The Miami Innovation Awards, presented at the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, honor manufacturers and suppliers who bring new, innovative products to the boating industry. These prestigious awards showcase the latest advancements and cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the future of recreational boating.
What is the Deadline for Submitting Product Entries?

The entry period for the 2024 Miami Innovation Awards opened in November 2023, allowing manufacturers and suppliers to showcase their latest innovations.
How Many Product Categories are Available for Entry?
The Miami Innovation Awards program features 21 distinct product categories, providing a comprehensive platform for recognizing excellence across various aspects of the boating industry.
Who Manages the Miami Innovation Awards Program?
The Innovation Awards program is jointly managed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International (BWI), ensuring a rigorous and impartial evaluation process.
What are the Rules and Schedules for the Miami Innovation Awards?
The judges’ committee, comprising eight BWI members with expertise in marine products and equipment, evaluates the entries. The committee includes Ben Stein (Chair), Tim Murphy (Co-Chair), Kelsey Bonham, Kevin Falvey, Alan Jones, Adam Quandt, Gary Reich, and Tony Esposito.
What are the Costs Associated with Entering the Miami Innovation Awards?
The specific costs associated with entering the Miami Innovation Awards are not explicitly mentioned in the provided sources. However, it is common for such programs to have entry fees to cover the administrative and evaluation expenses.
What are the Relevant Rules for the Miami Innovation Awards?
Participating manufacturers must survey all new boat buyers during the specified period, and the program surveys more than 175,000 customers to track customer satisfaction with the product, sales experience, delivery, and service process.
Table: Miami Innovation Awards Categories
Category | Description |
---|---|
Aluminum Fishing Boats | Recognizes innovative features and designs in aluminum fishing boats. |
Auxiliary Power | Honors advancements in auxiliary power systems, including generators, batteries, and charging systems. |
Boating Accessories | Celebrates innovative accessories that enhance the boating experience. |
Boat Covers and Tops | Recognizes innovative designs and features in boat covers and tops. |
Boat Handling Equipment | Honors advancements in equipment that improve boat handling and control. |
Boat Lifts and Hoists | Recognizes innovative designs and features in boat lifts and hoists. |
Boat Trailers | Celebrates advancements in boat trailer technology and design. |
Docking and Fendering | Honors innovative products that enhance docking and fendering systems. |
Electrical Systems | Recognizes advancements in electrical systems, including navigation, communication, and entertainment. |
Engines | Honors innovative engine technologies that improve performance, efficiency, or environmental impact. |
Fishing Equipment | Celebrates innovative fishing gear and equipment that enhance the angling experience. |
Fuel Systems | Recognizes advancements in fuel systems, including storage, delivery, and monitoring. |
Inboard Boats | Honors innovative features and designs in inboard boats. |
Outboard Boats | Celebrates advancements in outboard boat technology and design. |
Outboard Engines | Recognizes innovative outboard engine technologies that improve performance, efficiency, or environmental impact. |
Pontoon Boats | Honors innovative features and designs in pontoon boats. |
Propulsion Systems | Celebrates advancements in propulsion systems, including drives, transmissions, and propellers. |
Safety Equipment | Recognizes innovative safety equipment that enhances boater safety and security. |
Steering and Control Systems | Honors advancements in steering and control systems that improve boat handling and maneuverability. |
Tow Sports Equipment | Celebrates innovative products that enhance tow sports activities. |
Watersports Equipment | Recognizes advancements in equipment that support watersports activities. |
By recognizing the most innovative products in the boating industry, the Miami Innovation Awards play a crucial role in driving the advancement of recreational boating. These awards not only celebrate the ingenuity of manufacturers and suppliers but also inspire the industry to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the water.
Reference:
- https://www.boatingmag.com/boats/nmma-innovation-award-winners-2024-miami-boat-show/
- https://boatingindustry.com/lead-news/2024/02/15/miami-industry-breakfast-honors-award-winners/
- https://www.nmma.org/shows/innovation/miami