Volvo Penta has announced it is to sponsor the International Distributor or Dealer Development category at the 2019 Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement in association with Raymarine. Joining Volvo Penta, performance fabrics specialists Sunbrella has announced it will be sponsoring the after-dinner drinks at the awards’ gala dinner. It brings to 11 the number of sponsors that have so far signed up for this fifth edition of the awards that are set to take place at the beautiful National Maritime Museum in the heart of Amsterdam on November 19.
The International Distributor or Dealer Development award sponsored by Volvo Penta, recognises individuals or teams working for boat builders who have generated significant growth of their business through export success, by expanding their distributor or dealer network or by strengthening relationships with existing networks.
“Volvo Penta is proud to be sponsoring an award, which recognizes leadership within the boating industry,” said Johan Inden, head of Volvo Penta’s marine leisure segment and president of Volvo Penta region Europe. “Advancements in international distribution and dealer development are essential to helping the industry grow. We look forward to seeing what success cases for business growth are presented by the nominees in this category.”
The Boat Builder Awards, organized jointly by IBI and METSTRADE, have cemented themselves as a major showcase in the industry’s calendar. Around 400 guests are expected to attend the gala dinner that will again take place on the first Tuesday evening of METSTRADE under the starlit dome of the museum’s central courtyard. “Adding Volvo Penta’s name to the proceedings is a ringing endorsement of this key industry networking event,” said IBI editor and chair of the judges Ed Slack. “We’ll be looking to build on the positives and buzz of last year’s ceremony, raising the bar again in November to ensure a truly memorable occasion.”
“These awards are about recognising the very best of our industry and it’s awesome that pioneers like Volvo Penta are now involved,” added Irene Dros, Director Maritime – METSTRADE.
In February, Raymarine, headline sponsor since the awards’ inception five years ago, announced that it would be renewing its commitment to the showcase event for at least the next two years, signing up as headline sponsor for 2019 and 2020.
Nominations will open in the coming weeks via the awards website. Further details about the award categories, judging criteria and nomination process, can be found at www.boatbuilderawards.com.
A handful of sponsorship opportunities remain. Interested parties should contact Philip Pereira (philip@ibiplus.co.uk) as soon as possible to not miss out on becoming part of one of the industry’s premier networking and socialising events.
The full list of sponsors so far:
- Raymarine: Headline sponsor
- Lumishore: Collaborative Solution between a Superyacht Builder (over 24m) and its Supply Chain Partner
- Ultraflex: Collaborative Solution between a Production Boat Builder and its Supply Chain Partner for vessels under 24mF
- Fusion: Innovative On-Board Design Solution
- Dometic: Innovation in a Production Process
- UCINA: Environmental Initiative
- Gurit: Rising star
- Marine Resources Best Apprenticeship or Training Scheme
- Volvo Penta: International Distributor or Dealer Development
- Side-Power: Lifetime Achievement
- Sunbrella: After-dinner drinks
