IBEX shifts to December dates to avoid hurricane disruption
The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (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.
Organisers say the decision to revise the schedule follows feedback from industry stakeholders and exhibitors. The main aim is to reduce disruption caused by hurricane season in Florida, thereby increasing the event’s reliability and growth potential.
In 2022, IBEX was cancelled as Hurricane Ian intensified swiftly before making landfall in southwest Florida, becoming the state’s costliest hurricane to date and resulting in over 150 fatalities.
The 2024 edition of IBEX saw a slight downturn in visitors from 2023 — undoubtedly impacted by Hurricane Helene, which had ripped across Florida just four days before the show opened.
“In recent years, hurricanes have caused disruptions and uncertainty for IBEX,” says IBEX show director Mary Velline. “We listened carefully to the industry, and the December shift is ideal, allowing us to better serve our community by delivering a dependable, world-class event each year and ensuring the long-term success for our exhibitors.”
Hurricanes impacting Florida — and indeed the world — have grown more intense in recent years, driven by warmer sea surface temperatures and increased atmospheric moisture. These climate-related factors have led to more frequent and destructive hurricanes, particularly in regions like the Gulf of Mexico and the southeastern United States.
International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference – IBEX dates
“Moving IBEX to December is both a necessary step and a strategic move to ensure the long-term vitality of the show,” says NMMA president and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer. “This new timing will give our exhibitors and attendees greater consistency and opportunity for growth year after year.”
Scheduled IBEX dates are as follows: 7–9 October 2025, 6–8 October 2026 and 7–9 December 2027. All editions will be held at the Tampa Convention Center.
The rescheduling was made in collaboration with IBEX’s co-owners, RAI Amsterdam and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).
Further details regarding the 2027 schedule will be released in the coming months.
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