Complete Story
03/04/2026
2026 Print Week Celebrations
Celebrating the very best in print! We will gather in the Michigan region tonight to spotlight the creativity, craftsmanship and innovation driving our industry forward.
The Print Week events are 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 a distinguished individual who has made significant contributions to the print community. This week, we will recognize Brad Thompson, Inland Press, a much respected, highly recognizable, and extremely knowledgeable individual from the Michigan Region as the inaugural Ben Franklin Innovation Award inductee.
As President and Chief Executive Officer of Detroit Legal News Company and Inland Press, Brad has spent more than four decades leading one of Michigan’s most historically significant and influential print and publishing organizations. A fifth-generation leader, he has guided the industry with a deep respect for tradition while continually reinvesting in innovation to ensure long-term relevance and strength. Founded in 1895, Inland Press has grown alongside the city of Detroit, serving factories, unions, civic institutions, and cultural organizations, and today remains the largest commercial printing operation in the city.
Brad’s leadership is distinguished by a rare blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and public policy engagement. Beginning his career as a systems analyst at Burroughs Corporation, he brought an early understanding of technology and data-driven thinking into the printing and publishing environment. Since joining Detroit Legal News in 1984, Brad has held numerous leadership roles, becoming Publisher in 1991, President and CEO in 1995, and Chairman in 2004.
Under Brad’s leadership, Inland Press has embraced innovation through investments in modern print technologies, data-driven workflows, and sustainable production practices. These initiatives have focused not only on reducing the company’s environmental footprint, but also on improving workplace ergonomics and productivity for employees. By blending union craftsmanship with operational efficiency and environmental responsibility, the company continues to evolve while honoring its roots. Brad’s forward-thinking approach ensures that innovation is not only technological, but cultural — empowering teams, strengthening communities, and positioning the organization for future generations.
As the fifth generation of his family to lead Detroit Legal News and Inland Press, he carries a profound sense of responsibility to give back to the industry and communities that have shaped his life and career. A perpetual optimist, Brad believes in assuming the best in people and working together with respect to achieve win-win outcomes. His guiding philosophy is simple yet powerful: be generous, and take care of your people.
Book your room for Graphic Media Alliance Awards Michigan Reception
2026 Print Week Celebrations
Tonight is the final stop on the GMA Print Week "world" tour. During this event, we will recognize the inaugural recipient of the Benjamin Franklin Innovation Award. This award recognizes exceptional leadership and forward-thinking contributions within the printing and graphic communications industry.
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