DAME Design Awards 2025 Now Open for Entries

Boating News | June 2025

Celebrating innovation in marine equipment

Entries are now open for the 2025 DAME Design Awards, the leisure marine industry’s leading honour for product design, held annually at Metstrade. Marking its 34th year, the awards continue to recognise exceptional marine equipment design, helping raise the profile of new products while supporting this year’s chosen charity, the Ocean Conservation Trust.

Aimed at highlighting design that enhances accessibility, sustainability, safety and enjoyment, the DAME Awards encourage entries that either introduce ground-breaking innovation or refine existing ideas for greater benefit. An international jury of marine designers, engineers and end-users will assess submissions based on criteria including functionality, form, environmental impact and originality.

Important dates and entry process

Exhibitors at Metstrade 2025 can enter their products until 19 September 2025 through the DAME entry portal. Selected entries must then be shipped to Amsterdam by 6 October 2025. Judging will be carried out in two stages: a preliminary virtual review, followed by hands-on product evaluation at RAI Amsterdam.

Shortlisted entries will be considered for several category awards, including a discretionary Environmental Design Award, with one product ultimately taking the prestigious DAME Design Awards Overall Winner title.

All nominated products will be displayed in the DAME Awards Showcase in Hall 13, a central exhibit space at Metstrade and a key visitor attraction, offering invaluable industry exposure.

Supporting ocean conservation

Proceeds from all DAME entry fees go to a selected charity each year. For 2025, the beneficiary is the Ocean Conservation Trust, a UK-based organisation known for its work in marine education, habitat restoration and global ocean awareness. Originating from the team behind the UK’s National Marine Aquarium, the Trust plays a vital role in advancing marine science and protecting ocean ecosystems.

Winners will be announced during the official Metstrade opening ceremony on Tuesday 18 November 2025.

For full details or to submit an entry, visit www.damedesignawards.com