KENTUCKY ASSOCIATION OF MANUFACTURERS
AND
KENTUCKY FARM BUREAU INSURANCE PRESENT...
The 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky Tournament!
Nominations open February 13.
Stay tuned!
The Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky is an online voting, bracket-style tournament to let Kentuckians pick the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky from among the thousands of world-class products manufactured in our state.
PRESENTED BY
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Caroline Scott, c.scott@kam.us.com.
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Nominated companies are encouraged to utilize social media, press, and other channels to promote their product in the contest; however, paid advertisements will not be permitted. Companies are encouraged to use #CoolestThingKY and #KYmanufacturing on social media.
(X) NO PAID ADS
#coolestthingky
#kymanufacturing
rules
- Nominations and voting are open to the public on the tournament website.
- During the Fan Favorites Round, anyone may vote for up to 5 of their favorite products once per day.
- The 16 products receiving the most votes in the Fan Favorites Round will advance to the head-to-head tournament.
- In the bracket rounds (First, Second, Semi-Final, and Final), anyone may vote once per day in each bracketed contest.
- Products receiving the most votes in each head-to-head contest advance to the next round.
- Vote totals reset at the beginning of each round.
- Any product made in Kentucky using a manufacturing process is eligible for nomination. Company headquarters do not have to be located in Kentucky.
- A company can have multiple products nominated, but only one product per company can advance to the head-to-head, single elimination rounds of the tournament.
- Nominated companies may use social media, press, and other channels to promote their product in the tournament, however, paid advertising of any kind is prohibited.
- A winning company may not compete in the tournament for one year. A winning product cannot participate again.
- All companies that receive an eligible nomination will be notified by the KY Association of Manufacturers.
- KAM reserves the right to determine eligibility of products and enforce these rules at its sole discretion.
2026 SCHEDULE
Nominations
FRIDAY, February 13 – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27
Fan Favorites
TUESDAY, MARCH 10 – SUNDAY, MARCH 15
First Round
TUESDAY, MARCH 17 – SUNDAY, MARCH 22
Second Round
TUESDAY, MARCH 24 – SUNDAY, MARCH 29
Semi-Finals
TUESDAY, MARCH 31 – SUNDAY, APRIL 5
Finals
TUESDAY, APRIL 7 – SUNDAY, APRIL 12
Winner Announcement
WEEK OF APRIL 13
Congratulations to the 2025 Champion: V-Force Turnout Gear!
BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
KAM’s mission is to make a better Kentucky by promoting and growing manufacturing in the Commonwealth. Beyond our advocacy for manufacturing and economic growth, KAM provides cost-saving programs for our member companies, and important opportunities and venues for members to connect, share best practices, and collaborate.