Public relations, design and communications consultancy Saltwater Stone is sponsoring the ‘Retail Marketing Initiative’ category for the second consecutive year at the IBI/METSTRADE Boat Builder Awards.
The experienced maritime agency is supporting the 2016 awards in its landmark 25th anniversary year during which Saltwater announced a rebranded business to reflect the addition of a dedicated design studio and a strengthened social media team, which build on its core PR, marketing and advertising expertise. With clients in the superyacht, recreational and commercial sectors, the newly-named Saltwater Stone company now incorporates the skills and personnel of Ringwood-based design and branding agency Stone Design.
The prestigious Boat Builder Awards for business achievement is organised jointly by IBI magazine and METSTRADE to recognise and reward the outstanding business achievements of individuals and teams within a number of key areas in the global leisure boat building industry.
Saltwater Stone is backing the award category which recognises nominees who have shown an outstanding example of creative retail marketing initiatives, such as imaginative ideas for the promotion of new boat sales in print or online, outstanding boat show exhibits, successful partnerships or local promotions at dealer level where the boat builder has had a significant input. Last year’s winner at the inaugural event was Dominator for its Ilumen Virtual Reality, with an Honourable Mention for Boston Whaler Inc for the 420 Outrage Launch Campaign.
Georgina Bartlett, Managing Director of Saltwater Stone, said: “As we launch the new rebranded Saltwater Stone and celebrate a landmark 25th anniversary this year, we feel it is particularly appropriate to demonstrate our commitment to the marine industry and help to provide a deserved platform for the people who are the driving force within boat building and manufacturing companies.
“We were delighted to support the inaugural Boat Builder Awards last year and to take part in the ceremony during METSTRADE – a great celebration of the achievements of businesses within our industry. It was a pleasure for me to present the marketing initiative award to Dominator Yachts and to be able to host some of our clients and colleagues at the event.”
The 2016 awards will again culminate with a ceremony and exclusive gala dinner for some 250 people. Eight category winners will be announced at the event, to be held at the Amsterdam Maritime Museum on Wednesday, 16th November, during the METSTRADE show, the world’s largest annual gathering of marine equipment suppliers.
Nominations for the awards are sought from across the industry and the winners selected by an international panel of judges appointed by IBI and METSTRADE. The 2015 IBI/METSTRADE Boat Builder Awards attracted over 150 boat builders and guests from all over the world.
Designed to focus on recognition for the people involved in building and marketing boats, the 2016 Boat Builder Business Achievement Awards will cover the following eight categories: Retail Marketing Initiative; Innovation in a Production Process; Boat Builder and Equipment Manufacturer Collaborative Solution; International Distributor / Dealer Development; Innovative On-Board Design Solution; Lifetime Achievement Award; Environmental award; Training award.
After starting in the industry as BMC Public Relations in 1991, the company changed its name to Saltwater in 2000 and has worked with hundreds of clients in the maritime industry and beyond during the last quarter of a century.
For more information about any of the award categories, how to submit entries and the nomination process, and to apply for tickets to the gala dinner, visit www.boatbuilderawards.com.
To find out more about PR & Media Relations services at Saltwater Stone, please visit www.saltwater-stone.com. Get in touch on +44 (0)1202 669244 or email: enquiries@saltwater-stone.com.
