I'm very excited that, after completely changing and "stepping up" my product line, I've been accepted into my first art show, and they award exhibitor prizes. I have no idea what criteria they use to award prizes at shows. Is it based on product? Booth setup? Combination of the two? I would appreciate any advice. Thank you!

I've been doing shows for 30+ years, and I still can't figure that out!
Seriously, the prizes are usually awarded by a judge who walks the show and looks at every booth (if you are lucky!) and then picks out his/her favorites. It is totally subjective and rarely pleases everyone. Don't ever get your hopes up, it is like being hit by lightning. Just enjoy it if it happens to you.

Congratulations
The benefit of willing an award, depending on the level of the award, can mean being jury exempt or get a free booth for the following year. Sometimes that can be a lot more important than what little money (if any) the award might be.

Congratulations
The benefit of winning an award, depending on the level of the award, can mean being jury exempt or get a free booth for the following year. Sometimes that can be a lot more important than what little money (if any) the award might be.