The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference has expanded to provide more exhibit hall space, product and international pavilions, and Trade Routes.
The show is scheduled for Oct. 3-5 at the Tampa Convention Center in Florida. There are 711 exhibiting companies this year, 78 of which are new, and of those 77 are international and represent 18 countries. There also will be 40 boats docked at the convention center.
“We look forward to welcoming all of our 2023 exhibitors and are delighted by the return of the international companies and pavilions to this year’s show,” IBEX director Anne Dunbar said in a statement. “The International Pavilions offer a valuable global perspective on marine product innovation, and we are honored to provide a platform for delegations from four countries to learn more about the recreational marine market in the U.S.”
IBEX will host four Product Pavilions and two Trade Routes, including Compliance, Standards and Education; the Composites Pavilion; NMEA’s Connected Boat Experience; and the new Sustainable Technology Pavilion and Trade Route. The Marina and Yard Trade Route features 57 companies. Australia, France and Italy will have International Pavilions. The show will also welcome a delegation of 18 boatbuilders, distributors and manufacturers from Finland.
“We are coming to IBEX because the United States makes up 50% of the world’s leisure boating market,” Jouko Huju, secretary general of Finland’s Global Marine Business Advisors, said in the statement. “Finland has a booming boat component and accessory industry, and we know we can meet the right people at IBEX.”
