CHICAGO — A total of 50 new products have been entered into the Innovation Awards program at the upcoming Marine Aftermarket Accessories Trade Show (MAATS), taking place July 18-20 at the Las Vegas Hilton & Convention Center. Winners will be honored for their achievements during the MAATS Awards Reception on Thursday, July 19, in Pavilions 1-6 of the Hilton, beginning at 6 p.m.

Judged by Boating Writers International, 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.

'After seven years, the Innovation Awards program at MAATS continues attracting an impressive number of companies and products,' says MAATS show manager Kathleen Clickett. 'Since MAATS has established itself as the premier place for launching new products in the marine aftermarket, we continue working to improve our new product opportunities with the goal of providing added exposure for our exhibitors' products.'

The 2007 installment of MAATS will feature nearly 325 exhibitors displaying the latest in aftermarket products in the Las Vegas Convention Center. The show is currently in its seventh 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 17, in the N1 Lobby of the Convention Center, located just outside the show floor. And returning for a second consecutive year, the MAATS 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. Individuals and companies alike are welcome to bid on auction items. Donations collected thus far include: waterproof digital cameras; iPods; gift certificates; geographic-themed gifts (Cherry basket from Michigan, wine from California's Napa Valley); print advertising space; web banner ad spots; various boating products and packages; and more.

MAATS also continues its long-standing association with the National Marine Distributors Association's S.T.E.P. Conference, being held July 16-17 at the Las Vegas Hilton. This is the fifth consecutive year the two events have co-located.
For more information on MAATS, visit maats.net, or contact NMMA trade events manager Kathleen Clickett at (312) 946-6252; [email protected].