The Soundings Trade Only Group, in collaboration with the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX), has released the speaker lineup and session agenda for the 2025 Marine Ideas Exchange (MIX), set to take place on Wednesday, 8 October at the Tampa Convention Centre.
Now in its latest edition, the MIX event is positioned as a high-level industry forum designed to encourage forward thinking, cross-sector dialogue, and practical solutions to key challenges facing the marine sector.
This year’s program will feature a mix of keynote presentations, interactive panel discussions, and curated networking opportunities focused on leadership, technology, retail, brand-building, and organisational culture.
“This is a fast-paced, insight-driven program designed to bring marine leaders together in a way the industry hasn’t seen before,” says Michele J. Goldsmith, vice president and general manager of the Soundings Trade Only Group.
“From the keynote to each breakout forum, the content is curated for substance, inspiration, and impact. With senior executives leading these conversations live at IBEX, we expect a strong turnout and encourage early registration,” adds Goldsmith.
“The speaker lineup for MIX is star-studded,” comments Mary Velline, show director, IBEX. “It’s a phenomenal mix of respected leaders, trailblazing innovators, and rising voices, all sharing real-world experiences and fresh ideas to help our industry grow and adapt. I’m thrilled to see this level of talent and insight brought together for such an energising and important conversation.”
The MIX 2025 program will open with a keynote conversation titled “Lessons from a CEO – Impactful Leadership,” featuring Bill Yeargin, CEO of Correct Craft, in discussion with Gary Reich, editor-in-chief of Soundings Trade Only. The session will explore the principles of servant leadership, resilience, and strategic vision within the evolving marine business landscape.
Following the keynote, the agenda will continue with two rounds of concurrent 35-minute forums. In the first round, attendees will have the option to attend “Making Culture the Core of Your Company and a Force for Good,” a session led by Jason Lippert, CEO of Lippert Components, and Bill Yeargin. This discussion will examine how purpose-driven leadership and inclusive company cultures can generate measurable impact both within organisations and across the broader industry.
Alternatively, attendees may choose to attend “The Next Wave of Technology,” a forward-looking panel featuring Michelle Hildyard (Raymarine / Teledyne FLIR), Jarrod Seymour (Garmin), and Zach Hatcheson (Correct Craft). Moderated by Gary Reich, this session will explore how emerging technologies—such as AI, automation, 3D printing, and data integration—are transforming marine manufacturing and product innovation.
In the second round of forums, “The Future of Marine Retail” will examine shifting consumer expectations, digital sales journeys, and the evolving retail landscape. The session will feature insights from Paulee Day (West Marine), Eddie Russell (Viage Group), and Darren Plymale (Galati Yachts), with moderation by Chris-Craft CEO Steve Heese. Running concurrently, “What’s the Story? Building Brand DNA to Expand Your Customer Base” will focus on the evolution of branding and marketing in a rapidly changing environment.
Speakers include Amber C. Holm (Winnebago Industries), Gordon Sprouse (Raymarine), and Thomas Bates (Correct Craft), moderated by Alisdair Martin, President of Marine Marketers of America.
Between sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to network in the MIX Sensory Lounge, a dedicated space designed to encourage creative thinking and meaningful conversations among industry peers.
For more information and registration for IBEX, visit the show’s website.
The post Speakers and sessions revealed for MIX 2025 in Tampa appeared first on Marine Industry News.
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