Entries open for DAME Design Awards 2025

Entries have officially opened for the 2025 edition of the DAME Design Awards, which recognise excellence in leisure marine equipment design. Now in its 34th year, the DAME Awards will once again take centre stage at Metstrade in Amsterdam, offering exhibitors the opportunity to showcase their latest innovations while supporting marine conservation.

Submissions are open to all Metstrade exhibitors until 19 September 2025, via the official entry portal. Products must then be shipped to Amsterdam to arrive no later than 6 October 2025. A two-phase judging process will follow, beginning with an initial digital review before a comprehensive two-day in-person evaluation at RAI Amsterdam.

An expert panel of international judges composed of leading designers, naval architects, marine journalists and end-user representatives will assess each submission based on design quality, innovation, usability, environmental impact and overall value to the marine industry.

The jury will select a shortlist of nominated products that will be eligible for various category awards, including a discretionary Environmental Design Award. One of the category winners will ultimately be named DAME Design Awards Overall Winner 2025 and presented with the award at

All nominated products will be featured in the dedicated DAME Design Awards Showcase, located in Hall 13 of the RAI during Metstrade. This space is visited by thousands of marine professionals over the course of the three-day show, offering significant visibility and commercial opportunity. Over 500 products have been spotlighted here in the past decade alone.

In keeping with tradition, all entry fees for the DAME Design Awards will be donated to a charitable cause chosen by the Metstrade Exhibition Committee. This year’s recipient is the Ocean Conservation Trust, a UK-based organisation committed to protecting and restoring the world’s ocean environments.

Founded by a group of marine scientists, educators and divers who helped establish the UK’s National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, the Ocean Conservation Trust has since expanded its work globally, focusing on ocean health, seagrass restoration and public engagement.

“The Ocean Conservation Trust is honoured to be chosen by the DAME Design Awards, where innovation meets purpose, to help drive forward our mission to protect and restore our Ocean for future generations,” explained Ian McFazden, CEO of The Ocean Conservation Trust.

“We rely on generous donations like this to continue our vital work, restoring precious seagrass habitats, advancing marine conservation, and connecting people with the Ocean. We are sincerely grateful for this inspiring show of support.”

The winners of the DAME Awards will be revealed during the official opening ceremony of Metstrade on Tuesday 18 November 2025. More details and entry submission information can be found at damedesignawards.com.