UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif.—More popular than the Rabbit, more powerful than the Hitachi Magic Wand, more coveted than a platinum plug, The “O” Awards are set to raise the bar for industry accolades this Tuesday night at the AVN Novelty Expo. A veritable constellation of stars from the pleasure enhancement industry will come together July 14 for the biggest night of the year, when the most outstanding products, companies, and retailers will be recognized at the very first “O” Awards party.
The “O” Awards, which take place from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, in the Starview Room of the Universal Sheraton Hotel in Universal City, Calif., are presented by AVN Media Network in conjunction with AVN Novelty Business and the AVN Novelty Expo. The awards event will be hosted by AVN publisher and editor-in-chief, Tony Lovett, who describes the event as an “informal gathering to recognize the industry’s best.”
Even though this marks the inaugural year of The “O” Awards, they already hold considerable cachet. The sponsor, AVN Media Network, has been recognizing and honoring leaders in other aspects of the adult entertainment industry for more than 25 years. “AVN is rightly recognized as the industry leader when it comes to the prestige of our awards,” Lovett says, “and The ‘O’ Awards are no exception.”
Throughout the pleasure product industry, nominees and professionals alike are expressing their anticipation for this heralded event. From mega-manufacturers to mom-and-pop operations, AVN left no stone unturned in their quest to nominate the best.
“The launch this year of The 'O' Awards signifies a real turning point in the erotic products segment of the adult industry,” said Greg DeLong of njoy, nominated for five awards. "The 'O' Awards will be a coming-out party of sorts, recognizing and celebrating a new level of safe, high-quality, thoughtful erotic products. We'll be thrilled to be in attendance, sharing the spotlight with our associates (and of course our friends at AVN, who provide the stage on which we present our wares to the world).”
Keith Caggiano, vice president of The Screaming O, credits his company's four nominations to persistent efforts to create a fun and non-threatening image which appeals to everyone, including the novice. “We jokingly call ourselves the gateway product,” Caggiano says. “We bring an undeniable element of fun and excitement to everything we do, from marketing products to the look and feel of the packaging, as well as the events we attend. Overall, we are just looking to make people happy.”
“We are thrilled to be have been nominated for The ‘O’ Awards,” says Deb Gibson of Arabesque Body Creations & Design Inc., which was tapped as tops in the Outstanding Apparel or Accessory Line category. “We have put an announcement on our website already.”
“It’s an honor to be nominated!” says Vera Worthington, owner and lead designer of For Your Nymphomation, a company that creates locking luggage and storage pieces for novelties. The company’s Adult Toy Chest is in the running for Outstanding Product (Non-Powered).
“The nominees for the first year of The ‘O’ Awards make up an impressive list,” says Darren Roberts, CEO of AVN Media Network. “But the winners will be the ones who are really going to set the bar for the design, production and distribution of products for the next 12 months.”
The “O” Awards are part of the adult novelty industry’s premier B2B event, the AVN Novelty Expo. The expo is scheduled for Monday, July 13, through Wednesday, July 15, at the Sheraton Universal and Hilton Los Angeles hotels in Universal City, Calif. For more information, visit AVNNoveltyExpo.com. For a complete listing of nominees for The "O" Awards, visit Business.AVN.com.
