The Halloween & Costume Association (HCA) is rolling out a new annual awards program that’s all about honoring the year’s best costumes and related consumer products.

The org is accepting entries for the inaugural HCA Awards until August 1, according to its website, where manufacturers and brand managers can submit their products through an online entry form. HCA members may submit one entry for free (and additional ones for US$50), while non-members must pay US$100. 

The competition is focused on new products that have launched within the past year or are hitting retail in time for Halloween 2024, and the costume category is divided into six sections: child, licensed, adult, scary/horror, non-human and most unique.

Other categories will honor the year’s best accessories, décor, makeup, masks, packaging, sustainability and diversity. There is also an innovation-focused award that’s open to all products.

The HCA is currently rounding up a judging panel of industry experts who will evaluate entries based on criteria such as marketability, innovation and trendsetting potential. It expects to announce this year’s finalists by October 1, and the winners will be announced and celebrated at the next Halloween & Party Expo taking place from January 13 to 15  in Las Vegas.

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