IBEX Innovation Awards

The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), a leading technical trade event for the recreational marine industry in North America, has announced the panel of judges for the 21st IBEX Innovation Awards Programme.

Managed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and independently judged by Boating Writers International (BWI), the programme recognises manufacturers and suppliers for bringing innovative products to the market. This year, more than 80 products were entered by 70 participating companies. Product entries will be displayed along Innovation Way, located on the second-floor rotunda, throughout the event.

The awards will be presented during the annual Industry breakfast, which includes the Innovation Awards Presentation and Keynote Address. The event will take place from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. on the opening day of IBEX, Tuesday, 1 October 2024, at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, Tampa Bay Ballroom.

The Industry Breakfast is sponsored by AWLGRIP North America, Honda Marine, Interlux Yacht Finishes, the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF), Sea Hawk Paints, and Tides Marine Inc. Tickets are available through the registration portal and are expected to sell out.

“IBEX is where visionary ideas turn into tangible realities that improve boatbuilding and the boating lifestyle,” says Anne Dunbar, IBEX executive director. “Each year we are thrilled to honour the innovators and the groundbreaking concepts, products, and solutions that inspire progress and shape the future of boating.

“Winners for years have displayed the ‘Winner’ logos and crystal trophies with pride and we are very excited to see what the industry has put forward for consideration.”

Ben Stein, chair of the Innovation Award judges, adds: “The task of judging these products and selecting a winner is monumental,” said “I am very grateful for my fellow judges and the dedication of time, energy, and expertise. I value their contributions greatly. I’m sure there are going to be some truly incredible entries, and we look forward to welcoming the winners into this elite club.”

The panel of seven BWI judges brings a range of technical backgrounds and boating experience to the event. The judges for the 2024 IBEX Innovation Awards include:

  • Ben Stein (chair): Editor of Panbo.com, covering marine technology, Stein writes a monthly column for Soundings Trade Only and serves as electronics editor for Power & Motoryacht and PassageMaker magazines. He is also serving as a judge for the DAME design awards at METSTRADE this year. Stein is a USCG 100-Ton Master and ABYC certified marine electrical technician.
  • Tim Murphy (co-chair): Education director for the American Boat & Yacht Council, Murphy is also a contributing editor to BoatUS magazine and Cruising World editor-at-large. With more than 30 years of experience, he has directed and judged Cruising World’s Boat of the Year programme for two decades and co-wrote Fundamentals of Marine Service Technology (ABYC 2012). He holds a USCG 100-Ton Master’s licence.
  • Brady Kay: Executive editor of Pontoon & Deck Boat magazine for 25 years, Kay has reviewed numerous boats and conducted feature profiles across all 50 states. He has also served as president of Boating Writers International for three years.
  • Charles Doane: A marine journalist since the 1980s and active bluewater sailor, Doane is currently the cruising editor of SAIL magazine, where he has also served as technical, senior, and executive editor. He has been a judge for various gear and boat competitions.
  • Theresa Nicholson: An award-winning journalist covering the marine industry for 25 years, Nicholson has written for Soundings Trade Only, Practical Sailor, and Cruising World. She focuses on topics such as weather, marine safety, and risk analysis, and previously lived aboard her 31-foot ketch for 11 years.
  • Pim Van Hemmen: Deputy editor for Soundings magazine, Van Hemmen has over 25 years of experience in the newspaper industry and 10 years as a nautical photographer. A lifelong boater, he regularly writes and photographs for boating publications.
  • Rich Armstrong: Senior editor at BoatU.S. Magazine, Armstrong has written extensively about the recreational boating lifestyle for over 25 years. He covers new products and emerging technologies for BoatU.S. Magazine’s Boats, Gear, Tech column and has been a regular IBEX attendee for 20 years.

Registration for IBEX 2024, which will take place at the Tampa Convention Centre from 1–3 October 2024, is currently open.

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