(Editor’s Note: PPAI’s annual Pyramid Awards, sponsored by Pacesetter Awards Co., honor creative excellence in the promotional products industry and the outstanding promotions, creative campaigns and exceptional craftsmanship of Association members. The 2023 Pyramid Awards are now accepting submissions.)
PPB Newslink is sharing the stories of several 2022 Pyramid Award winners to highlight their accomplishments and to learn more about what it means to secure a PPAI Pyramid win. This issue spotlights the 2022 Gold Pyramid Award won in the Supplier Decorating: Casting/Molding category by supplier Pinnacle Designs (PPAI 112704, S6). Submissions for the 2023 Pyramid Awards are open through May 14.
This was not San Fernando, California-based Pinnacle Designs’ first time participating in the awards and that past experience guiding its entry process. “Take your time and select an item you are most proud of and that demonstrates your best work and, if possible, shows your unique abilities,” says David Messe, Pinnacle Designs president. “Also, put some thought into answering the questions on the submission application. Add as much case history as possible and tell an interesting story about the production and how the end user used the item.”
In its Pyramid entry, “Los Angeles Lakers NBA Championship Ring Paperweight,” Pinnacle Designs was tasked with duplicating the Los Angeles Lakers NBA Championship Ring as a 3″ x 3″ x 3″ paperweight that would be given as gifts to season ticket holders in celebration of the team’s 2020 NBA Finals win. The actual rings presented players had more than 800 stones set into them. Pinnacle Design modified the design so that it included 402 stones and used some iridescent color fill to replace the custom purple stones used in the actual rings. The order still required the company to purchase 2.8 million acrylic stones and it spent 29 days setting them into the paperweights.
The NBA Championship Ring project required a lot of technical expertise, time and planning from the supplier, all of which played a part in Pinnacle Designs choice to submit in the awards program. Messe says, “We asked our team to gather the items they were most proud of and then reviewed and discussed which showed our best work. The Los Angeles Lakers 2020 Championship Ring replica paperweight stood out as the obvious choice.”
The Pyramid Award shines further light on a complex, unique commission and Pinnacle Designs’ capabilities. Showcasing it in the supplier’s marketing and sales efforts is the natural choice.
“We highlight the award on our website, show it at every opportunity during virtual meetings, in person events and shows, and have added the graphics to our signature line throughout the company,” says Messe. “Basically, we brag about it as often as possible. Our reps across the country have a sample to show during their presentations and also highlight the winning of the Golden Pyramid. Distributors do take notice and are impressed when we inform them that we won the Die Casting category.”
The 2023 Pyramid Award competition is accepting entries through May 14. For more information and to enter the competition, go to www.ppai.org/pyramid. If you need assistance or have additional questions email awards@ppai.org.
