Thousands of boatbuilders and marine industry professionals will be in Tampa this week for the 27th International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX). This year’s event, being held from September 19 -21 at the Tampa Convention Center, will feature three show floors with 650 exhibiting companies, outside demonstrations, the Marina & Yard Pavilion; four days of education programs; a variety of special events, and much more.
“We thank all the IBEX exhibitors and attendees who have supported our decision to move forward with IBEX this week as planned,” said Anne Dunbar, IBEX Show Director. “The IBEX team along with our owners NMMA and RAI Amsterdam are hopeful that bringing the industry together so soon after the hurricane will begin many critical conversations and partnerships on offering assistance, and devising ways to help our fellow marine industry professionals in the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Irma.”
In addition to the 80+ conference sessions scheduled during IBEX, a new free special session has been added, which all attendees are invited to attend to discuss the impact Hurricane Irma has had on those affected. On Wednesday, September 20 at 11 am a panel of professionals with extensive backgrounds in insurance claims, permitting, electrical systems, hazard mitigation, security, and recovery will answer questions and offer tips based on firsthand experience and provide guidance in navigating post-hurricane recovery. For more information about this free special session and a full list of speakers please click here.
A Visit Tampa Bay spokesperson shared this message with IBEX participants, “We look forward to welcoming IBEX 2017 and thank you for supporting Tampa Bay! Your participation is not only appreciated, but helps provide stability to the thousands of hospitality associates and businesses throughout the community. While downtown Tampa sustained minimal damage, our community is playing an active role in aiding those affected by Hurricane Irma.”
The IBEX trade show will feature 650 exhibiting companies spanning three show floors, with dock space, and outdoor exhibits. There will be several new exhibitors from the US and around the world that will showcase the latest products and technology.
- The first floor, which will open starting at 9:00 am each day, will feature hundreds of companies as well as new international companies.
- The third floor exhibit hall, which will open at 10 am each day, will offer the Composites Pavilion featuring the Future Materials section; The Electronics Pavilion Now Connected by The National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA); and the Compliance, Standards & Education Pavilion.
- The Marina & Yard Pavilion will offer dozens of companies as well as the IBEX Beer Garden sponsored by Bellingham Marine.
- The IBEX Docks will feature over 25 boats showcasing the newest technology on the water.
The IBEX Education Program will offer nine Super Sessions starting on Monday, September 18th followed by the IBEX Seminar Series and an additional 17 education sessions in the Tech Talk Theater on the 2nd level of the convention center. The Seminar series will feature 57 courses offering fundamental skills to cutting-edge advanced training for the boatbuilding, design, and repair industry. IBEX’s own technical team worked alongside the show’s education partners Professional BoatBuilder, ABYC, NMEA, ABBRA, and IBEX co-owner NMMA, to develop eight tracks: Design & Engineering; Composite Methods & Materials; Onboard Systems; Marine Electrical Systems; Manufacturing Management & Policy; Survey & Repair; Boatyard & Marina Operations; and New for 2017 IBEX Extras
There will be several opportunities for networking throughout the three days of IBEX. The event kicks off on Tuesday, September 19th with the sold-out annual Industry Breakfast where Olympian Jim Craig will deliver the keynote address and NMMA’s President Thom Dammrich will present the state of the industry followed by the presentation of the Innovation Awards. On Tuesday and Wednesday, there will be a Happy Hour in the IBEX Beer Garden from 4-6 pm and the IBEX Opening Night Party will be from 6-8 pm. There will also be several events for Marine Millennials.
For all of the latest information about IBEX visit www.ibexshow.com or download the official 2017 mobile app.
About the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX)
IBEX, Where Better Boats Begin (www.ibexshow.com), is the marine industry’s largest technical trade event in North America and is powered globally by METSTRADE, the world’s leading platform and community for professionals in the leisure marine equipment industry. IBEX is owned and produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (www.nmma.org) and RAI Amsterdam (www.rai.nl). The 2017 IBEX is scheduled to take place at the Tampa Convention Center, September 19 – 21, in Tampa, FL USA. For more information, please visitwww.ibexshow.com.