IBEX attracts record number of boat builders
BROOKLIN, Maine – Co-produced by Professional BoatBuilder magazine and National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the International Boatbuilders’ Exposition and Conference (IBEX) held October 27–29 in Miami Beach, Fla., attracted a record number of boat builders, hosting a total of 1,364 power, sail, and other boat builders, show organizers reported Friday.
The number of boat builders at the show accounted for 33 percent of the 4,275 total verified registered attendees for the year, according to producers. Half of the attending builders were representatives of production boat building companies, organizers said.
Company owners, COOs, and officers represented half of the verified attendees at IBEX. Forty percent of the professionals in attendance were final decision-makers for their companies, and exhibitors were enthusiastic about the leads they were generating throughout all three days of the show, stated show organizers.
The collaboration between Professional BoatBuilder and NMMA was beneficial to both the scope of the seminar content and the quality of the exhibition, said show organizers.
“IBEX 2003 was unmistakably a success,” said Carl Cramer, publisher of Professional BoatBuilder and show co-director. “The new venue, the Miami Beach Convention Center in Florida, was a great location, the operations went smoothly, and the exhibits represented the best products and technologies the boat building industry has to offer. We’re very happy with the entire event.”
Plans are already underway for IBEX 2004, scheduled for October 25–27 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Show producers have acquired 50 percent more exhibit space, and all of the booths will be reallocated in the coming months, show organizers reported.
“IBEX is growing,” said Thom Dammrich, president of NMMA. “Exhibitors and attendees alike were delighted with the results of the new partnership between Professional Boatbuilder and NMMA. We are committed to evolving the show with their needs in mind and their active involvement. IBEX is the best international trade event for boat building professionals.”
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