GRAPHIC DESIGN
Graphic Design allows members to showcase their creativity and technical skills by developing original visual content. On the state level, there is a pre-judged asset. Finalists present their designs and explain the development process to a panel of judges, demonstrating their understanding of design principles, software tools, and effective visual communication.
Event Overview
Division: High School
Event Type: Team of 1, 2 or 3 members
Event Category: Pre-judged and Presentation on the state level
Event Elements: Pre-judged and Presentation with a Topic
Presentation Time: 3-minute set-up, 7-minute presentation time, 3-minute question & answer time
Career Cluster Framework Connection: Arts, Entertainment, & Design
NACE Competency Alignment: Career & Self-Development, Communication, Critical Thinking, Leadership, Professionalism, Teamwork, Technology
Items Provided by Competitors: Technology and presentation items for presentation, Photo Identification, Conference-provided nametag, Attire that meets the Florida FBLA Dress Code
Items Provided by FBLA: Table for presentation
2025-2026 Topic
Rebrand a Business
Partner with a business to create a complete rebranding package that gives the company a fresh, unified look. Begin by interviewing a representative to learn about the business’s mission, values, target audience, and branding goals.
Your rebranding package must include:
· Redesigned visual identity with a side-by-side comparison to the original
· A cohesive color palette and font selection
· One social media post introducing the new brand
· An 8x10 full-color magazine advertisement
Your final product should demonstrate strong design skills and a clear understanding of brand identity. How does your new design reflect the company’s mission and help it stand out in the market?
Note: The business is not required to implement the rebrand.
District
Check with your District leadership for District-specific competition information.
State
Eligibility
· FBLA membership dues are paid by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on December 1 (or earlier date specified by District Director) of the current program year.
· Members may compete in an event at the State Leadership Conference (SLC) more than once if they have not previously placed in the top ten of that event at the National Leadership Conference (NLC). If a member places in the top ten of an event at NLC, they are no longer eligible to compete in that event.
· Members must be registered for the SLC and pay the state conference registration fee in order to participate in competitive events.
· Members must stay in an official FBLA hotel in order to compete.
· Each district may be represented by participant(s) based on the Florida FBLA scaled quota system found on the Florida FBLA website.
· Each competitor can only compete in one individual/team event and one chapter event (Community Service Project, Local Chapter Annual Business Report).
· Identification: Competitors must present valid photo identification (physical) that matches the name on their conference name badge. Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, passport, state-issued ID, or school ID.
· Only competitors are allowed to plan, research, prepare, and set up their presentations.
· Each competitor must compete in all parts of an event for award eligibility.
· All members of a team must consist of individuals from the same chapter.
· If competitors are late for a presentation time, they may be disqualified or placed later in the schedule. The decision is solely up to the judges.
· Participants must adhere to the Florida FBLA dress code established by the Florida Board of Directors or they will not be permitted to participate in the competitive event.
Recognition
· The number of competitors will determine the number of winners. The maximum number of winners for each competitive event is 5.
Event Administration
· This event has two parts on the state level: pre-judged project and final presentation.
· Preliminary Round—Pre-judged Project
o Submission Deadline: The pre-judged portion must be uploaded in the conference registration system by the date specified in the State Conference registration packet.
o This pre-judged project is the first round of competition. If a competitor or team does not make it to the final round, conference registration fees are not refundable.
o Project Specifics
§ The project must address the given topic.
§ Participants may not use any words, diagrams, clipart, and/or artwork that are not public domain.
§ Graphics should be computer generated.
§ Graphics must be saved in jpeg, gif, eps, or other picture format. PDF files are not acceptable. Graphics should be computer generated and will need to be saved as individual files in one Zipped folder. The Zipped folder will need to be uploaded as instructed in the SLC registration packet.
§ Members are expected to follow all applicable copyright laws.
o Competitors must prepare projects. Advisers and others are not permitted to write reports. Projects must be original, current, and not submitted for a previous SLC.
o The project is pre-judged before the SLC.
o Pre-judged materials will not be returned. Projects submitted for competition become the property of FBLA. These projects may be used for publication and/or reproduced for sale by FBLA.
· Final Round—Presentation
o Equipment Set-up Time: 3 minutes
o Presentation Time: 7 minutes (one-minute warning)
o Question & Answer Time: 3 minutes
o 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.
o Internet Access: Not Provided
o The presentation occurs in person and is judged at the SLC. Presentations are not open to conference attendees.
o Based on the results of the preliminary competition (pre-judged), the highest pre-judged project scores, a maximum of five individuals or teams will be selected to make an oral presentation at the State Leadership Conference. The individuals or teams selected will be notified prior to the State Leadership Conference…only those five will participate in the final round of competition.
o Technology
· 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.
o Visual aids, samples, notes, and other physical materials related to the project may be used; however, no items may be left with the judges or audience.
o Items may be placed on the provided table or on the judges table, if space allows.
o Restricted Items: Animals (except authorized service animals), Food (for display only; may not be consumed by judges during the presentation), Links and QR codes (for display only; cannot be clicked or scanned by judges before, during, or after the presentation)
o If performing as a team, all team members are expected to actively participate in the presentation.
o Information must be supported by credible, well-documented sources.
o Any use of copyrighted material, images, logos, or trademarks must be properly documented.
o Event Specific Information: Competitors should incorporate the following aspects in response to the topic
· Clear and Detailed Design Process: The design process is clearly described from start to finish, showing how key design principles (such as balance, contrast, alignment, and spacing) were used to guide creative decisions.
· Visually Compelling and Purposeful Design: The final design is visually strong, appropriate for the intended audience, and clearly supports the goals of the project. Design choices are intentional, engaging, and encourage interest or action.
· Thoughtful Use of Tools and Technology: Design tools and software are clearly identified, with an explanation of how each contributed to the quality and effectiveness of the final product.
· Interpretation of Theme and Visual Alignment: The design demonstrates a clear understanding of the event topic or theme. Visual elements are aligned with the overall message, brand, or purpose and are used intentionally to strengthen the design’s impact.
Scoring
· The preliminary pre-judged score will determine the finalists.
· The final presentation score will determine the winners.
· Judges must break ties. All judges’ 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.
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
· No unauthorized audio or video recording devices will be allowed in any competitive event.
· Competitors in the events should be aware FBLA reserves the right to record any presentation for use in study or training materials.
Penalty Points
· Competitors may be disqualified if they violate the Competitive Event Guidelines or the Honor Code.
National
If you are competing on the National level, be sure to see the National guidelines at https://www.fbla.org/divisions/fbla/fbla-competitive-events/