The 11th annual Editors’ Choice Awards were presented in six categories: décor, essentials, flavors, luxury, restaurant and technology. From the six category winners, the Kenneth F. Hine “Best of Show” Award was selected. Editors from leading hospitality trade publications reviewed nearly 150 submissions of cutting-edge, new products, and selected winners based on innovative product design, how a product answers a particular industry need, creative use of material or construction, and development or use of a new technology. 

The 2006 IH/M&RS Editors’ Choice Award winners are:

Kenneth F. Hine “Best of Show” – Minibar Systems (Rockville, MD) for Smartcube, an advanced minibar system featuring a modular design and smart infrared sensing technology.

Décor – Pacific Coast Feather Company (Seattle, WA) for the Silver Soft Collection, an ultra-soft, anti-microbial and odor-resistant bedding collection including a mattress topper, pillow and comforter.

Flavors – Parkside Coffee (Bowmansville, NY) for Parkside Eight, a new espresso line featuring traditional and innovative blends.

Restaurant – Structural Concepts (Muskegon, MI) for Clean Sweep™, an electronically-controlled brush mechanism that automatically cleans condenser coil, preventing performance issues resulting from restricted airflow.

Technology – Minibar Systems (Rockville, MD) for Smartcube, an advanced minibar system featuring a modular design and smart infrared sensing technology.

Essentials – Rubbermaid Commercial Products (Las Vegas, NV) for the High Security Housekeeping Cart, which stores supplies in sliding 30-quart bins that are protected with locking doors.

Luxury – LC Premiums (New York, NY) for Pop Art Toaster, a chrome toaster with branding plates that will brand hotel logos into toast.

Judges for the 11th annual IH/M&RS Editors’ Choice Awards were: Michael Birchenall, Foodservice Monthly; Margaret Rose Caro, Hotel Food & Beverage Executive; Philip Hayward, Lodging; Jennifer Hicks, Foodservice Equipment Reports; Jeff Higley, Hotel & Motel Management; Fred Klashman, Total Food Service; Dennis Nessler, Hotel Business; Ed Watkins, Lodging Hospitality; and Jeff Weinstein, HOTELS.

The 91st annual International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show runs Saturday, November 11, through Tuesday, November 14, 2006, at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The market presents some 1,250 hospitality industry suppliers and attracts approximately 35,000 in total trade attendance.

The International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show is sponsored by the American Hotel & Lodging Association; the Hotel Association of New York City, Inc.; the New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association, and is managed by George Little Management, LLC (GLM®).

International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show
George Little Management LLC
10 Bank Street
White Plains, NY 10606
ph: (914) 421-3263
http://www.ihmrs.com