Man in suit

The annual meeting of the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO) in La Rochelle, France, has elected Niels Klarenbeek as its new president. He succeeds Anne Dunbar from IBEX, who led the organisation for the past two years.

Klarenbeek has served as director of METSTRADE for four years, successfully steering the world’s largest marine tradeshow through the challenging pandemic period and helping it grow into its current prominent form.

“Boat shows are a vital showcase for the boating industry, bringing products and boaters together. Nowhere else can consumers so extensively view and compare the industry’s offerings to make informed decisions,” says Klarenbeek. “IFBSO’s mission is to foster cooperation among exhibition operators and advance the industry to better meet the needs of customers and adapt to rapid changes. I am thrilled about the opportunity to lead the continuous development of the exhibition industry through IFBSO.”

Anne Dunbar, former IFBSO president, says: “Niels is the right person to elevate IFBSO’s operations. Given the current global economic and geopolitical instability, boat shows must remain vigilant and proactive in their development.”

The IFBSO annual general meeting also confirmed the new board of directors, which (from the industry) includes Andrew Scott (BIA Australia), Felix Klaarman (Interboot, Friedrichshafen), Daniel Barkowski (Boot & Fun, Berlin), Jussi Kivikari (Helsinki International Boat Show), Jennifer Thompson (NMMA, USA), Jerry Flaxman (Atlantic City Boat Show, USA), Anne Dunbar (IBEX, USA) and Niels Klarenbeek (METSTRADE, Amsterdam).

The International Federation of Boat Show Organisers represents the world’s leading boat shows and supports the development of marine exhibitions globally. Its aim is to help members produce successful shows, foster growth in the recreational marine industry, and promote the boating lifestyle. IFBSO members are also actively participating in the movement to eliminate single-use plastics from packaging to combat global pollution.

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