Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the burning questions we receive from participants. Do you have a question not listed? Not to worry. We have people that can answer that for you. Not sure about what category to enter in? Wondering how you can customize an award for your client? Are you able to enter just one entry?
Contact us at 323.728.9500.
WHO CAN ENTER?
The competition is open to any graphic arts firm—printers, finishers/binderies, brokers, graphic designers, ad agencies and in-plant operations located within the service area of PIA. All entries must have been produced, or had the piece(s) produced, within PIA’s service area during 2024 (January 1st, 2024– December 31st, 2024).
WHAT IS MY INVESTMENT?
There is no limit on the number of pieces. The more you enter, the lower your per entry cost will be.
| Entries | PIA Member | Non-Member |
|---|---|---|
| 1ST ENTRY | FREE (WITH MORE THAN 1 ENTERED) | $135 |
| Up to 10 | $55 each | $135 each |
| 11 to 25 | $50 each | $130 each |
| 26 or more | $40 each | $120 each |
HOW DO I SUBMIT ENTRIES?
Please refer to the SUBMIT section for additional information.
- Complete one entry form per entry, per category.
- Submit two samples per entry by mail or carrier to PIA.
WHAT HAPPENS TO MY ENTRIES AFTER THE COMPETITION?
All entries become the property of PIA and are not returnable. Entering the competition constitutes approval for promotional use by PIA.
ARE ENTRY FORMS AVAILABLE ONLINE?
YES! Download the PDF entry form HERE, fill it out, print it, and submit it with your entry by mail or carrier to PIA.
DOES COMPANY SIZE MATTER?
To ensure that entries from all companies, large and small, are treated fairly, within each category there is a potential of six winners based on the size of their firm and firms that are part of the creative process—graphic designers, ad agencies, brokers, finishers, and even clients. You must declare your company size under the “divisions” section. Please refer to the get started section see the listing of all divisions.
WHERE SHOULD I SEND MY ENTRY?
Please follow all requirements carefully; refer to the SUBMIT section for additional information. Entries not containing all requirements will be disqualified.
Send your entry to:
PIA 2025 Print Excellence Awards
Kristy Villanueva
5800 South Eastern Avenue, Suite 400
Los Angeles, CA 90040
WHEN WILL WINNERS BE ANNOUNCED?
May 29, 2025
Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum
18001 Yorba Linda Blvd
Yorba Linda, CA 92886
HOW ARE ENTRIES JUDGED?
Judging is an anonymous process. Each entry is assigned a number code when it is received and that number is the only identification on the piece when the judges review the entry. The judging panel is made up of a team of distinguished professionals with a minimum of 10+ years in the graphic arts industry that are chosen based on their extensive knowledge of the printing process.
Judges will consider the quality of printing, degree of difficulty, technical expertise, including: registration, ink coverage, density of solids, dot structure, crossovers, paper usage, category description, finishing techniques and overall visual appearance.
Judges will eliminate from contention any piece with obvious flaws such as hickeys, streaking, hazing, slurring, etc. Therefore, your selection of what to enter and how it is shipped is very important.