IBEX 2024

The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) has revealed details of the attendance for the 2024 event, which concluded on 3 October after three days of steady footfall.

The show featured busy docks and exhibition booths, well-attended networking events, and numerous education sessions.

IBEX 2024 hosted 7,500 professionals from 70 countries. This is a downturn from the record-breaking 2023 edition, which welcomed more than 8,600 attendees, but this year’s turnout was undoubtedly impacted by Hurricane Helene, which ripped across Florida just days before the show opened.

The show floor this year showcased 731 exhibitors, including over 100 new companies, alongside 12 emerging technology companies in the new Start-Up Pavilion. The event also featured an expanded outdoor display and demonstration area. As part of Career Day, in collaboration with the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC), 100 students from five local technical programmes participated.

IBEX 2024

Highlights of the event included the Industry Breakfast and the Innovation Awards presentation on 1 October. The session drew over 900 attendees, with 13 companies receiving Innovation Awards and five others receiving honourable mentions. Over 80 entries were submitted by marine industry exhibitors. Attendees also heard from NMMA president and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer, who delivered the industry address, highlighting some of the ‘arduous headwinds in the market’. Charlie Cook, founder of the Cook Political Report, provided the keynote address.

Networking events such as Pitch the Press and the Exhibit Hall Happy Hour were well-attended. The Opening Night Party and Mid-Show Mixer also saw increased participation compared to the previous year. The Education Conference’s new Leadership track and Main Stage events attracted large audiences.

“Every large event has its challenges, and this year was no different, with severe weather impacting parts of the Southeast and the marine industry facing a tough economic landscape,” says Mary Velline, IBEX show director.

“In times like these, the opportunity to come together is more important than ever. IBEX provided a space for industry professionals to connect, share knowledge, and learn from one another,” Velline adds. “It’s this collaboration and shared experience that helps our industry grow stronger and more innovative, even in challenging times.”

Exhibitors and attendees shared their experiences of the show:

“This is our first time at the show,” said Michelle Liljegren of SurfaceLiner. “We have a brand-new product that we’re bringing to market, so we entered ourselves into the Innovation Awards, and it has given us the opportunity to connect with a lot of people. We do business in several other industries, so we’re really trying to learn how we can bring our products to the marine industry, and IBEX has been a perfect platform for us to see where our products can fit in this niche.”

Suzanne Hawley of Gemeco Marine Electronics Specialists added: “We’re a distributor of marine electronics, and we have had the best IBEX yet. One of the key features for us was being able to do Tech Talks. We did two this year, one on transducers and one on Smart Boat, and both were well-attended, and we really got our money’s worth.”

IBEX has already confirmed its 2025 dates, and will return to the Tampa Convention Center from 7-9 October 2025.

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