Innovation Awards

Minneapolis Innovation Awards

The Innovation Awards, managed by NMMA and judged by Boating Writers International, is one of the industry’s most prestigious honors recognizing manufacturers and suppliers who bring new, innovative products for the boating industry to market.

Eligibility: Contracted show exhibitors who meet the requirements outlined in the official rules and regulations are eligible for participation. All boats entered must be NMMA Certified at the time of entry.

Entry to the 2027 program will open in October 2026.

Entry Steps:

1. Complete and submit the online entry form. The following items are required fields at the time of entry:

• Selection of one product category

• Product description (maximum 250 words). This description is not published and is reviewed by the Innovation Award judges only. The description should highlight what makes this Product new, innovative and different from other products available. Real differentiators will be more useful to the judges than promotional copy.

2. Upload required materials: Following acceptance of the product entry form, program management will provide a unique file transfer link (please allow up to 48 hours after entry). Access the link and upload the REQUIRED product photo, company logo and product video; along with any additional supporting material (photos, brochures, articles). 

3. Remit entry fee upon receipt - $450 NMMA member/ $550 non-member (ACH or CC, Amex not accepted). 

4. Meet with the judging panel: Ensure an onsite representative is available to meet with the judges’ on Wednesday before the show open. This meeting will be scheduled once entry has closed and will require the presence of the physical product.

Awards Presentation: Awards will be presented during the Breakfast Briefing and Awards Presentation taking place on Thursday before show open.

Innovation Awards Archive: Additional program details and winner history can be reviewed on the program webpage.

Questions? Contact Rachel Harmon, Program Manager at rharmon@nmma.org.

Learn more about the Innovation Awards Program Here

See Past Winners Here

2026 Minneapolis Innovation Award Recipients: Read more    

Aluminum and Non-Fiberglass Fishing Boats: Princecraft, Platinum 190 – “The bold new silhouette on the Platinum 190 with a cut nose at the bow creates added well-used space in the stern, helping this 19-foot premium aluminum fishing boat feel like a much larger boat,” said judge Brady Kay.

Fiberglass Fishing Boats: Vexus, DVX23s – “The DVX23s is loaded with innovation from its unique livewell and overall setup in the stern, to its patented Petestep hull. The flagship model from Vexus is extremely well built with extra attention focused on its details,” said judge Brady Kay.

Furnishings: (Dual Winner) Barletta Boats, 2026 Lusso 25UA Seakeeper Collaboration – Judge Bill Gius said, “To help bring a smoother ride, higher performance and greater maneuvering control, Barletta Boats has partnered with Seakeeper to develop a true first in the pontoon segment. The Seakeeper Ride features a digitally controlled trim system at the stern of two logs, which respond to proprietary gain algorithms in fractions of a second.”

Furnishings: (Dual Winner) Premier Marine, Command Anchor – Judge Robert Beringer, “No one likes dirty anchors! So often anchors on pontoon boats are an afterthought, something that needs to be clumsily retrieved and heaved overboard; and retrieving it can be dirty and difficult. But Premier Marine has eliminated this onerous chore with their digitally controlled Delta plow anchor that fully deploys from the bow foot controls or helm and fully recedes into its own locker within the PTX center tube.” 

Pontoon Boats: (Dual Winner) Godfrey, Sanpan – Judge Bill Gius said, “The Godfrey Sanpan exhibits many of the most contemporary features of what is expected by the discriminating pontoon boat buyer in 2026. Power options, controls, creature comforts, electronics and sound technologies make it an exemplary platform for all around boating enjoyment.”

Pontoon Boats: (Dual Winner) Viaggio, Lago Z24B – Judge Robert Beringer, “In finding the right pontoon boat in today's market it's all about the details. The judges were very impressed by the Lago Z’s roomy seating, electric grill, lighted cup holders and fully functioning galley (with hidden cutting board!) Ready for a day of family fun on the lake or river.”

Questions? Contact Rachel Harmon, Program Manager at rharmon@nmma.org