The exhibition and awards ceremony for the AIGA Orlando Mentorship program, featuring guest speaker Tom Macaluso.
AIGA Orlando Mentorship Program: 2026 SPOT Showcase Exhibition & Awards Ceremony
Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating the next generation of designers at the 2026 Mentorship SPOT Showcase—the culminating event of the AIGA Orlando Mentorship Program.
This exhibition highlights the incredible work of our mentees, developed over months of collaboration, guidance, and creative exploration alongside their mentors. The evening will feature project presentations, a live judging session, and an awards ceremony recognizing standout work.
We’re also excited to welcome guest speaker Tom Macaluso, who will share insights and inspiration with our creative community.
About the Showcase
Throughout the program, mentees have been working on a central creative prompt: The Everyday Exceptional
Design a solution that elevates a simple, everyday activity, object, or moment into something meaningful, inspiring, or memorable—helping others find beauty in daily life.
At the showcase, you’ll experience how each designer has interpreted this prompt—transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary through thoughtful, impactful design.
About the Mentorship Program
The AIGA Orlando Mentorship Program connects passionate design students with experienced industry professionals.
Through workshops, collaboration, and one-on-one mentorship, the program helps mentees:
- Refine their craft
- Build their personal brand
- Prepare for careers in the creative industry
Mentees gain valuable professional connections that often last well beyond the program, while mentors share their knowledge and experience to support and inspire the next generation of designers.
The exhibition and awards ceremony for the AIGA Orlando Mentorship program, featuring guest speaker Tom Macaluso.
AIGA Orlando Mentorship Program: 2026 SPOT Showcase Exhibition & Awards Ceremony
Join us for an inspiring evening celebrating the next generation of designers at the 2026 Mentorship SPOT Showcase—the culminating event of the AIGA Orlando Mentorship Program.
This exhibition highlights the incredible work of our mentees, developed over months of collaboration, guidance, and creative exploration alongside their mentors. The evening will feature project presentations, a live judging session, and an awards ceremony recognizing standout work.
We’re also excited to welcome guest speaker Tom Macaluso, who will share insights and inspiration with our creative community.
About the Showcase
Throughout the program, mentees have been working on a central creative prompt: The Everyday Exceptional
Design a solution that elevates a simple, everyday activity, object, or moment into something meaningful, inspiring, or memorable—helping others find beauty in daily life.
At the showcase, you’ll experience how each designer has interpreted this prompt—transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary through thoughtful, impactful design.
About the Mentorship Program
The AIGA Orlando Mentorship Program connects passionate design students with experienced industry professionals.
Through workshops, collaboration, and one-on-one mentorship, the program helps mentees:
- Refine their craft
- Build their personal brand
- Prepare for careers in the creative industry
Mentees gain valuable professional connections that often last well beyond the program, while mentors share their knowledge and experience to support and inspire the next generation of designers.
Please Note
We are committed to keeping events accessible to all participants. Your ticket and donation support AIGA Orlando and costs associated with event production costs. If ticket cost is a barrier, please contact president@orlando.aiga.org.
Code of Conduct
AIGA Orlando expects that all attendees treat each other with respect, openness, and in adherence to the guidelines specified in AIGA’s Code of Conduct, which you can find here: AIGA Code of Conduct
Terms of Participation Agreement
By registering and attending/participating in this event, you grant AIGA Orlando permission to capture photo/audio/video of the event and the right to use any image, photograph, voice, or likeness, without limitation, in its promotional materials and publicity efforts without compensation. All media from this event will become the property of AIGA Orlando. Media may be displayed, distributed, or used by AIGA Orlando for any purpose.
Thank you to our sponsors Adobe, Sonny's BBQ, Native Screen Print Co, and LURE!
Good to know
Highlights
- 3 hours
- In person
Refund Policy
Location
UCF Downtown
500 West Livingston Street
Orlando, FL 32801
How do you want to get there?
Agenda
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Event Starts
Arrival and check-in/purchase tickets.
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Welcome Address
Welcome address by Kath Reyes and Peter Soutullo.
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Keynote Speaker
We are excited to welcome Tom Macaluso as this year’s SPOT Showcase keynote speaker and honored guest. Tom is the President and Creative Director at Anson-Stoner. A versatile arts and design professional, he brings expertise in Strategy, Branding & Identity, Integrated Marketing, and Advertising. It's a privilege to have him join us, and we look forward to hearing his perspective and learning from his experience.