Entries are now open to find the best commercial holography applications with nominations being welcomed for the 2021 industry awards.

The awards are organized by industry trade body International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA) and will be presented this year as part of the Holography Conference, which takes place online November 17-18.

Involving delegates from hologram suppliers, manufacturers and users from across the world, the awards recognize outstanding achievement and mark out those who have been at the forefront of the sector. Specifically, they reflect innovative or commercially viable hologram products or techniques that have been introduced or launched in the last 12 months.

Any company or individual is eligible to enter – not only IHMA members – and the award categories cover innovations for the best in holographic technology, origination, display or emerging technology applications, applied security and decorative/packaging products.

The closing date for applications will be September 30 and covers commercial projects produced after August 1, 2020. The nominations are judged by the IHMA Board.

In addition to the winners of these categories, the new online format for the presentation awards will an additional category – the so-called “People’s Choice,” with delegates voting for their favorite nomination during the Holography Conference. This, along with the other winners, will be announced and presented during a special virtual awards ceremony at the end of the conference.

Dr. Paul Dunn, IHMA chairman, said: “The awards celebrate the best in holographic achievement and the many pioneering innovations that emerge each year. Creativity, skill and design excellence will undoubtedly be to fore in this year’s crop of entries, reinforcing holography’s ongoing success and growth as one of the most versatile and cost-effective authentication devices and retail packaging and foil enhancements.”

Nominations are taking place at www.ihma.org and should be accompanied by a video of the nominated technology or product (the videos for all nominations will be showcased during the Holography Conference). Details of past winners also can be found at www.ihma.org.