2025 WAVE Awards

Join us on Thursday, November 13th at Goodman Community Center Ironworks as we celebrate the best video and audio work from talented local media professionals and students. This is our annual night of schmoozing, sharing good food and drinks and celebrating your creative genius achievements.

 

If you win a WAVE Award you will be presented with a framed shiny award and receive unlimited glory! You may even win one of highest honors that include three Judges Choice Awards and a Best of Show Award that will surely offer at least a years’ worth of bragging rights.

5:30 pm. Reception
Enjoy drinks (cash bar), heavy appetizers, desserts, silent auction bidding and networking.

Our Silent Auction provides funding for our student scholarships awarded annually. We have some unique and exciting items for you to bid on.

 

7:00 pm. WAVE Show
The bar will remain open during the show and post-show while you pick up your Silent Auction items. Time to sit back, relax and be entertained!

 

Location: Goodman Community Center Ironworks
149 Waubesa St., Madison WI

 

After Party at Mickey’s Tavern
Join us after the event to continue the celebration!
1524 Williamson St. in Madison

Awards & Prizes

The WAVE Awards recognizes the best video and audio work from our talented professionals and students. Three Judges Choice Awards and a Best of Show Award are also presented, along with our Student Scholarship.

 

The WAVE Award Show will be held at the Goodman Community Center in Madison on Thursday, November 13th. We will mingle/network, share appetizers and show off our creative work.

 

Rules & Terms

View our tutorial for submitting via Film Freeway

 

Be sure to include your description of any challenges you faced, how the video was used, and any special features for the judges. Especially in the craft categories! The description is what the judges use to know more about the video and how it was produced and used.

 

Enter all the people you want to credit….this will be used for the printing of awards! Be specific so we can be sure the Award Certificates have the correct information.

 

Enter or browse this year’s categories

If you entered Film Freeway in the past, log into your account to view/update your information and see your past entries. If you are new to Film Freeway, create an account and your information will be saved. You can enter a little at a time and view past entries once an account is created.

Enter or Browse This Year’s Categories!

$70
$70

Professional Submissions

Last Day to Enter: September 12th

$20
$20

Student Submissions

Last Day to Enter: September 12th

Need Help?

Watch this quick video on how to enter

We prefer HD 1920 x 1080 or 1280 x 720 video files. No 4K ProRes HQ files please!
All submission details, including the video file or MP4, can be edited up to the final deadline on September 12th, 2025, even after payment.

  1. Log in or create a new account at filmfreeway.com
  2. Click the “My Projects” link at the top and create a “Project” for each video or media project.  If you plan to submit a video in multiple categories you only need to create one Project for each video.
  3. Once all your “Projects” are added, navigate to the WAVES 2025 page here: filmfreeway.com/2025WaveAwards
  4. Click “Submit” or “Submit Again”. With each submission, choose the category and enter your information. Note: all information, including the video file or MP4, can be edited up to the final deadline on September 12th, 2025.

Purchase WAVE Show Tickets!

WAVE Show – Thursday, November 13th

Location: Goodman Community Center Ironworks

149 Waubesa Street Madison, WI 53704

 

5:30 pm. Reception

Enjoy drinks (cash bar), heavy appetizers, networking with colleagues & new friends

7:00 pm. WAVE Show

$60
$50

Members

Early Bird Pricing Ends: October 30th!

$70
$60

Guests

Early Bird Pricing Ends: October 30th!

$30
$25

Student Members

Early Bird Pricing Ends: October 30th!

$40
$35

Student Nonmembers

Early Bird Pricing Ends: October 30th!

Meet the Judges

Learn more about our 2025 WAVE Awards judges.

Sponsors & Silent Auction

WAVE Sponsors
We’re ready to promote your company with our most attended event of the year. Become a WAVE Sponsor today!

Photography Sponsor

Silent Auction

Our popular SILENT AUCTION provides a $1,000 scholarship to students pursuing careers in media communication-related fields. We invite you to take part in supporting this vital program by donating a hard item (electronics, artwork, tickets to events, gift baskets are perfect…no services please, but spa treatments are ok!)