As co-owners of the event, METSTRADE is ready for a week of good business and productive networking at the 28th International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) in Tampa, Florida. More than 700 exhibitors from 21 countries will welcome boatbuilders and marine professionals from around the world from Monday 1 to Thursday 4 October.
It is now two years since METSTRADE and RAI Amsterdam acquired a 50% stake in IBEX, the marine industry’s largest technical trade event in North America. The METSTRADE team partners with the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) to produce IBEX, ensuring that the best marine resources from the North American market are combined with those of the global marine marketplace.
Spread over three show floors, IBEX 2018 features a Composite Pavilion, Marina & Yard Pavilion, Compliance, Standards, & Education Pavilion. Four countries have international pavilions, namely Australia, South Korea, Italy and France. Live and ongoing activities include Designer Row, Innovation Way, the Electronics Pavilion Connected by NMEA 2000, and the IBEX Docks and Outdoor Exhibits. There will also be a wide range of education sessions, panel discussions, networking and social events.
“The exceptional variety of the programme at this year’s IBEX, showcases the added value of the flourishing partnership with METSTRADE,” comments RAI Amsterdam’s Director Maritime Irene Dros. “As the world’s largest B2B marine equipment exhibition, METSTRADE has ensured that IBEX has an increasingly international flavour. The teams from both shows are working together exceptionally well. We have ambitious plans to ensure IBEX stays in the spotlight all year round as well as during the event, and the way the synergies with METSTRADE are bearing fruit is hugely encouraging for all involved.”
“Our global visibility and reach has been heightened by our partnership with METSTRADE and our new relationship with the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA),” said Anne Dunbar, IBEX Show Director. “IBEX continues to attract new exhibiting companies and visitors from around the world as we develop new programs to elevate the overall show experience for the global marine industry.”
About the International BoatBuilders' Exhibition & Conference (IBEX)
IBEX is the marine industry's largest technical trade event in North America and is powered globally by METSTRADE, the world's leading platform and community for professionals in the leisure marine equipment industry. IBEX is owned and produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association and RAI Amsterdam. The 2018 IBEX is scheduled to take place at the Tampa Convention Centerin Tampa, FL USA.
About METSTRADE
METSTRADE is the world’s leading platform and community for professionals in the leisure marine equipment industry. This global business platform and community focuses on innovation, market developments, knowledge sharing and networking. The METSTRADE Show & IBEX are the leading global trade events serving the marine industry and professionals worldwide.
