HICKSVILLE, N.Y.—Floor Covering News, the industry’s No. 1 publication, and Surfaces, the flooring industry’s premier trade show trade, have announced the launch of the Best of Surfaces awards, a competition that is certain to become a benchmark for product and program excellence for years to come. The program kicks off at Surfaces 2012 in Las Vegas.
The Best of Surfaces awards will recognize those companies whose product, program, service, business practice or booth design are considered to be “best” in their class. But unlike other awards with segment categories by product type, the Best of Surfaces awards will be given to products in the following categories:
- Innovation
- Sustainability
- Style & Design
- Technology
In addition, there will two awards for exhibit space:
- Booth Design under 1,200 square feet
- Booth Design over 1,200 square feet.
The products do not have to be new. The only criteria is they are making their Surfaces debut.
Contest rules are simple. Manufacturers and suppliers can nominate one product, pro- gram, service, business practice or booth per category by Dec. 15. However, a specific entry cannot be nominated in multiple categories. There is no fee for submitting a nomination.
Between Dec. 15 and the start of Surfaces 2012 on Jan. 24, FCNews will be forming a panel of judges that will evaluate the nominated products on the criteria they deem most appropriate for the respective categories. FCNews will research each nomination between Dec. 15 and the start of the show to ensure the judges are armed with the best information to make the best selection. The judges will then have the opportunity to view their finalists on-site Jan. 24 at Surfaces, where they will also have the chance to ask manufacturers any questions they may have regarding the product, program or practice.
The judges will also be evaluating all best booth design nominations on the first day of the show.
Winners will be announced before the start of day two at Surfaces and be provided with the appropriate designation to display in their space for all to see during the second and third days of the show.
“This program truly exemplifies a “Best of Surfaces,” said Steven Feldman, associate publisher and editorial director, FCNews. “First, there is no nomination fee as a barrier to entry. Second, winners are determined by an impartial panel of judges. And third, the judges will have ample time to review all nominees.”
Feldman added that this latest partnership with Surfaces parallels the magazine’s goal to add value to the industry. “Last year at Surfaces we co-sponsored the Educational Conference, which is the most comprehensive offering of its type in the industry. And educating retailers is one of our core values. While we continue to co-sponsor the flooring component of the conference, the Best of Surfaces competition is a value add for exhibitors. These companies spend extensive resources developing products and programs that provide solutions for retailers. This is a way for them to receive some well- deserved recognition, which hopefully will provide some market momentum.”
As a Best of Surfaces nominee, exhibitors will receive:
- Recognition on the Surfaces and FCNews websites for as long as six months—from the time the nomination is received until April.
- Recognition in the Show Program & Event Guide.
There will be one winner per category. Best of Surfaces award winners will receive:
- Recognition on the Surfaces and FCNews websites for a period of six months (February through July).
- A customized logo for placement on all advertising, recognizing the company as a Best of Surfaces 2012 award winner.
- An exquisite, custom- engraved award presented at the booth by members of show management and FCNews staff.
- Booth signage acknowledging the company was voted Best of Surfaces in the particular category.
- A press release announcing the winners.