The Soundings Trade Only Group today opened submissions for the 2026 EPIC Awards, which recognize the work of companies rather than individual products or people. Marine businesses of all sizes and from any segment are eligible to enter.
“Real innovation isn’t one breakthrough product or one bold leader. It’s a million small decisions a company makes,” Michele Goldsmith, vice president and general manager of the Soundings Trade Only Group, said in a statement. “Risks taken, ideas tested, teamwork and paths chosen that add up to growth for the business and the potential to reshape the industry. For nine years, the EPIC Awards (formerly the Most Innovative Marine Company Awards) have honored that work.”
Submissions are evaluated against four criteria: the strength of a company’s initiatives, their impact on the company, their impact on the industry and their longevity. Eligible entries cover initiatives implemented between Aug. 16, 2025, and the submission deadline of Aug. 21, 2026.
Entries are reviewed by a panel of senior trade media editors and leaders, and recently retired C-suite or senior-level executives — a judging body that combines decades of industry perspective with first-hand leadership experience across the marine sector.
Entries are automatically considered for the Top 10 Most EPIC Companies list. Additionally, individual awards will be presented in seven categories:
- Development & Technology
- Manufacturing & Supply Chain
- Sustainability
- Workforce & Culture
- Altruism & Social Impact
- Start-Ups
- Training
Companies can submit entries here. The deadline is 11:59 p.m. (ET) Aug. 21.
Winners will be presented at the finish of the MIX (Marine Ideas Exchange) event during the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference, which is scheduled for Oct. 6-8 in Tampa, Fla. Profiles of the winning companies will appear in the November issue of Soundings Trade Only.
