The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference opened this morning in Tampa, Fla., with the Industry Breakfast, where show director Mary Velline welcomed about 1,000 industry members.
This year’s theme, “Embracing Innovation. Mastering Momentum,” explores how innovation and new technology can be applied to the marine industry’s products, businesses and the boating experience, Velline said.
Following Velline’s address, Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, offered a realistic assessment of the pressures on the industry — interest rates, rising costs of goods, access to water — in his state-of-the-industry update. He also reviewed some of the successes the industry has seen over the last year.
“Just last month,” Hugelmeyer said, “leaders from the outdoor recreational community, including marine leaders in this room, joined President Trump at a historic White House dinner to celebrate and welcome the announcement of an executive order on recreational boating and fishing. The order advances issues NMMA and our coalition partners have been working on for years.”
Hugelmeyer called for industry members to continue their advocacy and involvement, now more than ever, in the issues that will influence the industry’s direction in the years ahead. He reminded the audience that the economic and political influence of industry members can make a defining difference.
Following Hugelmeyer’s address, Zach Hutcheson, CEO of Correct Craft, presented former CEO Bill Yeargin with the NMMA Hall of Fame Award.
“Through his writing, speaking, mentoring and service,” Hutcheson said, “Bill has generously shared what he has learned and has been an advocate for recreational boating and for the people who make this industry so special.”
Robert Guerrieri, president of the National Marine Representatives Association, presented the the group’s Mel Barr Award to Mark Reedenauer, president and executive director of the National Marine Electronics Association.
“Under Mark’s leadership,” Guerrieri said, “the NMEA has tripled its membership, from 400 to over 1,200 members.”
Robert Newsome, senior vice president and chief growth officer at NMMA, and Shawn Dubravac, economist at NMMA, offered their assessment of economic conditions. In a live survey of attendees, the vast majority said that they were watching input costs, including energy and tariffs, more than any other factor as the industry moves toward 2027.
Marine electronics writer Ben Stein, judging chair for Boating Writers International, presented the Innovation Awards. Trade Only Today will continue reporting from IBEX tomorrow.
