IBEX 2024: Exploring the biggest issues

The 2024 International Boatbuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), North America’s premier technical trade event for the recreational marine industry, will take place at the Tampa Convention Center, Tampa, Florida 1st-3rd October.

Hosting over 700 exhibiting companies and anticipating around 8,000 attendees, IBEX will once again serve as a crucial hub for networking and business development. The Marina & Yard Trade Route (MYTR) will include exhibitors spread throughout all three floors of the exhibit halls. Marina and boatyard operators can curate their MYTR experience via the IBEX website and an on-site show mobile app. This allows them to visit the exhibitors that cater specifically for this part of the marine industry.
“We look forward to welcoming the marine industry once again to Tampa for this year’s show,” says IBEX show director Anne Dunbar. “IBEX is where the industry comes together to do business and learn about the latest technology and techniques. This year we have some new and exciting educational and networking events for visitors and exhibitors, along with our packed exhibit halls, IBEX docks and expanded outdoor demo space.”
Starting up
One of the major new initiatives for 2024 is the Start-Up Pavilion, a joint enterprise launched by IBEX and Yachting Ventures. The space will provide a platform for 12 start-ups to showcase their cutting-edge technologies and solutions throughout the three-day event. Following a format that proved successful at Metstrade 2023 in Amsterdam, the new pavilion offers start-ups the opportunity to engage with industry experts, present their products, and participate in a pitching competition judged by a panel of investors.
For marine industry start-ups, participation presents a unique opportunity to gain exposure, access industry networks, and receive valuable feedback from key industry professionals, boat builders and OEMs in the USA. It is a cost-effective way to begin exploring the potential of the US market, while also benefiting from the media coverage and content highlighted by Yachting Ventures.
The Yachting Ventures team will also be working closely with the local tech ecosystem in Tampa to organise a pitching competition where five companies will compete for a chance to secure investment, gain further recognition and propel growth. The Tampa Bay area is a rapidly growing start-up hub that’s been named by Forbes as one of the best emerging tech cities and one of the best places to work in tech.
“We’re excited to launch a dedicated Start-Up Pavilion at IBEX,” comments Yachting Ventures founder Gabriella Richardson. “Most start-ups we work with see the US market as a big opportunity. Being part of the pavilion will allow them to explore this market and connect with important partners and OEMs.”
First for education
New for 2024, and part of the Education Conference, IBEX will unveil its newly designed Main Stage. The Main Stage will host general sessions and events throughout the show, covering topics such as leadership, workforce, industry research and analysis. Also premiering this year is the new Leadership Track, designed for C-Suite visitors and offering a space for education and discussion about the future of the industry.
Topics covered on the Main Stage include:
Pathways to propulsion decarbonisation: Jeff Wasil, NMMA and Patrick Hemp, ICOMIA share some of the technical outcomes of the Pathways to Propulsion Decarbonisation for the Recreational Marine Industry study completed with Ricardo plc.
Marine industry workplace research: The Soundings Trade Only team presents the results of groundbreaking 2024 Marine Industry Workplace research focused on attracting, retaining and developing top tier talent. The research results are followed by an industry panel discussion.
Avoiding contradictions in technology: Today’s durable hulls are built for sustainability; boats are expected to last 40 years or longer. However, with more complex electronic components, how do we as an industry manage the longevity of the boat’s design and build compared with the relatively short lifespan of electric components?  A panel discussion considers the lifespan differences in electrical systems, propulsion and vessel design, and what this means for boat repair and maintenance.
Visionary leadership – the driving force behind the marine industry’s small and medium sized businesses: A two-hour session exploring the qualities of a visionary leader, including operating with a strong results orientation, being supportive, seeking different perspectives and solving problems effectively. The panel will discuss strategies that reflect company culture and business stage of evolution.
Register at www.ibexshow.com