Judging Criteria

The NMMA Innovation Awards can be entered by marine suppliers who are introducing new products which meet the following criteria:

  • Have innovative distinction from other products currently manufactured in the marine industry
  • Have substantial modification or adaptation to the marine market if the product is an extension from a non-marine or general market
  • Provide benefit to the marine industry and/or consumer
  • Provide practicality of use
  • Are cost-effective

Furthermore, the products must qualify under these rules:

  • Product must be on display in its finished, sellable state at the time of the show at which it is entered.
  • Product must be sold and marketed or “shipping to market” at the time of the show at which it is entered or for sale to the public within 60 days after the end of the show. No concept products will be considered.
  • Product must not have been previously submitted for an Innovation Award at any other show.
  • Product cannot have been marketed or sold in the U.S. more than one year prior to being entered for an Innovation Award at any show.
  • Product displayed at MAATS or IBEX may enter the Innovation Awards at the following year’s Miami show only if the product category for which the product qualifies was not available at MAATS or IBEX. Similarly, products displayed at any other show can be entered provided the category was not available at the show where the product was displayed.