The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) successfully concluded its event on Thursday, October 9, marking a noteworthy increase in attendance compared to previous years. This reinforces IBEX's role as a key hub for marine industry professionals across North America.
The event, packed with networking opportunities, seminars, and exhibitor displays, focused on advancing industry collaboration and innovation under the theme “Fast Forward.”
Highlighting South Florida marine technical programs
Featuring 710 exhibitors, the show also introduced 115 first-time exhibiting companies
IBEX 2025 was hosted at the Tampa Convention Centre, drawing 7,600 experts from over 70 countries. Featuring 710 exhibitors, the show also introduced 115 first-time exhibiting companies.
Among the attendees were more than 70 students from South Florida marine technical programs, participating in the IBEX Career Day initiative, organised in partnership with the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC). This initiative aimed to bridge future professionals with current industry leaders.
Incorporating technological advancements
The event commenced robustly on October 7 with the Industry Breakfast, Innovation Awards Presentation, and Keynote address, drawing over 900 participants.
Frank Hugelmeyer, President and CEO of the NMMA, delivered the Industry Address, accompanied by Kevin O’Connor, TV host of This Old House, who presented an inspiring keynote.
The Innovation Awards spotlighted 12 winners and four honourable mentions from a record 112 submissions, reflecting significant progress in materials and technologies. The winning entries are displayed in the online Innovation Way Showcase.
Exclusive educational experiences
IBEX 2025 introduced the MIX on its Main Stage, alongside traditional networking events
IBEX 2025 introduced the Marine Ideas Exchange (MIX) on its Main Stage, alongside traditional networking events, such as Pitch the Press, the Opening Night Party, and the Mid-Show Mixer, which enhanced educational engagement.
Central to the event were unique technical sessions, offering in-depth expertise on advanced boatbuilding techniques, innovation in materials, system integration, and design solutions. These sessions are known for their hands-on learning experience.
Broadening industry perspectives
The Main Stage programming expanded discussions to cover business strategy and leadership themes, offering attendees actionable insights and fresh perspectives.
These educational opportunities, alongside networking events, solidified IBEX's role as a vital platform for marine industry innovation and professional development.
Bringing together a global network
Mary Velline, IBEX Show Director, commented on the event's success, stating, "Boatbuilding is a decentralised and diverse industry, strengthened by a global network of innovators and skilled professionals."
She adds, "IBEX brings that community together each year to share challenges, celebrate breakthroughs, and spark the ideas that move our industry forward." Attendees and exhibitors expressed positive feedback on all aspects of the event.
Expanding business opportunities
The show remains a significant opportunity for relationship-building and innovation sharing
Pat Brown, President of Teak Isle, observed increased engagement, noting, "We noticed that the builders seemed to be bringing larger groups of people this year than in the past. This showed their dedication to needing to develop new models, and that IBEX is the place to find the information and products to do that."
Marcus Hamilton, CEO of Propspeed, highlighted the debut of their Foulfree™ Multi-Surface System, saying the show remains a significant opportunity for relationship-building and innovation sharing.
Gaining valuable insights and leads
Kent Jopling, Harman Marine’s Senior Global Sales Manager, remarked on the achievement of showcasing new technologies, describing the experience as “The best show we've had in the past four years.”
Alastair Crawford, Founder of Boat Fix, also praised the event, noting increased foot traffic and engagement with existing and new customers. IBEX is announced to return to the Tampa Convention Centre from October 6 to 8, 2026, welcoming continued industry engagement and development.
The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) announced that this year’s show, which closed on Thursday, October 9, saw year-over-year growth in attendance, reinforcing its position as North America’s premier marine event.
From networking events to insightful seminars and bustling docks and booths, IBEX 2025 brought decision makers together to move the industry “Fast Forward.”
South Florida marine technical programs
IBEX 2025 welcomed 7600 professionals from more than 70 countries to a packed Tampa Convention Centre. The show featured displays from 710 exhibitors, including 115 companies that were new to IBEX this year. Also attending their first show were in excess of 70 students from South Florida marine technical programs.
These future boatbuilders and marine technicians were part of the IBEX Career Day program, produced in collaboration with the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC).
Next generation of material and technological advancements
The show kicked off in high gear on Tuesday, October 7 at the annual Industry Breakfast, Innovation Awards Presentation and Keynote, attended by more than 900 industry professionals. NMMA President and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer delivered his Industry Address, while Kevin O’Connor, Emmy Award-winning TV host of This Old House and Ask This Old House, gave an inspiring keynote.
The Innovation Awards judges recognised the next generation of material and technological advancements, announcing 12 Innovation Award winners and four honourable mentions, chosen from among the program-record 112 entries submitted by exhibiting marine industry companies. Products can be viewed on the online Innovation Way Showcase.
IBEX’s exclusive lineup
New educational experiences, such as the Marine Ideas Exchange (MIX) on the IBEX Main Stage, along with signature networking events like Pitch the Press, the Opening Night Party, and the Mid-Show Mixer, drew impressive crowds and contributed to a notable increase in overall education participation.
At the core of the event was IBEX’s exclusive lineup of curated, expert-led technical sessions offering highly specialised content available only at IBEX. These sessions delivered the in-depth, hands-on learning the show is known for, covering advanced boatbuilding techniques, materials innovation, systems integration, and design solutions.
Reinforced IBEX’s position
Complementing this technical focus, new Main Stage programming expanded the conversation to include broader themes in business strategy and leadership, offering fresh perspectives and actionable insights that resonated with attendees.
Together, these educational and networking opportunities reinforced IBEX’s position as the marine industry’s essential platform for innovation, learning, and connection.
Network of innovators
“Boatbuilding is a decentralised and diverse industry, strengthened by a global network of innovators and skilled professionals,” said Mary Velline, IBEX Show Director, adding “IBEX brings that community together each year to share challenges, celebrate breakthroughs, and spark the ideas that move our industry forward.”
Exhibitors and attendees had positive comments about all elements of the Show.
Develop new models
“From preshow promotion to the nuts and bolts of the show, we feel it was a resounding success,” said Pat Brown, President of Teak Isle, adding “We noticed that the builders seemed to be bringing larger groups of people this year than in the past. This showed their dedication to needing to develop new models and that IBEX is the place to find the information and products to do that.”
New Foulfree™ Multi-Surface System
“IBEX is always a fantastic opportunity to connect with our partners, distributors, media, and friends from across the marine industry,” said Marcus Hamilton, CEO, Propspeed, adding “This year was especially exciting as we introduced the new Foulfree™ Multi-Surface System and received such positive feedback from the market. It’s a show that continues to help us build relationships and share our innovations with the people who make this industry thrive.”
Number of new leads and opportunities
“This was the best show we’ve had in the past four years,” said Kent Jopling, Senior Global Sales Manager, Special Markets, Harman Marine, adding “We were able to display many new technologies that will make ‘the life in a day of a boater’ less stressful and more enjoyable.”
He continues, "Boat builders obviously recognised this which was evident in the number of new leads and opportunities we walked away with from IBEX. Now it’s time to roll up our sleeves and go to work turning opportunities into reality.”
New OEM customers
"It was a great show for Boat Fix,” said Boat Fix Founder, Alastair Crawford, adding “We definitely felt that there was more quality foot traffic in terms of visitor attendance."
He continues, "It was great to see both existing and new OEM customers - and interestingly we are now being approached in record numbers by boat manufacturers realising the gamechanger value of our after sales support and 24/7 customer service."
IBEX will return to the Tampa Convention Centre, with IBEX 2026 Show dates set for October 6 – 8, 2026.
