(Editor’s Note: PPAI’s annual Pyramid Awards, sponsored by Pacesetter Awards Co., honor creative excellence in the promotional products industry and the outstanding promotions, creative campaigns and exceptional craftsmanship of Association members. The 2024 Pyramid Awards are still accepting submissions.)

Each year, PPAI honors the hard work and talent of individuals and their companies. We celebrate your exceptional projects and ideas and demonstrate how they better the promotional product marketplace.

There are four categories to enter: client programs, marketing programs, technology programs and supplier decorating. There’s something for every PPAI member, and you can submit as many times as you like. We’ve extended the deadline to Friday, May 26.

If you hustled to make our first deadline, thank you. Feel free to submit another program or campaign. One Pyramid Award winner says it’s confirmation of a job well-done.

Hillary Feder, MAS, president of distributor Ask Hillary’s, says, “It reinforces from the ‘outside’ that the work we are doing is first class. It says the work we did fit the client’s needs (their goals and objectives), was creative and gives our work credibility.”

Ask Hillary’s (PPAI 238444) struck gold when construction company Greiner requested a brand refresh. The project revamped the company’s logo and companion graphics to a tagline, website redesign and branded products to promote the updated look and company vibe and its marketing. It began in January 2020 and launched fully in September 2021.

Although the scope and length of the project surpassed initial expectations, the client was pleased with the insights in the market, as well as the range of functional promotional products that reflect the brand in memorable ways, from hard hats and notebooks to a snack gift box and portable speaker.

The distributor won a Gold Pyramid in the Client Programs: Consumer category with “Constructing A Brand Refresh.” Feder says her team focused on the new brand’s usability.

“[That means figuring] how that new logo/icon plays out on everything, from a small Bluetooth speaker to a large piece for a trade show booth to their uniforms/apparel. How will the colors they are selecting play out on the product? Will the product itself be available in the colors they are focused on? A lot of our clients use higher end methods (deboss, laser engrave) where there is ‘“no color’” associated with the customization,” Feder says.

When it came to choosing the products, it was all about understanding the client’s industry and end recipients. Feder says, “You need a deep understanding of the moments/events that the client will turn to branded product to create and support.”

The 2024 Pyramid Award competition is accepting entries through May 26. To enter the competition, go to www.ppai.org/pyramid. If you need assistance, email awards@ppai.org.