Building what's next together
The recreational marine industry has never stood still.
Every year brings new technologies, new materials, evolving regulations, changing customer expectations and new ways of designing, building and servicing boats. The pace of change continues to accelerate, creating new opportunities, and new challenges, for every segment of the industry.
For more than three decades, IBEX has been where the recreational marine industry comes together to learn, solve problems, discover innovations and build lasting business relationships. As the industry changes, so does the event that serves it, while remaining grounded in the technical excellence and collaboration that have defined IBEX from the beginning.
This October, we're excited to welcome the industry back to Tampa for IBEX 2026, where our theme, Embracing Innovation. Mastering Momentum., reflects both the progress we've made and the opportunities ahead.
Innovation today isn't simply about introducing the next breakthrough product. It's about integrating new technologies into production, developing tomorrow's workforce, strengthening businesses, navigating an evolving regulatory landscape and turning ideas into practical solutions. Mastering that momentum happens when the industry comes together. That's exactly what IBEX was built to do.
What's new at IBEX 2026?
This year's event represents one of the most exciting evolutions in the show's history.
At the center of the experience is a reimagined Main Stage overlooking Tampa's waterfront. Designed as a hub for thought leadership, business insights and industry conversations, the Main Stage will feature discussions with leaders from across recreational marine, covering innovation, workforce development, market trends, leadership and the issues shaping our industry's future.
Innovation will also take center stage on the exhibit floor with the debut of the Next-Gen Power & Performance Pavilion, highlighting the technologies and companies redefining propulsion and performance on the water. Combined with more than 700 exhibitors and specialized destinations throughout the show, attendees will discover solutions spanning every part of the recreational marine value chain.
Industry-leading education and professional development
At the heart of IBEX is a technical education program unlike anything else in the world. Developed by the industry, for the industry, sessions address the real-world challenges of designing, building, repairing and servicing today’s recreational boats, with practical knowledge attendees can immediately put to work.
New for 2026, Florida-licensed insurance professionals can also earn up to 16 Continuing Education hours through select IBEX seminars, expanding the value of the conference to adjusters, producers, investigators and other marine insurance professionals.
Creating more opportunities to connect
Learning, however, extends well beyond the classroom.
IBEX has always been about creating opportunities for the conversations that happen between sessions, on the show floor and throughout the week, where new partnerships begin, ideas are challenged and lasting business relationships are built.
That's why we're expanding opportunities to connect.
The return of MIX continues one of the industry's favorite networking traditions, while the new Professional BoatBuilder Release Party celebrates the next chapter of one of marine's most respected technical publications and the community that has supported it for decades.
The Industry Breakfast will kick off IBEX with fresh perspectives, real-time insight into the state of the industry and one of the show’s biggest moments: the presentation of the IBEX Innovation Awards.
Investing in the next generation
We’re also creating new ways to welcome and develop the industry’s next generation. The new Emerging Marine Leaders Lounge will give rising professionals a dedicated place to connect, learn and build relationships throughout the show. Alongside the Startup Pavilion, Startup Pitch Competition and Pitch the Press, these programs will support the people and ideas shaping the future of recreational marine.
Every enhancement introduced for 2026 has been designed with one goal in mind: creating a more valuable, more connected and more seamless IBEX experience. From registration and wayfinding to networking opportunities and thoughtfully designed gathering spaces, we're continually looking for ways to reduce friction and help attendees spend more time discovering products, building relationships and finding solutions.
While we're excited about everything you'll experience this October, we're equally excited about where IBEX is headed.
Continuing to improve the attendee experience
Every enhancement introduced for 2026 reflects a broader vision for the future of the event.
Beginning December 7–9, 2027, IBEX will enter its next chapter.
The decision to move to December followed extensive collaboration with our owners, exhibitors, attendees, association partners, and industry stakeholders. While Florida's evolving weather patterns made long-term event stability an important consideration, the move represents something much broader than a change on the calendar.
It reflects our commitment to continually evaluating how IBEX can best serve the recreational marine industry for years to come. The additional flexibility will allow us to continue enhancing the event experience, expand opportunities for education, networking and collaboration, and thoughtfully grow IBEX while preserving everything that has made it North America's premier technical event for recreational marine professionals.
Building the future together
Some things, however, won't change.
Our commitment remains to bringing together the brightest minds across recreational marine to learn from one another, discover new technologies, build meaningful business relationships and celebrate the people driving our industry forward. From startups and emerging leaders to the innovators and veterans whose ideas and experience continue to shape the future.
The recreational marine industry has always succeeded because it embraces change while building on a strong foundation. We believe IBEX should do the same.
As we look ahead, our focus remains simple: continue listening, continue evolving and continue creating the event where the recreational marine industry comes together to learn, connect, innovate and do business.
We look forward to welcoming you to Tampa this October for IBEX 2026 and to continuing that journey together as we begin an exciting new chapter in December 2027.
Join us October 6–8, 2026.
Save the Date: December 7–9, 2027.
