(September 30, 2008) The organisers of Ipex 2010 have announced Indigo founder and industry pioneer Benny Landa as the first winner of its international 'Champions in Print Awards'. The award honours Mr Landa, who has spearheaded the development of digital offset colour printing technologies, for his remarkable contribution to the graphic arts industry.
 
Until Indigo's acquisition by HP in 2002, Mr Landa served as Indigo's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and managed the firm since its inception more than 30 years ago. Mr Landa has been awarded numerous prestigious awards as well over 500 patents worldwide, making him one of the industry's most prolific inventors. Today, Landa continues working as a leading high tech entrepreneur as well as strategic adviser to HP.
 
Comments Benny Landa: "I am delighted to accept this award, not only on my behalf but also on behalf of my Indigo colleagues whose faith, commitment and creativity spawned the birth of the digital printing industry. Fifteen years ago, at Ipex '93, Indigo launched the world's first digital offset colour printing press and shook the industry. We declared that 'Everything that can become digital will become digital – and printing is no exception.' Understandably, back then there were many sceptics. Today, there are none. For me, that's the biggest thrill of all.
 
"Digital printing is now acknowledged as the driving force behind the industry's transformation. It's clear to everyone that it's not just the way of the future but also the way of the present. Today, commercial printers are embracing digital printing at an amazing rate, making it the industry's main growth engine. The very thought that the company that I founded, now HP-Indigo, is leading this revolution still sends chills down my spine."
 
Ipex 2010 recently introduced the 'Champions in Print Awards' to acknowledge individuals who have influenced the printing industry across the world. Every quarter, the Ipex Advisory Committee (IAC) debates the nominations from anyone working in the industry and announces a winner for that period - amounting to ten 'Champions in Print' in the run up to Ipex 2010.
 
Ipex 2010 Event Director, Trevor Crawford comments: "We're extremely pleased to recognise Mr Landa's outstanding contribution to the graphic arts world and would like to congratulate him for becoming the first 'Champion in Print'. Being a true industry pioneer, his work and passion has been an inspiration.
 
"The industry has been very enthusiastic about the introduction of the Awards and we've been delighted with the numbers of nominations received so far. We're looking forward to the next round of voting and are confident that nominations will continue flooding in as the initiative gains momentum."
 
Voting polls are now open for nominating the second 'Champion in Print' which will be announced in December. If a nominee hasn't been picked first time, he or she can be entered again. Participants can complete a nomination form, available in multiple languages, on-line on www.ipex.org via the special 'Champions in Print' section. Entries must be supported by a brief summary of the nominee's achievements.