Issue link: https://nbm.uberflip.com/i/1451361
G R A PH I C S - PR O.C O M 2 0 2 2 A P R I L G R A P H I C S P R O 8 7 not picked up as corporate awards have, according to Garcia. "Sports awards have declined, whereas resins seem to be hold- ing their own, and cups remain strong," she adds. "Corporate (crystal/glass) awards are growing, with a focus on unique and elegant." THE FUTURE OF RECOGNITION In this year to come, the awards industry experts feel enthusiastic. 2022 is lining up to be the best year in awards and recogni- tion since the beginning of the pandemic, Messerschmidt predicts. In a recent market survey JDS Industries conducted, dealers said they expect their corporate awards to grow in 2022. ey said their sport/ athletic awards are also expected to grow in 2022. Garcia says the future of the awards in- dustry is promising and encouraging; how- ever,she remains cautious about COVID variants. As more restrictions are lifted, Vitto believes it will be a good year for the awards industry, and potentially a great year if the port issues are resolved. "I'm no fortune teller, but I am con- tinually optimistic about the future of the awards and recognition market as well as other markets we serve," says Gross. "History has shown me that sublimation transfer truly performs well during a good economy or a bad economy. With wed- dings, sporting events, church gatherings, business functions, and other in-person events soon returning to some sort of nor- malcy, I believe the need for awards and recognition products will soar." GP JULIA SCHROEDER is a freelance writer based in Chi- cago, Illinois. Previously, she held the position of digital content editor for A&E magazine. She can be reached at hello@juliawritesforyou.com. 2022 is lining up to be the best year in awards and recognition since the beginning of the pandemic. Images courtesy JDS Industries. HOW MAIN STREET SHOPS CAN TAKE STEPS TOWARD SUSTAIN- ABILITY: http://gpro.link/sustain (Images above courtesy Marco Awards Group)