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ABOUT

The Innovation Awards honor manufacturers and suppliers who bring new, innovative products to market for the recreational boating industry.

NMMA manages the program and partners with Boating Writers International (BWI) to provide knowledgeable and unbiased judges. Volunteer members of BWI (including editors, staff and freelance writers) bring a thorough working knowledge of boats and boating products, as well as general marine expertise, to the judging process.

Innovation Awards are presented at the Discover Boating® Minneapolis Boat Show® , Discover Boating® Miami International Boat Show® and International Boat Builders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX).

ELIGIBILITY

Marine manufactureres and authorized suppliers are invited to enter their new products that meet the following:

  • The entrant is a contracted exhibitor at the respective Show.
  • Boats entered are NMMA Certified at the time of entry.
  • The product is displayed in its finished, market-ready state at the Show — concept products and prototypes are not eligible.
  • The product is available for sale at the time of the Show, or will be within 60 days after.
  • The product has not been entered into an Innovation Awards program at another Show (Minneapolis, Miami, or IBEX).
  • The product has not been sold in the U.S. more than one year prior to entry into any Innovation Awards program.

JUDGING CRITERIA

Judges evaluate entry on:

  • Innovation and differentiation from products currently on the market.
  • Substantial adaptation to the marine market, if the product is derived from a non-marine application.
  • Meaningful refinement or advancement within its boat-specific category.
  • Clear benefit to the marine industry and/or consumer.
  • Practical application and usability.
  • Cost-effective value.

 

HOW TO ENTER

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Review the eligibility requirements above before starting your entry.

Step 2: Complete Your Entry

  • Submit the online entry form.

  • Upload required materials: product photo, company logo, and product video.

  • Submit payment.

Entry Fee: NMMA Member: $450 per product, Non-Member: $550 per product

Fees are non-refundable after the program entry deadline.

Entries received after the published deadline will not be accepted. Deadlines fall approximately one month before each Show — check the program's Rules & Regulations for exact dates.

Step 3: Judging & Onsite Product Demonstration

Judges review entries before the Show opens, then conduct onsite evaluations roughly two days before the Show begins. A company representative must be available to present the product, demonstrate its innovative features, and answer the judging panel's technical questions. The judging chair sets the evaluation schedule based on the number of entries and the Show's location; scheduling requests can't be accommodated.

 

PREPARING YOUR ENTRY MATERIALS

Entry Form

Entry forms are unique to each program and exhibitor.

Product Category

Choose one category per entry — whichever best represents the product's primary function or innovation. Judges may reassign an entry to a more fitting category.

Product Description

In 250 words or less, explain what makes the product new, innovative, and distinct from what's already on the market. This description is for the judging panel only and isn't published. Focus on specific technical differentiators rather than marketing language — judges weigh substance over promotion.

Product Video

A video is required to validate your entry. It should:

  • Run no longer than three minutes.
  • Focus on the product's innovative features and functionality, not promotional content.
  • Be submitted as an MP4, MOV, YouTube link, or Vimeo link.

Like the description, the video is reviewed only by judges — production quality isn't a factor.

Do Your Market Research First

Before submitting, research what's already available in the marine market. Judges often find that a product considered innovative by its maker already exists elsewhere. If your product is adapted from another industry, it needs substantial marine-specific modification to qualify — changes limited to packaging, branding, or marketing are considered a market extension, not an innovation.

 

AWARDS PRESENTATION

After product evaluations, judges select a winner in each category. If no entry meets the criteria for a category, no award is given. Judges may also grant an Honorable Mention — this doesn't include a trophy, but recipients may reference the recognition in their marketing.

Winners will be announced during the Show at the respective award’s ceremony:

  • Minneapolis — Presented during the Breakfast Briefing and Awards Presentation onThursday morning, before the Show opens. A show credential is required for access.
  • Miami — Presented during the Industry Breakfast on Thursday morning of the Show. A breakfast ticket is required for admission.
  • IBEX — Presented during the Industry Breakfast on Tuesday morning, before the Show opens. A breakfast ticket is required for admission.

PROGRAM FEEDBACK

Questions or concerns about the program or award outcomes are welcome and should be submitted in writing via email for review by NMMA and supporting parties. Appropriate follow-up actions or responses will be provided as needed.
 
To ensure a professional experience for all participants, any immediate concerns following the awards presentation should be handled in accordance with this process. 

QUESTIONS?

Contact: Rachel Harmon
Program Manager, NMMA