Innovation happens every day across the passenger vessel industry. It can be a new technology that transforms an operation, a creative solution to a long-standing challenge, a program that strengthens the workforce, or a fresh approach that creates a better passenger experience.

The PVA Industry Excellence and Innovation Award celebrates the vessel operators, individuals, and teams who think differently, raise the bar, and turn great ideas into meaningful results.

From groundbreaking advancements to simple ideas that make a significant difference, this award recognizes innovation, ingenuity, and exceptional achievement that positively impacts an organization, its employees, its passengers, or the passenger vessel industry as a whole.

We know great work is happening throughout membership and we want to hear about it. Help us recognize the PVA members who are finding better ways to work, operate, serve, and move our industry forward.



Know an individual, team, or company doing something exceptional? Nominate them today!

What Does Industry Excellence and Innovation Look Like?

Innovation has no single definition, and that is exactly the point.

The Industry Excellence and Innovation Award recognizes accomplishments across all areas of passenger vessel operations. Nominations may highlight achievements involving:

Operational Excellence

New processes, systems, or approaches that improve efficiency, reliability, productivity, or overall operations.

Technology and Innovation

Creative uses of technology, equipment, data, or new tools that solve problems or improve the way business is done


Passenger Experience

New ideas, services, programs, or enhancements that create memorable experiences and better serve passengers

Workforce Development
Programs or initiatives that improve recruitment, training, professional development, employee engagement, retention, or workplace culture.

Sustainability and Stewardship

Forward-thinking practices that improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, or promote responsible operations

Business and Industry Advancement

Creative strategies, partnerships, or initiatives that strengthen an organization while contributing to the continued advancement of the passenger vessel industry.

And innovation doesn't have to mean something large or complicated. Sometimes the most impactful ideas begin with a simple question: Is there a better way to do this?

Who Can Be Nominated?

The Industry Excellence and Innovation Award may recognize a PVA vessel member company, individual, or team whose work demonstrates exceptional achievement, innovation, and positive impact.

Collaboration is an important part of innovation within our industry. PVA Associate Members may participate in, contribute to, or be included within a nomination; however, a PVA vessel member company or individual must serve as the primary nominee and central focus of the submission.

Self-nominations and nominations submitted by fellow PVA members are welcome.

Award Criteria

Nominations will be reviewed based on the overall strength of the submission and may consider:

Innovation and Creativity

Does the nominee demonstrate original thinking, creative problem-solving, or a new or improved approach?

Impact

How has the accomplishment positively affected the company, its employees, passengers, operations, or the broader passenger vessel industry?

Results

What meaningful or measurable outcomes resulted from the initiative? This may include increased efficiency, cost savings, revenue growth, greater passenger satisfaction, stronger employee engagement, or other demonstrated successes.

Leadership and Collaboration

Did the nominee demonstrate leadership, teamwork, or effective collaboration in bringing the idea or initiative to life?

Long-Term Value

Does the accomplishment provide lasting benefits or offer an approach that could inspire continued improvement within the organization or industry?

Tell Us Their Story

Great ideas deserve to be recognized.

Your nomination is an opportunity to share not only what the nominee accomplished, but why it matters. Tell us about the challenge or opportunity, the idea that emerged, how it was put into action, and the difference it made.

Supporting information—such as measurable results, testimonials, photographs, examples, or other material—may also be included to help bring the nomination to life.

Most importantly, help us understand what sets the nominee apart and how their work demonstrates excellence, innovation, and a positive impact on their organization or the passenger vessel industry.

Help Us Recognize the Best of PVA

Across the PVA membership, individuals, teams and companies are finding new ways to solve problems, strengthen their businesses, serve their passengers, support their employees, and advance our industry.

Submit a nomination for the PVA Industry Excellence and Innovation Award and help us celebrate the people and ideas shaping the future of the passenger vessel industry.