MMA Announced 2019 Neptune Award Winners

Marine Marketers of America (MMA) announced the winners of the 2019 Neptune Awards for Marine Marketing Excellence during the Miami Boat Show.

“Winning a Neptune Award communicates the highest level of marketing achievement in the boating industry,” MMA President Wanda Kenton Smith said. “This year’s field of entries represents a stellar mix of outstanding marketing initiatives launched and executed by companies large and small.”

This year’s awards drew 150 entries in 20 categories. More than 50 marketing professionals from throughout the industry served as judges. The rules are structured so that no one can judge in a category in which there would be a conflict of interest.

In addition to the category winners, the “King Neptune” Best-in-Competition Award went to the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) for its “Off the Hook” initiative. The RBFF campaign used local media, social and influencers to drive powerful attendance at its pop-up Bait Shop in urban areas, where attendees could access rods, reels and bait and then go fishing right there.

MMA also presented a special Neptune marketing leadership award to Carl Blackwell for his service in leading the National Marine Manufacturers Association’s successful “Discover Boating” campaign, plus a special service award to Greg Proteau of Boating Writers International to honor his retirement and more than 12 years on the MMA Board of Directors.