Members can still enter three free items in the In-Print contest, but non-members will now pay more.

Now that all the In-Print 2008 awards have been presented, it’s time to start collecting samples of your best work for next year’s In-Print contest. One change in-plants will notice on the 2009 entry form is a slight increase in entry fees for IPMA members—and a larger increase for non-members.

Since its inception, In-Print has generously allowed in-plants to enter several pieces at no charge, unlike most other print competitions. As a result, many in-plants submit only those free entries. This is fine, however a large number of those who do this are not members of the In-plant Printing and Mailing Association, the co-sponsor of In-Print. So, in effect, they’ve long been enjoying one of the perks of IPMA membership (free entries) without paying a dime. Since the winners’ plaques are quite expensive, IPG and IPMA have had to bear those expenses for non-members who submit only free entries, as well as the costs associated with judging the contest.

Starting next year, IPMA members will continue to get three free entries in the contest, but each additional entry will now cost $30. Non-members will pay $100 for each entry, but will have the opportunity to join IPMA for $300 and enjoy discounted member rates.

Despite the increase, In-Print is still the best deal around, as far as national printing competitions go. The Gold Ink Awards (sponsored by NAPCO, IPG’s parent company) cost $135 for one entry and $120 each for two to five entries. To enter PIA/GATF’s Premier Print Awards, nonmembers must fork out $188 an entry. Our new fees will be much more in line with national competitions like these.

Watch for the entry form in an upcoming issue, and in the mean time, start saving samples of your best work.

More info: http://www.ipgonline.com/docs/contest.bsp