Printing Industries Alliance (PIA) has scheduled its annual Franklin Event for Wednesday, September 29, 2010 (5:30-10:00 pm) at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers, New York City.

The popular gala, attended last year by more than 500 CEOs and senior executive decision makers from the printing, publishing, advertising and graphic arts sectors and sponsored by 33 companies, will feature recipients for a Franklin Award for Distinguished Service, Power of Communications Awards, and a John Peter Zenger Medal.  Names of this year’s honorees are expected to be announced shortly.

“Franklin is the ultimate networking opportunity around for anyone wishing to meet the movers and shakers inside of our industry,” noted Franklin Event Chair Cheryl Kahanec (Sandy Alexander, Inc.)  “In addition to it being a fun evening, it opens doors to immediate contacts that will directly bolster your business in today’s challenging economy.”

“Early bird” pricing is in effect again for firms wishing to sponsor the Event. Sign up by July 2 and get a discounted rate. Platinum sponsorships (reserved table of ten seats), normally $5,000 will be $4,000 and Gold sponsorships (reserved table of five seats), normally $2,500 will be $2,000. Individual tickets are $350. Sponsors receive prominent mention in the Association’s extensive pre and post-event media campaign and on its website, printed program, and venue signage. Final deadline for all sponsorships is September 3.

Nominations for the John Peter Zenger Medal, which are open to all graphic communications firms within New York State, northern New Jersey and northwestern Pennsylvania, must be submitted by May 30. Neither the nominator nor the nominee need be a PIA member, but the nominee’s workplace must be located within the association’s trade territory. This award is not based on title or position and is specifically designed to recognize an employee at any level who meets the Medal’s selection criteria.

The Zenger Medal offers a unique opportunity to honor someone you know who normally is not recognized for their public good deeds “outside” to be so honored “inside” by his or her professional colleagues.