Trophies2Go Blog

Last week Tom and I attended the 2017 Awards and Personalization Association (APA) Trade Show in Las Vegas, NV. The awards industry's biggest event, it gives awards retailers like us the chance to meet with our trophy manufacturers and reps face-to-face. Industry leaders from across the country meet to network, receive education through seminars, and touch and feel the newest award products. There is even an achievement gala where the best in the awards industry is recognized with The Gold Obelisk Industry Awards!

Highlights of the Show

New premium art glass pieces from Crystal Blanc.

New Products:  We will be adding many new products this spring to our website!  Watch for Polar Camel tumblers, similar to Yeti travel mugs, perpetual crystal awards, new colorful art glass awards, acrylic perpetual plaques, and fantasy football championship rings, to name a few.

Education: The APA tradeshow offers interesting and informative education seminars for it's members.  Experts in different facets of the awards industry present on a wide range of topics, from technical training on how to operate equipment and software, to growing sales in your business.  One seminar I attended, given by Sam Varn, was about using licensed logos on awards.  It is quite a process to become registered to use trademark logos, so it was very interesting to learn exactly how to do it and the legality involved.

Thank you to Victor and Larry from Crystal Blanc for the best meal in Vegas!

Meeting Suppliers: We had great conversations with all of our key suppliers, including Kathy and Greg from Tropar Manufacturing, our 2016 Vendor of the Year, Casey, Erick, Matt & Armando from Simba Cal, Jody and Mike from JDS Industries, Dan from Western Trophy & Sign Supply, Lily from Topmost World, and Chien from Toujours. A big thank you for Larry and Victor from Crystal Blanc for a delicious Italian dinner, Grazie!

Networking with Competitors: Yes, we all own awards businesses, and we are technically in competition with each other. But because our industry is so small, and what we do is positive, we have a very supportive and helpful community. The phrase "A rising tide floats all boats" seems to apply in our industry, as when recognition across the country grows, so does our sales. Each awards company seems to occupy an unique niche market so there is business for all.

After Hours:  Since it's Vegas, there's lots of opportunity to have fun with friends!  After attending the show for many years and having my hubby Jeff serve on the APA board, many of my suppliers and competitors are dear friends that I only see once a year.  It's fun to go out on the town with them and make memories!

ARIEF Scholarship: Tom's son Joe was awarded one of the industry's student scholarships.  Once announced by the APA, I will be writing an additional post about his award.  Congrats Joe!

Thank you to the APA board members, committee members, and staff for putting on a great show this year.  See you all in 2018!

Cheers!
Jessica

For A Loss for Words, We Have Engraving Ideas!

Need to order awards but not sure what the message should be?  You want to recognize someone special, but just don't know where to begin. Below are ideas of text you can add to your Corporate Awards.

General Tips for the Message

This sublimated plaque features the full color Waste Management logo with special message.

• Keep in mind that your recipient's award will be displayed forever; make your message stand out.
• Make sure it reflects what they are being recognized for.
• Keep it short, sweet and clever.
• Having a sense of humor is fine, but make it tasteful if you go this route.
• Read your text out loud before printing it on the gift.
• Always include the date or year the award is presented
• Wording will normally be centered, unless you specify otherwise.
• Include your company’s logo if possible.
• Use a motivational quote that is meaningful to your company or the individual.

Here are a few wording examples for various types of awards.

A Typical Engraving Format:

Name of the Award - (ex. President's Award)

Recipient's Name - In CAPS (ex. MIKE EVANS)

Accomplishment or Reason for the Award - (ex: "In recognition of your tireless dedication to the staff and customers at Trophies2Go. Your work ethic, passion and humor are an example to all.")

Date - (ex 2016)

Company Name - (Trophies2Go)

Department or Division if applicable - (Customer Service)

Service Awards

In Appreciation of

Twenty Years

of

Outstanding and Loyal Service

to XYZ Widget Company

***

The difference between success and

Failure is often determined by one's dedication.

Your undying commitment

To our company's success has

Earned you our highest esteem.

***

In Grateful Appreciation For Your

Outstanding & Dedicated Service

To The People in Your Community

Leadership Awards

NAME

ON BEHALF OF ALL THE WORKERS AT

Jamba Juice

WE WISH TO THANK FOR YOUR FINE EXAMPLE OF LEADERSHIP.

YOU ARE THE #1 BOSS!

Sales Awards

In Recognition of Your

Outstanding Sales Performance

in Selling the Greatest Number of

Licenses in 2017

***

Congratulations On Attaining 125%

Of Your Sales Goal for 2017

THANK YOU FOR WORKING BEHIND THE SCENES TO HELP

Liberty Company

MEET AND BEAT OUR GOAL!

***

CONGRATULATIONS TO FOR BEING

THE #1 SALESPERSON

IN THE WEST REGION

FOR THE MONTH OF JULY

AT HOME DEPOT.

KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!

Safety Awards

FOR ACHIEVING THE IMPOSSIBLE

AND BREAKING THE COMPANY SAFETY RECORD

Target

CONGRATULATES

Name

August 2016

***

In Recognition of Your

Outstanding Efforts in Keeping

Our Systems Operational

24x7x365 in 2017

My most important tip? Spend some time on the wording, as this message will last. The recipient has done something wonderful for your company or organization. Make it meaningful. Speak from the heart.

Cheers!

Jessica

An Awesome Replica!

Our Replica Fantasy Football Trophy is a best seller, any winner would be proud to display!

The Championship Replica Fantasy Football Trophy was designed by our team at Trophies2Go and is a best seller!  Nominated by our engraver Paul, he chose this award because of the high quality, the unique exclusive design, and great value.

Our Championship Replica is made of heavy resin with a brushed pewter finish, The two sizes feature a triangle tower with a football at the top. An engraved black aluminum plate is customized with three lines of text.

Here's what customers had to say about our 2016 Product of the Year:

“Another awesome trophy from a great company.”

“Good product for the price”

“I love the look and the size of the trophy”

Thank you to our vendor JDS Industries who creates this custom award exclusively for Trophies2Go!

For past Product of the Year winners, check out our 2012 Monster Trophies, 2013 Honey Badger Trophy, 2014 Swirl Egg Art Glass award and 2015 Waterford Cut Acrylic Award!

Cheers!
Jessica

Customer Service, Product Quality, Flexibility.

Our Production Manager Tom with his favorite supplier, Kathy Woods from Tropar.

That’s what sets apart our 2016 Vendor of the Year, Tropar Manufacturing. Based in New Jersey and Texas, Tropar has been a privately held company since 1959. Their brand, Airflyte, consists of high quality plaques, art glass awards, acrylic awards, and desk items.  Greg and Peter run the company and our favorite Customer Service Person, Kathy Woods, always takes great care of us when we order.

Tropar Manufacturing was nominated for “Vendor of the Year” by our Production Manager Tom.  He says:

"I nominated them because Kathy and her crew are a pleasure to work with and always accommodate us however they can.  Ordering is a breeze and they are always quick to respond to inventory checks or product questions.  Also nominated them for their willingness to help us establish our Quickship program which allows us to have a good selection of products on hand that are ready to ship and save on freight costs by not having to order constantly."

Our 2014 Product of the Year - Swirl Egg Art Glass, made by Tropar Manufacturing.

Some of their best sellers for us include the 2014 Product of the Year Swirl Art Glass Egg, many of our quickship acrylic awards, and many premium plaques, including most of our Made in the USA Solid Wood Plaques.

Congratulations to Tropar for being our 2016 Vendor of the Year! Thank you for providing our customers with high quality products and for the great customers service you give to Trophies2Go every day!

Cheers,
Jessica