The National Marine Manufacturers Association and Boating Writers International recently announced the panel of judges for the inaugural Progressive Minneapolis Boat Show Innovation Awards. Pontoon & Deck Boat magazine Executive Editor Brady Kay will again be on the panel which is composed of three BWI members who will evaluate 14 product entries across three boating categories.
“I’ve been fortunate to be selected as a judge at other NMMA shows over the years but I’m particularly excited about being involved with the Minneapolis Innovative Awards because of the specific pontoon category,” said Kay. “Pontoon boats have continued to grow in popularity and I’m excited to see the innovative boats and products this year.”
The Innovation Awards come to Minneapolis for the first time to honor manufacturers and suppliers who bring the industry innovative products in the aluminum fishing, fiberglass fishing and pontoon boat categories.
This year’s awards competition includes products from Apex Marine Inc.; Crestliner Boats; Forest River Marine; Lowe Boats; Lund Boats; Manitou Pontoons; Skeeter Boats Inc.; Smoker Craft, Inc.; Tracker Marine; and Yamaha WaterCraft Boat Co.
Products will be on display throughout the January 11-14 show at the Minneapolis Convention Center and the winners will be announced on January 11 at 6 p.m. in the Lakeshore Lifestyle Experience Booth 803.
Veteran boat and travel writer Zuzana Prochazka is chairwoman of the committee and former BWI president Alan Wendt will also be judging.
