Spooky Awards Return: Celebrating Innovation and Excellence as the HCA Opens 2025 Submissions

MT. LAUREL, NJ – (June 13, 2025) – The Halloween & Costume Association (HCA) is thrilled to announce the return of the Spooky Awards, the official celebration of innovation, creativity, and excellence in the Halloween industry. Now entering its second year, this prestigious award program invites manufacturers and creators to showcase the very best in costumes, accessories, décor, makeup, and more.

Back by popular demand, the 2025 Spooky Awards promise to conjure even more excitement, recognizing the freshest and most frightfully fun products of the season. The competition is open to all Halloween product manufacturers—HCA members and non-members alike.

Despite recent increases in tariffs impacting the Halloween industry, HCA remains committed to spotlighting the creativity and innovation within the industry. The 2025 Spooky Awards offer an opportunity to celebrate the ingenuity and resilience that define this dynamic market.

Submissions officially open next week and will be accepted through August 15, 2025. HCA members receive one complimentary entry, with additional submissions available at a discounted rate. Non-members are also welcome to participate for a fee. To submit your entry, visit www.hiaonline.org. Entries will be judged by a panel of industry experts based on Innovation, Marketability, Trendsetting Potential, Appeal, and Usefulness.

Finalists will be announced on or around October 1, 2025, and will receive the official HCA Spooky Awards Finalist logo for use on packaging and promotions. Winners will be revealed live during the 2026 Halloween & Party Expo in Las Vegas—an industry-exclusive event that brings together the biggest names in Halloween retail.

Product Categories Include:

• Accessories (Wigs, Shoes, Hats, etc.)
• Costumes:
• Adult
• Child
• Licensed
• Most Unique
• Non-Character (Inanimate Object, Non-Human)
• Scary/Horror
• Décor (Electronic, Inflatable, Lawn, etc.)
• Makeup:
• Character
• 3D
• Scary/Horror
• Masks
• Most Innovative (Open to all categories)
• Packaging
• Sustainability
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (Best Application of ESG)

For Media Inquiries:
Michele Boylstein
info@halloweencostumeassociation.org
856.642.4410

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About the Halloween & Costume Association
The Halloween & Costume Association (HCA), incorporated in 2005 as a 501(c)(6) trade organization, is the leading voice for the $3 billion Halloween industry. Representing manufacturers, importers, and distributors of costumes, décor, and party supplies, HCA is known as THE expert source for all things Halloween. Its members live and breathe October year-round, sharing insider knowledge on trends, safety, traditions, and more.

About the Halloween & Party Expo (HPE)
The Halloween & Party Expo is North America’s premier event dedicated to the Halloween, party, and celebration industries. Taking place January 12–14, 2026, at the Expo at World Market Center in Las Vegas, this exclusive event brings together buyers and manufacturers for three days of product discovery, business connection, and industry insight. For more information, contact info@halloweenpartyshow.com or call 203.242.8712.