You work so hard and deserve to be rewarded for your packaging innovations. Winning a prestigious AmeriStar award could earn you industry recognition—as well as ammunition for gaining attention and support from decision makers and purse-string holders for future ideas.

But, to borrow a tagline from the lottery, you can’t win if you don’t play. And time is running out for you to enter. The deadline is March 3.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: On Fri., Feb. 28, IoPP extended the entry deadline to March 17 "because you deserve more time to make sure your innovative work doesn't go unnoticed!"]

Entries are submitted online and, for the first time, will be judged in an efficient and carbon-footprint-saving online process.

As one of the most well-rounded global packaging competitions, the AmeriStar Package Awards program directs judges to assess the developments on six criteria: Innovation, Package Performance, Marketing, Environmental Impact, Product Protection and Economics. Winners are eligible to enter the World Packaging Organisation WorldStar program.

AmeriStar winners are touted throughout the year in various outlets, including Packaging Digest, and are showcased at packaging-related events owned and organized by our parent company UBM Canon: EastPack, SouthPack and WestPack.

AmeriStar awards will be presented at a gala ceremony at EastPack in New York City, June 10-14, along with the 2014 Visionary Awards from Packaging Digest and Pharmaceutical & Medical Packaging News. More information about the 2014 Visionary Awards program will be available soon.

Submit your AmeriStar entries here.