Skip to main content

LIVE FROM METS: Rising early for the DAME Awards

And so it begins. After a late-night party on the Grace Kelly with the fine folks at Mastervolt/Marinco, I hit the sheets. An early morning start time for a breakfast before the DAME Awards dampened my late-night party plans.

Design Award METS is the world’s most prestigious design competition for new marine equipment and accessories.

DAME Awards nominees are divided into seven categories:

• Marine electronics and related software

• Interior equipment, furnishings, materials and electrical fittings used in cabins

• Marina equipment, boatyard equipment and boat construction tools and materials

• Deck equipment, sails and rigging

• Clothing and crew accessories

• Lifesaving and safety equipment

• Machinery, propulsion, mechanical and electrical systems, and fittings

2013 didn’t have a shortage of entries. A total of 115 products were entered in this year’s DAME Design Award METS competition. Fifty-two products from 12 countries were nominated to go forward for final judging by the DAME jury, which chose a maximum of seven category winners and one overall winner.

The overall winner and category winners were announced at a special breakfast briefing today. All of the short-listed products will be put on display during the show in a special DAME presentation at the entrance of the Holland Complex (Entrance C).

What really impressed me is that the 150 euros ($202.76) registration fees from DAME entries are donated to charity, and all international marine-related charities are invited to apply. The METS exhibition committee chose to share the donation between two charities this year:

• Sailability, an organization that facilitates sailing for all, regardless of age or ability, with an emphasis on opportunities for people with disabilities.

• Freedom Waters, an organization that enhances lives by providing boating opportunities and marine-related activities for people with disabilities, life-threatening illnesses, youth at risk, others with special needs and veterans.

That’s all well and good, and I have no problem waking at the crack of dawn on most days, but good people at METS, maybe a more reasonable time. The day before the show starts would be nice. Hell, make it the week before. I for one, wouldn’t mind.

Gaspare J. Marturano is a social media and digital marketing thought leader, industry speaker and the author of “SocializeWith.Me or Someone Else Will” (available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble). With more than 20 years of experience, he is now leading Fastlane Communications’ Digital Marketing and Social Media practice, providing best-practice counsel and execution in the areas of social media policies, processes, people, technologies and content marketing programs.

Related

1_AdobeStock_175388620
Post Type feature

Clearing the Waterways

In Florida, in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, it was estimated that there were 6,000 derelict boats in southwest part of the state. In most cases, boat owners don’t know resources are available to remove them because until recently there weren’t many.

1_AdobeStock_40421038
Post Type feature

A Window on the World

Inflation, supply-chain kinks and the continuing war in Ukraine continue to be serious concerns, but numerous companies with a global presence for exports are reporting optimism at the start of 2023.

1_BRP
Industry News

BRP Announces Mexico Production Facility

The $165 million plant will open in early 2025 in Chihuahua and create up to 1,300 jobs while bolstering production capabilities.

1_COAST. GUARD.FOUNDATION
Coast Guard

C.G. Foundation Announces Scholarships

The program each year awards more than $500,000 to qualifying children of active duty, active duty reserve and retired Coast Guard members.

PROPSPEED-HIRES
Industry News

Propspeed Expands U.S. Sales Team

Josh McGuire and Cole Barone were named regional sales managers for the Northeast and West Coast.

NEWPORT-IMPACT
Industry News

Newport Boat Show Had $26.1M Impact

The September show drew more than 40,000 attendees last year, with boat sales estimated at $35 million to $40 million.

AdobeStock_182031788
Columns/Blogs

Consumers Feel a Bit Better

A key measure of U.S. consumer confidence rose in December as the economy added 223,000 jobs, the smallest gain in two years. The Conference Board reported that its Consumer Confidence Index rose to 108.3 from 101.4 in November.

1_AdobeStock_272924647
Columns/Blogs

How the ABYC Creates Standards

Standards are a full-time mission for the ABYC that goes beyond simply putting out a new supplement every July. As an organization built on a tradition of common-sense and real-world experiences, the ABYC works on standards development year-round with its Project Technical Committees.

1_5d02b934eb29f602144abe88
Post Type feature

Year Three of Five

Fear of an impending exodus, especially with concerns about a looming economic recession, has leaders at the MRAA, the National Marine Manufacturers Association and the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation urging the industry to start focusing immediately on improving customer service as the primary way to retain these boaters.