In November, 2013 the Printing Industries’ Board asked former CEO of IPMG, Stephen Anstice to undertake a review of the printing industry awards system.
The review found that the declining number of businesses in the industry and the financial challenges facing sponsors meant that some rationalisation was required to ensure the Awards remained viable and retained their relevance.
As a result the National Print Awards in 2015 will return to a direct entry model and state Printing Industries Craftsmanship Awards (PICA) will be suspended in most states from 2014.
The changes also involve a revamp of existing entry categories.
Printing Industries CEO Bill Healey, said the direct entry model would allow all printing companies in the industry to enter the National Print Awards without having to pre-qualify by winning a Gold medal at a State PICA.
“State PICAs may continue in individual states that have the resources to support them. Western Australia, Tasmania and Queensland have scheduled events in 2014,” he said.
“However, to ensure a level playing field, companies in these states will be able to enter the 2015 National Print Awards without winning a Gold medal in their local events.”
Mr Healey said New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia-Northern Territory would not stage PICA events for 2014, but would instead promote direct entry into the 2015 National Print Awards.
He said categories will be overhauled in recognition of the technological changes and industry re-alignment occurring.
“A new subcommittee of Printing Industries chaired by Deputy President Susan Heaney and including external industry representatives will be formed to oversee the awards and to work with the Chairman of Judges to select judges, review categories annually and manage the judging process.
“This is intended to ensure consistency, thoroughness, transparency and to reflect current technological and process trends in the category and judging processes. Members of the existing committee have been invited to join the revamped arrangement,” Mr Healey said.
The review also recommended that the distinctions between digital and offset process categories continue. New digital categories will be introduced in recognition of the increasing use of this technology in the industry. The emphasis of the print awards will remain on print quality. Further work is required to determine if Business Awards will be included or continued in a new Awards process.
Mr Healey said that there was much work still to be done and the industry would be kept updated as things progressed and changes were finalised.
“The initial award category review will be completed by August this year to give companies sufficient time to prepare and submit their entries for the National Print Awards in May 2015,” he said.
“This will coincide with the PrintEx and Visual Impact shows Exhibition in Sydney.”
Printing Industries Association of Australia
www.printnet.com.au
