IPIA sets date for key networking event
More than 130 print professionals are expected to attend the IPIA Annual Networking Lunch on June 18th in Birmingham
The SMP Awards, which celebrates achievements in direct mail, will return to London in September, with the industry encouraged to enter before the deadline
Details of the 2025 edition of the Strategic Mail Performance (SMP) Awards have been announced, including the deadline for entries.
The awards show is designed to highlight ingenuity and creativity across the mailing and multichannel marketing sectors. Companies including mailing houses, printers, print managers, and agencies have been encouraged to enter the 2025 awards scheme, which is free of charge.
The winners will be announced at an evening of networking and entertainment on September 25th at The Steel Yard in London.
This year’s ceremony will be hosted by UK comedian, Hal Cruttenden, who has previously been featured on Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, and the Radio 4 sitcom, Hal.
Deadline for entries is August 22nd, with those interested in entering encouraged to submit through the SMP website. Winners will be chosen by a judging panel of industry professionals spanning a diverse range of sectors and specialisms.
Prizes are awarded in three core categories – the SMP Performance Award, rewarding outstanding campaign results and measurable ROI, a Sustainable Campaign Award recognising excellence in environmentally responsible production and execution, and the Bright Futures Award, which champions young and emerging talent under the age of 30.
Prizes for the Bright Futures Award will provided by the Data & Marketing Association (DMA) for the winner and three runners-up, with each winner able to choose either a tutor-led virtual masterclass or a self-study online course, both worth up to £549.
Lucy Swanston, chair of the SMP and managing director of Nutshell Creative, says: “Last year’s entries stood out for their strategic brilliance and real-world impact – backed by people whose talent and passion truly inspired.
“I’m looking forward to what this year will bring. If you have delivered something exceptional, now is the moment to share it – these awards are here to champion you.”
The 2024 event was hosted by comedian Ellie Taylor, who regaled the lively crowd with a set of stand-up comedy before presenting the awards.
Winners of the 2024 edition included Webmart, which won in all three core categories, as well as Paragon, Eight Group, and instantprint.
