Travel Goods Association

Award-winning News from The Travel Goods Show

The Travel Goods Show is also the equivalent of TGA's Oscar night, when winners are announced and feted. As they say in Hollywood, "And the winners are…"

TGA Award

The TGA Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the industry and community at large. It's the equivalent of a lifetime achievement award, and this year's winner was Frank Fine. Fine started in travel goods with the launch of his own store, Lieber's Luggage, in 1978. In 2004, he became executive director of the American Luggage Dealers Association, and in a scant 18 months he turned an organization on the brink of bankruptcy into an industry force with record membership and influence, spearheading the association's merger with the National Luggage Dealers Association. He was also instrumental in the creation of TGA's Travel Goods Specialist Certificate Program while serving on TGA's Board of Directors. Outside the industry, Fine has served on a number of community boards including Roadrunner Foodbank, Presbyterian Hospital Foundation and Albuquerque Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence, among others. He also mentors in the Accion Small Business Development Program, helping new business owners adopt best practices.

Community Service Award

KIVA Designs took the Community Service Award for multiple philanthropic acts, including: partnering with Kittery Trading Post to put 200 bags in the hands of children in an orphanage in India; co-sponsoring Rick Steve's Multiple Sclerosis 150-mile Bike-a-thon (three years); sponsoring Benicia High School Athletics (three years); and serving as a multi-year donor for local elementary school programs, residential drug and alcohol treatment facilities and special needs kids and adult programs such as Wasatch Adaptive Sports and Ski for Light.

Product Innovation Awards

First place went to RIMOWA for its Salsa Air 32" Multiwheel Roller. The Rimowa Salsa Air pairs Rimowa's proven 100% polycarbonate outer shell with a lightweight frame, while four castering wheels give this lighter-than-ever bag excellent mobility. A built-in TSA lock with ABUS lock cylinder provides heavy peace of mind, despite this case paring 26% off the weight of a standard Salsa.
Second place went to Traveler's Choice Travelware for its Solar-Powered Computer Case, a checkpoint-friendly bag that accommodates 17" laptops and provides charging power for portable electronics. A built-in capacitor stores electricity on board, and features an energy meter so you know just how much juice you've got on hand.
Third place went to ExOfficio for its new Storm Logic Jacket, which transforms into a travel pillow that can be used around the neck or as a lower lumbar support. And it's a terrific travel garment — four interior pockets with embroidered pictograms indicate which one holds your eyeglasses, passport, boarding pass and cell phone. And its Primaloft One insulation and 20-denier ripstop polyester liner ensures warmth and durability.

The Buzz Award

The Buzz Award — voted on by attending media and retailers — was swept by first-time Travel Goods Show exhibitor VinniBag for its inflatable transporter for wine, liquids and other fragile items. The bag's air chambers conform themselves to its contents, while simultaneously providing impact protection and spill protection.

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The Travel Goods Association is the trade association for the travel goods industry, and includes manufacturers, distributors, retailers, promoters, sales reps and suppliers of luggage and travel products, casual bags, business cases and travel accessories. TGA publishes Travel Goods Showcase, the largest trade magazine devoted to travel products, and hosts The Travel Goods Show, the world's largest trade show for travel products.