Press Releases
MIAMI – Feb.14, 2019 – Marine Marketers of America (MMA) today announced the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation’s (RBFF) Women’s Initiative as Best Diversity Initiative winner of the 2018 Neptune Awards for Marine Marketing Excellence during the Miami International Boat Show.
“This year’s Neptune Awards competition was keenly contested, with companies delivering thoughtfully-executed marketing campaigns across all categories, from advertising and public relations to diversity and grassroots promotions,” said MMA President Wanda Kenton Smith.
The annual competition, now in its eleventh year, was open to any organization producing and publishing marine industry marketing materials between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2018. A total of 50 marketing professionals from throughout the marine industry were involved in the judging process. The field drew 172 entries (up 12 percent from last year) in 20 categories.
RBFF’s Women’s Initiative, affectionately called Women Making Waves energized the fishing and boating community and capitalized on increasing female participation by empowering the female audience and making women feel welcomed on the water. While new participants are more likely to be young and female, only 19% of females feel they are represented in the sport. We see this as an opportunity to engage this audience, encouraging participation and making for a brighter future for fishing and boating.
“The results of this year’s contest continue to show that innovation and creativity are alive and well in the boating marketplace,” said Kristen Frohnhoefer, Neptune Awards co-chairperson.
NOTE: All winning entries and images may be viewed at www.marinemarketersofamerica.org.
About the Marine Marketers of America (MMA)
Established in 2007, the Marine Marketers of America (MMA) is the exclusive voice for marine marketers and the professional association representing recreational marine industry marketers. MMA provides ongoing professional development and networking opportunities while recognizing the outstanding achievement of marine marketing professionals through its annual Neptune Awards. For information, visit www.marinemarketersofamerica.org.
About the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF)
RBFF is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase participation in recreational angling and boating, thereby protecting and restoring the nation’s aquatic natural resources. RBFF developed the award-winning Take Me Fishing™ and Vamos A Pescar™ campaigns to create awareness around boating, fishing and conservation, and educate people about the benefits of participation. Take Me Fishing and Vamos A Pescar help boaters and anglers of all ages and experience levels learn, plan and equip for a day on the water. The campaign websites, TakeMeFishing.org, and VamosAPescar.org, feature how-to videos, information on how to get a fishing license and boat registration, and an interactive state-by-state map that allows visitors to find local boating and fishing spots.
