Upon Arrival…

• When you first arrive at the convention, you will need to pick up your Entry Badge at the Registration Desk located in the 3rd Floor Lobby.

  • If you haven’t purchased an Entry Badge yet, you can do so here.

  • Entry Badge pick up can be done during the Registration Desk hours listed above.

  • You will need the QR code found on your Entry Badge ticket that you received via the Ticket Tailor email. Once scanned, you will receive your Entry Badge, a lanyard, a Ravensburger tote bag, a few SWAG items to get you started and an event t-shirt!

  • Spectators will also pick up their Spectator Buttons at the Registration Desk. You will also need the QR code found on the Spectator Button ticket you received via the Ticket Tailor email. Once scanned, you will receive your button and you may enter the 4th floor Main Competition Spectator space and the Special Competition Spectator space.

Competition Details for Competitors

• The 2026 USA Jigsaw Nationals championship is located on the 4th Floor Main Competition space.

  • Use the escalators to move between the 2nd, 3rd and 4th floors. There are elevators but they will be limited to only those with access needs. Please flag down a security guard if needed.

• Arrive at least 15-30 minutes before your heat begins (and earlier if you need to pick up your Entry Badge).

  • Heat Assignments.. Table numbers are posted.

  • For those new to Nationals, the competition space will be closed off before each heat/final. This allows volunteers to prepare the space. About 15 minutes prior to start, the space will open, and everyone can flow in and find their table. 5 minutes before the competition starts, empty tables will get filled with our walk up waitlist, so don’t be late. You will not receive a refund.

  • Changes to preliminary rounds will not be allowed. However, if you cannot make it to your round, please email us directly.

• On each table will be:

  • A Table Card with the table number and your registered name. You will also see a Timesheet with the same information. If any changes need to be made to your name(s), cross out the incorrect name on the timesheet and put in the correct one.

  • The competition puzzles will be in opaque bags on your table. DO NOT handle the bag or look at the puzzle prior to the start of the timer. If we see you opening the bag or looking into it early, it is grounds for disqualification. See our Rules documentfor further details on our new disqualification policy.

  • Zakco table dividers will be provided for both the individual and pairs rounds to separate competitors’ table spaces.

• Before each competition:

  • Our very talented emcee for the weekend, Aly Krasny, will go over announcements , rules, and give you a heads up on when the count down will begin.

  • During this time, you can put your personal belongings under your table and prepare your space.

• At the end of the count down:

  • The timer will begin and puzzlers can open their bags.

  • You should have no problem opening the box, as all puzzles should have the stickers sliced in advance. You will find an unopened bag of pieces inside the box.

  • If your puzzle box will not open due to stickers still being in place, get the attention of a volunteer to assist in opening the box and they will write down your delayed start time so you are not penalized for the error.

• When you or your team is close to finishing, raise your hand to get a volunteer’s attention. Most likely someone will be close by, but in the case that many people are finishing at once, flag someone over so they can be there to write down your official finish time.

• Once finished, please be respectful of other participants and exit quietly from the roped off competition space.