Organisers of the 2023 International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX), running from 2-4 October 2023 at the Tampa Convention Center, are hosting a special session focused on sustainability, titled The Carbon Conundrum, on 4 October 2023.

Organisers say the programme is intended to help marine professionals navigate current boatbuilding trends between more horsepower and efficient, alternative propulsion and hull design. 

The session will feature a dynamic discussion with speakers including NMMA’s Jeff Wasil, Jeffrey Bowles of DLBA Naval Architects, Marnix Hoekstra of Vripack Yacht Design, Martin Peters of Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit, and Augusto “Kiko” Villalon.

Panellists will explore what efficiencies hull design and refinement offer, barriers to taking alternative fuels mainstream, discrepancies in how we measure and market sustainability, some challenges confronting builders and engine manufacturers, pragmatic carbon reduction measures, and the traditions of efficiency and adaptability in the industry.

The programme will be moderated by Aaron Porter from Professional BoatBuilder magazine and Tim Murphy of the American Boat & Yacht Council.

IBEX is North America’s largest trade event for marine industry professionals. Organisers say the recent 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.

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

IBEX 2023 special sustainability session: The Carbon Conundrum

Date: Wednesday, 4 October 2023.
Time: 8:30am-10am ET.
This interactive session is free, but registration is required.

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