The Visual Media Association (VMA) has extended entries for the major categories of the 2026 National Print Awards until Friday 24 April, and is calling on Australia’s print community to recognise the local heroes across the industry.
The 41st National Print Awards will be held at the InterContinental Brisbane on Thursday 4 June 2026 and will bring together leaders from across the print, packaging, signage and visual communications sectors.
The extension applies to the Awards’ major categories, including Emerging Talent of the Year, Industry Woman of the Year, Industry Employee of the Year, Industry Supplier of the Year, Workplace Culture and Wellbeing Achievement, and Environmental Sustainability Achievement.
“The Majors are judged at the conclusion of the month by the VMA Board providing the highest level of recognition within the program, acknowledging individual achievement, business performance and initiatives that contribute to the broader development of the industry,” said Kellie Northwood, chief executive officer of the VMA.
Entries are assessed on demonstrated impact, with judges seeking submissions that are clearly communicated, well-evidenced and supported by relevant material, including images, video and supporting documentation.
“There are the local heroes across print businesses – from printers through to roles in prepress, estimating, customer service, scheduling, finishing, dispatch, installation and administration,” added Northwood.
Entries across the major categories may include sustainability initiatives from a business perspective, such as something you have implemented across energy or waste in your business, or a sustainable design you have developed for your customer.
Culture and Wellbeing in the workplace again can be recognised by a company program or work with your customers through community initiatives or employment pathways you have explored with gender equity programs or closing the gap initiatives.
Supplier of the year is an opportunity to nominate a supplier who has gone above and beyond to support your business, an unsung hero, a true business partner.
“Major awards nominations are about people, speaking honestly about what you do, how someone has shown up in your business or for your business, showing your team’s achievements or sharing initiatives – whether that’s a family day, a men’s shed partnership, a wellbeing program or something unique to your business,” Northwood explained.
In addition to national recognition, this year’s program includes a UK Print Industry study tour, which will be awarded to the Emerging Talent, Woman of Industry, and Employee of the Year winners. Together, the winners will form an Australian delegation travelling to the UK for a week-long professional development experience.
The delegation will attend The Print Show, held from 29 September to 1 October 2026 in the UK, marking its 10th anniversary as the UK’s leading print industry exhibition. The tour will also provide exposure to international best practice through delegation visits to key printers, suppliers and technology partners.
The National Print Awards are supported by Platinum Sponsors HP and Currie Group, alongside Gold sponsors Fujifilm, CMYKHub, Ball & Doggett, Plockmatic Group and Renz, Ricoh Australia, Konica Minolta, Spicers and Spectra, with media partner Print21 supporting the Printer of the Year Award.
National Print Awards major award categories remain open until 24 April. Finalists will be announced on 29 April.
For further information on the National Print Awards, click here.