Conflict of Interest:

1. • Judges must disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may compromise their impartiality in the voting process.
   • Judges with a direct or indirect interest, financial or otherwise, in a nominee must recuse themselves from voting for that nominee.

2. Judicial Independence:

   • Judges should make decisions independently, free from any external pressure or influence.
   • Judges must not allow personal relationships or affiliations to impact their voting decisions.

3. Review of Criteria:

   • Judges must thoroughly review the established criteria for each award category before casting their votes.
   • Understanding the criteria ensures that judgments are based on the merit of the nominees against the defined standards.
   • Judging Criteria:
     

     • • Innovative Design:

         • Assess the product's design for creativity, uniqueness, and innovation.
         • Consider how the design addresses specific travel challenges and enhances user experience.

       • Functionality and Practicality:

         • Evaluate the practicality of the travel gear for various travel scenarios.
         • Consider ease of use, versatility, and how well the product serves its intended purpose.

       • Material Quality and Durability:

         • Examine the quality of materials used in the travel gear.
         • Assess the durability of the product, considering the wear and tear it might encounter during travel.

       • Technological Integration:

         • If applicable, evaluate how technology is integrated into the travel gear.
         • Consider features such as smart connectivity, built-in charging, or other technological innovations.

       • User Reviews and Testimonials:

         • Take into account user reviews and testimonials, especially if available from credible sources or verified purchasers.
         • Consider the overall satisfaction of users with the travel gear.

       • Packaging and Presentation:

         • Assess the virtual presentation of the travel gear, including product images and videos.
         • Consider how well the product is showcased and whether the presentation aligns with its intended positioning in the market.

       • Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness:

         • Evaluate the travel gear's commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness.
         • Consider factors such as the use of recycled materials, eco-friendly manufacturing processes, and overall environmental impact.

       • Inclusivity and Accessibility:

         • Consider whether the travel gear is designed to be inclusive and accessible to a diverse range of users.
         • Evaluate features that enhance accessibility for individuals with different needs.

       • Price Point and Value for Money:

         • Assess the travel gear's price point in relation to its features, quality, and overall value.
         • Consider whether the product offers a competitive and reasonable price for its category.

       • Brand Reputation:

         • Consider the reputation of the brand producing the travel gear.
         • Evaluate the brand's history, commitment to quality, and alignment with industry standards.

       • Virtual Demonstration:

         • If available, review virtual demonstrations or walkthroughs of the travel gear.
         • Assess how well the product's features and functionalities are communicated in a virtual format.

       • Adaptability to Changing Travel Trends:

         • Evaluate how well the travel gear adapts to emerging trends in travel.
         • Consider whether the product addresses current and foreseeable changes in travel preferences and behaviors.

4. Confidentiality:

   • Judges must keep all information related to the voting process, nominees, and discussions confidential.
   • Sharing details about nominees, discussions, or preliminary voting results outside the judging panel is strictly prohibited.

5. Fair and Impartial Evaluation:

   • Judges must evaluate nominees based on the established criteria without bias or prejudice.
   • Personal opinions, unrelated to the award criteria, should not influence the voting process.

6. Abstention:

   • Judges have the option to abstain from voting if they feel they lack sufficient knowledge or understanding of a particular nominee.
   • Abstention should be based on valid reasons and should not be used arbitrarily.

7. Timely Submission:

   • Judges must submit their votes within the specified timeframe to ensure the timely completion of the award selection process.
   • Late submissions may not be considered.

8. Disqualification Criteria:

   • Judges should disqualify a nominee if there is evidence of unethical practices, violations of rules, or misrepresentation.
   • Disqualification decisions must be based on clear and documented evidence.

9. Feedback and Deliberation:

   • Judges will not have a meeting to discuss feedback or deliberations.

10. Refrain from Campaigning:

    • Judges must refrain from lobbying or campaigning on behalf of any nominee.
    • The integrity of the voting process relies on impartial and individual assessments.

11. Notification of Recusal:

    • Judges must promptly notify the organizing body if they find themselves in a situation that requires recusal.
    • Transparency about recusals contributes to the overall fairness of the award process.

12. One Person, One Vote:

    • • You should only cast only one vote for a nominee in each selected category.
13. Awarding Nominee
    • Winners will be selected by recieving the most in their respective category.
      
    • One winner will receive the TGA per category.

14. Winner Announcement:

    • • • • • Winners will be announced on March 14, 2024 at the Travel Goods Show.