Frank Romano, Emeritus Professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in the USA and author of over 40 books about print and publishing, has become the third Ipex 2010 'Champion in Print'. The organisers of the upcoming international global graphic arts event, has awarded Professor Romano with this accolade for his contribution to education in the print industry.
 
Frank Romano's career in print and publishing has spanned 50 years.  He has authored 46 books, including the Encyclopedia of Graphic Communications, the standard reference in the field, which he co-wrote with his son, Richard Romano. In addition to his roles as the current editor of EDSF Report and a columnist in WhatTheyThink.com, Professor Romano teaches at the RIT and other universities, and continues to write and deliver lectures about print technologies around the world.
 
Not only does Frank Romano write books about print; he also has a passion for rare books about the subject and owns a collection containing 2,000 volumes. The Emeritus Professor has an avid interest in period homes too, having spent a decade restoring a Victorian house in Boston, Massachusetts, in the USA, where he now lives. His other son, Robert, also works in the graphic arts industry as an illustrator.
Ipex 2010 Event Director, Trevor Crawford, said, "We are pleased to recognise Professor Romano as a 'Champion in Print' with this award. Many people have nominated him and it is easy to see why. For decades, he has played an important role in advancing knowledge of print both within and outside of the industry through his books, publications and appearances in consumer media. What's more, his work in educating the next generation will help to retain and widen the skills pool so that the industry can continue to recruit bright talent."
 
Professor Romano said, "I am delighted to receive this award. Print has survived many challenges in the past, and I believe that new technological developments will continue to offer many opportunities for printers to prosper in the future.
 
"Events such as Ipex form an important part of print education because they provide an ideal place to exchange ideas and discuss how developments in our industry will affect communications with a whole host of people in the industry. I am certainly looking forward to doing this at Ipex 2010 and seeing which direction our industry will take in the next few years."
 
The Ipex 2010 'Champions in Print' Awards were launched in April 2008 to honour individuals who have influenced and shaped the printing industry across the world. Winners are announced every quarter in the run-up to Ipex 2010, which will take place from 18th - 25th May at the NEC, Birmingham, UK. Indigo founder and industry pioneer Benny Landa, and J.K Rowling, author of the top-selling Harry Potter novels, won the two recent 'Champions in Print' awards.
 
To nominate a living person for the next 'Champions in Print' award, complete a nomination form on-line by visitingwww.ipex.org/cip. If a nominee hasn't been selected first time, he or she can be entered again. Entries must be supported by a brief summary of the nominee's achievements. The next winner will be announced in June.