Organizers of the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference announced the judging panel for the annual Innovation Awards program.
IBEX runs Oct. 3-5 in Tampa, Fla.
Managed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association and judged by members of Boating Writers International, the program will recognize achievements in 15 categories:
• Boat Care and Maintenance
• Boatbuilding Methods and Materials;
• Boatyard and Marina Hardware and Software
• Deck Equipment and Hardware
• Electric Motor/Battery Powered Propulsion/Hybrids
• Electrical Systems
• Entertainment
• Furnishings and Interior Parts
• Inboard Engines
• Mechanical Systems
• OEM Electronics
• Outboard Engines
• Propulsion Parts, Propellers
• Safety Equipment
• Trailers, Parts and Accessories
“Innovation in the marine industry is what IBEX is built on; it’s the top reason why exhibitors display their products in our aisles and why visitors attend from all around the world,” director Anne Dunbar said in a statement. “The products submitted for distinction of an IBEX Innovation Award are always significant game-changers. Having an independent judging panel of unbiased industry experts from BWI reviewing the products is what makes the Innovation Awards program the industry’s most respected and prestigious.”
The judging panel includes:
• Brady Kay, executive editor of Pontoon & Deck Boat magazine
• Program co-chair Ben Stein, editor of Panbo.com and electronics editor for Power & Motoryacht and PassageMaker magazines
• Andy Adams, managing editor of Canadian Yachting magazine and Boating Industry Canada
• Ed Sherman, education vice president, American Boat & Yacht Council, and author of five books on marine service and repair
• Steve Davis, editor-in-chief of Southern Boating magazine
• Julia Carleton, operations manager at OceanPlanet Energy, a consulting and distribution company specializing in lithium battery and charging systems
• Tim Murphy, ABYC curriculum director and contributing editor to BoatUS and Cruising World magazines
• Ryan Gullang, a freelancer who has contributed to FishTalk, SpinSheet, PropTalk and Boats.com
The deadline for entries is Aug. 23. Click here for more information and to enter. The awards will be presented during the IBEX industry breakfast Oct. 3.
