Contest Rules

The 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Kansas contest opens for nominations on Monday, July 14, and closes on Friday, August 8, at 12 PM CT. Finalists and winners will be recognized live on stage at the Kansas Manufacturing Summit on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. During the Summit, trophies will be awarded to the Overall Winner and the People’s Choice Winner, celebrating the most impressive Kansas-made products of the year.

Hosted by the Kansas Chamber and the Kansas Manufacturing Council, this contest shines a spotlight on the innovation, craftsmanship, and community pride found across Kansas. It’s a one-of-a-kind chance for manufacturers to share their standout products and gain statewide recognition as the Coolest Thing Made in Kansas.

Nomination Rules

  • To be eligible, products must be manufactured in Kansas, regardless of where the company headquarters is located. They must be produced in a Kansas-based facility using a manufacturing process. For example, a mass-produced packaged food item would qualify, but a freshly made restaurant dish would not.
  • Only physical products are eligible; services are not accepted.
  • Companies are encouraged to nominate themselves, and individuals are also welcome to nominate their favorite Kansas-made product.
  • Each company may have only one product featured per contest year.
  • Previous finalists may participate in future contests. However, companies that have won the overall contest must wait one year before entering again, and any product that has previously won is not eligible to be nominated again.
  • If chosen as a finalist, the company must provide high-quality photos and/or video clips within seven days of finalist notification. The Kansas Chamber and Kansas Manufacturing Council will provide detailed instructions to assist with this process.
  • Finalist companies are required to send a representative to Topeka for an in-person interview and product filming on Tuesday, September 23, or Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
  • Finalists are strongly encouraged to attend the Kansas Manufacturing Summit on October 28, 2025, where winners will be announced and recognized on stage.
  • Entries that do not meet these requirements will not advance in the contest. Due to timing constraints, we are unable to individually notify nominators if a product is disqualified.
  • By submitting, you agree to allow the Kansas Chamber and Kansas Manufacturing Council to use photos, descriptions, and video for promotional purposes.

Voting Rules

  • The Top 10 products chosen by the Selection Committee will advance to the People’s Choice voting round, open to the public.
  • There is no cost to participate in the contest, and Kansas Chamber membership is not required to enter or vote.
  • Companies are welcome and encouraged to promote their product through organic social media, press coverage, newsletters, and other unpaid channels to rally support and share their story.
  • Paid advertising to promote a product in the contest is not allowed. Any company found using paid ads to influence the vote will be disqualified.
  • The People’s Choice voting period runs from September 15 to October 3, 2025 at 5 PM CT, and each person may vote once per day during this period.
  • An independent Selection Committee will select the overall winner and may award additional recognitions or runners up at their discretion.
  • The Top 10 finalists will be notified and recognized on stage at the Kansas Manufacturing Summit on October 28, 2025, where the final winners will be announced live.

Prizes & Recognition

  • Top 10 Finalists: Featured on the contest website and recognized on stage at the Kansas Manufacturing Summit. Finalists are invited to showcase their product at the Coolest Thing Made in Kansas Celebration Reception on Monday evening, October 27, and receive one complimentary registration to attend the Summit on Tuesday, October 28.
  • People’s Choice Winner: Honored with a trophy live on stage at the Kansas Manufacturing Summit, along with additional media recognition.
  • Overall Winner: Selected by the Selection Committee and announced live at the Summit. The winner receives the top trophy, a “Coolest Thing Made in Kansas” digital badge, a featured meeting with the Kansas Chamber President & CEO to discuss business priorities, and extensive statewide promotional opportunities.

Timeline at a Glance

  • Nominations open: Monday, July 14 at 8 AM CT
  • Nominations close: Friday, August 8 at 12 PM CT
  • People’s Choice voting: Monday, September 15 – Friday, October 3 at 5 PM CT
  • Celebration Reception: Monday, October 27 at 5 PM in Wichita
  • Winners announced: Tuesday, October 28 at the Kansas Manufacturing Summit