The Pinnacle Awards honor the most innovative hardware, equipment, software, and substrates driving the future of the printing industry. If your product improves quality, capability, or productivity, this is your chance to gain industry-wide recognition.
The competition is for manufacturers, OEMs, and suppliers across three categories:
The Output Devices competition requires that entrants print out a provided two-page IT8 target for submission. The IT8 target is then measured using an X-Rite i1iO and Maxwell software. The IT8 measurements are totaled, and the winning recipient is the best in each subcategory. This competition is solely based on math.
The Non-Output Devices competition is an award for product improvements. On the site, once you choose a subcategory and complete information about the product being entered. For example: How does this product move our industry forward? What is the MSRP, and when was the product first manufactured/released? A panel of judges then reviews this information and selects the best of each subcategory.
The Technology competition (previously known as InterTech) evaluates the development of technologies predicted to significantly impact the commercial printing, digital textile, packaging, screen printing, wide format, or related industries. There are no subcategories in this competition, and entries are judged individually. Like the competition for non-output devices, entrants are asked to fill in information about the product being entered. Then, a panel of judges (not the same panel used for the non-output competition) decides which technologies should be awarded.
Award Recipients Benefit From…
Stand Out with Credibility & Distinction
Being named a Pinnacle Award winner instantly differentiates your product from the competition. This third-party endorsement signals to customers, partners, and media that your innovation truly moves the needle.
Amplify Your Brand Exposure
Winners are featured across PRINTING United Alliance platforms — from the Winners Gallery and press releases to PRINTING United Journal coverage and prominent positioning at the PRINTING United Expo.
Attract New Customers
Leverage the Pinnacle Award digital badge and recognition to build trust with prospects, accelerate lead generation, and open doors to new business. Prospective customers see the award as a benchmark of quality and performance, giving winners a competitive advantage in market conversations.
Connect with Industry Leaders
Your innovation won’t just be recognized — it will be showcased where industry decision-makers are actively seeking the next generation of solutions, fostering connections that can translate into tangible sales and partnerships.