The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) drew more than 7,700 industry professionals from over 55 countries to the Tampa Convention Center in Florida on 6–8 October 2026. Organisers have reported year-on-year increases in attendance and show-floor traffic.
Of the event’s 701 exhibitors, 103 were taking part for the first time, including 21 international exhibitors. Nearly 100 students also attended IBEX Career Day, organised with the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC), where they met employers and explored marine technologies and career opportunities.
The show returns to the same venue on 7–9 December 2027, moving to a December schedule.
Organisers say the change to December aims 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.
‘Building on momentum’
“IBEX is at its best when the industry comes together to share ideas, tackle challenges and move our businesses forward,” says Mary Velline, IBEX show director. “That energy was evident throughout this year’s show, from the conversations happening on the exhibit floor to the enthusiasm around our education programs and new opportunities to connect.
“We’re proud of what we accomplished together in 2026, and even more excited about what’s ahead. Our move to December 2027 gives us an opportunity to build on that momentum, expand the IBEX experience and bring even more of the recreational marine industry together.”
“IBEX 2026 was an outstanding success for Uflex,” adds Michael Benedek, vice president and general manager, Uflex USA. “The event provided an excellent opportunity to meet with key customers from both domestic and international markets, while also finalising several strategic business initiatives. We were pleased to finalise multiple important agreements that had been developing in the weeks leading up to the show. Without question, this was one of the most successful IBEX’s in Uflex’s history. We are looking forward to the new December 2027 dates and are excited to reconnect with everyone there.”
The 2026 IBEX Innovation Awards recognised 12 winners and three honourable mentions from 100 entries at the IBEX Industry Breakfast. Recognised products included reloadable adhesive cartridges intended to reduce waste, navigation lighting with wireless power delivery, and modular electrical distribution systems designed to simplify installation and troubleshooting.
Visitors could take a closer look at products and meet their developers at the Innovation Way displays and Innovation Meet & Greet. All entries are available through the online IBEX Innovation Showcase, with recipients and judges’ assessments listed in the awards announcement.
Technical education and industry programmes
The Technical Seminar Conference, produced with Professional BoatBuilder, The IBEX Technical Journal, covered boatbuilding, design, systems and repair, alongside technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation and 3D printing. Eight new state-approved seminars offered eligible Florida-licensed insurance professionals up to 16 continuing education hours on subjects including marine risk, liability, claims and accident investigation.
The Marine Ideas Exchange (MIX), presented by IBEX and Soundings Trade Only, examined leadership, technology and changing customer expectations. An exhibit hall badge also gave visitors access to the new Main Stage sessions and exhibitor-led Tech Talks at no extra charge.
The new Emerging Marine Leaders Lounge, sponsored by Boating Industry, gave developing professionals a dedicated place to meet peers and established industry leaders. It formed part of the show’s existing Emerging Marine Leaders programme.
Specialist pavilions brought together suppliers working in areas such as composites, electronics and next-generation power and propulsion. The International Pavilion, presented with Metstrade, connected overseas suppliers with the North American marine industry, while the US Market Accelerator introduced international exhibitors to US sales representatives and marketing professionals. The latter was developed with the National Marine Representatives Association and Marine Marketers of America.
Networking began before the exhibition opened, with a pre-show happy hour sponsored by SeaPower. Opening Night, sponsored by Wet Sounds, and the Mid-Show Mixer, sponsored by Roswell Marine, gave participants further opportunities to meet after show hours.
Pitch the Press connected exhibitors with marine media and drew a standing-room-only audience.
For 2027, organisers says they plan to expand IBEX Docks and increase technical programming for marinas, yards, refit and repair.
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