IBEX 2016 announces networking events
From the industry breakfast to opening night party at the Sail Pavilion, and dozens of additional events, The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), will offer marine industry professionals opportunities to connect and network during the three-day event, taking place from Oct. 4-6 at the Tampa Convention Center.
“We are thrilled to be bringing IBEX back to Tampa and offering our attendees and exhibitors a terrific venue and host city where everyone can enjoy easy access to the show and after hours networking opportunities at dozens of special events that are scheduled all over downtown each night,” said Anne Dunbar, IBEX show director. “We kick things off on Sunday afternoon with IBEX at the Buccaneers NFL game against the Denver Broncos, followed by a great day of Super Sessions on Monday and an action packed opening day filled with our Industry Breakfast, the Opening Night Party at the Sail Pavilion. IBEX is famous for its after hour interactions and this year is no exception.”
For attendees coming into town on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 2, join IBEX at the Bucs vs. Broncos NFL Football game at 4 p.m. and receive special savings. Click here and enter the promo code: IBEX for ticket sales. For suite rental information or groups of 10 or more, contact Erin Porco at eporco@nullbuccaneers.nfl.com or call 813-998-3841.
On Tuesday, Oct. 4 from 7:30-9:30 a.m., IBEX will kick off with the IBEX Industry Breakfast & Innovation Awards with Keynote Speaker Shark Tank’s Kevin Harrington, sponsored by Lippert Components and Furrion and Southco Inc., taking place at the Tampa Waterside Marriott Hotel, Grand Ballroom. Attendees will enjoy a delicious hot breakfast while hearing about the State of the Industry delivered by NMMA President Thom Dammrich, followed by several short presentations of important industry awards including the prestigious IBEX Innovation Awards. Tickets are $35/per person and available when you register for IBEX, or by calling 484-751-5135.
After a day on the show floor, attendees, exhibitors, speakers, and the press are invited to the opening night party at the Sail Pavilion starting at 6:00 pm to celebrate the opening day of IBEX, just outside of the convention center. Drink specials, live entertainment and a food truck bazaar will be available.
On Tuesday evening from 5-6 p.m., there will be a series of Composite Tech Talks at the Future Materials Display within the Composite Pavilion on the show floor. Speakers will share their knowledge and take time to answer questions from attendees about cutting edge materials and processes for new opportunities in marine composites. Composites One and Magnum Venus Products are sponsoring the event.
On Wednesday, Oct. 5 American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) will host the annual “Coffee and Compliance” networking session. Attendees can meet with experts in marine certification and standards for informal networking to discuss current trends and compliance issues affecting the industry. Exhibitors are invited from 9-11 a.m.; all attendees are welcome from 10-11 a.m. Contact Shannon Seipp for more information at sseipp@abycinc.org.
A new feature to the show is the Haimes Coleman Group Marine Dealer Tech Tour. On Wednesday and Thursday hundreds of dealers will enjoy a guided tour through the IBEX show floor focusing on new and innovative products and presentations. Participants are also invited to a happy hour and networking event. Dealers in the Southern U.S. interested in registering should contact Gayle Marshall at gmarshall@haimescolemangrp.com or call 954-845-0311.
Several Tampa area restaurants and bars will offer IBEX attendee specials with an IBEX badge. After hours networking destinations include Splitsville in Channelside, offering bowling, billiards and a great menu; Ferg’s Live, offering a DJ with karaoke and live country bands; and The WXYZ Bar at the Aloft Tampa Downtown is a great place to mix, meet and mingle over cocktails. Trolley service is available from the convention center to several locations. More information about the networking events can be found at www.ibexshow.com/special-events-demos.
