The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Boating Writers International (BWI) have announced the judging panel for the 2026 Miami Innovation Awards.
The judges will assess product entries submitted by manufacturers and suppliers for consideration in this year’s awards programme.
This year’s award recipients are due to be announced during the Industry Breakfast, held as part of the upcoming Miami International Boat Show, on 12 February 2026.
The breakfast will take place at the Miami Beach Convention Centre, Sunset Ballroom. The session forms part of the wider show schedule and includes presentations related to developments within the recreational boating sector. Tickets are available to show exhibitors, NMMA members and other industry stakeholders.
The Innovation Awards judges’ committee consists of seven members of Boating Writers International. Committee members carry out product testing throughout the year and bring professional experience across marine equipment, vessel design and boating operations.
2026 Miami Innovation Awards judges
Tim Murphy serves as chair of the judging panel. Murphy is education director at the American Boat & Yacht Council and a contributing editor to BoatUS magazine. He is also editor-at-large at Cruising World and has worked as a marine journalist for more than 30 years. Murphy previously directed and judged Cruising World’s Boat of the Year programme for two decades and has sea-trialled more than 500 new boats. He co-wrote Fundamentals of Marine Service Technology and is the author of Adventurous Use of the Sea. He holds a USCG 100-Ton Master’s licence.
Ben Stein is co-chair of the judging panel. Stein is editor of Panbo.com, which focuses on marine technology, and chairs the IBEX Innovation Awards. He is also a member of the DAME design awards jury at Metstrade. Following a career in financial services technology, Stein moved into marine media and industry work. He is president of Boating Writers International, a USCG 100-Ton Master and an ABYC certified marine electrical technician.
Kelsey Bailey is associate editor of BoatUS Magazine, where her coverage includes technology, new products and marine environment topics. She has sailing experience from an early age and previously refitted and skippered her own vessel along the US east coast. Bailey holds a USCG 25-Ton Master’s licence and currently sails a Jeanneau 45.2 in New England.
Brady Kay is executive editor of Pontoon & Deck Boat magazine and has held that position for more than 25 years. His work includes boat testing, feature profiles and photography across all 50 US states. Kay served for ten years on the board of directors of Boating Writers International, including three years as president.
Elaine Lembo is editor in chief of Caribbean Compass. Her career spans marine journalism and sailing, with published work across multiple outlets. Lembo is a fellow of the Metcalf Institute for Marine and Environmental Reporting at the University of Rhode Island and is involved in content-sharing initiatives with a range of environmental and marine media platforms.
Charlie Levine has worked in fishing and boating media for more than 25 years, including roles across print and digital publications. He most recently served as editor-in-chief of Anglers Journal. His professional background includes audience development and brand management within marine-focused media. Levine is based in central Florida.
Gary Reich is editor-in-chief of Soundings Trade Only magazine and has worked in the marine industry for 35 years. His background includes liveaboard sailing and marine equipment reporting.
Entries to the 2026 Miami Innovation Awards will be assessed across 21 product categories. All entrants and award recipients will be displayed throughout the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show.
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