International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition And Conference Brief

International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

Registration now open for 2013 International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX)

June 04, 2013

Show organizers announce that registration is now open for this year’s International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), running at the Louisville Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky, USA, from September 17 to 19. All qualified marine professionals are invited to register for this trade-only event by visiting the new IBEX website.

IBEX

The 2013 IBEX Show offers a full schedule of 75 seminars, presented by industry experts on a variety of subjects vital to the marine trades. Topics range from in-depth looks at specific products; discussions on methods of boatbuilding, repair, surveying, and design; as well as issues of boatyard operation and management. The new IBEX website allows visitors to browse topics and search by area of interest. This year, each seminar has its own page with details, pictures, and videos, so attendees can have a deeper understanding of the subject matter before the conference, and make informed decisions about which professional development opportunities are right for them.

IBEX will be offering a new track of seminars called ” ProBoat Editors’ Picks.” These seminars feature well-known Professional BoatBuilder magazine contributors Nigel Calder, Steve D’Antonio, Rodger Martin, and Reuel Parker, among others. They will present interesting and relevant topics to the contemporary marine professional, such as “Designing Shoal-Draft Sailboats,” “Advances in Lithium Batteries,” and “Hybrids: Lessons Learned in the Real World,” a presentation about the applications of hybrid marine engines.

“Since 1992 when we started IBEX, Professional BoatBuilder magazine has been selecting and, in most cases, producing the seminars,” said Carl Cramer, IBEX Founding Director. “We chose eight sessions this year that we feel are particularly noteworthy. They may be expansions of articles we’ve recently published, or topics that don’t readily fit in other seminar tracks. We believe each of these eight sessions is of particular interest to the IBEX community.”

Attendees will also find other resources on the updated IBEX website to help them plan for their trip to Louisville this fall, including detailed information on travel, networking events, and things to do in the city.

New rotating show schedule for International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX)

May 20, 2013

In order to increase accessibility for attendees as well as exhibitors across the U.S. and internationally, the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) unveiled a new rotating show schedule. The event will take place in Louisville, Kentucky in 2013; Tampa, Florida in 2014; Louisville in 2015; and Tampa in 2016.

IBEX

Alternating between Louisville and Tampa offers enormous benefits to marine industry professionals. Both cities are easily accessed travel hubs and the rotation between a southern location and a central location allows more professionals to attend. A rotating schedule also creates more location-specific social and networking opportunities, which show organizers anticipate will increase attendance.

“Louisville continues to be an excellent location for IBEX, but there are two major geographic areas in the USA where about 80 percent of boatbuilders in North America reside,” says Anne Dunbar, IBEX show director. “Rotating between these two cities is ideal for our dedicated IBEX attendees, and for all those marine professionals who have been unable to attend.”

“The new rotation between Louisville and Tampa was unanimously and enthusiastically supported by the IBEX planning committee, which is chaired by Bill Watters, president of Syntec Industries,” notes Thom Dammrich, president of NMMA. “As a result of the rotating location, IBEX will bring new products, new programs, a new location, and new excitement to the marine industry every year.”

The IBEX 2014 Show will be held at the Tampa Convention Center, a world-class event space. Located on the waterfront, the facility is within walking distance of many hotels, fine restaurants and attractions, including Tampa’s Riverwalk, a popular pedestrian byway. The Convention Center features indoor and outdoor space, and boasts Sail Pavilion, a 360-degree waterfront bar and performance venue.

Not only is the Tampa Convention Center located on the water, it offers a broad expanse of docks and slips that are just steps away from the Convention Center. IBEX attendees will be able to experience live demonstrations of emerging new products and technologies. Dock space will be available to all IBEX 2014 exhibitors, but space is limited.

If being interested in reserving dock or in-water exhibit space in Tampa at IBEX 2014, it is advised to contact Tina Sanderson, tina@ibexshow.com or Kate Holden, kate@ibexshow.com for more information.

Upcoming Show Dates & Locations:
 September 17-19, 2013, Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, KY
 September 30–October 2, 2014, Tampa Bay Convention Center, Tampa, FL
 September 15-17, 2015, Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, KY
 October 4-6, 2016, Tampa Bay Convention Center, Tampa, FL

A new addition to the IBEX team

November 02, 2012

Kate Holden has been hired as the new International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX) Marketing Director and Sales Representative. This news was reported by owners as well as producers of the IBEX – Professional BoatBuilder magazine and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) – yesterday. The IBEX is the marine industry’s largest annual technical trade event.

IBEX

IBEX 2013, September 17 - 19

Holden is uniquely qualified to take on the many facets of IBEX marketing and exhibit sales. With 15 years of experience, she’s held positions in advertising and exhibit sales management, show management and as an account executive and marketing consultant. Her marketing experience includes Web development, market strategy implementation, e-mail and inbound marketing, webinar development and social media strategy. Holden has worked at WoodenBoat magazine, Professional BoatBuilder magazine, Brooklin, Maine, and infoSpectrum Inc., Portland, Maine, and on her own as a marketing consultant.

“Kate is an excellent addition to the IBEX team,” said Anne Dunbar, Show Director of IBEX. “She is a seasoned marine-industry professional who has what it takes to succeed in this position. I am confident she will take the IBEX marketing campaign to a new level.”

“I’ve had the good fortune to work with Kate here at WoodenBoat and Professional BoatBuilder magazines. She excelled in every position she held here, and it makes sense for her to be the next Marketing Director of IBEX,” said Carl Cramer, publisher of Professional BoatBuilder and WoodenBoat magazines and IBEX Emeritus. “I couldn’t be more thrilled for Kate, and for IBEX.”

A very successful IBEX 2012

October 19, 2012

Having taken place at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville from October 2 to 4, the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) presented initial attendance figures for this popular boating-industry’s yearly trade show as well as networking event yesterday.

IBEX 2012

IBEX 2012 hosted by Kentucky Exposition Center

Show Director Anne Dunbar said that total verified attendance for IBEX 2012 was 4,701, up about one percent over 2011. “IBEX attracts a highly qualified audience,” Dunbar said. “Although the industry has contracted and consolidated in the last five years, the buyers and engineers who attended represent nearly 75 percent of the industry production and buying power for the marine products and technology at IBEX. As usual, IBEX delivered, with exhibitors unveiling hundreds of new products that will enhance the boating experience.”

Marine professionals attending IBEX came from 31 countries and 46 states, with highest attendance from Florida, Tennessee, Michigan and Indiana.

“Feedback from exhibitors and attendees was very positive and overall there seemed to be a mood of optimism,” said Dunbar. “Many long-time exhibitors reported that business activity at this year’s IBEX was the best in several years, while first-time exhibitors said the show delivered beyond what they expected.”

Sample quotes from the exhibit hall included:

- “I come to IBEX to be inspired.” Dean Clemente, Marketing Manager, Ferro Industries
- “It’s been a fantastic show. IBEX is a great chance to see everybody in the industry.  It’s a great chance to show off the new products.” Sheila Roberts, Marketing Executive, Whale Water Systems
- “The show went very, very well for us. We had good consistent traffic, and we met with all the key personnel we needed to meet with. This show has always been the best for the industry and continues to be. We will be back next year.” Keith Selby, OEM Specialty Sales, Kenwood USA
- “It’s been a great show for us. There’s no question about that. It’s been active and engaging, and we’ve made a ton of contacts that we were looking forward to making in the industry.”  Kevin Hutchinson, Founder and CEO, My-Villages
- “The traffic and the contacts we’ve made have been good.” John Kingma, Director of Outboard and Sterndrive Products, Michigan Wheel Marine
- “IBEX was terrific – a wonderful turnout. Looking forward to next year.” Rosemarie Fiori, President, Florida Marine Tanks

The tone for IBEX 2012 was set by the “State of the Industry” report by Thom Dammrich, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) at the All-Industry Breakfast Oct. 2, attended by approximately 300 marine professionals. Dammrich noted that boat sales figures are continuing to rise in most segments. “The level of activity at IBEX is further evidence that the boating industry is starting to turn the corner after five years of decline,” he said.

The Keynote Address was delivered by Dr. Steve M. Murdock, former director of the U.S. Census. He spoke on how demographic trends in the U.S. population will affect the boating industry, noting the high growth rates in Hispanics, Asians, and African Americans nationwide, represent an enormous untapped market for boat sales. He cited statistics showing that if the boating industry can increase the percentage of Hispanic boat buyers to the same level as non-Hispanic whites, the total addressable market for boats will almost double in size.

Other highlights of IBEX 2012 included:

- Exhibit Hall – 100,000 square feet
- Exhibiting Companies – 520 from 12 countries
- New Exhibitors for 2012 – 50
- Number of Seminars – 92 technical and business training sessions in 13 tracks
- Number of Speakers – 120 leading marine industry experts
- Number of Free Learning Workshops Offered – 16
- First-ever Social Media Lounge
- Compliance & Standards Pavilion Coffee
- NMEA ConnectFest
- Evaporative Emissions & Green Marine Routes
- IBEX Innovation Awards
- First-ever Exhibitor Video Awards

Networking activities like the Opening Night Welcome Back to Louisville Fourth Street Live Party and the IBEX Bourbon Experience Networking Party.

The dates for next year’s IBEX are Sept. 17-19, 2013, Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, Ky.

IBEX 2012 Winners of Exhibitor Video Awards (EVA)

October 03, 2012

The three winners of the first-annual Exhibitor Video Awards (EVAs) have been revealed by the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) today.

IBEX

The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX)

The winners were Vetus America for Best Corporate Video, Marinco/Mastervolt for Best Product Video and Insync Marine, People’s Choice. Honorable mention for People’s Choice went to second-place winner Dometic Marine.

The Best Corporate and Product Videos were selected by a panel of judges from Marine Marketers of America (MMA). The People’s Choice award was determined by the most “likes” and votes on the IBEX Facebook page.

The awards were presented at the All-Industry Breakfast, on the first morning of IBEX, the premier boating-industry technical trade show and networking event, which is taking place this week at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville.

In presenting the awards, IBEX show director Anne Dunbar commented, “We created the EVAs to recognize the growing importance of video in sales and marketing. A recent survey revealed that 52 percent of companies in North America used video content in 2011. That’s up from 37 percent in 2012. And another survey of 3,800 social media marketers cited YouTube and video as their top areas for investment in 2012.”

Jim Rhodes, judging chairman and a board member of MMA, added, “The investment in video pays off. Research shows that including video in an e-mail campaign increases open rates by 5.6 percent and click-through rates by 96 percent. And visitors who watch a product video on a website are 85 percent more likely to buy the product than those who do not.”

The EVA competition was open to all 2012 exhibitors who posted a product or corporate video with their online booths on the IBEX website.

2012 IBEX to start tomorrow

October 01, 2012

Industry professionals from different parts of the world are arriving at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville today, to attend the three-day 2012 International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) where they will be able to get a glance at the future of the recreational boating industry.

IBEX 2012

IBEX 2012

IBEX 2012 Show Stats

·         Exhibit Hall – 100,000 net square feet

·         Exhibiting Companies – 520 exhibitors from 12 countries

·         Number of Seminars – 92 technical and business seminars

·         Total Number of Speakers – 120 leading marine industry experts

·         Average Length of a Seminar – 90 minutes

·         Number of FREE Learning Workshops Offered – 16

“IBEX offers value for everyone involved in the marine industry, from designers to dealers, and everyone in between who are servicing and supplying products for boats of all types and sizes,” said Anne Dunbar, IBEX show director. “Marine professionals come to IBEX to learn about the new products and technologies that will create a better boat, and to gain fresh perspectives and insights on how to run their businesses more effectively, discover business opportunities and close deals – all in one location at an affordable price. It’s the only place you can do a year’s worth of business in three days.”

IBEX 2012 features more than 500 OEM and aftermarket suppliers who will be presenting their new products and technologies, many of them for the first time, as well as more than 90 technical and business seminars conducted by top industry experts in their fields, 16 factory workshops and hands-on outdoor product demos.

IBEX kicks off tomorrow morning with the All-Industry Breakfast, where the Keynote Speaker will be Steve M. Murdock, former director of the U.S. Census. He will speak on how demographic trends in the U.S. population will affect the boating industry. The keynote speech will be followed by a welcome from National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) president Thom Dammrich, inductions into the Marine Hall of Fame and presentation of the Alan J. Freedman Award, Mel Barr Award, 2012 Product Innovation Awards and the first-ever Exhibitor Video Awards (EVAs).

Following a full day of seminars, demos and action on the exhibition floor, attendees will head downtown Tuesday evening for the Fourth Street LIVE party in Louisville’s premier entertainment and dining district. And on Wednesday evening, IBEX will host the first-ever IBEX Bourbon Experience in the exhibit halls, featuring displays and 50-cent samples from two of Kentucky’s most famous distilleries.

IBEX is taking advantage of new online and social media tools to help exhibitors and attendees plan and optimize their IBEX experience, including myIBEX, an interactive online portal that plays “matchmaker” between buyers and sellers, a smartphone app that allows them to navigate the exhibit halls and plan their schedules on the move, real-time updates on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, and free Wi-Fi coverage throughout the halls. For 2012, IBEX is also inaugurating a Social Media Lounge in the center of the exhibit halls, where marine professionals can learn how to use the new technologies to engage with their customers and improve their businesses.

“If you don’t come to IBEX you miss the opportunity to improve the quality of your boats; you miss the chance to learn and to innovate. If you are in boat manufacturing, design, or purchasing and you are not at IBEX, then you could be at a disadvantage,” said Jay Patton, President, American Boatbuilders Association Inc. (ABA).

“IBEX is one of our most important events of the year for anyone doing business in the marine industry,” said Adam Boulay, President & CEO of Universal Waters, representing Dolphinite at IBEX. “It’s our opportunity to meet the best people in the industry in an environment where we openly share and learn about new projects, new technologies, and new innovations. The IBEX trade-only show allows us to meet with our suppliers, customers, and distribution partners in an unrushed friendly atmosphere far different than the pressure experienced at the big national consumer boat shows.”

IBEX to open in one week

September 25, 2012

The 2012 International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) is getting close to the opening day, scheduled for  the 2nd October at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, with marine professionals from all parts of the recreational boating industry making their way to this important event.

Louisville

Louisville

“Now in its 21st year, IBEX has grown from its roots as a technical conference and trade show for boatbuilders into an industry-wide marine technology event,” said Carl Cramer, IBEX co-producer and publisher of Professional BoatBuilder magazine. “This year’s IBEX will be bigger and better than ever, and we are seeing optimism and enthusiasm throughout the boating industry as the recovery continues to build momentum.”

IBEX 2012 features

·         More than 500 OEM and aftermarket suppliers showing their new products for 2013

·         More than 90 technical and business seminars conducted by industry experts

·         Intensive All Day learning opportunities in Monday’s  four Pre-Conference sessions

·         Dedicated aftermarket pavilion sponsored by Soundings Trade Only

·         16 free factory workshops

·         Outdoor hands-on demos

·         The first-ever LIVE social media lounge

·         Compliance & Standards Pavilion

·         NMEA ConnectFest

·         Evaporative Emissions & Green Marine Routes to discover what’s new in environmentally friendly products

·         All-Industry Breakfast &  Innovation Awards

·         Opening Night Welcome Back to Louisville Fourth Street Live Party

·         NEW for 2012 – IBEX Bourbon Experience with a Kentucky flavor

·         New for 2012 – Exhibitor Video Awards – Vote NOW on Facebook!

“Thousands of marine professionals come to IBEX because it’s the most affordable and efficient way to see what’s new and what’s next in boating technology, learn about new products and processes, discover new business opportunities, meet customers and suppliers, close business deals, and network with marine industry peers from around the world – all in one place,” said Anne Dunbar, show director. “At the end of the three action-packed days, they will leave IBEX with fresh insights and knowledge that they can put to use right away to improve their businesses.”

IBEX is leveraging the latest in online and social media technologies to help exhibitors and attendees optimize their IBEX experience. This year, IBEX is launching an interactive online portal, myIBEX, which permits attendees to enter search criteria for products and companies of interest, create a personalized list of vendors, set up meetings, create a custom show floor plan and manage their schedules. Also new for 2012 is a smartphone app that will make it easier to navigate around the exhibit halls and offer show information and updates. It operates on most major smartphone operating systems. In addition, the first-ever Social Media Lounge in the center of the exhibit hall will serve as a central location where everyone from novice to expert can learn how to use these new tools to engage with their customers more effectively and improve their businesses.

Free learning opportunities for IBEX 2012

September 24, 2012

Attendees to the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) can now benefit from a powerful lineup of free learning opportunities, presented by the organisers of this popular event.

IBEX

“For this year’s IBEX, we are offering 16 exhibitor workshops on a wide range of subjects,” said Carl Cramer, IBEX co-director and publisher of Professional BoatBuilder magazine. “These sessions are led by factory experts, who will answer your questions on new technologies, techniques, materials, processes and services.”

Workshops scheduled for IBEX 2012 are:

- Rhino and Orca3D: 3D Modeling and Naval Architecture – Robert McNeel & Associates
- Online Electrical Design Tools to Safely Select the Correct Wire, Fuse and Fuse Holder – Blue Sea Systems, Inc.
- Fresh-Water Management Systems – Whale Water Systems, Inc.
- 3M Gelcoat Restoration and Finishing System – 3M Marine
- Networking for Marine Industry Trainers and Educators – Marine Industry Training and Education Council (MITEC)
- Flex Molding: The Next Generation of Reusable Bag Molding – Composites One
- Standards Gone Wild – American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC)
- Improving Your Manufacturing Process with Adhesive Technologies – ITW Plexus
- The Many Benefits of Remote Battery Management, at Little to No Extra Cost – Blue Sea Systems, Inc.
- Getting More Bang for Your Infusion Buck – Composites Consulting Group
- Choosing the Coating that Is Best Suited for the Project – Alexseal Yacht Coatings
- How to Successfully Market Your Shrinkwrap Services – Dr. Shrink, Inc.
- Making Money with MEDS CHECK – CDI Electronics, Inc.
- Fine-Tuning Perfect Presentations – ProBoat E-Training
- Strength by Design – DIAB Sales, Inc.
- Measurement Solutions for the Marine Fabricator in the 21st Century – Prodim USA.

“There is no cost to attend these sessions, but registration is required,” said Cramer. “Online pre-registration only takes a few minutes and may save you a considerable amount of time waiting in line at the registration desk on opening day.”

Free registration also includes admission to the exhibition hall, where more than 500 OEM and aftermarket suppliers will be previewing their new products for 2013, as well as the new social media lounge, compliance and regulatory pavilion, NMEA ConnectFest, outdoor hands-on demonstrations, Tuesday Night Fourth Street Party and Wednesday Night IBEX Bourbon Experience.

IBEX 2012 will take place at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville Oct. 2-4. The Advance Program Guide provides full details and is available for download online.

“IBEX Bourbon Experience” All-Industry Party at IBEX 2012

September 13, 2012

All IBEX 2012 attendees as well as exhibitors are invited to the “IBEX Bourbon Experience” All-Industry Party during the last hour of the show on Wednesday evening, October 3, from 5-6 p.m. The event is a result of a partnership between the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) and two renowned Louisville-based distilleries.

Louisville to host IBEX 2012

Louisville to host IBEX 2012

Bourbon bars will be set up at strategic locations throughout the IBEX exhibit hall. Attendees can sample a variety of bourbon for only 50 cents, and talk with bourbon experts from Wild Turkey and Brown & Forman, two well-known national bourbon distilleries who will be on hand to share their knowledge of the bourbon-making craft at each location.

“The IBEX Bourbon Experience celebrates our connection with Louisville, and its well-known ‘Bourbon Trail’,” said Carl Cramer, IBEX co-director and publisher of Professional BoatBuilder magazine. “A party in the exhibit hall during the last hour of the show is an excellent networking opportunity, and an IBEX tradition. This is just one of the networking events we have in store at this year’s IBEX. The Tuesday night Fourth Street LIVE outdoor concert and party will take place in the heart of Louisville’s premier entertainment and night-life district. And your IBEX badge is your ticket to discounts and special offers at scores of Louisville’s finest restaurants, night spots and attractions during the three days of the show.”

“IBEX has a well-earned reputation as the venue where the business of boating gets done, offering three full days of learning opportunities and meetings with boatbuilders, designers, marine suppliers, customers and distribution partners from all over the world,” Cramer added. “But it’s also a unique networking opportunity where you can meet and greet with the movers and shakers from all segments of the marine industry and enjoy a taste of Louisville’s famous southern hospitality at the same time.”

The IBEX Bourbon Experience is sponsored by the following exhibitors: American Boat Builders & Repairers Association (ABBRA), ASA Electronics, CCP Composites, Composites One, E-T-A Circuit Breakers, Jet Technologies Inc., Marinco, Mastervolt, National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), Professional BoatBuilder magazine, Syntec Industries LLC, Taylor Made Group, Volvo Penta and Webasto Product North America Inc.

IBEX 2012 will take place at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville October 2-4.

Seminar on New Fuel Emission Standards and Alternative Fuels at IBEX 2012

September 05, 2012

One of the most favourite seminars at the 2012 International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) will be “Boat Fuel and Fuel Systems,” at which industry experts will discuss regulatory compliance issues as well as alternative fuels.

IBEX Seminars

IBEX Seminars

Panelists for the 90-minute seminar will be Harold Haskew, Harold Haskew & Associates Inc.; Rich Kolb, Volvo Penta of the Americas; David Marlow, Brunswick Boat Group; John McKnight, National Marine Manufacturers Association; Thomas Wallner, Argonne National Laboratory; and Jeff Wasil, Bombardier Recreational Products.

“These experts will discuss two of the hottest topics in the boating industry this year: the implementation of new regulatory standards and the future of alternative fuels,” said Carl Cramer, IBEX co-director and publisher of Professional BoatBuilder magazine. “This is one seminar that no one can afford to miss.”

The session will focus on how to comply with the new EPA evaporative emission standards, which come into force this year, as well as the ABYC standard H24 Gasoline Fuel Systems, which covers prevention of spills when refueling. In addition, panelists will review results of two testing programs for alternative fuels conducted under the direction of Argonne National Laboratory this summer, evaluating isobutanol as a fuel and reviewing the effects of isobutanol and ethanol on engine oil and lubricants.

“All of us on this panel have been heavily involved in research that provides evidence for the harms associated with ethanol and E15 but also provides for promising alternative biofuels and new technology,” said John McKnight. “We hope that all seminar attendees will take away something that they can apply to their own work.”

An additional seminar, “E-10 Fuel Issues in Outboard Engines,” produced by AMTECH, will provide training for hands-on service technicians concerning troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of engines affected by ethanol-enriched fuels.

Attendees registering online before Sept. 7 can take advantage of a 25 percent early-bird discount off the full price for the IBEX seminar programs.

“These fuel-related seminars are just a few of the high-quality educational sessions we have lined up for IBEX 2012,” said Cramer. “With 94 technical and business management seminars in 13 different tracks, there’s something for marine professionals in all segments of the industry. We promise that everyone attending these sessions will return home recharged with new ideas and insights that they can implement to improve their businesses this year.”

IBEX 2012 will take place at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville Oct. 2-4. The Advance Program Guide provides full details and is available online.

1 2   Older Yacht News »