Help shape APEN's refreshed logo

Following strong member support for exploring a refreshed logo, APEN is inviting members to submit their own design ideas to help shape the organisation's visual identity.

Thank you to everyone who shared their views in APEN's recent logo poll.

The responses strongly favoured a refresh, but not change for its own sake. In all, 57 of 66 respondents (86%) answered "Yes" to "Should we refresh the APEN logo?".

Given this clear response, the process of developing an updated logo that still holds true to the organisation's history and values is now underway.

But here's the exciting part: you get to have a say in the future evolution of the logo.

We are inviting you to submit your own logo design ideas. You don't have to be a designer or the creative type. If you simply have an idea for what the logo could look like, we'd love to see your concepts.

Submissions close Monday 16 November 2026.

Your submission

When creating your refresh of the current APEN logo, please keep these guidelines in mind:

use the existing colour palette (deep aqua and terracotta), but feel free to include additional complementary colours
your logo should be suitable to use on small items like shirts or name tags, as well as for use on our website, social media, resources, documents and templates
you can submit more than one design, for example, portrait, landscape, APEN spelt out in full or APEN abbreviated
you can utilise AI in the development of the image; APEN will engage a professional designer for the development of the new logo. However, please note we are looking for both originality and connection to APEN's history and values as part of the assessment criteria
you should be guided by the values of APEN:
- Integrity: We consistently operate in an authentic, honest and ethical manner
- Collaboration: We work with others to achieve positive outcomes
- Diversity: We include and represent a diverse range of people, industries and sectors
- Professionalism: We demonstrate competence, reliability, respect and accountability
- Connectedness: We bring people together and facilitate positive and productive relationships
keep a connection to APEN's identity. History should be factored in and considered when creating the refreshed logo
but most of all, keep it simple, identifiable and easy to use.

Your entry

As well as an image file (you don't need to be a design superstar, napkin sketches accepted!), please include max 200 words explaining the significance of your design/colours.

Submissions should be sent to info@apen.org.au by Monday 16 November 2026 with "Logo refresh" in the subject line.

Prize

The winning entry/entries will receive recognition from APEN, via our communication channels.

Judging criteria

The aim is to assess each submission fairly, consistently and against what the organisation needs from its refreshed logo.

The following five criteria will be used to assess each entry (image, with 200 word explanation):

Relevance to APEN: Does the logo reflect APEN's purpose, values, identity, role and history in agricultural extension?
Creativity and originality: Is the design distinctive, memorable and creative? Does it offer a fresh take on APEN's identity?
Visual appeal: Is the logo visually balanced, clear and professional? Do the colours, typography and overall design work well together? Have the original APEN colours been included in the design?
Versatility and usability: Will the logo work across different formats, including websites, social media, presentations, print materials and merchandise? Is it still recognisable at small sizes? Keep in mind a professional designer needs to be able to develop a range of options (for example, vertical and horizontal formats, and associated graphics) from the design.
Broad member appeal: Does the logo have the potential to resonate with APEN's diverse membership and represent the organisation into the future?

The winning design

A sub-committee from the APEN Communications Committee will assess each submission against five criteria: relevance to APEN, creativity and originality, visual appeal, versatility and usability, and broad member appeal. This sub-committee will provide 3 options to the Communications Committee who will then make a recommendation to the APEN Board.

FAQs

1. Who can submit a logo design?

APEN members only are invited to submit their ideas. You don't need to be a professional designer. We welcome everyone, including those who have a rough sketch or a simple idea they'd like to share. But remember to include some text explaining your idea.

2. What should my design include?

Your design should build on APEN's existing identity and be guided by the organisation's history and values. Please use APEN's existing colour palette, although you can introduce complementary colours. Most importantly, keep it simple, recognisable and easy to use across different formats. See guidelines and judging criteria for more detail.

3. What are the current APEN colour codes?

APEN's primary colours are deep aqua (PMS 3165C / #004f59 / R0, G79, B89) and terracotta (PMS 1595C / #d86018 / R216, G96, B24). Please remember we're not expecting a full design file! You can use an approximation of these colours if you are unable to use the exact values.

4. What if my design is only a rough idea?

That's absolutely fine. You don't need to create a finished logo. A sketch or concept that communicates your idea, along with a short explanation, is a great place to start.

5. Can I use AI?

You can use AI in the development of your submission image. APEN will utilise the services of a professional designer, to ensure the investment in a new logo meets the organisation's needs.

6. What file format should I submit?

Please include an image file of your design. Rough sketches are also welcome. If you have a digital version, you can include that too. Remember to include your explainer text as well.

7. Do I need to explain my design?

Yes. Please include a maximum 200-word explanation outlining the thinking behind your design, including the significance of any colours, shapes, symbols or other elements.

8. How will the submissions be assessed?

9. Is there a prize?

Bragging rights! The winning entry/entries will receive recognition from APEN, via our communication channels.

10. Will the winning design be used exactly as submitted?

Not necessarily. The selected concept/s will provide the foundation for APEN's refreshed logo. Once a winning design has been selected, a professional designer will be briefed to develop the concept into a finished logo, including creating the required files and versions for use across APEN's website, social media, publications, presentations, merchandise and other materials.

This process may involve refining elements of the design/s to ensure it is clear, consistent and practical across different formats, while retaining the key ideas and intent behind the original submission.

This process may also involve combining ideas/concepts from more than one submission.

11. When and how do I submit my design?

Email your design and accompanying explanation to info@apen.org.au by Monday 16 November 2026. Please use Logo refresh as the email subject line.

12. When will we see the new logo?

Entries close on Monday 16 November 2026. We expect to announce the winning design/s in late November 2026. The committee will then brief a professional designer to develop the final logo.

13. What if I have questions or am unsure about anything?

Please email your questions to info@apen.org.au.

Terms and conditions

The Winning Entrant/s hereby assigns to APEN the title to all Intellectual Property rights derived from the Entry Material.
The Winning Entrant/s shall deliver all Entry Material to APEN and shall ensure that the Entry Material is used, copied, supplied or reproduced only for the purposes of the Competition.
Without limiting clause 1, the Entrant assigns to APEN, upon creation, the entire copyright in the Entry Material.
During and after the Competition, and at the request of APEN, the Entrant must execute any documents and take such action (and must ensure that any of its employees or contributors executes such documents and takes such action) as APEN considers necessary or desirable to:
1. assist or allow APEN to perfect, enforce, assert or defend its interest in and rights to use, reproduce, publish, perform, exhibit, transmit, communicate or adapt the copyright in the Entry Material; or
2. generally, give effect to clause 3.

Defined terms

APEN means Australasia-Pacific Extension Network Ltd. ACN: 622 357 144

Competition means the 2026 logo refresh competition conducted by APEN.

Competition Rules means the rules, terms and conditions governing the Competition, including this Agreement.

Entrant means the individual or group of individuals who submit an Entry to the Competition.

Entry means a submission made by an Entrant to the Competition.

Entry Material means all material in any form created by or on behalf of the Entrant and included in or submitted with the Entry, including text, images, designs, graphics, audio, video, data, and any drafts, working files or source files.

Winning Entry (or Entries) means an Entry selected by APEN as a winner/s in accordance with the Competition Rules.

Intellectual Property means all intellectual property rights anywhere in the world, whether registered or unregistered, including copyright, rights in designs, trade marks, patents, confidential information, and all rights to apply for or register any of them.