Newport Exhibition Group, owners and producers of the Newport International Boat Show, are delighted to announce that entries are now being accepted for the 2014 Newport For New Products (NFNP) Awards. Due to an unprecedented number of submissions last year, the NFNP program has been enhanced with a new category. This year awards will be given for the best entry in each category with an overall ‘Best New Powerboat’, ‘Best New Sailboat’, ‘Best New Navigation Product’ as well as ‘Best New Boating Operation, Maintenance, or Safety Product’.
Judged by a team of marine-industry experts, NFNP winners will be announced on Friday morning, September 12th. In addition, for the third year in a row, attendees present on opening day will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite new boat as part of the show’s ‘People’s Choice Award’.
In its ninth season and in partnership with leading national marine publications, NFNP is a highlight of the industry, helping to publicize what’s new and exciting for boaters. NFNP is open to domestic and foreign products launched after April 1, 2014 that will make their official boat show debut at Newport. Foreign boats and products that have been shown and sold outside the U.S. are still eligible.
Industry experts judge products on the basis of innovation, value to the consumer, safety and aesthetics. Individuals who attend the show on Thursday, September 11th, will receive a voting card upon entry and cards returned that evening will be tallied. The People’s Choice Award will be announced along with the other winners on Friday morning, September 12. One “People’s Choice” voter will be selected randomly and receive an Apple iPad and a $50 Apple Store credit.
“We were overwhelmed by the volume of submissions for Newport For New Products in 2013 and are thrilled to offer an enhanced program for 2014,” said Nancy Piffard, Show Director of Newport Exhibition Group. “The Newport Boat Show kicks off the Fall boat show season and is the perfect place to introduce innovative new designs. Our enhanced program will offer more opportunities for recognition and provide show attendees with the opportunity to see the latest and greatest the industry has to offer.”
All submissions for NFNP must be received by June 15, 2014.
The Newport International Boat Show will take place September 11-14, 2014 on the Newport Waterfront along America’s Cup Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island. One of the largest in-water boat shows in the country and the kick-off to the boat show season, the event will host exhibitors from around the world with an exceptional assortment of boats of every type and style, and a wide variety of accessories, equipment, electronics, gear and services for boaters.
