IBEX sets attendance record

BROOKLIN, Maine — A record number of marine industry professionals descended on this year’s International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference last week in Miami Beach, making it the largest event in the show’s 16-year history, organizers reported in a release yesterday.

Registration figures indicate that 6,404 marine industry trades-people from more than 60 countries attended IBEX 2006. The attendance figure does not include the 3,926 exhibitors, making total attendance 10,330 for IBEX 2006. IBEX is now conforming to IFBSO (International Federation of Boat Show Organisers) reporting standards.

“We are extremely pleased with the turnout for IBEX, both in number and in quality,” said Carl Cramer, IBEX show co-director. “Exhibitors were reporting to us that they met with many boatbuilders throughout all three days of the event, resulting in a show that was valuable and successful for both exhibitors and attendees.”

IBEX 2006 hosted 820 exhibitors, which included manufacturers and suppliers from six continents, and more than 25 countries.

“Feedback from IBEX 2006 exhibitors and attendees has been exceptional on all sides,” said Kathleen Clickett, IBEX show co-director. “From the show floor to the seminars, outdoor demos, exhibitors’ workshops and various special events, the general feeling was that of excitement, giving the industry a positive outlook for the coming year.”

And organizers said exhibit space for IBEX 2007 is already in high demand.

“Many annual exhibitors plan to increase the size of their space for next year because we will finally have the space,” said Tina Sanderson, IBEX sales director. “Any company who is interested in exhibiting should contact us immediately.”

IBEX 2007 will also expand its pavilion areas. In addition to the already large International and Composites pavilions, IBEX will also be adding a new Tool & Machine pavilion, and a new Super Yacht Equipment pavilion.

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