The final deadline is 18 September 2026 for the 35th anniversary edition of the prestigious DAME Design Awards.
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Just Over a Week Left
There is now just over a week left for Metstrade exhibitors to enter the 35th anniversary edition of the DAME Design Awards, with the final deadline for submissions set for 18 September 2026.
Recognising excellence in leisure marine product design since 1991, the DAME Design Awards provide an opportunity for companies to gain international recognition for products that demonstrate outstanding design, functionality, innovation, usability and environmental performance.
A Global Benchmark for Marine Design
The DAME Design Awards remain one of the most prestigious international awards programmes for leisure marine equipment. Since their launch in 1991, they have championed excellence across areas including styling, construction, functionality, ease of use, sustainability, originality, innovation, interoperability and price-to-performance.
The judging process is deliberately hands-on. An international jury of multidisciplinary designers and end-user experts first undertakes a virtual assessment of submitted materials before conducting an in-depth, two-day examination of products at RAI Amsterdam.
The jury will select nominated products to compete for category awards and a discretionary Environmental Design Award, with one category winner ultimately receiving the coveted DAME Design Awards Overall Winner title.
Patrick Hemp, Technical Director, ICOMIA & Jury Member Comments
The DAME Design Award is far more than just about innovation. What sits behind it is a thorough assessment of design, build quality, functionality, materials, originality, ergonomics and value. Being a member of the Jury, I can say the standard is genuinely impressive, but also that the field is open in several categories and I would urge every company with an idea to enter, especially given that all entry fees are donated to charity.
Get Your Dame Design Awards Entry in by 18 September
Companies wishing to participate should submit their entries before the 18 September 2026 deadline.
Products accepted into the competition must be shipped to arrive at RAI Amsterdam by 5 October 2026 for judging. Products must be ready for production, with orders possible to accept at Metstrade 2026, and must have been introduced after 1 September 2025 and/or be ready for market during the exhibition.
The 2026 entry fee is €175 per product, excluding VAT.
More Than An Award
Being nominated can provide significant visibility for both a product and the company behind it.
All nominated products will be featured in the DAME Design Awards Showcase in Hall 13 at Metstrade, giving successful entrants exposure to thousands of marine professionals attending the show. Nearly 700 products have been showcased through the DAME Design Awards since 2013, helping bring international attention and commercial visibility to successful designs.
For 2026, nominated companies will also be eligible for free fast-track sustainability training on 16 November, the day before Metstrade opens. The programme, delivered by the Marine Impact Lab and co-hosted by The Sustainability Toolbox and MarineShift 360, will provide practical guidance on assessing, strengthening and communicating the sustainability value of marine products.
Supporting Marine Safety
The DAME Design Awards also have a strong charitable dimension. 100% of entry fees are donated each year to a charity selected by the Metstrade Exhibition Committee.
For 2026, the chosen charity is the Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution (KNRM), one of the world’s oldest voluntary rescue organisations.
Founded in 1824, KNRM provides 24/7 assistance to people on the water and operates 75 lifeboats from 45 stations across the Netherlands, supported by more than 1,600 volunteers. In 2025, KNRM responded to 2,178 emergency calls, assisting 3,592 people and rescuing 161 animals.
The organisation receives no government funding and relies entirely on donations, gifts, sponsorships and legacies.
Don’t Miss the Deadline
With the 18 September 2026 deadline fast approaching, marine equipment manufacturers, designers and Metstrade exhibitors with eligible products are encouraged to complete their submissions now.
The DAME Design Awards 2026 winners will be announced during the Metstrade Official Opening on 17 November 2026 at RAI Amsterdam.
Final entry deadline: 18 September 2026
