The DAME (Design Award METS) – the world’s most prestigious design competition for new marine equipment and accessories is now open for entries. METS/SYP organiser, Amsterdam RAI invites this year’s exhibitors to enter their most innovative designs to be judged by an independent, international jury. Exhibitors wishing to submit products for the DAME 2011 should complete the online application by September 20, 2011.
 
The METS Team and the Exhibition Committee are conscious of the importance being placed in the marine world on environmental sustainability, and the jury for the DAME – Design Award METS – will place more emphasis on the ‘green’ benefits of every product it assesses, where applicable. The winner of the Award will be announced on the first day of METS, November 15, 2011.
 
This new approach is reflected in the refreshed green logo that will tie the DAME permanently to a concept of best environmental manufacturing and operational practices with sustainable design.
 
All products entered for the competition must be displayed at METS or the SuperYacht Pavilion (SYP) in 2011 and comply with the standard terms & conditions of participation.
 
DAME 2010 winner Seldén on the impact
Winning the 2010 DAME Award brought Swedish company Seldén Mast AB a host of different benefits. “First of all it confirmed to us that external observers regarded the reversible winch as the sensational innovation we were counting on during the development of the product,” said Seldén Mast group marketing manager, Mats-Uno Fredrikson. “This was very encouraging for all Seldén employees and good motivation. From a strict marketing point of view, it’s obviously the best possible introduction we could have had. We got an extraordinary amount of attention in terms of editorial coverage in magazines and websites, creating invaluable awareness of the winch and an increased general interest in our company.”
 
Charity Sailing Kids benefits from the entry fees
For the past four years, all product registration fees have been donated to a designated charity thus extending the scope and value of the competition. The DAME registration fees for 2011 will be presented to Sailing Kids – a Netherlands based charity that organises sailing holidays for seriously ill children and their families. Sailing Kids, which is entirely funded by sponsorships and donations, arranges free of charge six-day trips aboard either a rented vintage schooner or clipper, in addition to offering optional on-board activities and full catering, provides a fully qualified volunteer medical team to care for the seriously or chronically ill children on board. These are unique holidays that make for precious memories. More information about Sailing Kids, can be found on www.sailingkids.eu
 
METS/SYP 2011 will be held on 15-16-17 November 2011 in the Amsterdam RAI Convention Centre, the Netherlands.