In 2011, the Society for Information Display initiated an exciting new industry honor, the Best in Show awards, highlighting the most significant new products and technologies shown on the exhibit floor during Display Week. "The exhibition at SID's Display Week has often been the initial showcase for some of the most important new product developments and technological innovations of the display industry," said Bob Melcher, Chairman of the SID Display of the Year Awards Committee. "For Best in Show, an unbiased panel will select one exhibitor in each of three separate categories, recognizing the most significant products and developments being shown."

For 2012, an independent panel of display experts will once again review those products, prototypes, and processes nominated for the awards on the show floor, and the winners will be selected for their ability to excite not only display experts, but the general public and press as well. SID will promote local, national, and international press coverage for the prize-winners.

This competition will be open to all exhibitors on the show floor during Display Week 2012. Prizes will be awarded in the three categories of small, medium, and large exhibits. This will allow exhibitors of all sizes to compete for the prizes. Self-nominations are encouraged! Details of the awards criteria follow.

Nomination forms are due no later than May 16, 2012. To download the nomination form for the Best in Show Award, click here.

Award Criteria

The Best in Show award is intended to honor the most significant advances in display technology and systems, products, prototypes, and manufacturing processes presented by exhibitors during Display Week.  The following criteria will be used by the Display of the Year committee members to evaluate the exhibit material:

1. Timeliness and significance to the display industry of the products, prototypes, processes, and technologies exhibited
2. Creative use of audio, visual, or other effects to present and highlight the new material

Selection and Presentation
The Display of the Year awards committee of SID will select the 2012 Best in Show award winners based on the self-nomination forms available to all organizations exhibiting during Display Week 2012 and on an onsite review of the nominated exhibits. Final selection will be done at the actual exhibition.

Awards will be given for small, medium, and large exhibits.

Blue Ribbon awards in each size category will be presented to the winners at the SID Awards Luncheon on Wednesday during Display Week. (The winners will be informed on Tuesday night, prior to the luncheon on Wednesday morning). Winners will be encouraged to mount the blue ribbons in a visible location in their exhibit booths. Engraved bronze plaques will be provided to the three winners after Display Week.

If you have any questions about the Best in Show awards, please contact Michele Klein at michele@sid.org.