Open – May 13, 2024; Close June 14, 2024

Competition Entry Fee: $60 per entry
*You may enter work in more than one category, but each submission would be considered an individual entry with a separate fee.

The submitter is required to review all rules and eligibility requirements prior to entry. Failure to provide required information, submission materials, photos, images, and/or entry fee may result in entry disqualification.

• All entries must be submitted online at https://login.ppai.org
• Entries will not be considered complete and eligible for competition if all materials and fees are not submitted by deadline.
• Eligible entries must be developed, conducted and/or published between April 1, 2023 and April 1, 2024
• All online web-based content must be viewable online from date of submission through December 31, 2024.
• Log in and password must be provided, if required, for on-line content.
• Select the category that best defines the program, or audience. If necessary, judges will move entries at their discretion to a more appropriate category without penalty.
• Unless indicated in category description, an entry must be a single program utilizing at least one, or more imprinted promotional product either exclusively, or in conjunction with other media.
• All entries in Client, Marketing and Technology Programs MUST have a written explanation that contains:
  • a clearly defined objective with an established budget
  • definable execution which includes details related to concepts, timing, and other details that demonstrate the complexity, creativity and implementation
  • reportable results that support the objective
• Additional requirements provided in competition areas below
• Copies of letters, electronic communications, screenshots, and other supporting collateral should be uploaded at time of submission.
• Photos and site images must meet provided guidelines and be upload at time of submission.
• You may enter work in more than one category, but each submission would be considered and individual entry with a separate fee.
• PPAI assumes all entries are original and that the entrant either owns the website or rights, or has permission from a client, or other appropriate party to enter the work, with all rights granted therein. In the event, that an entrant without permission submits a site/entry, the entrant and submission will be disqualified.
• PPAI and the PPAI Awards & Recognition department is not liable for any copyright infringement on the part of the entrant. Submission of any entry acknowledges the right of PPAI to use it for exhibition and publication in any medium.
• All submissions must be in good taste, apply good grammar and language skills and can include humor. Content that contains pornographic material, propagates hate messages, makes defamatory statements, or might otherwise be considered offensive, whether visual, or auditory, will be disqualified.
• Valid technology entries can be created by internal, or external developers, or may be a turnkey, pre-packaged solution.

SAMPLES: Sample Submission Form | Sample Photo Do's and Don'ts

Important change for PPAI Pyramid Competition: PPAI is only requesting mailed product and support materials from finalists. If you are selected to be a finalist, you will be contacted with mailing instructions and deadlines.

Judging sessions for the PPAI Pyramid Awards Competition are held electronically.

Each judging session is conducted by industry and non-industry representatives who have a level and area of expertise suitable for judging. Judges review and score each submission based on its own merits and how it meets the category requirements, and assigns scores based on the criteria provided below. Judges reserve the right to re-categorize submissions.

TIP TO ALL: The best entries are well written, clearly explain the innovation, differentiate it from other processes and provide strong supporting documentation. All entries are required to include High Res Photos that follow the guidelines provided under SAMPLES tab.

Client Program submissions are evaluated and scored based on the following elements:

0 – 5 pts Uses one or more imprinted promotional products
0 – 10 pts Clearly defines the client’s objective including the established budget
0 – 15 pts Definable program execution showing creativity, innovation, timeline, understanding of the target audience and use of available resources.
0 – 15 pts Measurable results that directly relate to the stated client objective
0 – 5 pts Complete program write-up, client letter, support materials and a short descriptive
overview

Programs submitted without the required elements will be scored accordingly. To keep the process fair and efficient, all submissions are presented to the jury anonymously to prevent any possible bias.

Marketing Program submissions are evaluated and scored based on the following elements:

Scoring for Self Promotion, Branding, Supplier Sales Support Materials and Digital Self Promotion Programs

0 – 15 pts Complete program write-up, support materials, a short descriptive overview and uses one or more imprinted promotional products, if applicable
0 – 10 pts Clearly defines the program objectives including the established budget
0 – 10 pts Definable program execution showing creativity, innovation, timeline, understanding of the target audience and use of available resources.
0 – 15 pts Measurable results that directly relate to the stated program objective

Scoring for Content Marketing Programs

0 – 10 pts  Complete program write-up, support materials, descriptive overview featuring one segment from video/blog/podcast to judge – log in & password provided, if needed for access
0 – 5 pts  Clearly defines program objectives including established budget
0 – 15 pts  Technical quality – produced well, easy to use, easy to understand, crisp quality
0 – 15 pts  Definable execution that shows the creativity, innovation, clear messaging of the content, as well as, an understanding of the target audience
0 – 5 pts  Measurable results: How was the success of the entry defined? Is it meeting the program objective?

Decorate/Product Development submissions are evaluated and scored based on the following elements:

0 – 5 pts Functional aspects, attractiveness, quality of items and general adaptability to specific use
0 – 15 pts Intricacy of design and degree of difficulty involved
0 – 15 pts Quality, clarity and/or neatness of impression, sharpness of imprint, line drawings, halftones, etc.
0 – 10 pts Overall visual impact; free of nicks, pits, scratches and other surface imperfections
0 – 5 pts Complete program write-up, sale sheet, catalog page received and a short descriptive overview

Programs submitted without the required elements will be scored accordingly. To keep the process fair and efficient all submissions are presented to the jury anonymously to prevent any possible bias. All decorate submissions must be from actual orders and include a sale sheet and catalog page. Spec or random stock samples are not eligible.

Technology submissions are evaluated and scored online based on the following elements:

0 – 10 pts Overall purpose of submission, focus on industry content and related issues with an understanding of the target audience
0 – 15 pts Content that shows the creativity, innovation, clear messaging and images, with a well-defined business purpose
0 – 10 pts Easy-to-understand navigation and layout, good production quality and operational links/pages content loads quickly and seamlessly, and clear logical information flow
0 – 10 pts Consistent quality and corporate branding, draws attention and has a good look and feel
0 – 5 pts Complete program write-up, short descriptive overview, log in and password provided, as needed.

Once all judging sessions are completed submitters will be notified of results via email. Finalists/ winners are awarded in each category at the discretion of the judges’ scores. It is possible that a category may produce no finalists. Similarly, it is possible to have multiple finalists/award winners in a category.

Submission feedback is available six weeks after notification if requested via email at awards@ppai.org. All requests must include submitter’s name, company name, category and title/description of submission.

• All entries in Client Programs MUST have a written explanation that contains:
  • a clearly defined objective with an established budget
  • definable execution which includes details related to concepts, timing, and other details that demonstrate the complexity, creativity and implementation
  • reportable results that support the objective
• Client Letter must be provided for all Client Program Categories. Letter needs to support your objective and results.
• Content must be developed and conducted between April 1, 2023 and April 1, 2024.
• All online web-based content must be viewable online from date of submission through December 31, 2024.
• Copies of letters, electronic communications, screenshots, and other supporting collateral should be uploaded at time of submission.
• Photos and site images must meet provided guidelines and be upload at time of submission.
• Client Letter must be provided for all Client Program Categories. Letter needs to support your objective and results.

Business to Business Programs 
Programs to introduce products, services, or facilities, or to generate leads, sales appointments, attendance with a specific target audience, or a general business marketing campaign. This type of activity should be measurable but does not need to be revenue specific and should include a quantifiable audience, element of participation, or another metric.
* This is a business to business model, not individual.

Client Branding Programs 
Programs that include a fully-faceted program that includes a goal to improve company image, to enhance customer perception, increase goodwill or raise awareness with a focus on communication of services, or programs without specific incentive.

*Program should include online content (website, social media, etc.) as well as promotional products. 

Consumer Programs 
Programs to improve sales, or introduce products, programs, or services specifically to individual consumers. The type of activity should be measurable but does not need to be revenue specific and should include a quantifiable audience, element of participation. Submissions in this category can include but are not limited to: loyalty programs, frequent shopper programs, client retention programs, etc. 

Social Responsibility Programs
Campaigns designed to communicate the development, involvement and commitment of an organization or individual. These programs enhance sensitivity, knowledge, understanding and accountability of the social positive impact on people, community and environments.

Submissions in this category can include but are not limited to: diversity or inclusivity programs, multicultural programs, employee/community volunteer programs, environmental programs, international programs, fundraising or philanthropic programs, cause marketing programs, etc.

Educational Programs
Programs to promote attendance, participation and/or awareness of an educational, informational, or awareness seminar or training program; event can be live or online. Submissions in this category can include but are not limited to: health/wellness, public service or other awareness programs.

Employee Incentive & Recognition Programs 
A program designed to change behavior, generate involvement, incent non-sales achievement of goals, or desired behavior WITH a specific award, or incentive for achievement of the defined goal. Submissions in this category can include but are not limited to: health/wellness programs, safety programs, service award programs, appreciation programs, etc.

Internal Communication Programs 
Programs to employees, volunteers, or members promoting, or communicating information without incentive. The focus is on messaging, or drawing attention for new programs, special events, goals, behavior, morale, or involvement. Key element is “without incentive” to an affiliated audience such as employees of a company, or members of an organization. 

Not For Profit Programs 
Programs designed to increase activities specific to volunteering, fundraising, or donation/donor programs.

Political/Legislative Programs 
Programs designed to stimulate awareness, participation, advocacy, votes, or donations related to the political or legislative arena.

Sales Incentive Programs 
Programs with targeted audience of employee sales staff, external sales force, dealers, franchisees and retailers; with the purpose of growing prospect, or customer base and increasing sales, distribution, or launching new product. This type of activity should be measurable and include a quantifiable audience with an element of participation and be sales goal specific.

Tradeshow/Exhibit Traffic Programs 
Programs designed to increase attendance, or participation at/in special events that do not include an educational focus and that are held live, or online.

Distributor/Supplier Collaboration
Programs must be a result of an idea/concept for the creation of a new, or unique product to meet the direct need of the client.
• Letters from the client and supplier are required for this category
• Supplier letter must confirm the product specifications and its uniqueness.

• All entries in Marketing Programs MUST have a written explanation that contains:
  • a clearly defined objective with an established budget
  • definable execution which includes details related to concepts, timing, and other details that demonstrate the complexity, creativity and implementation
  • reportable results that support the objective
• Content must be developed and conducted between April 1, 2023 and April 1, 2024.
• All online web-based content must be viewable online from date of submission through December 31, 2024.
• Copies of letters, electronic communications, screenshots, and other supporting collateral should be uploaded at time of submission.
• Photos and site images must meet provided guidelines and be upload at time of submission.

Branding Campaigns

Complete branding campaign that incorporates logo development, stationery, business cards and other print media, website, signage, corporate apparel and other collateral used by a business in a creative, flexible and effective application that conveys a consistent brand message to the respective customer/prospect audience.

Cause Advocacy Marketing Programs

Programs advocated by your company that raise awareness of social, community or environmental issues both in your company and community. These programs are designed to enhance the company image while partnering and building relationships that help communities. Submissions in this category can include but are not limited to the creation of a marketing program that focuses on disaster prevention/relief, fundraising/philanthropic initiatives, employee/community volunteering, green/environmental stewardship, etc.

Content Marketing Program

Creative development and delivery of valuable, relevant, and consistent content through an established platform (Video, Blog or Podcast) to attract/acquire a clearly defined audience that drives meaningful and measurable interactions.

*Entry is for one (1) single episode/segment or blog post that has been published within the competition's date requirements.

Digital Self Promotion Campaigns

Fully digital campaign designed to promote sales or enhance the image of a company to customers and prospects. Each entry must include detailed information about a company, product or service offered by the member and be supported with examples of digital promotional materials used across multiple media channels: video, blog, email, social media and website.

Self Promotion Campaigns

Designed to promote sales or enhance the image of a company to customers and prospects. Each entry must include detailed information about a company, product, or service offered by the member and supported with examples of product, e-mails, mailings, or other collateral for the campaign. A single product carrying a self-promo imprint will not be considered a campaign.

Supplier Sales Support Materials
(Category open to PPAI Member Suppliers Only)

This category applies to kits and packaged tools that help distributors in selling with samples and catalogs. These materials are suitable for distributor showrooms and/or sales calls and should include a robust offering of products, decoration capabilities and other options.

• All entries must be regular catalog items provided for sale between April 1, 2023 and April 1, 2024.
• Proof of sale, PO, and catalog page MUST be submitted uploaded with each entry.
• Speculative samples or random sample stock are ineligible.
• Write-up MUST include an explanation of the development and/or production of the entry including details on:
  • manufacturing, printing, or specific special processes used achieve a specific look/feel
  • equipment and material(s) used
  • degree of difficulty involved in the design
  • functional aspect and creativity
• Copies of letters, electronic communications, screenshots, and other supporting collateral should be uploaded at time of submission.
• Photos and site images must meet provided guidelines and be upload at time of submission.

Casting/Molding       

Multi-dimensional decoration utilizing a carved or poured mold and die to achieve fine detail and copy.

Combination Of Processes   

A combination of decorating methods combined that deliver a different decoration method not achieved with a single process that creates a distinctive, dimensional appearance. MUST specify equipment utilized and processes used in submission.

Customized Non-Catalog Product 

Development of a completely custom product generated as a result of end-client need. Submissions MUST include specific application/decoration process and client sale price (not including set up charges).

Sub-categories of competition include:
Product $1 to $25
Product $26 to $100
Product $101 and Up

Embroidery   

Single or multi-color decoration in a single design as determined by total stitch count. MUST specify equipment used and total stich count on entry.

Etching/Engraving/Laser    

Decoration via one of these three technologies applied to metal, crystal, glass, wood, or other surfaces. The method MUST be specified on entry. 

Large Format Printing         

Decoration on large substrates such as banners, table runners, booth graphics and signage. MUST specify equipment utilized and processes used in submission.

Mascot/Character Product 

Custom development of three-dimensional (3D) product. MUST specify equipment utilized and processes used in submission.

Metal Striking           

Traditional decorating method using dies and pressure to achieve fine detail and copy in metal. MUST specify equipment utilized and processes used in submission.

Print On Hard Surfaces       

Single or Multi-color print on hard surfaces such as plastic, metal, PVC, or other hard substrates utilizing screen print, digital print, pad printing or sublimation methods. MUST specify equipment utilized and processes used in submission.

Print On Textiles      

Single or Multi-color print on soft woven, knit, or non-woven textiles utilizing screen print, digital print or sublimation methods. MUST specify equipment utilized and processes used in submission.

Special Applications/Processes    

Use of a decoration method not otherwise categorized. Submissions in this category can include but are not limited to: laser applications, doming, bar codes, QR codes, watermarks or variable data, embossing, de-bossing, foil stamping, offset print, weaving, flexography, letterpress, or holograms. MUST specify equipment utilized and processes used in submission.

Supplier/Distribution Collaboration          

The product must be designed from an idea, or concept developed as a result of distributor opportunity.

All entries require a letter from a distributor to confirm the creative information provided, the client need and results. Detailed explanation MUST BE provided.

 *Both supplier and distributor must be PPAI members in good standing.

• All entries in Technology Programs MUST have a written explanation that contains:
  • a clearly defined objective with an established budget
  • Provide link to site along with log in and password, if required
  • definable execution that show the creativity, innovation, clear messaging and other details that demonstrate the overall purpose of the content and statistics of usage, if applicable
  • reportable results that support the objective of entry
• All videos, blogs, and podcasts should be submitted in Marketing Programs under Content Marketing Program category. These submissions no longer meet Technology Programs entry requirements.
• Content must be developed and conducted between April 1, 2023 and April 1, 2024.
• All online web-based content must be viewable online from date of submission through December 31, 2024.
• Site Images and photos are REQUIRED for every submission
• Copies of letters, electronic communications, screenshots, and other supporting collateral should be uploaded at time of submission.
• Photos and site images must meet provided guidelines and be upload at time of submission.
• Any content requiring a fee to access or download (mobile apps) must be provided at no cost to PPAI judges.

eCommerce Website
This category of competition focuses on members’ websites that are intended for use from quoting to order placement, order tracking, art archives and order history within the promotional products channel. A winning site should minimize the need for direct contact with the factory to complete a transaction with a customer.

Web Content/Functionality
This category of competition focuses on the web-based presentation of a company’s overall products and services in an effective format utilizing concise content and appropriate terminology for the intended audience.

Mobile Apps/Mobile Websites
This category of competition will recognize members for their creative development specifically tailored for mobile devices. Entries can be either mobile applications, or mobile websites that enable on-the-go connectivity to company information, resources and tools.