This year's competition for the Gala Award--the most prestigious in special events--opens today.

The 2007 competition is open to events taking place between Sept. 1, 2006, and Aug. 31, 2007. Nominees will be notified by mid-November, and winners will be named in January at The Special Event 2008 in Atlanta.

Categories run the gamut from "Best Floral Design" to "Best Event for a Corporation, Budget $500,00 and Above."

The deadline is Sept. 7; the fee is be $95 (U.S.) for each entry. "Late-bird" entries are accepted till Sept. 14; the fee is $125 (U.S.) each.

For entry information, click here.