Innovator Award
Hans "Ullee" Ulland Innovator of the Year Award
Individual recognitionCycle 2027
Honor someone whose career has advanced UV and LED UV printing — the generosity, craft and peer investment Hans Ulland embodied.
Nominations and entries open October 1, 2026.
Purpose
A signature honor in Hans's name
Hans Ulland was an innovator, educator, mentor, connector and tireless advocate for UV printing. Formalizing the Ullee Innovator of the Year preserves that legacy while recognizing individuals whose careers have moved the whole industry forward — not a single presentation, but a body of work.
Ullee blends Ulland with Lee— Hans’s family name joined with the maiden name of his wife, Kristin Lee — honoring the devotion that made the work possible.
Read the 2025 archive record or the living Hans Ulland tribute.
“Our vision was to create more than just another conference, but a cutting edge information exchange for the UV print industry where attendees bring immeasurable value to each other.”
What Stands Out
Six ways lasting impact shows up
Nominations should speak to one or more of these dimensions. The committee looks for the seriousness and generosity Hans brought to every conversation.
Innovation
Advancing UV or LED UV technology, applications or business models in ways the industry can build on.
Leadership
Guiding teams, companies or industry initiatives that raise the standard for UV printing.
Technical contributions
Deep technical work — press, ink, curing, finishing or workflow — that others can learn from.
Mentorship
Teaching, coaching and opening doors for the next generation of UV printers and suppliers.
Sustainability
Responsible UV adoption — efficiency, safer chemistry, waste reduction or durable print choices.
Industry service
Volunteer leadership, standards work, association service or community-building beyond one company.
How It Works
From nomination to the stage
01
Who can be nominated
Individuals who have materially advanced UV or LED UV printing through innovation, leadership, technical work, mentorship, sustainability or industry service. Peers, suppliers, printers — or a thoughtful self-nomination with supporting context.
02
Tell their story
Share the nominee’s contribution areas and a clear statement of lasting impact — the kind of body of work peers would recognize as moving the industry forward.
03
Committee review
A balanced awards committee scores nominations independently, then convenes to select the Innovator of the Year for this Print UV cycle.
04
Presented at Print UV
The recipient is recognized during Print UV 2027 — April 19–21, 2027 at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas.
Ready to nominate?
Nominations open October 1, 2026. You can preview the form now — when the window opens, you’ll already know exactly what to bring.
Recognition
What recipients receive
- Custom crystal award and certificate
- Recognition during the Print UV Conference
- Featured profile on the Print UV website
- Press release and social media recognition
You are here
October 2026
Competition opens
Innovator nominations and Excellence entries open for the Print UV 2027 cycle.
January 2027
Entry deadline
Final day to submit Innovator nominations and Excellence entries.
February 2027
Judging
Independent scoring and panel review across both award programs.
March 2027
Recipients notified
Finalists and recipients receive notification ahead of the conference.
April 2027
Awards at Print UV
Presentation and Excellence Gallery at Print UV 2027 — April 19–21, 2027 at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas.
Stay Close
Hear when nominations open
Nominations for the 2027 Innovator of the Year cycle open October 1, 2026. Join the updates list for reminders and program news.