Boating Industry Canada

ICAST who was pleased with the results of her conference and also commented about the positive linkage between MAATS and ICAST.

This is the second consecutive year that MAATS has been side-by-side with the ICAST show. The synergy between the two shows boosts attendance because many dealers feel there is worthwhile crossover between the two shows, however the Canadian distributors we spoke to found little benefit for their own businesses.

Richard Mundell of the web based educational company udutu presents the audience with ideas to exploit the new web 2.0 opportunities.º

Southern Boating, Practical Sailor and Australian Yachting magazines; and Ben Ellison, senior electronics editor for Bonnier Marine Group and editor of Panbo Marine Electronics blog.

MAATS CONTINUES TO ATTRACT
INNOVATIVE NEW PRODUCTS

It seems to us that perhaps the greatest value of the MAATS show is the opportunity for brand new products and innovations to be seen by the key industry insiders.

Again, assuming the economic climate would dampen new product development, we didn’t anticipate as much action on new products this year as in previous years but over 30 new products were entered in the Innovation Awards competition.

Ten marine aftermarket products were awarded recognition for innovative achievement by the NMMA and Boating Writers International (BWI). Winning companies received their awards during the Wednesday evening MAATS Awards Reception.

Judging criteria was:

• Innovative distinction from other products currently being manufactured

• Benefit to the marine industry and/or consumer

• Practicality and cost-effectiveness

• Availability to the consumer within 60 days of the show’s conclusion

THE 2009 INNOVATION
AWARD WINNERS
Aftermarket Electronics
Navionics Mobile 2.0 by Navionics,
chart plotter software for iPhone that
brings a wealth of information to the
palm of your hand at a price starting as
low as five dollars. Judge David Seidman
said, “It’s the coolest ‘app’ boaters will
find on i Tunes.”

This year’s Innovation Awards were assessed by a seven-judge panel that includes: Panel Chairwoman Zuzana Prochazka, technical editor for Latitudes & Attitudes magazine, contributing editor to Mad Mariner and Circumnavigator magazine; Alan Jones, executive editor of Boating World magazine; Alan Wendt, editor, Marine CEO magazine; David Seidman, editor at large, Boating magazine; Robert Buller, equipment editor Pacific Yachting magazine; Frank Lanier, surveyor and contributing editor to

Electrical Systems & Equipment Rule Charge N’ Flow Portable Pump Kit by ITT, an extremely versatile small pump for washdowns, emergency uses and diesel fuel transfers. Judge Robert Buller noted, “With three sources of power and a price point of $120, this is a neat, compact, and versatile pump which will have a number of uses on and off the boat.”