PHOTO COURTESY METSTRADEThe International Federation of Boat Show Organizers elected Niels Klarenbeek president during its annual meeting. He succeeds Anne Dunbar, director of the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference, who was at the helm for the last two years.
Klarenbeek has directed Metstrade in Amsterdam for four years, growing the show and steering it through the pandemic.
“Boat shows are a vital showcase for the boating industry, bringing products and boaters together. Nowhere else can consumers so extensively view and compare the industry’s offerings to make informed decisions,” Klarenbeek said in a statement. “IFBSO’s mission is to foster cooperation among exhibition operators and advance the industry to better meet the needs of customers and adapt to rapid changes.”
Dunbar called Klarenbeek the “right person to elevate IFBSO’s operations.”
“Given the current global economic and geopolitical instability, boat shows must remain vigilant and proactive in their development,” she said.
The IFBSO also named a new board of directors at the meeting:
• Andrew Scott (BIA, Australia)
• Felix Klaarman (Interboot, Friedrichshafen)
• Daniel Barkowski (Boot & Fun, Berlin)
• Jussi Kivikari (Helsinki International Boat Show)
• Jennifer Thompson (National Marine Manufacturers Association)
• Jerry Flaxman (Atlantic City Boat Show)
• Anne Dunbar (IBEX)
• Niels Klarenbeek (Metstrade)
