The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International (BWI) have announced judges for the 2007 IBEX Innovation Awards, being presented during the upcoming International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX). Award winners will be recognized during the annual Industry Awards Breakfast on Friday, October 12 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

In its 17th year, IBEX 2007 takes place October 10-12, with pre-conference workshops scheduled to begin Tuesday, October 9. It is being held at the Miami Beach Convention Center and will feature more than 800 manufacturers and suppliers.

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 Roger Marshall, immediate past president of BWI and U.S. editor of The Yacht Report. Rounding out the panel of judges for this year’s IBEX Innovation Awards are:

James Barron, senior technical editor, Trailer Boats magazine
Dean Travis Clarke, executive editor, Boating Life, Fly Fishing in Salt Waters, Marlin and Sport Fishing magazines; host of Sport Fishing Magazine TV
Phil Draper, editor, European Boatbuilder magazine and special reports editor, IBI magazine
Jan Mundy, editor, DIY Boat Owner magazine
Lenny Rudow, senior technical editor, Boating magazine
Alan Wendt, editor, Marine CEO magazine

NMMA and BWI will recognize up to nine new products, plus one Environmental Award, at this year’s IBEX. Exhibiting companies can submit products for consideration in the following categories:

Boatbuilding Methods & Materials (techniques and equipment used to build boats ONLY)
Hardware Fittings (anchors, deck equipment and machinery, passerelle/crane, steering and wheels, etc.)
Furnishings & Finishes (appliances, furniture, lighting, textiles, interior paints and finishes)
Mechanical Systems (air conditioning, heating, plumbing, pumps, tanks and fuel systems)
Electrical Systems (AC/DC onboard and shore power systems, batteries and control apparatus)
OEM Electronics and Electronic Systems (entertainment, navigational, onboard systems)
Inboard Engines (including sterndrives, jet drives, propulsion systems, props, struts and shafts)
Outboard Engines (including outboard systems and props for outboards)
Boatyard Hardware (yard-installed boat lifts, cranes, docks and marina equipment) and Software (management programs, inventory and job flow software, etc.)

Innovation Award entries are currently being accepted, and an application form is available online at ibexshow.com. The deadline is Friday, September 21.

Posted: September 19, 2007