How strong is your networking game? The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) is coming and ready to help you connect with exhibitors and other attendees.
This year, IBEX will be held in Tampa, Florida from October 2-4 at the Tampa Convention Center. The event will not only include its usual educational exhibits, but also a number of entertaining events that will give attendees a chance to socialize.
“The events and experiences we offer each year at IBEX are designed to educate and connect our visitors and exhibitors in a unique and informal way,” said Anne Dunbar, IBEX Show Director. “We work hard to offer events that will appeal to the varied interests of people coming to the show, with the goal of ensuring that IBEX is both educational and enjoyable."
The newly added emphasis on social events only adds to IBEX’s goal to make the conference an educational experience for all. Networking is key to success and IBEX is providing a priceless opportunity for people to interact with each other and learn from each other’s experiences.
The following is a list of events that attendees can expect to participate in at this year’s IBEX:
Monday, October 1st
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. - TradeTalks Roundtable Panel & Reception: The Future of the Marine Aftermarket
(presented by media partner Soundings Trade Only)
This lively discussion will cover the changing landscape of the marine industry aftermarket, including ownership of companies, brands, and retailers; impact of technology; e-commerce; and the crossover between the RV and marine industries. Panelists include Ron Japinga, CEO and president of Guitar Center, Colin Puckett, head of seller marketing at Amazon Business, and Tom Schuessler, president of Land ‘N’ Sea Distributing, among several others. This event will take place in the Marriott Tampa Waterside Ballroom, 700 S. Florida Ave, Tampa, Florida.
7 p.m. to 11 p.m. - Sparks!: An Inspirational Night of Boat Design Concepts, powered by PechaKucha
14 boat designers will present their boat design concept with the limitations of just 20 slides and 20 seconds per slide. This networking event is sponsored by the Sparks! Group and Tides Marine and presented by media partner Professional BoatBuilder magazine and will take place in the CAMLS Center at 124 S. Franklin Street.
Tuesday, October 2nd
7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. - IBEX Industry Breakfast and Awards Ceremony
Several prestigious industry awards will be presented, including the National Marine Representatives Association (NMRA) Mel Barr, Boating Industry Movers & Shakers, the IBI Export Excellence Award and the IBEX Innovation Awards. NMMA President Thom Dammrich and best-selling author and motivational business speaker Rich Karlgaard will deliver keynote addresses.
The 2018 IBEX Industry Breakfast is sponsored by Tides Marine Inc., Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF), Interlux Yacht Finishes, AWLGRIP North America, and Unified Purchasing Group. This event will be held at the Tampa Waterside Marriott Hotel, Grand Ballroom.
6 p.m. - Opening Night Party
Visitors can head over to The Sail Pavilion to celebrate IBEX’s opening day. Located just outside of the convention center, attendees can spend the evening enjoying drink specials, live entertainment, and food trucks.
Wednesday, October 3rd
11 a.m. to 12 p.m. - IBEX Product Pitches
See live product presentations of the latest innovations in the marine industry. These exciting presentations by exhibiting companies last two minutes with a one-minute Q&A for press and buyers. This event will take place in the Tech Talk Theater, 3rd Floor Exhibit Hall.
1:00 p.m. - IBEX’s first-ever Vacuum Bagging Challenge
Teams of two will go head-to-head to get the tightest vacuum seal on a balloon without popping it. Winners will receive prizes and participation is free. This event will take place in the Seminar Hallway.
5 p.m. to 6 p.m. - Happy Hour in the Exhibit Halls
IBEX welcomes all industry professionals to peruse the exhibitions with exhibitor-hosted drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
Additionally, throughout the week, young professionals will have the opportunity to learn about, join, and meet others in Marine Millennials, an exclusive hub of up-and-comers in the industry who are interested in growth and education. IBEX serves as an industry event for the young professionals in Marine Millennials to meet and create valuable relationships within the marine sector.
For More Information
www.ibexshow.com
www.tradeonlytoday.com
