The DAME (Design Award METS) – the world’s most prestigious design competition for new marine equipment and accessories is now open for entries under new, tighter regulations. 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 2012 should complete the online application by September 14, 2012.

As the importance of the DAME Award grew over the past 22 years, so did the number of entries and the complexity of the products to judge. Based on research among DAME winners and nominees and in close co-operation with the DAME Jury and Exhibition Committee further improvements have been implemented effective this year. The Jury has been extended to fully cover all fields of expertise. The judging criteria have been tightened and redefined and a pre-selection round based on video material has been added.

Research amongst passed winners and nominees confirmed the impact of participating for both marketing publicity and sales purposes.

Winning the 2011 DAME Award was an important achievement for DAME 2011 winner S.C.M. Stampaggio Construzioni Meccaniche S.r.l. The Italian company is still generating requests from customers all around the world. “The benefit of winning the award is considerable not only because of the business increase but also because of the great momentum generated inside the company. All SCM workers felt very proud of the international recognition. Last but not least the intense marketing activity that occupied the company in the first six months of this year. We definitely recommend participating in the DAME competition, it is simply the most prestigious recognition in the marine leisure market.”, according to Ing. Gianluca Silvestri of S.C.M.

The DAME registration fees for 2012 will be presented to AMREF Flying Doctors, the designated charity for international events of Amsterdam RAI. The exhibition committee has appointed AMREF as DAME charity, for every even year. Every other year all international marine related charities are invited to apply themselves as candidate.

This year’s fees will contribute to the project “sustainable water access for the Maasai in Kajiado, Kenya”. The population in this region have to walk approx. 10 kilometres for the nearest safe water source. In 2012, AMREF Flying Doctors started with the construction and rehabilitation of 50 water sources in this area and trains local people in operation and maintenance of the facilities. AMREF also creates sanitary facilities and promotes hygienic practices.

The 25th anniversary edition of METS incorporating the SuperYacht Pavilion will be held 13-14-15 November 2012 in Amsterdam RAI, the Netherlands.

For more information on AMREF, Flying Doctors, please visit: www.amref.nl