We often hear criticism that there’s not enough innovation in our sector. But this wasn’t at all evident when nominations came in for this year’s North American Office Products Awards (NAOPA).
Not only did OPI – which has been organising these Oscars of the business supplies sector for the past seven years – receive a record number of entries, but the quality of nominations was also of a very high standard. The trends, if you look at the shortlist on the right, are clear: technology is becoming omnipresent, while employee safety and well-being is also a key topic.
Once again, the NAOPA will be hosted during SP Richards’ annual Advantage Business Conference (ABC) which takes place at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Washington (DC) from 20-24 July (for a Preview of the ABC, see OPI June).
The NAOPA are split into two sections – the vendor and dealer awards. Vendor awards are given for the best product in the categories outlined in the shortlist, as well as for overall product innovation. An additional vendor trophy comes in the form of the popular People’s Choice award.
The dealer awards, meanwhile, are given to outstanding personalities in our sector and are no doubt one of the highlights of the ABC. This year, in addition to the Professional of the Year and Industry Achievement awards, sees the Young Executive of the Year accolade being awarded for the first time.
NAOPA Shortlist
Best Product – Core Office Products
- ACCO Brands Quartet Fusion Nano-Clean Magnetic Whiteboards
- Avery Easy Align Self-Laminating Labels
- Ghent, a GMi Company Roam Mobile & Rolling Whiteboards
- HSM of America Securio AF300
- Safco Products Onyx Hanging Organizers
Best Product – Furniture
- Lorell Lorell Desk Riser
- MooreCo Shapes Modular Soft Seating
- Safco Products Twixt
- Victor Technology DC240 High Rise Height Adjustable Laptop Stand with Storage Cup
- Victor Technology DC500 High Rise Mobile Adjustable Standing Desk
Best Product – Technology Products
- ACCO Brands Kensington SD3600 Universal USB 3.0 Docking Station
- Baumgartens SICURIX Solid 300-ID Card Printer
- Fellowes MobilePro Series Executive Folio for iPad Air/Air 2
- MMF Industries PayVue Illuminated Cash Drawer
- Newline Interactive TRUTOUCH X Series
Best Product – Cleaning & Breakroom
- 3M 3M Full Brim Hard Hat, White, 4-Point Ratchet Suspension, with Uvicator
- 3M 3M Light Vision 2 Protective Eyewear Clear Anti-Fog Lens
- Rubbermaid Commercial Products Microburst 3000 Powered by LumeCel
- Sealed Air Diversey Care Consumer Brands SmartDose
- Simple Science CleanSmart Daily Surface Cleaner
Product Innovation of the Year
- ACCO Brands Quartet Fusion Nano-Clean Magnetic Whiteboards
- Fellowes AeraMax Pro AM III
- ACCO Brands Kensington SD5000T Thunderbolt 3 Dock
- ACCO Brands Kensington SmartFit Laptop Riser with Wireless Phone Charging Pad
- Safco Products Twixt
People’s Choice
Who do you think deserves to take home the People’s Choice award this year? Once again, OPI readers in the US and attendees of SP Richards’ (SPR) ABC event in Washington (DC) have the chance to vote for the product they believe has the potential to shape future sales as well as trends in our sector.
So select your favourite from all the shortlisted products of this year’s NAOPA. The vote is open now until 2pm (EDT) on 21 July, the first day of SPR’s ABC event and its Expo day.
