The Print & Visual Communications Association (PVCA) has made the decision to suspend the state-based Printing Industry Creativity Awards (PICAs) competitions and presentations for 2022 considering recent events, with a focus solely on the National Print Awards this year.
All plans for the state-based PICAs have been halted, making way for a single, expanded National Print Awards competition.
The association, which has hosted the annual printing awards for nearly 40 years, said the move lets businesses in many areas of the country concentrate on recovering from recent natural disasters and will allow for an extended entry deadline, streamlined judging, and presentation of all awards at the industry’s ‘night of nights’ on 30 June during PacPrint in Melbourne.
The entry process for industry businesses will remain exactly the same, with those who have already entered their local PICA competition having their entries automatically transferred into the national competition.
Any new entries will go straight into the pool for national judging. The new closing date for entries will be 22 April, at 5pm.
Newly elected PVCA president Peter Clark said while the decision may disappoint some, this will take the pressure off businesses who wish to be involved and will culminate in an exciting night at the NPA presentations.
He added that the association had been busy over the past few days assisting print service providers – particularly those in flood-affected areas of Queensland and NSW – with HR and other business continuity issues.
“We are well aware of the long road to recovery ahead for many and feel it’s not the right time to be celebrating when so many are suffering,” he said, pointing out that the latest challenges come on top of significant disruptions already caused by the pandemic over the past couple of years and more recent international events.
“In this climate, we acknowledge that any request to locate and submit entries to a printing awards competition – no matter how much businesses value the recognition – is unrealistic.
“We have also this week been in contact with our sponsors including Media Super, Currie Group, Orafol, Ball & Doggett, Roland DG, Manroland Goss, Mutoh, Screen and Spicers who, while disappointed, agree with our position as they – like all suppliers – are busy assisting businesses with insurance claims and contingency plans, which will take some weeks to work through. Getting businesses back up and running obviously has to be the priority.”
Clark added that while PICA presentations could potentially go ahead in some states, the PVCA felt that a blanket national approach was fairer and more transparent.
“We are fortunate this year to be able to look forward to an NPA Presentation Night during the industry’s foremost expo, PacPrint, at the end of June, which we know will attract print service providers from across the country,” he said.
“We are already talking to a high-profile personality to MC the event, and with an expanded field of entries in the National Print Awards, this will only add to the value and excitement of the event.
“We are committed to working with affected PVCA members to assist with recovery over the coming weeks and, in due course, look forward to seeing more entries come in from across Australia, to be recognised for excellence at the National Print Awards.”
Click here to find out more, review the awards categories, and submit your entries.
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