The 24th Australian Catalogue Awards is now open for entries, giving applicants the chance to win from 43 awards across 10 categories. More than 700 applications were received in 2014 with 40 judges from within the industry in Melbourne and Sydney, scouring through the entries to award the winners. Similar numbers are expected to participate in this year’s competition. Last year’s big winners were IPMG, which printed 19 winning catalogues, PMP eight, Franklin Web six and AIW three.
Kellie Northwood
Speaking with the Australian Printer, Kellie Northwood, executive director of the Australasian Catalogue Association – which is hosting the annual competition – says since the catalogue industry is worth more than two billion dollars, it is necessary to have an awards night to ensure those that ‘work hard behind the scenes are recognised’. Northwood says, “It is really an important event for the 600 attendees, including creatives, photographers and the entire teams that work tirelessly to make a catalogue look great and effective. “Last year, we had more than 700 entries for the awards so really the event is about the retailers, marketing managers, creative agencies, with major retailers such as Coles, Myer and David Jones, buying their own tables to support the industry.” Last year, PMP printed eight winning catalogues for Beacon Lighting, Dan Murphy’s, Dick Smith, Domayne, Harvey Norman, Mitre 10 and Woolworths. Franklin Web also won six categories through Focus on Furniture, Kmart, Stockland, Super Retail Group and Telstra. As well as AIW, who printed one of the catalogues of the year, for RB Sellers, and also produced two winning entries for Rebel Sport. Dave Thornton, a stand-up comedian, actor and radio and TV presenter will be the MC for the night, which will be held at the Crown Palladium in Melbourne on August 21. The 2015 award as well as the usual categories will also include a new charity category in sustainability, the excellence in craft award, and the judge’s choice, which is an open entry this year and awarded at the judge’s discretion. Northwood says 66 per cent of 24-25 year-old Australians prefer to read catalogues in print rather than online, and 56 per cent of people regard print marketing as the most trustworthy of media channels. “This is why it is important to celebrate these events and ensure that creative people in the industry are encouraged to do their best to achieve the best results for their clients, and maintain a strong print industry” Northwood adds. To enter visit: http://www.catalogue.asn.au/awards/
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