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 | Design. Print. Make., as the 2026 Printer of the Year.
Duff Arnold is a third-generation leader of Arnold | Design. Print. Make., a Cincinnati-based print and brand solutions 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 evolved into a respected, full-service partner offering integrated design, print, and brand activation services.
A graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, Duff earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing in 1979. He is also a proud alumnus of Archbishop McNicholas High School, Class of 1974. After completing his education, Duff joined the family business in the late 1970s, working alongside his brother Tim to guide Arnold through a period of significant growth and transformation.
Under Duff’s leadership, Arnold Printing embraced new technologies, expanded its service offerings, and made strategic investments that positioned the company for long-term success. In 2020, the organization formally rebranded as Arnold | Design. Print. Make. to reflect its evolution beyond traditional print and its commitment to helping clients bring ideas to life through thoughtful design and high-quality production.
Beyond business growth, Duff has helped shape Arnold’s role as a trusted partner to cultural organizations, nonprofits, and businesses throughout the Cincinnati region. The company has supported numerous community-focused initiatives through creative services and production support, including work with prominent arts and cultural institutions. Arnold’s century-long presence in the region reflects a deep commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and community impact.
Duff Arnold’s career stands as a testament to the power of generational leadership, adaptability, and a continued dedication to strengthening both the printing industry and the local 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.
Designed to function as more than a traditional print shop, the operation focuses on remaining an indispensable business partner by supporting brand consistency, speed to market, data security, and cost control. The team plays a key role in executing regulated communications, customer materials, and internal collateral while adapting to evolving production technologies and enterprise needs.
In support of long-term growth and modernization, Western & Southern invested in the relocation and expansion of its in-plant facility, including the addition of high-speed inkjet production presses. These investments enhanced capacity, improved turnaround times, and positioned the operation to support higher volumes and more complex communication requirements, while maintaining tight control over quality and compliance. This forward-looking approach reflects Western & Southern’s commitment to operational excellence and continuous improvement.
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
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