The PRINTING United Alliance Pinnacle Awards, which recognizes manufacturers who push the boundaries in quality, performance, and productivity in three different categories (output devices, non-output devices, and technology), has extended its deadline until May 9 giving more time for companies to share their excellence.

To find out more about the Pinnacle Awards, we caught up with Joe Marin, senior vice president of Member Services at PRINTING United Alliance.

Printing Impressions (PI): What industries can benefit from the innovations recognized in the Pinnacle Awards?

Joe Marin: Honestly, it's a pretty wide range. These awards highlight tech and products that impact everything from commercial print shops to high-end packaging lines. If you're in wide-format or screen printing, there's a ton of cool innovation happening there — things like faster output, better color, or smarter automation. Textile printing folks also benefit, especially with all the advances in digital fabric printing. It’s helping designers get way more creative. Packaging is also a huge area with all the sustainability and customization trends, those innovations can really give brands a leg up.

Related story: Pinnacle Awards Deadline Extended to May 9th!

So, whether you're printing signage, shirts, books, or boxes — there’s something in it for almost every part of the industry.

PI: What are some key benefits that winners of the Pinnacle Awards receive?

Marin: First off, the bragging rights are real — it’s a big deal in the industry. Winning a Pinnacle Award says to the industry, “Hey, this product actually moves the needle.” You also get featured in the official Winners Gallery online, which gives you some great visibility right off the bat. There’s a lot of buzz around the PRINTING United Expo, and winning products are front and center — on the Winners Wall, in the event app … they make sure people notice. Plus, there’s a really nice digital badge you can use in marketing, on your booth, social media, wherever — it helps you stand out.

It’s not just about recognition — it opens up real conversations and opportunities with people you might not have reached otherwise.

PI: How does the Pinnacle Awards program help drive innovation in the printing industry?

Marin: I think the awards create a healthy pressure — in a good way. Companies know if they bring their A-game, it could be recognized on a big stage. It’s a great motivator. It pushes manufacturers and developers to think bigger and solve real problems in new ways.

And for everyone watching? It sets the bar. You see what’s possible, what’s next, and it sparks ideas even beyond the winners. Honestly, just flipping through the list of nominees can be inspiring. It gives you a sense of where the industry’s heading.

PI: Why might manufacturers, OEMs, and suppliers consider entering the Pinnacle Awards?

Marin: For one, it’s a solid third-party endorsement. If you’ve built something great, this gives you the platform to prove it. It’s also a marketing goldmine. Being able to say, “Hey, this is an award-winning product” — that sticks with people. You get exposure to decision-makers who are actively looking for the next big thing—it can lead to real sales and partnerships. From a team perspective ... it’s a great morale boost. Everyone who worked on the product feels that win.

The bottom line is: If you've made something you're proud of, this is a chance to let the whole industry know about it.

PI: How does the PRINTING United Expo feature and promote award-winning products?

Marin: The Expo does a great job spotlighting the winners. There’s a big Winners Wall right on the show floor—so you’re literally on display. The award winners are featured in a spotlight article in the November/December issue of the Journal, which reaches tens of thousands of readers. Winners are also featured inside the PRINTING United Expo show app, which is what a lot of attendees use to plan their time—so it's a great way to drive traffic to your booth. And honestly, when people see that Pinnacle Award badge at a booth, it’s like a magnet — it pulls them in. Everyone wants to know what the buzz is about.