The judges for the 2011 IBEX Innovation Awards, presented during this year’s International Boatbuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX) have been announced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International (BWI). The IBEX show will be held from the 17th through to 19th of October at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louiseville, Ky. The award winners will be announced during the annual IBEX Industry Breakfast on Monday, 17th of October from 7:30 to 9:30 am.
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, past editor of Marine CEO, Getaways!, and Adventures magazines, and contributor to TalkoftheDock.com. Rounding out the panel of judges for the 2011 IBEX Innovation Awards are:
- Zuzana Prochazka, editor, TalkoftheDock.com; technical editor, Latitudes & Attitudes; freelancer for publications including Sea, Sail, Yachtworld, Lakeland Boating, and DIY Boatowner; president, BWI
- Frank Lanier, accredited marine surveyor; public speaker; and contributor to numerous publications including Sea, Practical Sailor, Lakeland Boating, and Southern Boating
- Susan Canfield, accredited marine surveyor; technical writer; and Wooden Boat School instructor
- Roger McAfee, former lawyer; contributor to Pacific Yachting, Sea magazine, Southern Boating,Lakeland Boating, ShowBoats International and Dockwalk; past president of the Metal Boat Society
- Brady Kay, editor, Pontoon & Deckboat magazine and Houseboat magazine
- Patricia Kearns, former ABYC technical assistant; contributor to DIY Magazine; founder and CEO of Marine Experts Group; maritime consultant; and frequent speaker at IBEX
Luoiseville by Night
NMMA and BWI will recognize up to 13 new products, plus one Environmental Award, at IBEX 2011. 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 20. The application form can be downloaded the IBEXShow website. Contact Melissa Gurniewicz at (312) 946-6281 or mgurnie@nmma.org for more information.
Celebrating its 21st year, IBEX 2011 will host more than 500 OEM and aftermarket exhibitors and feature several specialty pavilions, the industry’s most expansive seminar series with more classes than ever before, pre-conference sessions, free exhibitor workshops, and special events. The show will also host live outdoor demonstrations by industry professionals utilizing the newest products in real-world application situations that will change the way boating business gets done.
Register early and save! Attendees who register before September 12 can save up to $100 off of seminar packages or $15 on individual sessions. IBEX 2011 takes place at the Kentucky Exposition Center Monday, October 17 from 10:00a.m.-6:00p.m.; Tuesday, October 18 from 10:00a.m.-6:00p.m.; and Wednesday, October 19 from 10:00a.m.-4:00p.m.
