Sling, Belkin Get RetailVision Awards
By Doug Olenick -- TWICE, 9/20/2004
SAN DIEGO — RetailVision attendees were given a crash course in what it takes to be a U.S. Navy sailor during the show's Fall award dinner which was held on the U.S.S. Midway.
The retired aircraft carrier turned museum's hangar deck was the scene for the awards show hosted by comic John Heffron, the winner of the reality show Last Comic Standing. Heffron, a self-acknowledged video game nut, kept the crowd focused on the event, and not the stifling heat in the non-air conditioned warship, by poking fun at vendors and retailers while handing out the awards. This included asking the Best Buy representatives in attendance why the chain sold gumballs at the entrance of his local store. The Best Buy folks declined to answer.
RetailVision newcomer Sling Media took home two awards for best New Hardware Product and Best Technology. ParkerVision won for Best Peripheral, while easy took first place for Best Accessory. Corel placed first for Best Software.
Tom Tom Inc. grabbed the new Digital Home award, while show regulars Logitech and Belkin were awarded the Best Merchandising and Best Retail Strategy awards, respectively. Belkin also won the Best Vendor award.
The Best Presentation award was taken home by Lexar Media.
