NMMA President Thom Dammrich, who drew 160 members of the recreational boating industry to Chicago in mid-December for a “Recreational Boating Stakeholder Growth Summit,” addressed BWI members and industry guests during its annual meeting at the Miami International Boat Show. His remarks focused on what he hopes the media’s role will be in an emerging, decade-long effort to revitalize and grow the boating industry. Read more »

BWI’s Annual Meeting is set for Friday, February 17 at the Miami International Boat Show. The meeting will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. in the Miami Beach Convention Center, Room A 201-202.

The Annual Writing Contest award ceremony will kick off the Miami meeting as the 48 winners of top stories for 2011 will be recognized and $16,000 in awards presented. A “Grand Prize Writing Award” for 2010 will also be given.

The National Marine Electronics Association is the breakfast sponsor for the overall BWI program. Its Executive Director, Bruce Angus, will offer an outlook for the 2012 market and introduce NMEA’s new consumer guide to marine electronics.

NMMA President Thom Dammrich will address BWI members and industry guests on what he hopes will be the media’s role in an emerging, decade-long effort to revitalize and grow the boating industry. He will bring details of a recent “Industry Summit” including emerging recreational boating trends and changing demographics in the U.S.

The entire event is open to the marine community and requires no ticket for admission.

Top marine journalists in the U.S. and beyond were recognized in mid-February during the Miami International Boat Show in an annual writing contest conducted by the membership of Boating Writers International (BWI). Presentations in 16 contest categories representing $16,000 in awards were made to first ($500), second ($300) and third ($200) place scorers. Cash award recipients also received a recognition plaque noting their “Excellence in creating compelling stories about the boating lifestyle through entertaining, educational and inspiring journalism.” Read more »

BWI is accepting entries to its 18th Annual Writing Contest that recognizes excellence in boating, fishing and travel journalism.

There are 17 categories that each will award $500 for first place, $300 for second and $200 for third place winners. The newest category, “Original Online Content,” recognizes the best blogs, articles, videos, photos, podcasts, and social media streams.

The Contest is applicable to the broadest spectrum of boating, outdoor and travel writers, and offers $17,000 in cash awards during the first round of judging that will be paid to 51 winners in 2010. Entries must be received at BWI headquarters (not postmarked) by December 15, 2010. Read more »