Complete Story
02/24/2026
2026 Print Week Celebrations
Get ready to celebrate the very best in print! Our Print Excellence Awards receptions are starting next week, and we can’t wait to gather across all four regions to spotlight the creativity, craftsmanship and innovation driving our industry forward.
Each event is all about bringing the print community together for a great night of recognition, connection, and celebration. From award-winning print pieces to honoring individuals who have made a lasting impact on our industry, these receptions are all about applauding exceptional work and the people behind it. Expect great energy, meaningful conversations and a shared appreciation for what makes print powerful.
Alongside honoring PEA contest winners, we're excited to pay tribute to distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to the print community. This week, we congratulate our Southern Region special awards recipients.
Since 1963, the Southern Region Printing Week Council, in collaboration with the Cincinnati Litho Club, has recognized a Printer of the Year. The nominee should be actively engaged in any field of the graphic arts industry, have at least 15 years of experience and have distinguished himself/herself with contributions to the industry. Additionally, the nominee should be involved in the community and/or civic affairs.
This year, we are pleased to announce Duff Arnold, Arnold Printing, as the 2026 Printer of the Year.
Duff Arnold is a third-generation leader of Arnold Printing, a Cincinnati-based printing company with more than a century of history. Founded in 1910 by his grandfather, Earl Arnold Sr., the company began as a small letterpress operation and has grown into a respected, full-service partner offering integrated design, print, and brand activation services.
Under Duff’s leadership, Arnold Printing embraced emerging technologies, expanded its service offerings, and made strategic investments that positioned the company for long-term success. Equally important to Duff was the company’s role as a trusted partner within the Cincinnati community. Arnold Printing has long supported cultural organizations, nonprofits, and businesses throughout the region, providing creative services and production support to numerous community-focused initiatives and prominent arts and cultural institutions.
Duff Arnold’s legacy stands as a testament to the power of generational leadership, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to strengthening both the printing industry and the community it serves.
The William Maxwell Award is given to a graphic arts organization that has distinguished itself in the manner of the city’s first printer, William Maxwell. The organization should be forward-thinking, a market leader, and recognizable for its industry and local community contributions. The recipient of the 39th William Maxwell Award is Western & Southern Financial Group.
The in-plant printing operation of Western & Southern Financial Group serves as a critical internal partner supporting the organization’s broad portfolio of financial services brands. Strategically aligned with corporate brand management and operational efficiency, the in-plant team provides high-quality print production, distribution, and process expertise to multiple business units across the enterprise.
The in-plant operation is also actively engaged within the broader print and graphic communications industry, maintaining strong relationships with regional trade associations and peer networks. This engagement ensures the team remains current with industry best practices, emerging technologies, and workforce development initiatives, benefiting both the organization and the profession as a whole.
Congratulations to Duff Arnold as well as Western & Southern Financial Group!
Southern Region
Thursday, March 5 | 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Celebrate Southern Region Print Excellence Awards winners, cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award, and help us honor the recipient of the 39th Maxwell Award. We’ll also unveil the 2026 Printer of the Year—an evening packed with recognition you won’t want to miss.
NEW LOCATION THIS YEAR: Rivers Edge at Newport Landing - 101 Riverboat Row, Newport, KY 41071
Directions to 101 Riverboat Row
Central Region
Thursday, March 12 | 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Join us in the Central Region as we recognize outstanding Print Excellence Awards winners and celebrate the recipient of the prestigious 2026 Franklinton Award. Your presence helps make this a memorable night of industry pride and achievement.
NEW LOCATION THIS YEAR: The Boat House at Confluence Park - 679 W. Spring St., Columbus, OH 43215
Northern Region
Thursday, March 19 | 6:00 – 9:00 pm
The Northern Region event delivers the perfect mix of celebration and recognition. Along with honoring Print Excellence Awards winners, we’ll induct a new member into the Hall of Distinction—making this one of the most anticipated nights of the year.
Location: Lakeside at Nuevo - 1000 E. 9th St., Cleveland, OH 44114
Michigan Region
Thursday, March 26 | 6:00 – 9:00 pm
Join us in Michigan to celebrate Print Excellence Awards winners and explore the gold, silver, and bronze-winning pieces. We’ll also reveal the Best of Region and People’s Choice Award recipients—showcasing the very best print has to offer. This year we will honor the inaugural recipient of the Benjamin Franklin Innovation Award to a member in the region who exemplifies a commitment to excellence through innovation within the printing and graphic communications industry.
NEW LOCATION THIS YEAR: Four Points by Sheraton Detroit Novi - 27000 S Karevich Dr, Novi, MI 48377
Book your room for Graphic Media Alliance Awards Michigan Reception
