The Penti-Con
Penticton's Annual Pop Culture Art Festival
At the Penticton Trade & Convention Center
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The SEEN Awards
Celebrating the people who make our communities more creative, welcoming, and inspired.
The SEEN Awards aim to become a community recognition program that honors artists, creators, storytellers, organizers, performers, gamers, educators, and community builders across British Columbia.
The goal is simple: to make sure the people quietly making a difference are seen.
Eligibility + Nomination Rules
Eligibility
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Nominees must live in British Columbia or primarily contribute to a BC-based community.
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Nominees can be individuals, groups, clubs, or small businesses.
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Activities recognized must have occurred within the last 24 months.
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Self nominations are not allowed.
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Nominees do not need to attend The Penti-Con to qualify.
Nomination Process
Nominations Open: June 14th
Nominations Close: August 31st
To complete a nomination, fill out the form at the bottom of the page and choose one of the following options:
Video Submission
Upload a video of no more than five (5) minutes explaining why the nominee deserves recognition. Videos do not need to be professionally produced. Phone recordings are welcome.
OR
Virtual Interview
Schedule a short virtual interview with the SEEN Awards Committee. Interviews typically last 5 to 10 minutes and may be conducted through Zoom or another approved platform.
In your video, please tell us:
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Who are you nominating?
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What have they created, contributed, or accomplished?
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How have they positively impacted their community?
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Can you share a specific example of their impact?
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Why do you feel they deserve to be SEEN?
The Categories
Arts & Creativity
The Storyteller Award
The Visual Visionary Award
The Crafted With Passion Award
The Spotlight Performer Award
The Indie Creator Award
Gaming & Interactive Media
The Game Master Award
The Critical Creativity Award
The Party MVP Award
Community Recognition
The Community Broadcaster Award
The Behind the Scenes Award
Youth Creator Recognition
The Community Beacon Award
Jamie's Smile
Please see below for a description of all categories
Arts & Creativity
The Storyteller Award
For the creators of unforgettable stories, worlds, and characters that captivate audiences and spark imagination.
Examples:
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Authors
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Comic writers
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Playwrights
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Screenwriters
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Lore creators
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Narrative podcasters
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Audio drama creators
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Webcomic writers
The Visual Visionary Award
Awarded to artists whose work transforms ideas into powerful visual experiences.
Examples:
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Animators
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Comic artists
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Indie filmmakers
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Cinematographers
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Digital artists
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Concept artists
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Graphic designers
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Photographers
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Storyboard artists
The 'Crafted With Passion' Award
Celebrating the skill, dedication, and attention to detail behind exceptional handmade creations.
Examples:
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Prop makers
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Costume designers
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Wardrobe artists
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SFX makeup artists
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Miniature painters
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Set builders
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Practical effects artists
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Creature designers
The Spotlight Performer Award
Shining a light on those who command the stage, screen, microphone, or camera with talent, charisma, and creativity.
Examples:
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Theater actors
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Indie film performers
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Voice actors
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Musicians
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VTubers
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Streamers
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Variety entertainers
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Live performers
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Improv performers
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Hosts and presenters
The Indie Creator Award
Recognizing the drive and determination required to bring ambitious creative projects to life outside traditional studios and publishers.
Examples:
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Indie studios
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Web series creators
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Solo developers
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Multimedia creators
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Independent productions
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Indie publishers
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Passion projects
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Small creative teams
Gaming & Interactive Media
The Game Master Award
Awarded to those who create engaging, welcoming, and memorable gaming experiences for others.
Examples:
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TTRPG facilitators
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Tournament organizers
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Community server hosts
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LARP organizers
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Multiplayer community leaders
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Actual play hosts
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Event organizers
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Guild leaders
The Game Changer Award
For innovators who challenge expectations, experiment with new ideas, and leave a lasting mark through original game design and imaginative projects.
Examples:
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Board game creators
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Indie game developers
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Homebrew creators
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Modders
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TTRPG systems designers
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Narrative designers
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Card game creators
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Puzzle designers
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Game jam creators
The Party MVP Award
Presented to the people whose enthusiasm, encouragement, and support help others feel welcome at the table, online, or in the gaming community.
Examples:
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Community players
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Team leaders
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Inclusive gaming advocates
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Community moderators
Community Recognition
The Community Broadcaster Award
For creators who build connections, spark conversations, and bring communities together through online content and platforms.
Examples:
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Twitch streamers
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VTubers
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Podcasters
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YouTubers
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Review creators
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Actual play streamers
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Community interviewers
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Educational creators
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Reaction or commentary creators
The Behind the Scenes Award
Honoring those often unseen for their efforts to help creative communities, projects and events thrive.
Examples:
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Convention volunteers
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Event organizers
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Moderators
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Stage managers
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Technical crew
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Production assistants
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Setup and teardown volunteers
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Community admins
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Accessibility volunteers
The Youth Creator Award
Reserved for an outstanding creator under 18 whose talent, dedication, or enthusiasm has made a meaningful impression.
Examples:
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Young artists
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Student filmmakers
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Young streamers
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Student writers
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Young game creators
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Emerging performers
The Community Beacon Award
Honouring an individual or group whose leadership, service, and lasting impact have helped shape British Columbia's arts, gaming, and pop culture communities.
Examples:
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Long-standing community leaders
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Major organizers
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Mentors
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Arts advocates
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Community builders
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Influential creators
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Founders of creative initiatives
Jamie's Smile
Presented in memory of Jamie, whose kindness, volunteer spirit, and bright smile helped make the community a better place.
This award recognizes someone who helps others feel valued, supported, and included through their actions and presence within the community.
Examples:
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Long-time volunteers
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Community helpers
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Supportive mentors
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Friendly welcoming faces
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Charity organizers
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Quiet community contributors
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Encouraging peers
The SEEN Awards Ceremony
The Awards will be presented during the Penti-Con on October 31st 2026.
Recipients are encouraged to attend the ceremony; however, attendance is not required to receive recognition. If a recipient is unable to attend, the Award will be mailed.