The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference 2025 (IBEX) saw year-on-year growth in attendance.
The exhibition welcomed 7,600 professionals from more than 70 countries to Tampa Convention Center.
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, part of the IBEX Career Day program, produced in collaboration with the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC).
The show began with the annual Industry Breakfast, Innovation Awards Presentation and Keynote, attended by more than 900 industry professionals.
New educational experiences
NMMA President and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer delivered his industry address, while Emmy Award-winning TV host Kevin O’Connor gave the keynote.
The Innovation Awards judges recognised the next generation of products and technological advancements, with 12 Innovation Award winners and four honorable mentions, chosen from 112 entries.
In addition there were new educational experiences such as the Marine Ideas Exchange (MIX) on the IBEX Main Stage, along with networking events including Pitch the Press, the Opening Night Party, and the Mid-Show Mixer.
At the core of the event was IBEX’s lineup of technical sessions offering highly specialized content available only at IBEX.
Boatbuilding is a decentralized and diverse industry, strengthened by a global network of innovators and skilled professionals.
Mary Velline
These sessions covered advanced boatbuilding techniques, materials innovation, systems integration, and design solutions.
Complementing this technical focus, new Main Stage programming expanded the conversation to include broader themes in business strategy and leadership.
“Boatbuilding is a decentralized and diverse industry, strengthened by a global network of innovators and skilled professionals,” said Mary Velline, IBEX show director.
“IBEX brings that community together each year to share challenges, celebrate breakthroughs, and spark the ideas that move our industry forward.”
IBEX will return to the Tampa Convention Center in October 2026.
