This category is for shows that have "both laser projections on a screen, and also beams from around or through the screen."
If the show had one or more live performers, who can be readily visible to most of the audience, enter in A07, Live Stage Show. Even if the only performer is a live DJ, as long as he or she is featured or seen as a "performer" rather than a backstage technician, enter in A06. This category is for "an event … that features live performers and lasers, performing on a stage in front of an audience" where the "event is exclusively or primarily for the in-person audience."
If there were multiple DJs or bands, especially if the laserist performed live to music he or she didn't pre-program (a Laser Jockey), enter in A06, Nightclub/Disco/Music Festival Show. The multiple music artists would be considered a music festival.
Generally speaking, if the artistic content of the show is the primary focus of your entry, then enter it in the appropriate artistic category A01-A13. But if instead the innovative techniques are the primary focus, enter it in A16, Innovative Application.
One difference is that an artistic entry usually depicts just the visuals and music/soundtrack that an audience experienced. For Innovative Application, usually there is also some narration explaining the "innovation" part, as well as "backstage" footage showing how the innovation was set up or done.
It is possible to enter elements of a single show in both an artistic category and Innovative Application. But if you do this THE ENTRY VIDEOS MUST DEPICT DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE SHOW.
As the rules state, "It is OK if you want to select different parts of a show and enter them in different categories. For example, you could submit one part of a show in the Graphics category, and a different part in the Abstract category. However, you CANNOT submit the same show material twice, in two different categories. All video entries must be unique (not repeating the same part of a show)."
Submit in the category you would use if the building or other structure was simply a screen. And keep in mind the categorization rule which states "To determine which category to enter a show in, go down the list of categories one-by-one, and put your show into the first category that reasonably fits."
Here are some examples:
If the content of the laser mapping show is primarily done for a Corporate client as defined in the Corporate Show description, then enter in the Corporate Show category.
If it is done for a Live TV Show, enter in that category.
If there are fireworks, water fountains, video mapping or other non-laser effects, enter in the Laser Show with Added Effects/Multimedia category.
If is only laser graphics plus laser beams coming out of windows or in front of the building, enter in the Multi-Effect Laser Show category (formerly called "Beams and Screen Show").
If you are simply projecting shapes and images on a building, enter in the Graphics Show category.
There are 18 Artistic Award categories. They are listed below in the gray bars. Click on a gray bar to get more details about a category.
This first group of categories is based on the audience for a show — corporate, live, in a planetarium, etc.
A laser show designed to market a company’s brand, product or service; presented to an audience consisting of a company's employees or customers.
Use this category for any corporate show, even if it might also fall under other categories such as Multimedia or Stage Shows. The reason is so that ILDA can highlight the use of laser shows for corporate meetings and product launches/demonstrations.
The video must depict the actual show as presented on site with an audience – not filmed in a studio or an empty rehearsal hall.
Footage from a TV production shot live, or live on tape (such as a singing competition, awards presentation or halftime show at a sporting event) where there is only one take with editing done live, there are bright stage or stadium lights, the lasers are one of many lighting and special effects, and the primary audience is the TV viewers.
The entry must use footage from the final, broadcast production.
Footage from a film, TV show, commercial or music video where different scenes are edited together.
The film/TV/video must be for a third-party; it cannot be made primarily for the entrant. This category is also for use of lasers as special effects lighting, for example in science fiction movies or TV commercials.
This does NOT include documentation of shows that would normally fall in other categories, such as a film of a concert or of a multimedia show.
This category is for shows that have additional non-laser elements such as lighting, fireworks, video screens, etc. These shows can take place indoors or outdoors. At least half of the video entry must show lasers being used.
You must have substantially or primarily produced the laser portion of the entry. (Do not enter shows where you simply rented laser equipment to another person, who then produced the laser portion.)
If you also produced or were responsible for other parts of the show such as lighting, sound, etc. state this in the “Other/Notes” section of the Entry Spreadsheet. This will help judges decide between a Member who “did it all” versus a Member who just furnished lasers.
A laser show created specifically for presentation at a planetarium or similar venue where the audience is inside a dome structure.
The entry must be recorded in a planetarium (or similar) dome. You can film with an audience, or “after hours” without an audience – your choice.
A laser show which has been created for, and performed at, a nightclub, disco or music festival.
The show can be of any format, including beams only, mixed beams and graphics, and live laser performances. The video must depict the actual show as presented on site with an audience – not filmed in a studio or an empty rehearsal hall.
This category is NOT for entries that primarily focus on a single performer or one band; use Live Stage Show for such entries.
Any entries submitted to Nightclub/Disco/Music Festival that focus on a single performer or one band may be moved to the Live Stage Show category at the judging coordinator’s discretion.
An event such as a theatrical show or a music concert that features live performers and lasers, performing on a stage in front of an audience. The event is exclusively or primarily for the in-person audience.
Other media such as lighting and video can be incorporated, but the laser must be significantly featured. The laser part can be pre-programmed or can be performed live; however, there must be some syncing and artistic coordination with the live performers. The entry can be recorded at an actual performance with audience, at a rehearsal, or both (intercut) – your choice.
The following categories are used by shows that do not fit into the above categories. Often these will be shows that were only recorded in a studio, or otherwise were not widely presented to the public.
For example, if a show was done for a company and was recorded in front of an audience, it would go in Corporate (which requires that the show be recorded in front of an audience). But if the same show is being entered to showcase the graphics, or the beams, etc. and was recorded in a studio with no audience, then it can be entered in one of the categories below.
A laser show that has at least two of the following three elements: 1) laser graphics projected onto a screen or surface, 2) laser abstracts projected onto a screen or surface, and 3) mid-air laser beams and atmospherics. A Multi-Effect Laser Show can have all three elements if desired.
Graphic images projected onto a screen or surface. These must be primarily representational graphics such as drawn animation frames and computer graphics. Only a few brief, occasional beams/atmospherics or abstracts are permitted.
Do not rear project onto a scrim so that beams are seen throughout the entry. Project onto a solid screen or wall surface because this is a graphics category, not a beam category.
If your original laser show has some sections with substantial beams/atmospherics or abstracts, you must edit these out of the submitted video – the judges must see primarily graphic images.
Abstracts and/or other non-representational images such as lumia which are projected onto a screen or surface. Must be primarily abstracts/non-representational. Only a few brief, occasional beams or representational graphics are permitted.
If your original laser show has some sections with substantial beams/atmospherics or graphics, you must edit these out of the submitted video. The judges must see primarily abstract/non-representational images.
The next three categories are for beam/atmospherics shows. For these three the following rules apply:
• The laser light is seen ONLY in mid-air. There cannot be any type of screen.
• The video must depict ONLY beams and/or atmospheric (mid-air) effects. No graphics or abstracts are permitted.
• "Add-On Effects" are defined to include bounce mirrors, gratings, diffractions, static beam bounces (with stationary or motorized bounce mirrors), actuators, variable-width beams, and scan-through devices (scanners with a lens/glass/effect wheel).
A show using only one set of X-Y scanners, where the laser light is seen only in mid-air. No other effects or devices are allowed.
A show using Add-On Effects (see definition above) and optionally one set of X-Y scanners, where the laser light is seen only in mid-air.
The show can be Add-On Effects only (no X-Y scanner set), or can be Add-On Effects plus one single set of X-Y scanners. For Add-On Effects plus multiple X-Y scanner sets, use the category below.
A show using more than one set of X-Y scanners and optionally Add-On Effects (see definition above), where the laser light is seen in mid-air.
The show can be multiple X-Y scanner sets only, or can also include Add-On Effects plus multiple X-Y scanner sets.
In the next three categories, it is sometimes helpful to add narration to the entry’s audio track. The narrative description can explain any special or unusual features of the laser work or the permanent installation. You can also add still photos, text overlays, diagrams, maps, etc. to the video.
However, keep in mind that the entry cannot have any visible logos or other indication of the ILDA Member company who is submitting the entry. If there are logos, block or obscure them so they cannot be identified.
This category is for permanent installations that include laser displays. The video MUST show both the permanent installation (infrastructure), as well as showing one or more of the laser display presentations; if it does not show both elements, the entry will be disqualified.
“Permanent” means the installation is intended to be operational for at least one year in a single location.
Judging will take into account how the permanent installation operates, as well as the artistic quality of the lasers in the space.
An installation can only be entered once, in the year that the installation is finished and documented. Any change to the show content in subsequent years can be entered into a category that best fits the content; but not into the Permanent Installation category. If the installation is changed significantly so that it essentially becomes a “new” installation, then the changed version can be entered in the year that the changes are finished and documented.
Note: The “laser displays” referenced above are traditional “laser show” elements such as scanned graphics, and beam atmospherics. Laser-projected video displays can be an element of the installation, but would not the focus of the judging for this ILDA Award category.
This is for fine art applications of lasers. This can include works displayed publicly in galleries and exhibitions, works sold to private collectors, works done in conjunction with established, recognized artists, and works that are primarily intended for artistic appreciation or as artistic statements.
The lasers may be directly experienced by viewers (e.g., a laser exhibition in a gallery), or the end result may be artistic photos, video or film that include the laser elements.
For most entries, an outside artistically-oriented and experienced entity such as an art gallery, festival or publication must have displayed, reviewed, included or otherwise indicated they consider the entry to be “art” and not just a show or display. The entrant saying that the work is “art” to him or her is not sufficient.
This category is for novel or unusual laser applications that do not fit into any other category. Winners in the past have included Theo Dari’s “Laserman” act, an underwater laser show viewed from a glass-bottom boat, a raster-only show, drawings done with a UV laser on a phosphor surface, and an interactive laser character that talks to passersby.
For Laser Photography, entries are submitted as JPG photographs. Please note there are some special rules for Laser Photography entries
Submit a photo with laser beams/graphics as the dominant element. The photo must be of a single “click” of the camera.
The photo may have darkroom-type improvements in Photoshop, such as cropping and curves. However, photo manipulation such as adding or removing elements is not permitted. (Detailed special rules are in the section immediately below.)
Also, there must be no logos, text overlays, copyright notices or other material added to the photo after it was taken, excepting photos where a client requires a logo, name, watermark, etc. as described in the Client-Required-Logo entries section below.
This category will be judged by Members, online.
☑ Special rules and entry formats for the Laser Photography category
The Laser Photography category is for still images that capture a laser display.
The photo must be of a single “click” of the camera. You can make a short exposure, or a long time-exposure, but it must be of one shutter press or “click”. Multiple exposures are not permitted, even if triggered by one click of the shutter (e.g., a setting or mode that automatically does multiple exposures — this is not permitted).
No overlays. You cannot add any logos, text, copyright notices, etc. onto the picture after it is taken. Entries with added logos, text, or other overlays will be disqualified, even if they are added by the photographer or photo source. (This does not apply to photos where a client requires a logo, name, watermark, etc. as described in the Client-Required-Logo entries section below.)
Submit a JPG file of the image. Include the JPG with the other artistic file submissions that are added to the single ZIP file that you will upload before the deadline.
Laser is primary: Non-laser elements can be in the photo; however, the laser beams or graphics should be the dominant element.
Any company’s display: The photographed laser display can be from you or your company, or the display can be from another company – it does not matter. This category is about the photographer’s skill in capturing the excitement and magic of laser displays.
Give credit to the laser display producer: If you did not produce the laser display, then in the Entry Spreadsheet’s “Credits” section, you must list what company did the laser display, and/or where it was photographed.☑ Submit JPG files with no added or removed elements
The files entered for the Laser Photography category must be in JPG format. Include these files in the same ZIP file as your video entries.
The JPG file can be from a digital camera (DSLR), or from a video screenshot if there is sufficient quality and resolution (HD or 4K). If using old-style photographic film, it can be a scan of the film. Once captured or scanned, you can only do limited Photoshop-type work:
• You CAN do darkroom-style manipulations: cropping, curves (brightening, darkening), dodging, burning, saturation adjustments, sharpening, noise reduction, and dust and spot removal.
• You CANNOT add, remove or change elements. You cannot retouch or remove unwanted objects (except for fixing dust and spots caused by the camera or scan). You cannot add elements from other photos or artwork (except on Client-Required-Logo entries, where logos, text, and copyright notices can be added).
You are on your honor, in accord with the ILDA Code of Ethics, that you have not added, removed or changed elements as described above. In questionable cases, ILDA may ask to see the original out-of-the-camera file, or may disqualify an entry if in ILDA's opinion any additions, removals or changes are found or are strongly suspected.
The Laser Jockey category can be entered later this year, close to the ILDA Conference. You will NOT submit Laser Jockey entries on the Entry Form or Entry Spreadsheet. This category is just listed here for completeness.
Entries in this category are performed live at the ILDA Conference. Attendees will view all performances and will judge the entries.
You do NOT have to enter this category now. That’s why it is not listed on the Entry Form. Later in the year, as we get closer to the ILDA Conference, we will send out instructions on how to enter this category.
So you can get ready, additional information can be found about the 2019 Laser Jockey competition. The 2022 competition is expected to be in-person (not online) so the rules, procedures, etc. will be similar.
ILDA allows only safe and legal Award entries. Entries must follow all applicable laser safety laws and regulations, including laws for audience scanning, in the jurisdiction where the show was performed. And even if there are no laws in the jurisdiction, the entry must be safe.
For each entry, decide which of the four types below that it fits into.
If it is Type C or D, you are required to submit safety documentation to ILDA about the show's safety. This documentation must be submitted along with (at the same time as) the ILDA Award entry materials. And the documentation must be relevant; for example, do not simply state the laser's power since we are concerned with the irradiance at the point of closest human access.
This is for entries filmed in a studio, or in a room or area where no persons would be during the show. Since there is no human access, there are no human safety concerns. These entries can use any power and can scan anywhere.
No safety documentation is required for Type A entries, when submitting to the ILDA Awards.
This is for entries where the laser is kept safely away from any human access. For example, the laser light is at least 3 meters above the floor (or other surface where a person might reasonably be expected to stand) and is at least 2.5 meters laterally from where a person — including audiences, performers or workers — might be able to reach. Also, there must be no other safety concerns such as beams reflecting off surfaces in the laser-scanned areas.
No safety documentation is required for Type B entries, when submitting to the ILDA Awards.
If an entry depicts laser light on persons (e.g. an audience or performers), or near to persons (within the 3 meter/2.5 meter distances discussed above), then the show
1) must be done at safe exposure levels AND
2) must comply with all applicable laws and regulations, AND
3) documentation of the show’s safety must be submitted along with the entry.
Safety documentation is required for Type C & D entries. Type C & D entries will be disqualified if they are not submitted with acceptable safety documentation as described at the bottom of this webpage.
If an entry depicts laser beams in an area where an audience or performers MIGHT be, such as an empty tradeshow floor, empty stage, or an empty auditorium, then the show
1) must be done at safe exposure levels AND
2) must comply with all applicable laws and regulations, AND
3) documentation of the show’s safety must be submitted along with the entry.
This is because a video of beams in an area where persons could be gives an impression that the same show could be run with persons present during laser operation.
Safety documentation is required for Type C & D entries. Type C & D entries will be disqualified if they are not submitted with acceptable safety documentation as described at the bottom of this webpage.
Unfortunately, some ILDA Award submissions have poor video and audio quality. To give your entry the best possible chance, please use high quality equipment and techniques and avoid the problems listed below.
You may want to work with a videographer in documenting and editing your entries. You may also want to review past ILDA Award winners to get an idea of how they look. Check them out at ILDA’s YouTube channel "ildalasershows".
ILDA manages over 200 files each year. To help us organize these for automated filing, you MUST label all filenames as follows. By doing so you really help us manage the entries, thank you.
Use the following format for video and photo files (MP4/MOV and JPG). The example shows a 2022 Corporate Show video entry called "New Years Eve" from the company "Laserblast International". The filename is "2022-A01_New Years Eve_Laserblast Intl.mp4".
There are ten parts to the filename. Be sure you have all ten parts, and they are correctly formatted. The colored text below matches the colors in the diagram above.
On the Entry Spreadsheet, you are asked for the name of the musical piece(s) in your show. As with the filenames, having a consistent format for the artists and songs helps us tremendously due to the large volume of entries.
For most typical laser shows, use the following format:
Artist Name, “Song or Album Name in Quotes”; Second Artist Name, “Second Song or Album Name”; etc.
For example,
Beatles, "A Day In The Life"; Daft Punk, "Tron: Legacy soundtrack (various)"; Rolling Stones, "Miss You (extended disco mix)"
Tips:
For each Artistic Award entry you are asked to include a brief statement -- 600 characters or less -- about your intentions when making the show. The Statement of Intent gives a short background about your show and any special features judges might not notice from the video. For example: “We had to hide the laser under the car hood so we used fiber feed.”
It is important to have the proper rights to show elements, and to give necessary permission to ILDA so we may judge, present, and document (YouTube/Vimeo) the entries. Please review the information below so you understand your rights and how ILDA may use your entry submissions.
You do not need to have rights to the music in order to enter the ILDA Awards and be judged. The music will be played in a limited context during judging and the ILDA Awards Presentation.
Be aware however that if you win, your entry will be put on YouTube or similar online video services. These services may remove the music track or take down the video entirely.
ILDA is not responsible for music rights. If you are making an entry specifically for the Awards, you may want to use public domain, buy-out, or similar systems where you have the legal right to use the music.
Video entries will be used for judging the ILDA Awards and presenting the award winners at the ILDA Conference. In addition, ILDA may make a compilation of the award winners. ILDA may also post winning entries online or otherwise present winning entries to Members and the public.
When ILDA posts winning entries online, we will add titles that are visible during the entire video (awards year, winning place and category, name of entry, name of company submitting). We might possibly also add static or moving watermarks, but we cannot guarantee that we will do so.
While ILDA takes the above reasonable precautions, we cannot guarantee against someone misappropriating video content; for example, by taping during the ILDA Awards Presentation or by illegal copying from any compilation collection (example: USB drive with videos given at Awards Presentation) or online uploads (example: YouTube, Vimeo).
Therefore, if you have special concerns about your show’s video content being seen or appropriated, simply do not enter that particular show in the ILDA Awards competition. We are not able to accommodate special requirements such as “If my show wins, do not include it in the YouTube compilation.”
You must have reproduction rights to the submitted photograph. This means you took the photo, or your employee took the photo as a Work For Hire, or an outside person took the photo and gave you, in writing, the copyright or reproduction rights to the photo (licensing) that are suitable for entering the ILDA Awards.
By entering the photograph, you give ILDA the right to use the submitted photograph for Awards and general illustration purposes such as at ILDA’s website or in an ILDA publication. ILDA will give credit to the photographer in ILDA Awards-related materials. But we cannot guarantee that a credit line will always appear when used for general illustration purposes.
If you should violate the rules and submit a photo that you do not have reproduction rights for, you and not ILDA will be responsible for any copyright violations, fines, penalties, etc. For this reason, be sure you can prove you have reproduction rights to the photo, and that these rights permit ILDA to use the photo as described above.
1) IMPORTANT — Be sure that you have informed the client about all procedures and terms described in this section, and that they are OK with it. You may want to have in writing both what you tell them, and their written approval. By entering, you agree the client is informed. ILDA does not require you to submit proof of this information, but having a written record will be useful to you in case of any problems.
2) You (the Member) will submit two copies of each entered video or photo:
2A) The first copy must be anonymous as per the standard ILDA Award entry rules. This will be used for judging.
2B) The second copy has the client-required logo, name, watermark or similar. If the entry wins, this version is used for public viewing at the Awards Presentation, in the Awards Booklet, at YouTube or other online videos, on the ILDA website and other usage rights allowed by entering the ILDA Awards as described in the sections immediately above. The client's logo, name, watermark etc. should not significantly obscure the video or photo content.
3) The client should be aware that the anonymous (unmarked) video entry will be seen by about five ILDA officials and judges. The anonymous photo entry will be seen by ILDA Members. The photo webpage is password protected but anyone who has the photo webpage URL would be able to view and copy the unmarked, anonymous photos. (Because more people see photos and might copy them, the client may not want to submit a photo in the ILDA Awards' Laser Photography category.)
4) There is a charge of $29 for each ILDA Awards entry which includes a Client-Required-Logo version. This fee is in addition to any other fee which might be charged for that entry.
5) When submitting entries that include Client-Required-Logo versions, do the following: After the ILDA Member company name, add " - Judge" for the anonymous file's name, and add " - Client" to the Client-Required-Logo file's name. For example:
2022-A01_New Years Eve_Laserblast Intl - Judge.mp4
2022-A01_New Years Eve_Laserblast Intl - Client.mp4
FOR NON-WINNING ENTRIES
6) If a video entry does not win an ILDA Award, it is not further used by ILDA. If a photo entry does not win an ILDA Award, the Client-Required-Logo version of the photo may be used by ILDA as per the usage rights described in the "Photography rights and usage" subsection of the "Intellectual Rights" section above. For example, the photo may be used to illustrate lasers' capabilities or usage.
FOR WINNING ENTRIES
7) If an entry wins an ILDA Award, ILDA will use the Client-Required-Logo version of the video or photo as per the usage rights described in the section immediately above. The anonymous version will be kept by ILDA in its private records (backup copies of the judging procedure).
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
8) If the ILDA Member or their client has any questions about this procedure and the video/photo usage, contact ILDA prior to entering in the Awards. Any disputes or concerns raised after entering may lead to the entry not qualifying for Awards consideration to avoid any intellectual property issues with the client.
9) By entering the video or photo, the ILDA Member asserts that the Member and their client have rights to use the video footage or photo as described above, that the Member has informed the client of the information in this section, and that the client has agreed to all listed items.
10) The ILDA Member agrees to hold ILDA harmless from any misrepresentation, misunderstanding, or other condition where the Client states they did not receive, understand or freely agree to the terms of this Agreement.
11) ILDA will not and cannot be held responsible for A) the actions of any ILDA Members, or volunteers working for or on behalf of the association, since they are not employees or otherwise under ILDA's control or 2) any third-party misuse, appropriation or similar infringement of the submitted videos or photos.
12) ILDA may change, clarify, etc. the procedures and items set forth in this section at any time. Entries will be bound by the procedures in effect at the time of ILDA Awards entry submission. For this reason, you may wish to copy-and-paste this section as it now appears, and include it as one of the files along with your ILDA Award entry submission files. That will ensure you and ILDA have a copy of this section at the time of entry submission.
13) For entries that win an ILDA Award, ILDA cannot rescind, remove, replace or otherwise change or delete the Client-Required-Logo video or photo. This is because it is an historical record of a winning entry. For non-winning Client-Required-Logo photos used by ILDA as per the usage rights described in the paragraphs immediately above, upon request ILDA can try to remove or replace them but cannot guarantee this.
Here are the steps you take to enter the Artistic Awards:
1. Go over the entry eligibility rules. Make sure each entry is eligible; for example, that it was finished and presented during the time period listed at the top of this page.
2. For each Artistic entry, decide which category (A01-A18) it best fits.
3. If an entry shows laser beams in or near to humans, or in areas where an audience might be, you must submit additional safety documentation about the entry.
4. Make sure the entry complies with the video format rules or the special rules for Laser Photography entries.
5. Make sure the filename for each video and photo is done in the format specified above.
6. Make sure the Statement of Intent is 600 characters or fewer, and has no identifying information such as employee or product names.
7. Make sure 1) you have proper rights to the submitted video and photo material, and 2) you understand how ILDA will use your Award submissions as described above.
Next, you'll fill out the Entry Form and the Entry Spreadsheet files, and zip them together with your video and photo files. You will upload them to a file sharing service of your choice. Finally, before the deadline at the top of this webpage, you will send ILDA a link where we can download the file.
There is a 2-page Artistic Awards Entry Form which is available in Microsoft Word format, and also in PDF format. Download whichever format you prefer. Then fill it out. Note the following:
There is no refund of any entry fee, even if an entry is disqualified or otherwise is not judged. This is because of the work it takes to process and review entries.
Here is a link to the Entry Spreadsheet. Note that it is in Microsoft Excel format.
Using Excel, enter your data with the details of each entry — one row per entry.
Because of special features in the software such as automated input checking, please use genuine Microsoft Excel. (Sorry Mac Numbers and Google Docs users, but we need the automated input checking that is in the Excel spreadsheet.)
Save the Entry Spreadsheet as an Excel format file with the filename “Member Name 2022 ILDA Awards Entry Spreadsheet.xlsx.” For example, Global Lasers would submit a file named "Global Lasers 2022 ILDA Awards Entry Spreadsheet.xlsx".
First, gather the following entry files:
You can upload the ZIP file with your entries to an online file sharing service such as Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, or similar.
Send an email to us with the link where we can download the file. The subject line should be "Member Name 2022 ILDA Award entries". For example, Global Lasers would send an email with the subject line "Global Lasers 2022 ILDA Award entries".
Be sure ILDA is able to directly download the file, so we don't have to contact you again for passwords, permissions, approval, etc.
After entries are received, they are processed to be sure they comply with the rules, do not have safety issues, etc. Artistic Award entries are reviewed by a panel of three ILDA Member judges who give scores in various areas. Qualified entries receiving the top three scores are awarded First, Second and Third Place trophies. Details about the judging guidelines and procedures are on this webpage.
In the past, all entrants have been notified around early to mid-July. We send out an analysis of each entry so you know how your entries did relative to others in the same category.
If you are an ILDA Award winner … congratulations! ILDA Award trophies are presented in-person at the ILDA Conference.
If you can attend, you will receive your trophy(ies) and you also may give short acceptance remarks of about 45 seconds per Award. You are responsible for bringing your trophies back from the Conference; for example, carrying them back in your luggage.
If you cannot attend an in-person Conference, or if ILDA must have an online Conference (e.g., due to COVID), then the ILDA Award trophy(ies) will be mailed to you.
Description: The technical awards are named for the late Fred Fenning, a pioneer in early laser light show development. There are two Technical categories: one for general laser show technologies and one for ILDA Digital Network technologies.
Non-Members may enter: The IDN category is the only ILDA Award category where non-members can submit entries. ILDA Members may submit up to three general entries and up to three IDN entries; non-members may submit up to three IDN entries.
Summary of how to enter: For each Technical entry, you will submit a Technical Award Entry Form, plus optional supporting files such as videos, photos, manuals, etc. Note that each Technical entry has its own Entry Form. If any entries depict laser light on or near persons, you also must submit documentation of the entry's safety.
Please read through ALL of the following sections. They contain important information and rules which must be followed for a successful submission. If you have any questions, please contact ILDA well in advance of the entry deadline listed towards the top of this webpage.
There are two technical categories. You may submit up to three entries in each category (this means a possible maximum of six entries: three General and three IDN Standards).
You may enter a product, or a working technical demonstration, which is used in the field of laser shows and display.
Examples include, but are not limited to lasers, scanners, projectors, effects, hardware and software. It may be brand new or it may be a significant change or improvement to an existing product/technology. The entry should be newly developed or introduced to the market within the eligibility period.
• For products, the entry must be of a full working version that has been field-tested and is currently either in service by the entrant, and/or is available for sale or rent.
• For technology developments such as an invention, the entry must have been demonstrated to work and must have useful applicability to laser shows and displays.
• Concepts and basic research do NOT qualify; the entry must be a product, or a useful, demonstrated technology.
Only ILDA Members may enter in the general category.
Winners in this category will receive a "ILDA Fenning Technical Achievement Award." The award will not list or state "general" in the name of the award.
Entries in the ILDA Digital Network category must meet the above rules for general Technical Awards submissions. In addition, entries in the IDN Standards category:
If a Technical Award entry video, photo or other documentation shows or describes lasers being used, then the documentation must depict or describe lasers being used safely. The documentation must follow applicable laser safety laws and regulations (including laws for audience scanning) in the jurisdiction where the show was performed.
We will accept entries where laser safety has not yet been fully determined, if the entry focus is on other factors.
For example, we accepted a submission of a laser mounted on a drone. Even though there would be safety issues involved if a drone-mounted laser was actually used in a show, the submission was focused on laser technology being newly applied to the drone. In other words, it was not up to the submitter to state or solve all potential safety issues. (Also, the video submitted showed safe usage of the drone-mounted laser, in controlled areas)
On the other hand, if a submission is for a safety device, then there would need to be evidence presented that the device worked properly as intended in a laser show environment.
Video entries will be used for judging the ILDA Awards and presenting the award winners at the ILDA Conference. In addition, ILDA may post winning entries online or otherwise present winning entries to Members and the public (e.g., a USB drive compilation of all Award winners which is given out at the Awards presentation, uploading to YouTube or Vimeo, etc.).
When ILDA posts winning entries online, we will add titles that are visible during the entire video (awards year, winning place and category, name of entry, name of company submitting). We might possibly also add static or moving watermarks, but we cannot guarantee that we will do so.
While ILDA takes the above reasonable precautions, we cannot guarantee against someone misappropriating video content; for example, by taping during the ILDA Awards Presentation or by illegal copying from any compilation collection (example: USB drive with videos given at Awards Presentation) or online uploads (example: YouTube, Vimeo).
Therefore, if you have special concerns about your show’s video content being seen or appropriated, simply do not enter that particular show in the ILDA Awards competition.
We are not able to accommodate special requirements such as “If my show wins, do not present it without adding the client’s name and logo on an overlay.”
Here are the steps you take to enter the Technical Awards:
Next, you'll fill out one Entry Form for each Technical Award entry, and zip it together with that entry's video and photo files. NOTE THAT THIS IS DIFFERENT THAN THE ARTISTIC AWARDS, WHERE ALL ENTRIES ARE ZIPPED INTO ONE FILE. For the Technical Awards, each entry is in a separate zip file.
You will upload the zipped Technical Award file(s) to a file sharing service of your choice. Finally, before the deadline at the top of this webpage, you will send ILDA a link where we can download the file(s). Below are details.
The Technical Awards Entry Form is available in Microsoft Word format, and also in PDF format. Use whichever format you prefer.
You can also type up your own entry form if you wish, as long as you include all the information and questions listed on the official Tech Awards Entry Form.
For each of your Technical Award entries, fill out the Technical Awards Entry Form.
All information should be in English. We’re sorry, but ILDA does not have the resources to translate from other languages. Also, if you hand-write the information, be sure it is legible.
If you scan the Entry Form, you MUST merge it into a single document before saving. ILDA cannot manage the multiple pages of the Tech Awards Entry Form.
You are not required to submit any additional documentation, beyond what is in the Technical Award Entry Form. However, it is strongly suggested to include a video demonstration and other written or photographic material such as manuals, brochures, diagrams, etc.
This material helps give judges a better idea of what your entry does, and how it compares with similar previous technology. Also, if your entry wins, a video serves as a "sales tool" for persons at the Awards and on YouTube to also see your entry in action.
Note: If your entry shows lasers on or near humans, or where an audience might be, or otherwise has safety concerns, then you are required to submit additional safety documentation as described below.
First, for each Technical Award entry, gather the following files:
You can upload the ZIP file with your Technical Award entry to an online file sharing service such as Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, or similar.
Send an email to us with the link where we can download the entry file. The subject line should be "Member Name 2022 Tech Award entry - Entry Name". For example, Global Lasers would send an email with the subject line "Global Lasers 2022 Tech Award entry - Globalstar Projector".
Be sure ILDA is able to directly download the file, so we don't have to contact you again for passwords, permissions, approval, etc.
After entries are received, they are processed to be sure they comply with the rules, do not have safety issues, etc. Technical Award entries are reviewed by a panel of three ILDA Member judges. They discuss the entries and decide on which ones will be awarded First, Second and Third Place trophies. Details about the judging guidelines and procedures are on this webpage.
Description: Each year we ask Members for nominations of persons for the Career Achievement Award. The nominees can be Members or non-members. The nominations are later voted upon by ILDA Members to choose the CAA recipient.
How to enter: You do not need a special entry form to nominate someone for ILDA’s highest honor, the Career Achievement Award. You can simply enter by sending one or more nominations by email to ILDA by the deadline listed towards the top of this webpage. More details are below.
To enter, submit the nominee's name, plus a biography/description of the person. This can be a basic bio/description.
Send your CAA nomination via e-mail to ILDA. Your nomination submission is confidential; no one — including the nominee — will be told who made the nomination.
The nomination email must be sent to ILDA before the deadline listed towards the top of this webpage.
Later, after the deadline, we will ask for a more detailed biography/description. This should go beyond just a "resume listing" of places they have worked. It should include information about the career of the nominee and why his or her achievements are significant. If you are nominating another person, feel free to work with them, so they can help put together this document.
As a guide, past CAA nomination biography/descriptions have been from 1 to 10 pages, with the average about 2-3 pages.
All nominations received by the deadline, plus the "automatic" nominees, will be listed on the ILDA website later in the year. ILDA Members will be able to vote online for the CAA nominees. Details of the judging guidelines and procedures are on this webpage.
At this year's ILDA Conference, the winner of the Career Achievement Award will be publicly announced.
Irradiance is the amount of laser power in a given area. It is measured in milliwatts per square centimeter (U.S.) or watts per square meter (Europe). For example, the Maximum Permissible Exposure limit for human eyes for a 1/4 second exposure of visible, continuous wave laser light is 2.5 mW/cm2.
If your show puts laser light on anyone, you must tell ILDA the highest irradiance that a person was exposed to, or could have been exposed to. This is usually the “irradiance at the point of closest human access”, such as the front row next to the stage, if the laser light goes into the front row.
The irradiance can be calculated or measured.
The ILDA Award safety requirements are in general more strict than that of a venue, network, film or other presenter.
For example, brief apparently accidental beams on a person's face that do not go into eyes may be OK for a live TV show, but to ILDA would indicate inadequate planning or performance. This would not be something ILDA would want to showcase and honor, especially when laser safety experts and regulators view Award-winning videos.
On the other hand, if an entry uses innovative techniques and can clearly show that an effect is done safely, ILDA will permit it even if the general public "should not try this at home."
Each entry is evaluated individually. We do not compare it with other entries or previous winners. ILDA's determination of each entry's actual safety, appearance of safety, and sufficiency of documentation is unique to that entry.
ILDA has two related webpages, one on audience scanning in general and another with audience scanning tips. Additional information is at ILDA's safety website LasershowSafety.info.
For more information, visit our other ILDA websites:
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