• 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. 
• Promotional products campaigns/programs must be developed and conducted between April 1, 2020 and April 1, 2021.
• Entry must be a single program utilizing at least one, or more imprinted promotional product either exclusively, or in conjunction with other media. *Please note: A program is not a collection of promotional products with the same imprint unless they are part of a strategic campaign.
  
  • Program must have a clearly defined objective, definable execution and reportable results.
  • Program write up should include the budget established by the client.
  • Program must have measurable results that directly relate to the stated objective of the program.
  • Program must have a client/sponsor letter to attest to the results of the program. Client letter should NOT contain the individual submitter’s name, or company name 
• Provide a written description of campaign. Please follow the sample format and provide thorough and concise answers to key questions. 
  • Description must not exceed one typed page in size 10 font, or larger.
  • Description must NOT contain the individual submitter’s name, or company name.
  • Entrant identification is NOT permitted in any form.
  • Client letter MUST be submitted with completed program write up and campaign samples.
• One sample of each imprinted promotional product(s) should be submitted with completed write up and client letter. Samples should be in perfect condition and must not be mounted, framed, or in any way modified for the entry presentation. Points will be deducted if complete write up, product samples or client letter are not submitted.
• Copies of letters, electronic communications, screenshots and other supporting collateral should be included at time of submission.

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.

• 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.
• Promotional products campaigns/programs must be developed and conducted between April 1, 2020 and April 1, 2021.
• All catalog entries must include effective dates as noted in the eligibility; two copies of printed versions must be submitted for each entry and should include your write up described below.
• Provide a written explanation of the entry to include details related to concepts, timing, factors involved and other details that demonstrate the complexity, creativity and implementation.
• Please provide a log in and password for judges’ use, if required, for on-line content.
• Provide a written description of campaign/submission. Please follow the sample format and provide thorough and concise answers to key questions. 
  • Description must not exceed one typed page in size 10 font, or larger.
• One sample of each imprinted promotional product should be submitted with completed write up. Sample(s) should be in perfect condition and must not be mounted, framed, or in any way modified for the entry presentation.
• Copies of letters, electronic communications, screenshots and other supporting collateral should be included at time of submission.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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 emails, blogs/podcasts/digital news, social media posts (twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, etc) and video content.

• Determine the category. Consider the entry you are submitting with the criteria required in the category. Judges will screen all entries to be sure they are in the correct category and will move them as necessary.
• All entries must be regular catalog items provided for sale between April 1, 2020 and April 1, 2021.
• Items used only as speculative samples or random sample stock are ineligible.
• Program write-up: MUST include a written explanation of the manufacturing, printing, or specific special processes, the creativity involved and how it was used must be provided at the time of submission.
  • Description MUST NOT exceed one (1) typed page in size 10 font.
  • Description must be detailed and concise.
  • Write-up should include: material(s) used, degree of difficulty involved, special processes, designs, equipment, functional aspect, creativity, etc. important to the development and/or production of the entry.
• It is recommended that two samples of each imprinted promotional product be submitted. Samples must be imprinted and properly identified. All samples provided MUST contain the same imprint. Each sample should be in perfect condition and not mounted, framed, or in any way modified for entry presentation.
• Catalog, dates sales/price sheets, mailing piece, or catalog page MUST be submitted with each entry.

Entries submitted without the required material (write-up, catalog, sales/price sheet, etc.) may be disqualified.

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.

• Select the category that best defines the content, application, or audience. If necessary, judges will move entries at their discretion to a more appropriate category without penalty.
• Content must be developed and conducted between April 1, 2020 and April 1, 2021.
• All submissions must have a clearly defined objective.
• Written description should contain overall purpose of the content and statistics of usage, if applicable
• A short descriptive overview/synopsis of your write up is required
• If your entry requires a username and password to allow for access it must be provided during the submission process.
• Any content requiring a fee to access or download (mobile apps) must be provided at no cost to PPAI judges.
• PPAI assumes all entries are original and that the entrant either owns the website, 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, the entrant and submission will be disqualified. PPAI 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.

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.

All PPAI member distributors are eligible to vote. (Suppliers are not able to vote or view the ballot.)

Voting will be held May 24 – June 18, 2021.

Voting site: http://awards.ppai.org/supplierstars 
(Login is the same as your PPAI MySite)

Step-By-Step Directions for the new voting site.

Every PPAI member distributor has the ability to vote for to (2) PPAI member supplier companies in each category.

________
If you forgot your email used to log in, please contact the Membership Department at 888-I-AM-PPAI (426-7724).

The PPAI Pyramid – Supplier Star Competition is open to all PPAI member suppliers who meet the following qualifications:

• PPAI member in good standing
• Sales volume updated every two years as required by PPAI
• SAGE Supplier Rating of an A or higher 

Suppliers that have met the above requirements are included on the ballot.

Suppliers that have met the ballot requirements will receive an email prior to the ballot opening for distributor voting. PPAI will provide you with graphics and sample marketing materials to promote your inclusion on the ballot.

All Suppliers that have made the ballot are able to reach out to PPAI member distributors to request their vote. Suppliers are not able to vote or view the ballot.

Contact PPAI Member Services at (888) 426-7724 ext. # 3900

Suppliers can access their detailed summary of reviews in the SAGE Supplier Center.

If you have questions regarding the Supplier Rating, please contact your SAGE account executive at (800) 925-7243 or info@sageworld.com.

• Eligible entries must have been developed, conducted and/or published between April 1, 2020 and April 1, 2021.
• All submissions must have a clearly defined objective.
• Valid technology entries can be created by internal, or external developers, or may be a turnkey, pre-packaged solution.
• All online web-based content must be viewable online from date of submission through December 31, 2021.
• All entries must be submitted online at https://login.ppai.org/.
• You may enter work in more than one category, but each submission would be considered and individual entry with a separate fee.
• 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.
• 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.

Please package all copies of letters, screenshots, electronic communications, support materials and samples in one shipment. Entrants are responsible for all shipment, postage, customs, clearance and insuring valuable entries against loss, or damage. 

Ship to:
PPAI – Pyramid Competition
3125 Skyway Circle N
Irving, TX 75038
(972) 258-3070

Samples become the property of PPAI and will not be returned unless return request is indicated on the entry submission, a shipping account number is provided and $10 handling fee is included at time of submission.

Judging sessions for the PPAI Pyramid Awards Competition are held at PPAI’s office except for technology categories which are reviewed 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 judges will go through many entries and each entry can be comprised of dozens of pages of reading material. The best entries are well written, clearly explain the innovation, differentiate it from other processes and provide strong supporting documentation.

All programs must be submitted online with physical samples, the entry and supporting documentation sent to the PPAI office by the required deadline.

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 submissions are evaluated and scored based on the following elements:

0 – 10 pts Uses one or more imprinted promotional products
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
0 – 5 pts Complete program write-up, support materials and a short descriptive overview

Programs submitted without the required elements will be scored accordingly.

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.