The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), North America’s largest trade event for marine industry professionals, is expanding its exhibit halls, Product and International Pavilions, and Trade Routes for the upcoming 2023 edition. The 2023 IBEX show will be held from 3-5 October 2023 at the Tampa Convention Center in Florida.

Organisers say the expansion of the Tampa Convention Center and added exhibit space will allow IBEX 2023 to welcome 711 exhibiting companies, 78 of which are new exhibitors and 77 of which are international companies representing 18 countries, occupying three levels of exhibit halls, outdoor display space, and 40 boats on the IBEX docks.

New for this year is the Sustainable Technology Pavilion and Trade Route, which will include 32 exhibitors and highlight products designed to reduce carbon emissions, empower cleaner processes for propulsion, and promote a more sustainable future.

IBEX will host four Product Pavilions and two Trade Routes as part of the overall exhibit hall experience, including the 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 dedicated to products and solutions for the unique needs of boatyard and marina professionals and their crew. In addition, IBEX will host three International Pavilions from three countries: Australia, France, and Italy.

The French Marine Leisure Industry Federation has turned its sights on gaining the North American boat builder’s perspective. This year, for the first time ever in the US, companies will be gathered in the French Pavilion, with a selection of industry products for IBEX attendees to see.

In another first, the Italian Trade Agency has organised the inaugural Italian Pavilion, which includes exhibiting companies and an area dedicated to the Italian Trade Agency.

IBEX 2023

In addition to the exhibit halls, IBEX 2023 will welcome a delegation of 18 boatbuilders, distributors, and manufacturers from Finland.

“We are coming to IBEX because the United States makes up 50 per cent of the world’s leisure boat market,” said Jouko Huju, secretary general of Global Marine Business Advisors, Finland. “Finland has a booming boat component and accessory industry, and we know we can meet the right people at IBEX.”

In August, IBEX announced the judging panel for the 2023 Innovation Awards, now in their 20th year.

Anne Dunbar, IBEX show director adds: “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. The International Pavilions offer a valuable global perspective on marine product innovation, and we are honoured to provide a platform for delegations from four countries to learn more about the recreational marine market in the US.

Registration for IBEX 2023 is now live and available via the event’s website.

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