OVERVIEW: NEWPORT FOR NEW PRODUCTS (NFNP) PROGRAM
As the first major event of the fall boat show season, the Newport International Boat Show is the perfect event for both domestic and international manufacturers to debut their latest boats and products. NIBS will once again feature the highly anticipated Newport for New Products (NFNP) program, a collaboration with renowned national boating magazines – Cruising World, Sailing World, Yachting, Soundings, Passagemaker, Power & Motoryachts, and SAIL. The NFNP program gives exhibitors the unique opportunity to showcase their new launches across multiple marketing platforms at no extra cost. Industry experts will judge each entry, and the winners will be awarded the honors on Friday morning at an Award Ceremony, that include the following categories: Best New Powerboat, Best New Sailboat, Best New Product – Technology (navigation, electronics, etc.), Best New Product – Boat Operation, Maintenance & Safety, Best New Weather Gear (wearable). Additionally, a People’s Choice Award for Best Boat Debut will be voted on online ahead of the show. The NFNP program also includes sub-categories for Green and Accessibility, with additional awards given to companies meeting the specific criteria.
JUDGING PROCESS
NFNP entries will be reviewed by a panel of experts before the show on September 16 and 17th. The judges will visit all eligible entries and review each one for consumer value, design, and innovation. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Friday, Sept 18, 2026, followed by a photo session and press release. Winners will receive a text reminder the night before; attendance is strongly encouraged.
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS AUGUST 1, 2026
If your NFNP application and photo are received by August 1, 2026 and your Boat or Product is accepted, it will be featured on the NIBS website/online directory as well as be featured in the magazine partners newsletters promoting the Newport for New Products program —reaching over 200,000 subscribers, at no cost to you. Once accepted, free promotional materials (web banners, graphics, etc.) will be available for download via the Marketing Assets on the website.
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STEP 1: ELIGIBILITY
Please read each of the five statements below. You must be able to check ALL the boxes to be eligible to enter the program. In some cases, additional proof of eligibility may be required.
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I am an Authorized Representative of the manufacturer who is submitting this application.
I have submitted my 2026 Exhibitor Contract and deposit to the Newport International Boat Show
The new Product(s) I plan to submit is being launched in the U.S. recreational boating market after April 1, 2026, and will be introduced to the U.S. market at the 55th Newport International Boat Show September 17-20, 2026.
The Product(s) I plan to submit to the NFNP program will be a completely new design for 2027 or have more than a 50% structural change to an existing design, resulting in a new model.
The Product(s) will be on display in its finished, sellable state at the Newport International Boat Show. No “concept” product or prototypes will be considered.
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Step 2: Contact Information
Company Type:
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Manufacturer
Dealer
Submitting Company Name:
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Contact Name
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First Name
Last Name
Contact Title
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Phone Number
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Please enter a valid phone number.
Format: (000) 000-0000.
On-Site Contact:
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First Name
Last Name
On-Site Phone Number
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Please enter a valid phone number.
Format: (000) 000-0000.
Email
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example@example.com
Please Check One:
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New Exhibitor
Returning Exhibitor
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Step 3: New Product Information
Product Name and Manufacturer:
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Product or Company Website:
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Type
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Technology (navigation, electronics, etc.)
Boat Operation, Maintenance & Safety
Weather Gear (wearable)
What makes this boat unique? Please provide 2-3 sentences, 50 words or less, that describe the boat’s innovative features and/or NEW highlights that set this boat apart from others and/or competition or that you would like to be included in our promotional materials, when applicable.
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NFNP created Green Awards for New Boats and New Products to encourage the efficient use of resources and to recognize improved environmental performance. If you would like your entry to be considered for an NFNP Green Award, please explain its environmentally friendly features, specifically how your entry follows best practices of sustainability in its construction and/or operation. Documentation to support and verify the ‘green aspect’ is required.
If you would like this entry to be considered for the "Accessibility Award", please explain how your boat is user-friendly and approachable for all ages, levels of experiences and abilities. Documentation to support and verify the 'accessibility aspect' is required.
Please send a high-resolution image with your application . File types accepted: .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .gif
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Type a questionDo you approve of your new boat(s) to be featured and promoted on website and other marketing communications, as early as August 15, 2026?
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