The Marine Fabricators Association (MFA) announces the submissions window is open for the 2027 Fabrication Excellence Awards. Entries are being accepted through Sept. 30.

Sponsored by the MFA, the Fabrication Excellence Awards contest is designed to recognize excellence in marine fabrication. The entries are judged by a panel of certified marine professionals and featured at the Marine Fabricators Conference.

“The MFA awards program is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your work,” says Keri Ames, owner of Yachtsman’s Canvas and chair of the MFA advisory board. “With entries opening in February, I have the opportunity to complete my entries while the projects are fresh in my mind.”

The submissions window is opening earlier than previous years and aligns with the 2026 International Achievement Awards (IAAs), which also began accepting entries today.

“We chose to move the MFA Awards entry window up and align it with the IAA timeline in direct response to member feedback, making it easier for companies to plan, prepare and submit their best work across programs,” says Tara Houston, member programs supervisor at Advanced Textiles Association. “The MFA Awards remain an important opportunity to showcase creative excellence, elevate our industry and celebrate the impactful work our members produce year after year.”

Unlike previous years, winners of the Fabrication Excellence Awards are not automatically submitted for IAAs — entrants must manually enter both contests. The deadline for IAAs is Aug. 28 — one month prior to the Fabrication Excellence Awards deadline.

Qualifying projects

Awards of Excellence and Outstanding Achievement Awards are given in 11 different categories for the Fabrication Excellence Awards:

• Hybrid Enclosures — Sailboat & Powerboat
• Marine Exterior Upholstery
• Marine Interior Upholstery
• Powerboat — Rigid Enclosures
• Powerboat — Soft Enclosures
• Sailboat Dodgers & Biminis
• Sailboat Enclosures
• Tops & Sunflys
• Transformations Before & After
• Travel/Full Covers
• Uniquely Different

Two Awards of Distinction are selected among the Award of Excellence winners. All winners receive a press release and an award plaque to celebrate their achievements, and their work is featured in the March/April issue of Marine Fabricator^®.

“I love entering projects for the MFA awards, it’s fun to see how my work compares to other fabricators,” says Mike Charpentier, co-owner of Paul’s Custom Canvas and vice chair of the MFA advisory board. “With the entry date earlier, it allows me to enter projects as I get them completed.”

MFA members receive a free entry with the code 27MFAENTRY, and each additional entry costs $45. Contact Houston with any questions.