IBEX 2025: Full schedule of events and networking opportunities released
The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) has announced the full schedule of networking events for its 2025 show, which will take place at the Tampa Convention Center in Florida from 7 to 9 October.
The programme includes daily networking opportunities. The Opening Night Party, sponsored by Wet Sounds and the Mid-Show Mixer, sponsored by Roswell Marine, will both be held outdoors at the Sail Pavilion.
A new event, the Marine Ideas Exchange (MIX), presented by IBEX and Soundings Trade Only, will feature speakers discussing leadership, technology, branding, retail and organisational culture.
Wednesday 8 October 2025 will also see the return of Pitch the Press, where selected exhibitors present their products to industry buyers and media.
On Thursday 9 October 2025, ABYC’s Student Career Day will provide technical students and instructors with access to the exhibition and opportunities to meet marine industry professionals.
The Opening Day Industry Breakfast will include an industry address from NMMA president Frank Hugelmeyer and a keynote presentation by television host Kevin O’Connor. The event will also feature the presentation of the 2025 IBEX Innovation Awards. Following the awards, participants will be available for an informal meet and greet at Innovation Way.
Each day, the IBEX Main Stage will host sessions on a range of topics, including tariffs, trade, supply chain challenges and workforce development. Speakers include former NMMA president Dr Thomas Dammrich, Freedom Boat Club president Cecil Cohn and NMEA president and executive director Mark Reedenauer.
A session on Tuesday 7 October 2025 will focus on developing foils for recreational boats, with contributions from Aaron Porter of Professional BoatBuilder, Pete Melvin of Morrelli & Melvin Design & Engineering, Mike Peasgood of ENVGO and Ferdinand van West of Morrelli & Melvin Design & Engineering.
Thursday 9 October’s programme includes a panel on managing tariffs and trade, with speakers from NMMA and Smoker Craft, and a session on technical schools and recruitment strategies, with speakers from Safe Harbor Marinas, ABYC, Suncoast Technical College and The Landing School.
In addition to the conference and networking schedule, IBEX will provide free golf cart transport, known as Tide Rides, sponsored by Tides Marine. These shuttles will operate during show hours and evening events on Tuesday and Wednesday, connecting the convention centre with local hotels.
“IBEX is the ultimate place in North America for marine industry professionals to come network with colleagues and friends,” says Mary Velline, IBEX show director. “The opportunities to connect together and drive innovation are what makes the IBEX community so unique, and our team has put together a packed schedule to support that growth in learning together. We look forward to welcoming visitors to another great year of IBEX, where there’s truly something for everyone.”
IBEX 2025 registration
Visitor and press registration is available online, with separate links for exhibitor personnel. Organisers recommend arranging accommodation as soon as possible because of high demand. Exhibitor lists, floor plans, schedules and other information are published on the event website.
IBEX is produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association and RAI Amsterdam. The 2025 edition will be held at the Tampa Convention Center from 7 to 9 October.
In May 2025, organisers confirmed that IBEX will adopt a new event schedule beginning in 2027, shifting from its traditional October dates to a December timeframe.
The show will continue to take place in Tampa, Florida, with the 2027 edition set for 7 to 9 December at the Tampa Convention Center.
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