The 2020 JPMA Innovation Awards Competition | The JPMA Show: April 1 & 2, 2020 – Dallas, TX
Competition is open to JPMA members and non-members.
Eligible companies may submit only NEW products either being introduced during the next year or on the market for less than one year (for all categories except “Tried and True”). Prototypes may be entered in the competition; however, you must indicate in the application form that the product is a prototype. Products previously on the market now being released in a new color or with new packaging do NOT qualify as new products and should not be entered.
Each product is reviewed by a panel of trade and consumer media and industry representatives and pre-selected for final review in which each finalist will then be judged on its own merit on the following criteria:
Innovation – Is it a new and/or unusual concept or feature?
Marketability – Will it sell?
Trend-Setting Potential – Will it influence future products?
Appeal – Is it attractive? Does it reflect current fashion trends?
Usefulness – Is it designed for practical use?
How the Competition Works
To enter the 2020 JPMA Innovation Awards Competition, simply complete the official entry form online in full by February 7, 2020.
Pricing structure per entry is as follows:
JPMA Member – $395
Non-member – $595
Finalists are encouraged to attend the show in Dallas and IA winner announcement on Wednesday, April 1. Finalists not attending the show are required to ship product to Dallas at own expense, plus an additional handling surcharge of $50 per product. Instructions provided closer to the event.
Please note this is an application fee and is non-refundable. Finalists who cannot attend on-site judging will be billed $50 handling fee separately at a later date.
All products must be PRE-REGISTERED before February 7th in order to be considered.
Preliminary judging starts February 10, 2019.
The product description accompanying the entry form should not be a sales advertisement, but rather explain what makes your product innovative and above the rest! This is very important as the judges rely on this information to make their decision. Consider addressing why the product meets each of the five criteria: innovation, marketability, trend-setting potential, appeal, and usefulness.
All of your product information and photos will be circulated to the judging committee, comprised of retail buyers, influencers, and trade and consumer media representatives.
The contact person on the Innovation Awards entry form should receive the following emails throughout the process, so ensure the contact person is able to receive emails, requests and make decisions on company’s behalf:
Need to Know
The judging panel decides which and how many products will move onto final judging. Typically, five products from each category are selected.
No products should be sent to JPMA Headquarters. Finalists will receive separate instructions for final judging on or about March 2, 2020.
The winners will be announced during a special announcement at The JPMA Show: Best in Baby on April 1, 2020.
Product Categories
The following information is to assist you with choosing the correct category for your product.
1. On The Go (Play Yards, Carriers, Travel Accessories)
2. Strollers
a. Lightweight/Umbrella
b. Activity/Jogger
c. Double/Multiple Riders
d. Traditional
3. Child Restraint Systems
a. Infant/Carriers
b. Convertible
c. Harness Boosters
d. Boosters
4. Travel System of the Year
5. Infant/Parent Care (Breastfeeding, Maternity, Prenatal)
6. Feeding/Bathing/Changing (High Chairs, Bath Tubs, Bottles, Pacifiers, Diaper Bags)
7. Play/Entertainment (Bouncers, Activity Mats, Toys)
8. Nursery (Bedding, Cribs, Furniture, Nursery Decor)
9. Safety (Bath Thermometers, Monitors, Gates, Bed Rails)
10. Technology
11. Best Product Under $25
12. Design/Fashion/Style
13. Green/Environmentally Friendly
14. Up & Comer (open to new companies 2 years and younger; not product specific)
Special Awards:
1. Tried and True (any product on the market longer than 5 years, not category specific) (5 awards given)
2. Best In Show (highest score over all categories, “Tried and True” category not eligible)
3. Parents Pick (all finalists will be automatically entered, unless manually opted out)
Your product could fit into multiple categories. For example, a feeding item could go into Feeding/Bathing/Changing or Best Product Under $25. You must determine which category best fits. Categories are subject to change based on submissions. JPMA staff has the right to recategorize a product if needed and will notify the entrant via email if a change needs to be made.
The entry deadline for the 2020 JPMA Innovation Awards Competition is February 7, 2020. Judging takes place right away, no extensions or last minute entries will be accepted.
NOTE: Questions regarding the competition process should be directed to Amy Chezem [email protected] or Reta Adler [email protected]. All product entry submissions must be completed online. Do not send any products to JPMA Headquarters.