The International Boatbuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) concluded its 2025 show on 9 October, reporting year-over-year growth in attendance.
The show brought together industry professionals for networking, education and hands-on demonstrations. IBEX 2025 welcomed 7,600 professionals from more than 70 countries to the Tampa Convention Centre.
The event featured 710 exhibitors, including 115 first-time participants. More than 70 students from South Florida marine technical programmes attended the IBEX Career Day programme, organised in partnership with the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC).
The show opened on 7 October with the annual Industry Breakfast, Innovation Awards presentation and keynote, attended by more than 900 industry leaders.
NMMA president and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer delivered the Industry Address, followed by a keynote from Emmy Award-winning television host Kevin O’Connor.
New education and networking initiatives contributed to increased engagement across the show. The Marine Ideal Exchange (MIX) on the IBEX main stage, along with events such as Pitch the Press and the mid-show mixer, attracted large audiences.
IBEX’s technical sessions offered specialised, expert-led content covering advanced boatbuilding techniques, materials innovations, systems integration and design solutions. Complementing this technical focus, main stage programming addressed business strategy and leadership.
Mary Velline, IBEX show director, comments: “Boatbuilding is a decentralised and diverse industry, strengthened by a global network of innovators and skilled professionals. IBEX brings that community together each year to share challenges, celebrate breakthroughs, and spark the ideas that move our industry forward.”
Various exhibitors praised IBEX 2025 for its strong engagement and business impact. Companies highlighted increased attendance, high-quality interactions and the opportunity to showcase new products and technologies. Several noted that the show generated valuable leads, strengthened industry connections and drew interest from both existing and new customers.
IBEX will return to the Tampa Convention Centre for IBEX 2026, scheduled for 6-8 October 2026. More information is available on the event’s website.
The post Record growth and innovation highlight IBEX 2025 ahead of 2026 appeared first on Marine Industry News.
Leave a Reply