The following is a straightforward breakdown of the entire DTA process:
1. Nomination Period
Pubic nominations are open in all categories, with the exception of Lifetime Achievement and Toy of the Year*. Anyone can nominate anything that meets the requirements for a category. If it is not nominated then it can not be considered to become a finalist or winner.
* The twelve finalists in Toy of the Year will be selected from the nominees in any release-based category.
Due to the high volume of nominations we receive these do NOT get published to the website, instead, they are put in front of our Nomination Committees to reduce the number to a more manageable amount..
2. Finalists Selected & Announced
The nominees in each category are narrowed down by the Nomination Committee to the finalists; there will be nine finalists in every pro category and twelve in the public. All finalists will be announced on the website.
3. Voting Period
Voting commences in all categories, selecting one winner in each category from the finalists. Everyone is able to vote once in six fan decided categories — Artist of the Year: Fan Choice, Best Media Outlet, Best Toy Store, Best Online Toy Store, Custom of the Year: Fan Choice, and Toy of the Year: Fan Choice — with all remaining categories having the winners selected by the profession Judging Panel.
4. Winners Announced
The winners in every category are announced during a live ceremony held in NYC during Five Points Festival.
