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IBEX Opens Entries for 2026 Innovation Awards Program

| General NMMA News

Entries are now open for the 2026 IBEX Innovation Awards, one of the recreational boating industry’s premier programs recognizing breakthrough product development and technological advancement. Managed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and judged by Boating Writers International (BWI), the annual awards spotlight manufacturers and suppliers shaping the future of boating through innovation in design, performance and engineering.
From next-generation propulsion systems and sustainable materials to advancements in electronics, safety and construction, the awards recognize products elevating the boating experience while advancing the industry’s technological capabilities.
This year’s IBEX theme, Embrace Innovation. Master Momentum., reflects the ingenuity and forward-thinking ideas continuing to propel the recreational marine industry. The Innovation Awards program highlights the products and technologies redefining design, functionality and on-water performance across the industry.
Award recipients receive industry-wide recognition and the opportunity to showcase their products before thousands of marine professionals at the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX), taking place Oct. 6–8 in Tampa, Fla. Winners will be announced during the IBEX Industry Breakfast on opening day, Oct. 6.
Key eligibility requirements include:
  • Entrant must be a contracted exhibitor at IBEX 2026.
  • Product must not have been sold in the U.S. prior to Oct. 7, 2025.
  • Product must be displayed in finished, sellable form at IBEX 2026.
  • Product must be new to the Innovation Awards program and not previously submitted.
  • Product must be available for sale or order at the time of the show or within 60 days following IBEX.
Entry is completed by logging into the Exhibitor Resource Center (ERC), selecting the Innovation Awards tile and submitting all form details. The deadline for entries is Aug. 18.

For full program details, visit the IBEX Innovation Awards webpage.