In-Print 2019 Contest Judging is Monday

Despite extending the entry deadline for In-Print 2019, the only printing contest exclusively for in-plants, the entry total dropped this year to 391 from well over 400 last year. (Some in-plants that have traditionally entered dozens of pieces apparently cut back this year.) On Monday, those entries will be judged for their print quality.

In-plant Impressions and the In-plant Printing and Mailing Association (IPMA), which are partners in the In-Print 2019 contest, are hosting the judging in Kearney, Mo., inside IPMA's headquarters. This year's judges will be:

• Chris Donlon, Kohler Co.
• John Yerger, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
• Curt Hastings, Illinois Farm Bureau
• Carol Rosso, Bemis, Mfg.
• Jimmy Robinson, University of West Alabama

To make their decisions, the judges will consider not only quality, but the degree of difficulty required to print a job. They often consult the entry forms to see which equipment was used. They will scrutinize is the folds on entries for cracking and to make sure both halves of the sheet line up perfectly. Color variation of logos or tabs from page to page, is another red flag they will watch out for.

For each category they will select Gold, Silver and Bronze winners, depending on how many entries were in that category (e.g., in a category with only six entries, just a Gold winner will be selected; with 30 entries there may be Gold, Silver and multiple Bronze winners).

IPI Editor Bob Neubauer and IPMA Executive Director Mike Loyd will oversee the process, and long-time IPMA member Larry Clements will photograph the winners and serve as an extra judge when required.

To get an inside peek at the judging — and an early glimpse of some of the winners — check IPI's Facebook page throughout the day on Monday, March 18: www.facebook.com/InPlantImpressions. If you're on Twitter, follow @IP_Impressions.