“For 2025, we expect numbers slightly down compared to peak years, but still healthy relative to global travel conditions,” says Mary Velline, IBEX show director, speaking ahead of the show which starts today (7 October 2025).
The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) — which had 74 international exhibitors in 2024 — is hosting fewer this year. Forty five to be precise. A quick search on IBEX’s exhibitor listing shows around 17 European exhibitors attending, plus another ten from the UK.
But IBEX says there are 700+ exhibiting companies in total — the number of US-based companies exhibiting this year has increased.
Velline doesn’t put a number on expected European visitors. “Numbers fluctuate year to year with exchange rates, travel costs, and US visa considerations,” she says. That said IBEX is happy to share that 30 per cent of attendees are owners / presidents and CEOs, and 81 per cent of attendees will make buying decisions at the show.
“2025 has brought new pressures,” Velline continues, listing “longer buying cycles, pricing uncertainty, staffing challenges, and rising operational costs.
“Many companies are being asked to do more with less, all while preparing for future disruption.” She adds that this year’s IBEX Education Conference will empower decision-makers with actionable insights. It’s offering advanced seminars and technical sessions focused on efficiency, adaptation, and future-proofing marine businesses in a changing market. IBEX’s education conference programme is available online.
Amid widespread disruption, last week’s US government shutdown is also set to impact the marine industry, including boater access, trade operations, financing and manufacturing.
That international and European exhibitor numbers are down is hardly surprising given the ongoing geopolitical situation.
Plus, reports of tourists being denied entry or detained by border agents have contributed to hesitation in travel, creating a perception of the US as a less welcoming destination. From outwith the borders, as Trump’s America heads towards isolation, how many people will simple take a pass from visiting the US (for business or pleasure) for the next few years?
US companies committed to exhibiting at IBEX
But those that don’t attend may miss out. “Many US companies see IBEX as non-negotiable for market visibility,” continues Velline, which is why US exhibitor stands number 669, compared to 657 last year even though “rising costs in travel, logistics, and staffing are real”.
That non-negotiability is shown through responses to the forthcoming change in date. From 2027, IBEX is moving to December (from its current October slot). IBEX has value “as a critical platform they [exhibitors] prioritise regardless of external pressures”, which means “exhibitors have largely responded positively, appreciating the proactive step”. Previously iterations of the show have suffered due to weather.
“Florida has proven, and remains to be, the best location for our show for both exhibitors and visitors alike,” she says.
“Unfortunately, the timing and location has left the show smack dab in the middle of Hurricane season.”
“The uncertainty this created has had a significant impact, and after years of discussions internally and with our attendees it was clear that either the dates or location needed to change. This year and next we were able to push the show by a week, but we recognised a bigger move needed to be made.”
Exhibitors’ commitment to date changes are down to the nature of the show. Velline describes it as “both a platform where brands showcase their latest innovations, and a true marketplace where business gets done. Exhibitors come to launch products, meet distributors, and build long-term partnerships. Visitors come to source technology, receive hands-on technical education, and connect with experts they can’t access elsewhere.”
This is a recipe for accelerating business decisions. “The value lies in its depth of technical content paired with face-to-face networking.”
IBEX cornerstone of supply chain calendar
The 152,000 square feet of exhibit space spans three exhibition halls. As well as 80 new exhibiting companies this year, there are 41 dock slips to explore.
“Together with Metstrade, IBEX serves as a cornerstone of the global marine supply chain calendar, North America in October, Europe in November,” says Velline (pictured left). IBEX is North America’s largest technical marine trade event and the only US show dedicated solely to the business-to-business boatbuilding sector.
“This year marks the largest number of Innovation Awards entries in IBEX history, underscoring the strength of the US marine innovation pipeline,” she says.
US boatbuilders pushing sustainability
Sustainability is a core theme for 2025. There’s an expanded Sustainability Pavilion and programming highlighting alternative power and eco-materials.
“US boatbuilders are pushing new technologies even if end-users aren’t always the ones driving demand.”
“Exhibitors and partners recognise the long-term business and regulatory importance of reducing carbon impact.”
With that in mind, IBEX is serving as a platform for showcasing innovations and educating the US market on global sustainability trends.
“The US industry benefits when more international perspectives and partnerships are present on the show floor.
“The US marine industry is resilient, adaptive, and remains the largest recreational boating market in the world… IBEX plays a critical role in workforce development and innovation transfer between global and domestic players.”
While the industry evolves rapidly in areas like electrification, composites and automation, “IBEX is where those conversations are advancing in the US”. Thus, she says: “IBEX is committed to strengthening its role as not just a trade show, but a year-round hub for knowledge, innovation and connection through IBEX 365.”
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