The Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) is accepting entries for its annual Tools, Tips & Tricks contest. The 2026 contest is sponsored by Keyston Bros, Serge Ferrari Group and Robeco.

Marine fabricators do myriad things in their shop every day to save time or money, or to do a job in a unique way. This contest aims to share these ideas with other professionals to lift the quality and efficiency of the whole industry.

All submissions are presented on the last day of the Marine Fabricators Conference; submitters who attend the Marine Fabricators Conference during the Tools, Tips & Tricks session have the option to present their submission live and answer audience questions.

MFA Board Member Mike Charpentier says this contest is one of his favorite parts of the whole conference. “I encourage everyone to submit something. You never know—what might seem easy for you someone else may be struggling with at their shop.”

Attendees will vote on their favorites and the top three vote-earners win prizes. This year’s prizes include:

• 1st Place: Full registration to Marine Fabricators Conference 2027, the Don Racine Award and 5 yards of Masterpiece Marine Quilt (provided by Keyston Bros)
• 2nd Place: Roll of White Stamoid Light (provided by Serge Ferrari)
• 3rd Place: $250 Visa Gift Card (provided by Robeco)

To see an example of submissions from previous years and get a little extra inspiration, visit the Tools, Tips & Tricks archive. Submissions can be written and accompanied with photos, submitted via video (under one minute, please) or a combination of the two.

Anyone who needs help with their submission can email barbara.connett@textiles.org.