POPAI's Outstanding Merchandising Achievement awards contest is closing to entries soon. The OMA Awards program is the industry's largest and longest running awards contest. Entry deadlines are: January 12, 2007; late entry deadline is January 19, 2007. The POPAI OMA Gala will be held on March 8, during Globalshop, at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas.
OMA Award entries compete for gold, silver, and bronze honors in three divisions based upon length of time in the store — temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent. The divisions are further broken down into 28 categories such as Cosmetics, Entertainment, Snack Products & Soft Drinks, etc. Prestigious panels of judges comprised of producers, brand marketers, and retailers identify winners through a two-round judging process. The first round is done online, where judges review images and case histories. The second round of judging is done in person at the OMA Awards area in the GlobalShop Exhibition. Judges evaluate the actual displays to formulate a final score. Scores are based on the display's ability to increase sales, obtain retail placements, and work strategically to position the brand in the retail environment.
All entries become a permanent part of POPAI's online Creative Gallery (www.popai.com/creativegallery)
- OMA Committee has refined the medal awards process to ensure all categories/divisions get gold, silver, and bronze medals.
- Photography will be allowed in the OMA Area at GlobalShop.
- There will be a reduced fee for first-time entrants.
- Exhibitors will be allowed to include booth numbers on the fact card labels. Fact Cards can include company information beginning on the first day of the show. OMA Contest Entry Dates are from September 1, 2006 to January 12, 2007. Late entry deadline is January 19, 2007. There is a $50 late fee per entry.
Companies can enter the contest online at www.popai.com/oma. OMA Contest displays will be on exhibit at GlobalShop 2007 in the Sands Expo at the Venetian Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, March 7-9, 2007.
