The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference announced the judging panel for the IBEX Innovation Awards. The program recognizes manufacturers and suppliers that bring new, innovative products to market. It’s managed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association and independently judged by Boating Writers International.
The six-judge panel includes:
- Ben Stein, editor of Panbo.com and chair of the Innovation Awards
- Tim Murphy, education director for the American Boat & Yacht Council and co-chair of the judging panel
- Pim Van Hemmen, former deputy editor of Soundings magazine
- Tony Esposito, a contributor to SpeedOnTheWater.com and U.S. correspondent for International Boat Industry
- Steve Davis, president of Boating Writers International and former managing editor of Dockwalk
- Steve Mitchell, founder of SeaBits and a longtime marine electronics reviewer
“Serving as an Innovation Awards judge provides a unique opportunity to see the newest technologies and product developments before they reach the market,” Stein said in a press release. “The judging process is thorough and collaborative, and it reflects the depth of expertise our panel brings to every category. I’m grateful for the commitment of this outstanding group of judges and excited to evaluate this year’s entries and recognize the innovations that stand out among an exceptionally competitive field.”
Exhibitors can submit product entries by Aug. 18 in the Exhibitor Resource Center. Entries will be on display along Innovation Way throughout IBEX, which runs Oct. 6-8 at the Tampa Convention Center in Florida. Winners will be announced Oct. 6 during the Industry Breakfast at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street.
“The Innovation Awards are one of the defining moments of IBEX, recognizing the ingenuity and engineering excellence that continue to move the marine industry forward,” show director Mary Velline said in the release.
