The 28th edition of the Fespa Awards targets printers and signmakers and last year received more than 200 entries from 30 countries.
Judges this year include screen print pioneer octogenarian Michel Caza, who worked with some of the world's most famous modern artists such as surrealist Dali and fellow Spaniard Miró.
Fespa head of events Duncan MacOwan said: “These awards are hugely relevant. It's an international event so hopefully Brexit won't reflect too much on the occasion.
“They also send a clear message to your team, your business and your clients – prospective and existing - that you have confidence and pride in the work you do.
“And if you are lucky enough to be shortlisted or win, your work goes on display in front of 20,000 people at the show in Munich next year and many more online."
Harwood King Printmakers in Newhaven, East Sussex, won the gold award in the Serigraphies and Fine Art category and Best in Show at the Fespa Awards 2018.
Director Quentin King said the award made staff feel more pride in their work and become more diligent in their problem solving.
“This has led to enhanced client satisfaction and additional confidence for new clients. As a team we are more determined to produce the best products using the latest techniques.”
Some 14 categories range from display and packaging on paper and board to display and packaging on plastic for POS. Others are posters and decals and printed labels.
One of the categories is the Young Star award, which can be entered by those aged 16 to 25 working as a junior employee, trainee or student in any print related discipline.
This year Fespa has introduced two sub-categories for the Young Star award: vocational trainee in digital or screen printing; and design student for digital or screen printing.
Some of the other categories are creative special effects of paper board and plastics, printed garments, roll-to-roll printed textiles, and glass, ceramic, metal and wood products.
In addition to the 14 categories, entrants will automatically be entered for two further awards. The People’s Choice award is selected by Fespa's online community from all entries while the Best in Show award is decided by the judges.
Early bird and Fespa member rates will be available for entries before 2 November 2018. After this date, entries will cost €50 (£44) per entry for members, €100 per entry for non-members and €15 for trainees and students.
