Pewaukee, Wis. – The Great Lakes Graphics Association (GLGA) will hold a virtual Graphics Excellence Awards (GEAs) Celebration on Wednesday, September 23, 2020.

The Virtual Celebration is the culmination of the annual GEAs competition, which recognizes companies throughout Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin for superb craftsmanship in the design, creation and production of outstanding printed projects they produce for their customers. The free live-streaming event will be held on the afternoon of the 23rd so more members of the winning companies can participate and share in the accolades.

The GEAs competition was judged over two days in March 2020 shortly before the pandemic outbreak became widespread. The contenders were evaluated by a panel of outside graphics experts, who collectively have more than 80 years of print, finishing and converting experience.

The exceptional entries represented a full spectrum of printing and finishing processes, from sheetfed and web to digital, lithography and flexo. Competitors could show their skills in 100 categories including postpress and finishing techniques such as embossing, die cutting, folding, and binding; specialty and large format printing; packaging and labels; environmentally sound materials; special innovations; and products such as books, calendars, and posters.

The Celebration usually is held simultaneously at locations in Illinois and Wisconsin in May. However, out of concern for the health and safety of the attendees, the in-person events had to be first postponed and then ultimately cancelled. In moving the Celebration to an online live event, these exceptional pieces finally will receive their well-deserved recognition.

Joseph Lyman, president of GLGA, is extremely proud of the quality of work submitted in the 2020 GEAs competition and the results it produced. “As one of the largest regional graphic competitions in North America with more than 550 submissions representing 62 companies, the GEAs are one of most recognized programs GLGA manages throughout the year,” Lyman said.

This year, 89 percent of companies submitting projects won either a Gutenberg (Best of Category) or a Best of Division award. “This has been one of our best years ever in demonstrating the high level of parity there is among printers, finishers and converters located throughout Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin,” Lyman said. “We are extremely proud to represent such outstanding print organizations.”

At the September 23 Virtual Celebration, the Best of Category and Best of Division winners will be honored. In addition, the highly anticipated Best of Show, Runner-Ups, and Best of States will be announced. These have been a tightly guarded secret since the judges made their selections in March..

To register for the GEAs Virtual Celebration, visit www.glga.info.