Nominations

Get ready to nominate a peer this year! Applications for the Gold Obelisk Awards will open on October 20.

The recipients will be recognized at the 2026 International Personalization Expo, receive a Gold Obelisk award, and a profile in Insights magazine. 

• Founders Award
  This award is presented annually to a person who has worked unselfishly for the success of the association. The recipient is recognized for reflecting the spirit of the original founders of the association—individuals committed to promoting communication, cooperation, sharing, and unity, as well as fostering growth and enhancing professionalism within the association. Nominee must be a member in good standing for at least ten consecutive years. Nominations due by December 19, 2025.
• Hall of Fame Award
  This award honors those individuals who have created a tradition of excellence within the awards and personalization industry. Inductees are comprised of individuals whose contributions led to sweeping changes in the industry or made an industry-wide impact through leadership and vision. The candidate may be living or deceased. Nominations due by December 19, 2025.
• Speaker of the Year Award
  This award honors an individual who is an advocate for education and the association and displays exemplary speaking skills and knowledge. A nomination survey is distributed to the APA membership and final candidates are voted on by the Education Committee.
• Volunteer of the Year Award
  This award was created to recognize one member who has contributed the most to the association during the previous year. Nominees must be an APA member in good standing. Nominations due by December 19, 2025.
• Customer Service Representative of the Year Award
  This award was created to recognize one supplier customer service or technical support representative who regularly goes the extra mile to serve his or her customers. To be eligible for this award, a supplier customer service or technical support representative must be employed by an APA supplier member and must have been employed by that company for at least 3 years. Nominees must currently be a telephone representative with at least 1 year of experience in that position and must be involved in processing orders, or providing technical help. Supplier members cannot nominate their own employees. Nominations due by December 19, 2025.
• Outside Sales Representative of the Year Award
  This award was created to recognize the one sales representative who has contributed the most to the recognition industry during the past year and throughout his or her career. To be eligible for this award, a sales rep must be employed by or represent an APA supplier member and must be nominated by a current retailer or supplier member. Nominations due by December 19, 2025.
• Small Business Retailer of the Year Award
  This award is given to a company that exemplifies general business practices based on integrity and a partnership approach to the retailer/supplier relationship. An ideal retailer will demonstrate a clear commitment to community involvement and will set a strong example as a supportive member. Nominees must be a member in good standing. Stores with four employees (4 FTEs - Full Time Equivalents) or less are eligible. Nominations due by December 19, 2025.
• Large Business Retailer of the Year Award
  This award is given to a company that exemplifies general business practices based on integrity and a partnership approach to the retailer/supplier relationship. An ideal retailer will demonstrate a clear commitment to community involvement and will set a strong example as a supportive member. Nominees must be a member in good standing. Stores with over four employees (FTEs) are eligible. Nominations due by December 19, 2025.
• Supplier of the Year Award–Multiple Locations
  This award is given to an APA member supplier that exemplifies excellent general business practices based on integrity and a partnership approach to the customer relationship. An ideal supplier will show a clear commitment to community involvement and will set a strong example as a supportive member. Nominees must be a member in good standing. A nomination survey will be emailed to APA retailer members in October 2025.
• Supplier of the Year Award–Single Location
  This award is given to an APA member supplier that exemplifies excellent general business practices based on integrity and a partnership approach to the customer relationship. An ideal supplier will show a clear commitment to community involvement and will set a strong example as a supportive member. Nominees must be a member in good standing. A nomination survey will be emailed to APA retailer members in October 2025.