IBEX 2026 opens registration with expanded education programme and 730+ exhibitors
Attendees at IBEX – registration has opened for the 2026 edition
Registration has opened for the 2026 International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX). Billed as North America’s premier technical trade event for the recreational marine industry, it’s on at the Tampa Convention Center 6–8 October.
This is the last time IBEX will be held in October. In 2027, it’ll move to dates in December.
Expanded technical training and educational sessions
This year’s theme is ‘Embrace Innovation, Master Momentum.’ The idea is to reflect the industry’s shift from simply chasing what’s next to identifying what works now. This means that AI-powered systems and advanced propulsion technologies will be at the fore, along with manufacturing efficiencies, workforce development, and evolving safety standards.
“We were energised by the feedback we received from last year’s attendees and exhibitors, especially their excitement around how IBEX continues to evolve alongside the needs of the marine industry,” says Mary Velline, IBEX Show Director. “We took many of their ideas and suggestions to heart and worked to bring them to life in this year’s event.”
IBEZ says it’s expanding its educational programming, and offering enhanced opportunities for marine professionals to discover practical innovations, strengthen business relationships, and explore the technologies shaping the future of recreational boating. It’ll have more than 730 exhibiting companies, including over 50 first-time exhibitors.
Recently, IBEX and Metstrade announced they’d partnered with the National Marine Representatives Association and the Marine Marketers of America to introduce an export-focused programme aimed at helping international companies enter the US leisure marine market. The programme includes a new exhibition package at IBEX.
Industry feedback drives changes to the 2026 event
Several enhancements brought about by feedback are being implemented, including all exhibit halls opening at 9am daily.
There’ll be a technical training programme and the conference will feature technical seminars, hands-on workshops and Tech Talk sessions designed to provide practical and actionable insights.
The IBEX Innovation Awards will also return in 2026.
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