The Visual Media Association (VMA) has announced the return of the National Print Awards (NPA) in 2025, marking the return of Australia’s premier print and visual media accolades. The last NPAs - the 39th - were held during the Covid-affected PacPrint 2022. Extra celebrations are scheduled for the 40th Anniversary.
Display of entries to Covid-affected NPAs at PacPrint 2022
Get your best print work ready! Taking place on 22 May 2025 in Sydney, the NPAs will showcase the outstanding talent, quality, and creativity of print professionals across Australia, with a refreshed approach to format, categories and judging reflecting the evolution of the industry.
So many reception areas of Australian printing companies are festooned with NPA certificates - a proud statement of high achievements in the craft of printing, be it offset, Screen, Flexo or digital in its many forms.
A decision to modernise the marquee awards event was driven by feedback from industry members who, through comprehensive surveys and key stakeholders’ meetings, expressed a strong desire for a revitalised event that celebrates the dynamic nature of print in the modern era.
The survey explored cost of entries, member discounts, state versus national award program, financial stability and longevity, timeliness, judging process, attendance rating to previous events and more, to provide good insight to determinations across the review process.
No more PICAs - straight to NPAs
The biggest change announced is moving the Awards from an initial state by state feeder to a national award approach with 57% of respondents feeling a national awards program is better and 92% stating they supply to national or mixed state and national customers.
Of member businesses surveyed, 71.5% of respondents called for categories to be changed with a further review of the Judging process, to include more printers. In the past, TAFE lecturers and other industry experts have been the main judges.
“We are thrilled to bring back the National Print Awards for 2025 with a fresh and innovative take on this prestigious event, particularly aligning the relaunch with PacPrint is an improved timeliness. Most importantly these are the industry awards, and the members have spoken. They want their awards to return in a revitalised and refreshed approach,” says VMA CEO Kellie Northwood.
The new categories are being reviewed, with a focus on reflecting excellence across the diverse nature of industry. Members will benefit as well, receiving 50% entry discounts, early bird entry notices and ticket release.
Sponsors invited
Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsor packs are being developed with discussions underway. For further information about prospective sponsorship of the National Print Awards contact:
hello@visualmediaassociation.org.au.
