Sixty-Five Products Entered Into 2006 MAATS Innovation Awards

NMRA to present its Mel Barr Award during Innovation Awards Reception July 20

CHICAGO, July 17, 2005 - - A total of 65 new products have been entered into the Innovation Awards program at the upcoming Marine Aftermarket Accessories Trade Show (MAATS), taking place July 19-21 at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel & Convention Center. Winners will be honored for their achievements during the MAATS Awards Reception on Thursday, July 20, in Pavilions 1, 2 and 3 of the Hilton, beginning at 6 p.m.Judged by Boating Writers International (BWI), the Innovation Awards recognize up to nine new marine products for their uniqueness and innovations in the aftermarket accessory marketplace. An Environmental Award, honoring the most environmentally-friendly product, may also be presented. Samples of Innovation Award entries will be on display in the enhanced New Product Showcase, located at the center of the MAATS exhibit floor.

“We are very pleased to see such great interest in the Innovation Awards program this year,” says MAATS show manager Kathleen Clickett. “The exhibitors have helped greatly in establishing MAATS as the premier place for debuting new products in the marine aftermarket, by taking advantage of the Innovation Awards, New Product Previews and New Product Guide listings.”

The National Marine Representatives Association (NMRA) will also present its annual Mel Barr Award during the July 20th Awards Reception. Named in honor of Mel Barr, a manufacturer's rep in the northwest during the 1950s and 60s and one of NMRA's founders, the award is given to an individual who has contributed to improving the boating industry. The Mel Barr Award is voted on by NMRA member reps and presented by Boating Industry magazine.

The 2006 installment of MAATS will feature nearly 400 exhibitors displaying products in the Las Vegas Convention Center. The show is currently in its sixth year and is largely considered the premier annual gathering for the accessories aftermarket. It is owned and produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association.

A MAATS Welcome Reception will be held for all attendees and exhibitors on the evening of Tuesday, July 18, in the N1 Lobby of the Convention Center, located just outside the show floor. And for the first time in the event’s history, a silent auction will take place as part of the opening night event, with all proceeds going to benefit the industry’s Grow Boating Initiative. Exhibitors, buyers, media, partnering organizations and other industry supporters all joined forces to raise money for Grow Boating, donating more than 50 items for the auction, which features everything from vacation getaways, fishing trips, electronics, dinner/event tickets, boating and water sport products, and more.

Once again, MAATS will co-locate with the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST), taking place simultaneously at the Las Vegas Convention Center. MAATS will also continue its long-standing association with the National Marine Distributors Association’s S.T.E.P. Conference, being held July 17-18 at the Las Vegas Hilton.

National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers in the United States. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy, market research and data, product quality assurance and marketing communications.

Source: National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA)