The Soundings Trade Only Group, in partnership with the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX), is pleased to unveil the lineup of speakers and session topics for the 2025 Marine Ideas Exchange (MIX), an exclusive live event designed to spark fresh thinking, bold ideas, and actionable solutions for the future of the marine industry.
MIX will take place at IBEX on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, from 7:30–10 a.m. EST at the Tampa Convention Center and will feature some of the industry’s most influential voices, offering insights on leadership, technology, branding, retail, and organisational culture.
Intentional networking
The program combines a high-impact keynote, interactive forums, and intentional networking designed to foster collaboration and creativity.
“This is a fast-paced, insight-driven program designed to bring marine pioneers together in a way the industry hasn’t seen before,” said Michele J. Goldsmith, Vice President and General Manager of the Soundings Trade Only Group.
“From the keynote to each breakout forum, the content is curated for substance, inspiration, and impact. With senior executives leading these conversations live at IBEX, we expect a strong turnout and encourage early registration.”
Kickoff keynote
“The speaker lineup for MIX is star-studded,” said Mary Velline, Show Director, IBEX. “It’s a phenomenal mix of respected leaders, trailblazing innovators, and rising voices, all sharing real-world experiences and fresh ideas to help our industry grow and adapt. I’m thrilled to see this level of talent and insight brought together for such an energising and important conversation.”
The program format includes a kickoff keynote conversation followed by two rounds of dynamic 35-minute forums in adjacent theaters.
Program Highlights
Keynote Conversation: Lessons from a CEO – Impactful Leadership
An in-depth discussion between Bill Yeargin, CEO of Correct Craft, and Gary Reich, Editor-in-Chief of Soundings Trade Only, on what it takes to be a servant leader with vision, resilience, and impact in a rapidly evolving marine industry.
Forum Sessions (Two Rounds)
Round 1 – Choose one of the following two forums to attend.
Making Culture the Core of the company and a Force for Good!
This powerful session brings together two visionary CEOs who are redefining what it means to lead with purpose.
At the helm of large, global organisations, they’ve built intentional cultures rooted in inclusion, education, and empowerment, cultures that elevate people, strengthen communities, and create measurable impact well beyond the walls of the company.
Through candid conversation, they’ll explore how values-based leadership drives high performance, aligns teams with a shared mission, and generates transformational change. Attendees will gain insight into how culture, when fully integrated into business strategy, can become a force for good across industries and around the world.
Speakers
- Jason Lippert, CEO, Lippert Components
- Bill Yeargin, CEO, Correct Craft
The Next Wave of Technology
This forward-looking session explores the next wave of marine technology—from cutting-edge vessel innovation to advanced manufacturing processes reshaping how products are designed, built, and delivered.
Industry pioneers will examine the role of AI, automation, data integration, 3D printing, and other emerging technologies that promise to revolutionise performance, production, and customer experience. Attendees will gain insight into how tech is not only accelerating innovation but redefining what’s possible across the entire marine value chain.
Panelists
- Michelle Hildyard, VP of Operations, Raymarine / Teledyne FLIR
- Jarrod Seymour, VP and Marine Segment Leader, Garmin
- Zach Hatcheson, CFO and Incoming CEO, Correct Craft, Watershed
- Moderator: Gary Reich, Editor in Chief, Soundings Trade Only
Round 2 – Choose one of the following two forums to attend:
Marine Retail
What does the future hold for the retail purchase of boats and marine products? This session explores how evolving technology, shifting consumer expectations, and new sales strategies are redefining the customer journey. From streamlining the path to purchase to anticipating behavioral trends, the panel will examine what’s next—and how the industry can adapt to meet it.
Panelists:
- Paulee Day, COO, Office of the CEO, West Marine
- Eddie Russell, Managing Partner, Viage Group; Former VP and COO, MarineMax
- Darren Plymale, COO and CFO, Galati Yachts
- Moderator: Steve Heese, CEO, Chris-Craft
What’s the Story? Building Brand DNA to Expand The Customer Base
As marketing and branding rapidly evolve with emerging technologies and platforms, brands are challenged to tell their stories in more compelling, authentic, and strategic ways. This session brings together industry marketing pioneers to explore how to build brand identity, connect with new audiences, and expand market reach in a rapidly changing world.
Panelists:
- Amber C. Holm, SVP and CMO, Winnebago Industries
- Gordon Sprouse, Director of Marketing, Americas, Raymarine / Teledyne FLIR
- Bates, Chief Revenue Officer, Correct Craft
- Moderator: Alisdair Martin, President, Marine Marketers of America
Between forums, attendees will enjoy two curated networking breaks in the immersive MIX Sensory Lounge—a thoughtfully designed space created to encourage meaningful dialogue and creative thinking among industry peers.
