PHOTO COURTESY NMMA

The National Marine Manufacturers Association this week named the judges for the 2024 Discover Boating Minneapolis Boat Show Innovation Awards. The awards recognize manufacturers and suppliers who bring new, innovative products to market.

The judging committee comprises Boating Writers International members, who perform product testing throughout the year and have specific expertise in products and equipment.

Judges for the Minneapolis Innovation Awards are:

Brady Kay (chair) As the executive editor of Pontoon & Deck Boat and Great Lakes Boating magazines, Kay has been writing about and photographing all types of boats for nearly 20 years. He is on the Boating Writers International board of directors and is a member of the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers.

Bill Gius Gius has been in the marine industry for more than three decades. He has worked in brand and product management at Mercury Marine, Kohler, Turning Point Propellers and iboats.com. He owns Country Consulting, a marine-industry consulting firm, and recently retired from working with Great Lakes Marine Marketing. Gius is also a contributing writer to Pontoon & Deck Boat magazine.

Adam Quandt The managing editor of Boating Industry, Quandt takes on everything from testing and reviewing new products to tracking industry trends and serving on the board for numerous industry-focused award programs. Quandt has a passion for the industry and strives to continue bringing boaters together into the future.

The awards program include five categories:

• Aluminum and Non-Fiberglass Fishing Boats

• Fiberglass Fishing Boats

• Pontoon Boats

• Furnishings

• Electric Boats (20 feet and smaller)

All entrants and award winners will be on display throughout the show floor and along Innovation Way. The Minneapolis Boat Show is scheduled for Jan. 18-21.

Click here for more information on the Innovation Awards.