YNOT – The second annual “O” Awards, AVN Media Network’s homage to the adult novelty industry, will take place Aug. 7 during The AVN Show.The “O” Awards honor outstanding products, companies and professionals in the adult pleasure product industry. The inaugural event, mounted in conjunction with the 2009 AVN Novelty Expo, saw 14 awards presented to manufacturers, designers, distributors, retailers and individuals for exceptional products and service. This year, AVN Novelty Expo was integrated into The AVN Show, an industry-wide business-to-business event that incorporates all of the aspects of ANE into an even larger exhibit space.

The AVN Show is scheduled to take place Aug. 5–8 at the Westin Diplomat in Hollywood, Fla. The “O” Awards ceremony will be at the hotel.

“The ‘O’ Awards were coveted within the pleasure product industry even before we put on the first show,” said Tony Lovett, publisher of AVN magazine. “Now, after the success of last year’s awards, that’s even more true — and The AVN Show is a great venue in which to present them.”

The “O” Awards will recognize outstanding achievement worldwide in the following categories:

Overall Product Design for Women (single product or line)
Overall Product Design for Men (single product or line)
Innovation for 2010 (best new product since June 1, 2009)
Apparel or Accessory Brand
Marketing
Packaging
Lube, Lotion or Potion
Supplement or Enhancer
Distributor – East
Distributor – West
Boutique (single store)
Retail Chain (two or more stores)
Online Retailer
Powered Product
Non-Powered Product
Overall Achievement by an Individual or Company

Although preliminary nominations will be open to all industry professionals, the final nominations and the judging process will be overseen by AVN staff and contributors, as well as a diverse panel of distinguished industry professionals.

“We’re really looking forward to an even better award show this year,” said Lovett, who hosted the 2009 awards, “and even though The AVN Show is a huge event, the ‘O’ Awards will still retain the casual, off-the-cuff vibe that made it so popular last year.”

Part awards show, part cocktail party and all fun, the “O” Awards set the benchmark for quality, cutting-edge pleasure products and services at the 2009 ANE show. The AVN Show continues the tradition of ANE and brings together the finest toys, lubes, lingerie and accessories from around the world with qualified buyers large and small, from both the adult and mainstream sectors. Besides delivering qualified buyers, The AVN Show has a heavy focus on education, networking and new technology, and promises to provide a unique experience unlike any other trade show in the world, Lovett said.

Pre-nominations for the 2010 “O” Awards will be accepted June 1 through July 1. Suggestions may be emailed to Sherri L. Shaulis, senior editor of the pleasure products section of AVN. Include the category and nominee, along with your name, title, company and contact information including email and phone number.

To reserve seating at the “O” Awards, email Beth Noonan, event project manager.

Nominations will be announced July 7, and voting will take place through July 26. The “O” Awards ceremony will be open to all registered attendees of The AVN Show.

To register for The AVN Show, visit AVNShow.com.

A newly updated “O” Awards website is expected to launch during the first week of June.