Softvoyage founders Levy & Ringuet win W.H. Baxter Lifetime Achievement Award

Softvoyage founders Moise Levy and Steve Ringuet are this year’s recipients of the W.H. Baxter Lifetime Achievement Award, with Softvoyage COO Dan Langevin using the award presentation during Thursday’s Agents Choice Awards Gala to praise them for having “changed the landscape of travel technology.”

The award is presented each year at the Agents’ Choice Awards Gala, paying tribute to people who have made a lasting and positive impact on the travel industry, with Baxter Media executive editor Bob Mowat telling the Toronto audience that its winners have “improved professional standards in the industry, demonstrated successful innovation and entrepreneurial initiative and enhanced the industry’s standing with the general public.”

Past award winners have included Judd Buchanan; John Powell; John McKenna; David Hardouin; Bruce Hodge; Josef Ebner; Jean-Marc Eustache, Lina De Cesare and Philippe Sureau; Bruce Poon Tip; and Lucie Guillemette.

“Twenty-five years ago, I had the privilege of meeting two extraordinary individuals who forever changed my life, Moise Levy and Steve Ringuet,” Langevin told the audience.

“Their personal journey and partnership exemplify innovation, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. The mandate they embraced was simple yet transformative: to develop the best travel technology possible for airlines, tour operators, and travel agencies. For the past 25 years, this vision has been the focus and continues to guide the mission of Softvoyage with 100% certainty and dedication.”

Levy began his career in 1986, with Langevin stating that Levy crafted cutting-edge technology for tour operators using 386 processors, something that placed him well ahead of his time. Meanwhile, Ringuet was leveraging radio waves and rabbit-ear antennas to push databases, pioneering techniques in a pre-Internet world, Langevin continued.

“Together, they embody the true definition of pioneers, having effectively invented modern travel distribution as we know it today,” Langevin said. “They took a modest company based in Montreal and developed class-leading technology that is now globally recognized and admired, not just within Canada but across the world.

“Their partnership is as unique as it is powerful. While their thinking styles differ, they share an extraordinary alignment in their values and goals. Both are fathers to three sons, and for each of them, family remains a top priority. Over the years, I have had the honour of spending a lot of time with their families, witnessing firsthand their dedication as superb fathers. In Moise’s case, he extends his legacy as a proud grandfather, enriching his family’s lives with his wisdom and care.

“Softvoyage thrives not only because of their technical ingenuity but also due to their steadfast belief in investing in people. Employees don’t leave Softvoyage — they stay because Moise and Steve provide long-term opportunities, equipping their team with the tools and support needed to succeed.

“They are true leaders and visionaries who have created a platform where collaboration, creativity, and shared vision flourish.”

Langevin praised Levy and Ringuet as kind, humble, compassionate and fair, while also embodying the toughness and tenacity needed to lead.

“Their intelligence is truly exceptional, with IQs that verge on genius,” continued Langevin, who added he was proud to present the award.  “Yet, their humility and humanity remain at the core of their leadership. They have not only transformed an industry but have also inspired countless lives with their pioneering spirit, generosity, and vision. Their legacy will continue to serve as a beacon of excellence for generations to come.”

Upon receiving the award, Ringuet said he was “deeply honoured to be recognized” by travel industry peers, adding he was grateful for the “privilege of working with brilliant minds… Thank you for your belief in what we’re building together.”

Levy in turn said Softvoyage is committed to “providing the best possible” products and he and Ringuet were thankful for having won the award.

“We’re very proud to be here tonight, ” Levy stated.