I have a confession to make. I really don’t remember receiving my first trophy. I was not much of an athlete so it was probably for “Best Effort” or “Best Teammate” rather than for “Most Goals Scored” or “MVP”. Some of those early trophies which I once proudly displayed on a shelf in my room were sadly misplaced in one of my many moves over the past 60 years. However, I still have two trophies from my teens that I somehow have kept all these years: a plaque for finishing 9th in a field of over 100 in a canoe race in which my friend and I were by far the youngest entrants, and a small trophy for winning another canoe race against our peers. I bring this up because both of these trophies are far different from the ones you see today.
In the 70s, there were way fewer options for most items, (cars were either a Ford, Chrysler or GM, our clothes closets ere shoulder wide and plenty large for all of my brother and my clothes). Trophies were no different in the lack of choice and innovation. Generally, there was a metal figure on a wood or marble base of a plaque with an etched metal plate. And since the molding of the figure was expensive, the detail of the trophy was often dated and not very detailed. This is certainly the case for the crossed paddles of my cherished canoe trophy.
Fast forward to today, the choice of trophies can be overwhelming. Some of the improvements have come with concessions: plastic figures are lighter, more detailed and quite frankly more appealing than their metal counterparts, but they are plastic. But by and large technology has opened the door for more innovation and way better customization and personalization.
Take corporate awards. Instead of only plaques, you can buy really cool and detailed crystal, glass and acrylic awards. Some of these are truly pieces of art. And if you need something unique, you can commission a custom piece specifically built for your company. Technology has also improved the personalization capabilities which reduces errors, improves formatting options and can even include color. Previous etching technologies were slow and manual. New lasers and printers are fast, flexible and automated.
Do I miss the simplicity of the metal figure on a wood base? No more than I miss our family car often breaking down on our 70s road trips. When I think about how recognition has evolved over the past 50 years, it is really exciting to what will come in the next 50.
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