IBEX heads to Tampa

Look for things to get shaken up a little bit this year as the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference gets its first waterfront displays.

With the show rotating from Louisville to Tampa this year, several companies will offer on-water demonstrations.

Outdoor demos are one of the highlights of IBEX.
Outdoor demos are one of the highlights of IBEX.

“We expect the IBEX docks to be very active,” said Anne Dunbar, IBEX show director. “Having water access directly in front of the convention center is an incredible opportunity for IBEX exhibitors to show off their new products and technology.”

Honda, Mercury, Elco, Yamaha and Volvo Penta are among the companies scheduled to display their products on the nearby waterfront docks. Besides the on-water exhibits, there will also be an outdoor demonstration area on a 3,300 square foot patio.

IBEX 2014 is September 30 – October 2. IBEX will return to Louisville in 2015 and Tampa in 2016.

This year’s event will feature 510 exhibitors and 100,000 square feet of exhibit space, dock space, on-the-water demonstrations, three new pavilions, and special feature areas including The Connected Boat and Material Connexion.

Bob Knight headlines industry breakfast

IBEX will feature more than 500 exhibitors.
IBEX will feature more than 500 exhibitors.

Hall of Fame college basketball coach Bob Knight will be delivering the keynote address at this year’s industry breakfast, scheduled for 7:30-9:30 am on September 30, the opening day of the show.

“In college basketball, the name Coach Bob Knight is synonymous with greatness and winning and we are thrilled to welcome this legendary basketball coach and avid fisherman to deliver the keynote address at the annual IBEX Industry Breakfast,” said NMMA President Thom Dammrich.

The industry breakfast will also feature the presentation of several awards:

• The Boating Industry Movers & Shaker of the Year – Jim Lane and Buck Pegg – will be recognized, as will the finalists for the award. You can read more about the award winners on p. 22 of this issue.

• The IBEX Innovation Awards acknowledge the importance of technological advancement. Products entered for the 2014 Innovation Awards are displayed all three days of the show in Innovation Way, located inside the IBEX exhibit hall. The awards honor achievement in product development in 13 areas of the marine industry, including boatbuilding methods and materials, inboard and outboard engines, hardware, interior parts and furnishings, OEM electronics, boatyard and dealer hardware and software, and safety equipment. Judges may also present an award to any entry that provides an environmental benefit to the marine industry. The entries are judged by a panel of industry experts from Boating Writers International.

Last year, Rick Pitino drew a packed house to the industry breakfast. Bob Knight will deliver this year’s keynote.
Last year, Rick Pitino drew a packed house to the industry breakfast. Bob Knight will deliver this year’s keynote.

• The NMMA Hall of Fame was established in 1988 and recognizes individuals who have, or continue to generate, substantial and lasting contributions toward the advancement of the marine industry. It honors individuals whose names and deeds are synonymous with the pursuit of quality, innovation and perfection within their respective spheres of expertise. Excellence in the areas of product development, competitive activities, environmental protection, legislative support, and arts and entertainment can be considered for the award. It is NMMA’s most prestigious recognition. Ralph Meloon Sr. of Correct Craft was recognized last year.

• The Exhibitor Video Awards honor the best product and company videos submitted by IBEX exhibitors. The goal of the EVAs is to showcase the technology and innovation exhibitors are bringing to IBEX and to create an interactive way for IBEX exhibitors to promote themselves and their products or services. EVAs will be awarded in three categories: Best Company Video, Best Product Video and People’s Choice.

IBEX will also offer several educational sessions this year on a number of technical  topics including designing for 3D printers, fiberglass repair, hull design, tailoring wakes and more.

 

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