A rebound in the fortunes of the print industry is one of the drivers behind a 12% increase in entry numbers to this year’s Pride In Print Awards.
Judging of the entries has just been completed over two full days in Auckland, where the main panels of judges gave intense scrutiny to entries across eight categories comprising publications, business print, packaging, labels, display print, promotional print, specialty products and industry development.
Another half day was spent by a team in Wellington reviewing the Category 8 entries covering innovation, self promotion and environmental entries.
Awards manager Sue Archibald said the leap in entry numbers showed that the industry was moving ahead again, after the impact of the Global Financial Crisis and its aftermath.
“There has been a lot of consolidation in the industry in the last few years and the signs are it is settling down,” says Ms Archibald. “The size and scope of entries suggests the New Zealand print industry is forging ahead after the economic gloom of recent years.
“We are delighted with not just the growth in numbers but also with the major step up we have seen in the quality of entries received for this year’s Awards.”
Feedback from the judging team leaders is that there has been a marked rise in standards with a quality jump in a number of areas.
“The big growth areas for entries have been labelling, packaging, books and large-format billboards. The calibre of entries in these sections was outstanding,” she added. “It is heartening to see quality standards continuing to rise across the industry. New Zealanders as a whole embrace change and it is good to see Kiwi printers pushing the boundaries to see where technology can take them.”
Planning for the Awards Night on the evening of Friday, May 23 is in full swing. The theme for the evening will be “Power of Print” emphasising the visual impact print has across many industries, including such high-visibility landmarks as the Air New Zealand “Hobbit” plane decals and the America’s Cup yachts.
To help companies bring more team members to the Awards, Pride In Print is offering accommodation packages at Sky City and Sky Grand.
Special room rates are available of $189 at Sky City and $229 at Sky City Grand (delegates need to enter the access code PRIDE to get the special rates when booking).
These rates cover both Thursday and Friday nights. However, there are limited rooms available so it is a case of first in, first served.