2020 Theme “Mail Matters” focuses on the value of tactile marketing in an omnichannel world

Reston, Va. – The Association for Print Technologies (APTech) in partnership with Konica Minolta, announces today its call for entries for the 12th Annual Student Design Competition. This year’s challenge, “MAIL MATTERS,” focuses on the tactile component of marketing and the importance of personalization.

Well respected and frequently included in class curriculums, APTech’s Student Design Competition expands awareness and interest in the print industry and exposes the future workforce to print beyond theory. The competition encourages designers to go beyond digital renderings and showcase the use of printing enhancements to expand creativity and impact.

The theme was chosen to underscore the importance of tactile marketing; with strong studies showing that printed material offers a deeper level of involvement and response for a call-to-action. While the competition theme changes annually, the purpose of the Student Design Competition remains consistent: for the print industry to recognize the creativity and technical expertise of students around the country.

Award-winning mailers will be selected by a panel of industry judges who will evaluate the mailers based on the following judging criteria:

• Innovative (out-of-the-box thinking)
• Inspired (creative and original)
• Cohesive (design matches the personalized messaging)
• Engaging (strong call-to-action)
• Correct use of optional printing enhancements

In addition to industry exposure, students compete for six cash prizes and bragging rights. First place winners and their instructors will receive a travel stipend to attend Brand Print Americas 2020, September 15-17. Additionally, the first place students will receive an award of $2,000 presented during Brand Print Americas. Second place winners will be awarded $1,500, and the third place winners will receive $1,000.

All students who attend recognized secondary or post-secondary institutions in the continental United States, studying in a graphic communications, printing, advertising, graphic design and/or interactive media program may enter. Interested students can enter online at https://PRINTtechnologies.org/SDC.