The 2018 Innovation Awards, managed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and judged by Boating Writers International (BWI), were presented at the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) during the annual Industry Breakfast on Tuesday, October 2. Eight BWI judges with various technical backgrounds in boating selected the new product winners among dozens of entries submitted by marine trade companies.
“This year’s entries were very focused on improving the boating experience,” said Alan Wendt, chair of the judging panel, IBEX. “From solving simple issues with canvas, to more complex engineering challenges with hardware and composites, there is ample evidence of innovation underway in a thriving industry.”
Attendees of the Industry Breakfast were treated to a presentation from keynote speaker Rich Karlgaard, Forbes publisher and Global Futurist, Economic Leader, Entrepreneur and Author, who delivered an interesting and informative talk about the events changing the world and how they’re impacting the marine industry.
Preceding Karlgaard’s keynote speech, NMMA President Thom Dammrich addressed the more than 750 marine professionals that attended the breakfast, discussing the future of the industry, with the theme Recreational Boating in 2035.
“Recognizing and encouraging innovation in our industry is what IBEX is all about,” said Anne Dunbar, IBEX Show Director. “The winning products will positively impact boating forever, and it's very exciting. Congratulations to all the entrants for their dedication to product evolution.”
The following are the winners of the 13 categories in the 2018 Innovation Awards:
Boat Care and Maintenance: AWLGRIP North America, Quick Build
Boatbuilding Methods & Materials: Structural Composites Inc., Advanced Marine Coatings
Honorable Mention: Dowco Marine, Nextoon
Covering: Taylor Made, Pole-less Self-Draining Pontoon Cover
Honorable Mention: Quality Mark, Pop-A-Pole
Deck Equipment and Hardware: Dripper Guard, Dripper Guard PRO
Electrical Systems: Balmar, SG200 Battery Monitor
Entertainment: FUSION Entertainment USA Inc., Apollo 770
Furnishings and Interior Parts: SHOXS, X Series Shock Mitigated Pedestals
Lighting: Megaleds Ind, ORPHOS
Mechanical Systems: Blue Guard Innovations, BG-One
OEM Electronics: Raymarine Inc., Axiom ClearCruise Augmented Reality
Honorable Mention: Suzuki Motor of America Inc., Multi-Function Gauge
Outboard Engines: Yamaha Motor Corporation, V8 XTO Offshore
Propulsion Parts, Propellers: Mercury Marine, Tiller Handle Assembly for Portable Outboard Motor
Safety Equipment: Medallion Instrumentation Systems, Docking/Trailer Camera
About the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX): IBEX, Where Better Boats Begin (www.ibexshow.com), is the marine industry's largest technical trade event in North America and is powered globally by METSTRADE, the world’s leading platform and community for professionals in the leisure marine equipment industry. IBEX is owned and produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (www.nmma.org) and RAI Amsterdam (www.rai.nl). The 2018 IBEX is scheduled to take place at the Tampa Convention Center, October 2 – 4, in Tampa, FL USA.
About Boating Writers International (BWI): BWI is a professional organization consisting of writers, editors, publishers, photographers, broadcasters, public relations specialists and others in the communications profession associated with the boating industry. Members are active marine journalists across the United States, Canada, Europe and beyond.
For More Information
IBEX
www.ibexshow.com
BWI
www.bwi.org
NMMA and a transcript of Dammrich’s address
www.nmma.org
