PSI Academy Awards 2025: Nominations announced

Jury honours sustainable innovations in the promotional products industry

The distinguished jury of the PSI Academy Awards has announced the nominees for this year’s award for sustainable promotional products and campaigns. The panel selected a total of 39 exhibits and campaigns after thorough evaluation. These will now compete for the prizes.

The jury, consisting of proven experts, including Tanja Kliewe-Meyer (Head of Corporate Responsibility & Product Safety Brax – Leineweber GmbH & Co. KG), Prof. Claus-Christian Eckhardt (University of Leipzig), Petra Lassahn (Director PSI), Karsten Bleymehl (Managing Director Bleymehl & Partner) and other prominent figures, critically and constructively examined the promotional products and campaigns submitted during a one-day meeting.

Nils Bader, Director of Green Product Future Club and Chairman of the Jury, commented on the results: “The PSI Academy Awards jury brings together outstanding experts from the industry. Together, we recognise the most innovative and forward-looking achievements in the promotional products industry. As Chairman of the PSI Academy Awards jury, I am delighted with the outstanding achievements and innovations in the industry. The entries not only reflect an impressive level of creativity and technical expertise, but also the tireless commitment of all those involved to developing forward-looking solutions and sharing knowledge effectively.‘

Petra Lassahn, Director PSI and non-voting advisory member of the jury, adds: ’Each promotional product and campaign submitted was examined very closely by the jury. This led to some controversial discussions, which highlight the complexity and high standards of the evaluation process. In the end, the jury nominated 39 exhibits and campaigns that impressed with their sustainable and innovative approaches.”

The PSI Academy Awards are a further development of the PSI Sustainability Awards, as Petra Lassahn emphasises: ‘We are delighted that the awards have been revived – in a different form, with a new partner and adapted to today’s world and its requirements. Sustainability is an important issue for the entire industry and its customers.’

The new PSI Academy event format will take place for the first time on 11 September 2025 in the historic Gürzenich in the heart of Cologne’s old town. The PSI Academy combines training, awards and networking to create a unique industry gathering with a focus on sustainable innovations and forward-looking business practices in the promotional products industry. The grand finale will be a festive gala with the PSI Academy Awards ceremony in the Gürzenich’s Grand Ballroom.

The event concept comprises four pillars:

· PSI Academy Awards: The competition honours outstanding sustainable products, campaigns and companies and sets new standards in innovation, circular economy and social responsibility. Further information can be found at: https://www.psi-academy.com/de/awards

· PSI Academy Night: Starting at 7:30 p.m. on 11 September, the festive gala will take place at the Gürzenich, where the winners of the PSI Academy Awards will be announced and celebrated. Information about the gala is available at: https://www.psi-academy.com/de/night

· PSI Academy Conference: Starting at 10 a.m. on 11 September, participants can look forward to high-calibre presentations, workshops and panel discussions on topics such as sustainability, marketing and future trends in haptic advertising. The full programme is available at:
https://www.psi-academy.com/de/conference

· PSI Academy Expo: The exhibition will showcase the nominated and award-winning exhibits and cases, demonstrating the innovative strength and creativity of the industry. Details at:
https://www.psi-academy.com/de/expo

The PSI Academy Awards 2025 promise to significantly promote the sustainable transformation of the promotional products industry and provide innovative impetus for the future.

Important dates & facts:

• When & where: PSI Academy Conference & Night on 11 September 2025 at Gürzenich, Cologne (Martinstraße 29-37, 50667 Cologne)
• Tickets for the PSI Academy Conference & Awards Gala are available at:
  https://shop.psi-academy.com/reed_shop/PSINW25/Shop
• Nominated promotional products & campaigns: see appendix
• Jury composition: see appendix

About PSI

PSI is the leading European network for the promotional products industry with over 5,000 member companies. The PSI trade show is an integral part of the PSI network. Over three days, more than 11,000 promotional product distributors, finishers and agencies meet manufacturers and importers to find out about high-quality product highlights and numerous innovations in haptic advertising. With the PSI Academy, PSI will be providing new impetus for sustainable innovation, knowledge transfer and international networking in the industry in the application areas of promotional products, incentives and merchandising from 2025 onwards.

About RX

RX is committed to creating business for individuals, communities and organisations, including the European promotional products industry network PSI. By combining data and digital products, RX makes 400 events in 42 industries and 22 countries even more attractive. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analysis and decision tools for professional and business customers (www.rxglobal.com).