As the show is set to open its doors at New York's Jacob Javits Convention Center on September 9, the organizers request that entries for the competition are received by June 20. The event provides a platform for some of the most innovative and inspiring packaging in an industry that relies on eye-catching packaging to make products stand out on increasingly crowded store shelves. With an entry fee of $250, personal care packaging designs that have been launched anywhere in the world between June 1 2007 and May 30 2008 are elgible for entry to the competition. The organizers also stress that any type of business can take part, including designers, suppliers and marketing companies, both large and small. There are a total of nine categories, which include:
- Cosmetic - Mass
- Cosmetic - Prestige
- Fragrance - Mass
- Fragrance - Prestige
- Skin Care - Mass
- Skin Care - Prestige
- Personal Care - Mass
- Personal Care - Prestige
- Green Packaging
HBA says that packaging will be judged according to criteria that will discern originality, design concept, creative use of new materials, components and decorating processes, technical competency and effective brand messaging. The finalists in each of the categories will have their packaging designs prominently displayed at the HBA expo showfloor on the IPDA booth, while an awards ceremony will take place on the evening of September 9.