The red dot gala in the Aalto-Theater in Essen is the final celebratory highlight to mark the close of the competition. All prizewinners of the “red dot: best of the best” are granted the special honour of receiving their sculpture – the red dot trophy – on stage in the presence of more than 1,200 guests from all over the world, including design stars, media representatives, business experts, and political figures. The “red dot: design team of the year” is also announced on stage and receives its “Radius” challenge cup.