The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International (BWI) announced today judges for the 2010 IBEX Innovation Awards, being presented during the upcoming International Boatbuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX). Award winners will be recognized during the annual IBEX Industry Breakfast on Tuesday, September 28 from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
Celebrating its 20th year, IBEX 2010 takes place September 28-30 in Louisville, with pre-conference workshops scheduled to begin Monday, September 27, followed by three days of educational seminars, new special sessions, outdoor demonstrations and hundreds of leading manufacturers and suppliers showcasing the boating industry’s newest innovations from around the world. This is the eighth year since the NMMA and Professional BoatBuilder magazine combined resources to jointly produce what has become the marine industry’s largest trade show.
The Innovation Awards judges’ committee is comprised of BWI members who perform product testing throughout the year and have specific expertise in marine OEM products and equipment. The committee is chaired by Alan Wendt, editor of Marine CEO. Rounding out the panel of judges for this year’s IBEX Innovation Awards are:
Zuzana Prochazka, editor, TalkoftheDock.com; technical editor, Latitudes & Attitudes; and blogger for Boatermouth.com
Frank Lanier, marine surveyor and contributor to Practical Sailor and Southern Boating
Dave Mull, editor, Great Lakes Angler
Alan Jones, executive editor, Boating World magazine
Tom Tripp, freelancer, publisher and editor, OceanLines
Chris Caswell, author and senior editor, Yachting Magazine
NMMA and BWI will recognize up to 13 new products, plus one Environmental Award, at IBEX 2010. Exhibiting companies may submit products for consideration in the following categories:
Boatbuilding Methods & Materials (techniques and equipment to build boats)
Deck Equipment and Hardware (Rigging, rope, docking and anchoring equipment, boat covers, canvas work, mooring gear, steering mechanisms and wheels, exterior and underwater lighting, etc.)
Furnishings & Interior Parts (appliances, furniture, lighting, textiles, interior systems, galley)
Mechanical Systems (air conditioning, heating, plumbing, ventilation, pumps, tanks and fuel systems, etc.)
Electrical Systems (AC/DC onboard and shore power systems, batteries, control apparatus, battery management tools, etc.)
Inboard Engines (sterndrives, jet drives, diesel and gas inboard engines, struts and shafts, inboard engine equipment)
Outboard Engines (outboard engines and electrical systems, trolling motors and props for outboards)
Boatyard Hardware (yard installed boat lifts, cranes, docks, marina equipment and software -management programs, inventory and job flow software, etc.)
Propulsion Parts, Propellers (engine equipment and gauges, trim tabs, engine maintenance)
Boat Care and Maintenance (coatings, chemicals, paints, finishes, additives, oils and tools)
OEM Electronics (entertainment, navigational, onboard systems, instrumentation, sonar, software, etc.)
Trailers, Parts and Trailer Accessories
Safety Equipment
The submission deadline for Innovation Award entries is September 2. The application form can be downloaded at IBEXShow.com.