Globally recognised DAME Awards at METSTRADE show opens for entries

Category winners at the 2019 DAME Awards during the METSTRADE show © METSTRADE

Entries have now opened for the long-awaited 30th edition of the DAME (Design Award at METSTRADE) Awards.

Participation is open to manufacturers and authorised suppliers who are registered as exhibitors or co-exhibitors at the in-person METSTRADE 2021 show in RAI Amsterdam. Entries close on 17 September 2021.

This year the DAME aims to return to its usual format, with entries judged across seven categories before an eventual winner is chosen. It is assessed by a Jury comprising leading boat, interior and industrial designers, as well as user experts. The assessment criteria are focused on equipment design in all aspects, from styling, functionality and innovation, through to integration, practicality of use, price to performance and presentation.

Added focus on the environment

Reflecting the changing priorities in the world around us, entrants this year will be asked to submit additional information on the lifecycle impacts of their products. The Jury will, at its discretion, award a special Environmental Design Winner certificate to a product that represents the best example among all entries that fits the DAME criteria in an impressively sustainable way.

Unrivalled recognition and equal opportunities

DAME is unrivalled in terms of status and importance across the global marine industry. A significant number of entries typically attain nomination status, which brings their products to the attention of the global marine audience ahead of METSTRADE and at the show itself. Those that go on to achieve DAME Category and Overall Winner awards are acknowledged as having reached the top standard of design practice for marine equipment in their field.

U SAFE's Nick Bice explains what being named as the winner of the DAME in 2019 meant to his company: "We needed to be seen as a legitimate professional product and winning the DAME Award was our breakthrough moment. The whole marine industry, as well as many outside of it, know what the DAME is."

Tom Reed from 2017 winner Scanstrut, adds: "The DAME offers equal opportunities to companies of all sizes. No matter whatever it is, your product gets viewed next to others from businesses with 10 times the budget. If you've done a good job, met all of the criteria and created a really good piece of equipment, you have every chance to beat the largest marine companies."

Showcase recognition

The DAME Awards are organised each year in conjunction with the METSTRADE show, the world's largest marine equipment event. DAME nominated products are placed on a special presentation within METSTRADE, with descriptive information. From these nominations, the final selection of seven Category Winners and the eventual DAME Award Overall Winner is made. The DAME Jury also awards a series of Special Mentions and a Environmental Design Winner at its discretion.

Support our oceans by entering the DAME

The €150 registration fee per product that each METSTRADE exhibitor pays to enter the DAME Awards is always donated to charity. The METSTRADE Exhibition Committee has decided that this year's DAME proceeds will go to the Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE). BLUE is working to restore the ocean to health by creating marine reserves, developing models of sustainable fishing and restoring vital marine habitats. More information about the Blue Marine Foundation is here.

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