Size of Structure

• Maximum structure size = 10ft L x 10ft W x 8ft H

• Your Structure must be built

• with a minimum of 1,000 cans

• Keep your structure within your taped-off space

Team Size

• Any number of people can assist in the design and planning of the structure.

• On the day of the build, 15 people maximum may attend the build.

• Only 5 people will be permitted to build at one time in the 10 x 10 area.

• Teams may swap out members working on the building of the structure. Others may assist in organizing cans, cutting foam core, and other building assistance outside of the 10 x 10 area.

• Teams shall observe safety precautions to prevent personal injury and property damage.

Build-Out Time (on Build Day)

• Maximum build-out time = six (6) hours

• No build-out should exceed 6 hours. 

Awards

These same Rules and Regulations are given to the panel of Jurors (“Jury”). All building materials and methods observed at the build-out will be conveyed to the Jury. The Jury will interpret the Rules and Regulations in making their determinations. Awards will be given in the following categories: 

• Best Meal

• Structural Ingenuity

• Best Original Design

• Most Cans

• Best Use of Labels

• People’s Choice

Acquisition of Canned Goods

• Participating firms/teams are responsible for obtaining their own supply of canned goods. 

• Many teams are able to complete their structures thanks to the generosity of their sponsors. 

  • Firms may solicit canned goods and/or financial donations from manufacturers, consultants, vendors, contractors, or conduct employee food drives. 

  • Things to remember regarding sponsors for CANstruction:

  • They are not donating money directly to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. There is not a “Tax ID” number. 

  • When soliciting sponsorships, write a letter and include a sketch of your idea. 

  • Remember that the Sponsor Name will be listed on your sign next to your project. 

• Canstruction doesn't directly provide a tax deduction form for your team's can donations in the same way they might for monetary donations. However, because Canstruction is a 501(c)(3) organization, your in-kind contributions of cans are tax-deductible according to IRS regulations. You will need to adhere to the IRS guidelines for non-cash charitable contributions to claim the deduction. 

• Costs vary depending on the cans used, but most teams spend between $3,000 to $7,000. However, smaller structures are welcome too, as long as your structure is built with a minimum of 1,000 cans.

  Non-Permissible Items

• NO glass containers or alcoholic beverages

• NO junk food (e.g. candy, chips, etc) or pet food

• NO opened, exposed, or expired food/beverage

• NO covered, removed, or altered can/product labels

• NO empty cans or plastic bottles/containers

• Nutritious food is preferred, and junk food is discouraged. The labels must remain visible for the build and intact after deconstruction. Because the sculptures need to be designed, it is encouraged for each team to have at least one member who is a design and construction professional.

  Permissible Items

• Full, unopened, canned food of all sizes with labels intact/unaltered

• Full, unopened, beverage cans of all sizes with labels intact (no alcoholic beverages)

• Full, unopened, plastic bottles/containers of food/beverage with labels intact/unaltered

• Use of boxes, bags, and packets of food is acceptible, however, cans must be used for the majority of the structure

Labels and Props

Labels must remain intact and visible on all cans.

Building Materials

Non-Permissible Materials

• NO wood or metal beams, struts, steel tubes, or bracing materials

• NO leveling materials (templates) greater than 1/4" thick (6mm)

• NO sheet metal, steel plates, fiberock, or glass

• NO permanent adhesives or bonding process (soldering, etc.)

Permissible Materials (provided they do not damage cans or labels)

• Velcro, magnets, zip ties, tape, silicone

• Rubber bands, nylon string, wire mesh, or wire

• Wood or steel rods, PVC pipe, threaded metal rods

• Leveling materials (templates) not greater than 1/4" thick (examples of approved leveling materials are: cardboard, foam core, masonite, MDF, plywood, fiberglass)

Structural Support

Structures MUST be supported internally and externally by canned food and/or beverage cans between leveling materials.

Pre-Build

Building your structure prior to “Build Day” is highly recommended, but not required. Pre-builds help teams collaborate, troubleshoot any issues, and make sure everyone and everything is prepared and ready for Build-Day.

Labels andProps

• Labels must remain intact and visible on all cans.

• Signage and props are limited—designs should rely primarily on the cans themselves. Judges will disqualify entries that use excessive props.

• Lighting and electronic devices are acceptable, but limited based on location No spinning or strobe lighting may be used.

Build Day Rules and Reminders:

• Consider bringing the following items:

  • Leveling devices

  • Ladder (if needed)

  • Clear tape

  • Scissors

  • Knifes

  • Hand truck

• Canstruction Orlando will photograph the structures based on the National criteria. These photographs will be taken without signage and stanchions on the day of the build.

• At the end of the day, please take home what you brought in.

• Please Note: Canstruction exhibits will remain on display for two weeks, from October 3–18. We kindly ask each team to periodically check on their structure throughout the display period to ensure it remains in good condition. While Dezerland staff will help monitor the exhibit area, teams are ultimately responsible for their own structures. If a structure is damaged or becomes unstable, we appreciate having a team member available to visit Dezerland as soon as reasonably possible to make any necessary repairs and ensure the display remains safe and presentable. 

• Food on Build Day: As the host venue for Canstruction, Dezerland has requested that teams refrain from bringing in any outside food during public operating hours. Instead, they ask that teams consider purchasing food from Dezerland's on-site dining outlets whenever possible. We appreciate your cooperation and support of our host venue. 

Judging

• Canstruction Orlando entries will be evaluated by a panel of distinguished community judges, to be announced as Build Day approaches.  

• Judging will be conducted on a separate day to provide the judges with adequate time to evaluate each structure.  

• To ensure an impartial judging process, team members may not be present during judging.  

• To ensure impartial judging, team signage will remain covered or removed until judging has concluded.