Print Excellence Competition 101
A Beginner's Guide to Getting Started
Curious about the PEC and how to participate? Here's what you need to know to get started!
What is the PEC?
The PEC is an annual competition that recognizes top talent, creativity, and execution within Georgia’s printing industry.
Who Should Participate?
All print, finishing, and design facilities in Georgia are encouraged to enter. Participating companies must have produced at least 75% of the work in Georgia.
I’m an Educator. Can my students participate?
Absolutely! We have a special division for schools, allowing your students to showcase their work. Plus, student entries are free!
I’m an Associate member/equipment manufacturer. How can I be involved?
Encourage your customers to participate so that they can highlight their work and demonstrate the capabilities of your equipment.
Why Should I Enter?
Winning a PEC award is a prime opportunity to bring employees together and recognize them for their hard work and dedication. Celebrate as a team while also using your participation as a future promotional tool to showcase your company's capabilities.
Do I have a chance to win if I'm a smaller company?
Yes! Focus on highlighting your unique skill sets. At certain recognition levels, you only compete against companies of your size (based on employee count).
What Pieces Should I Enter?
Select pieces that you are proud of and that exemplify your best work. Pieces where you went the extra mile and knocked it out of the park!
Ensure your samples are free from scratches, smudges, roller/gear marks, hickeys, etc.
When Should Pieces Have Been Produced?
Entries must have been produced between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025.
How Much Does It Cost to Enter?
New this year, PIAG members receive two entries free! Don't miss this opportunity to submit your best pieces at no cost.
Additional entries for PIAG members are $35/entry if submitted by March 20 or $45/entry if submitted after.
What are the Different Categories?
New this year, we have streamlined the competition categories to make it more concise. Available options include publications, packaging, wide format, environmentally sound, and more.
A single piece may be entered in multiple categories at a discounted price.
When is the Submission Deadline?
The call for entries is open through May 1. However, members who submit their form by March 20 receive a discounted rate. Samples of the pieces should be delivered to the PIAG Office no later than May 1.
How Do I Label My Entries?
Label each entry with your company name and entry number using a sticky note or temporary label. Please do not apply a permanent label directly to the entry.
How Do I Enter?
Download the Call for Entries to access full eligibility and category details and to enter. You may use an online submission form or download a PDF form.
Send one sample of each entry to the PIAG office. Additional samples, while not required, may be included if desired.
What are the Different Levels of Recognition?
- Best of Show is awarded to the entry judged as the most outstanding in the competition, selected from the Best of Division winners. Recipient receives a trophy at imPRESS with recognition in the Awards Annual with a photo of the winning piece.
- Best of Division is awarded to the entry in each division (determined by company size) that exceeds all others in overall quality, regardless of category. Recipients receive a trophy at imPRESS with recognition in the Awards Annual with a photo of the winning piece.
- Top Gold awards are granted at the judges’ discretion to recognize excellence in specific areas, regardless of division. Category examples may include Best Use of Color, Most Creative Use of Substrate, Best Finishing, Best Design, etc. Recipients receive a trophy at imPRESS with recognition in the Awards Annual with a photo of the winning piece.
- Best of Category certificates are presented to the top piece in a given category within each division. Only one Best of Category may be awarded per category, per division. Recipients receive a personalized certificate.
- Award of Excellence certificates are presented to entries that meet competition guidelines for quality within their division’s category. Multiple Awards of Excellence may be given per category, per division. Recipients receive a personalized certificate.
Best of Category and Award of Excellence winners will be notified in June. Best of Show, Best of Division, and Top Gold winners will be announced at the imPRESS Celebration of Print.
The Call for Entries closes May 1. We can’t wait to see the amazing work produced by PIAG members!