Celebrating 60 Diamond Years of Print Brilliance

Since 1966, the PICA Awards have “caught excellence” by recognizing the Best of the Best in the printing industry. That first year, 27 companies were honored across 22 categories, beginning a legacy that has grown into the premier print competition in the Carolinas.

This year, the PICA Awards mark their 60th Diamond Anniversary—a milestone that celebrates not only six decades of honoring outstanding print but also the brilliance, resilience, and creativity of our industry.

Like a diamond, the PICA Awards are a cut above—showcasing work that transforms imagination into brilliance, and shining a light on the innovators who push boundaries, elevate quality, and define excellence.

A Tradition of Brilliance

From Announcements and Invitations to Annual Reports, Packaging, Programs, Publications, Stationery, and much, much more, the PICA Awards challenge print shops of all sizes to submit their finest work to be evaluated against their peers. This tradition of healthy competition inspires companies to stay sharp, adopt the latest technologies, and continue raising the bar.

Winning a PICA Award—whether it’s a Best of Category, Special Judges’ Award, or Award of Excellence—is more than a trophy. It’s a powerful promotional tool that tells your customers: you are working with an award-winning printer committed to excellence.

Every Award, a Gem

Just as every diamond has its facets, each PICA Award represents a unique achievement:

Many award-winning printers share their success by presenting duplicate certificates or plaques to their customers, building loyalty and strengthening client partnerships.

The annual PICA Awards Banquet is where brilliance takes center stage. This year’s 60th Annual Banquet will be an unforgettable evening of legends, legacy, and luster as the industry gathers to celebrate excellence, honor winners, and reveal the coveted Best of Show.
Date: April 18, 2026

Location: Hilton University, Charlotte, NC
Who will claim the crown jewel?

For six decades, the PICA Awards have honored the craft, creativity, and innovation that make our industry shine. Thank you for keeping the print legacy brilliant—and for being part of this diamond milestone in PICA history.