Organizers of the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) will play a host to two evening events at this year’s show: the IBEX Opening Night Party at Fourth Street Live! as well as the Bourbon and Brew Happy Hour. These two parties will complement the conference’s full schedule of classes, workshops, demonstrations and more, permitting the marine industry to connect to one another at fun, after-hours events.
“People working in the business world know that some of the most important contacts and conversations happen off the clock,” said Anne Dunbar, IBEX Show Director. “We recognize the importance of networking, and that is why IBEX is planning many events, both on and off the show floor.”
On the first night of the conference, IBEX will host a reception in downtown Louisville at Fourth Street Live!, a 350,000-square foot entertainment and retail complex. The venue, comprising 13 bars, restaurants, and night clubs, is a short walk from many area hotels, or a free shuttle ride from the Kentucky Exposition Center. Cocktail hour begins after the show closes for the day.
During the reception, IBEX party headquarters will be at the Sports and Social Club, where the marine industry can take advantage of drink and food specials, while enjoying the bar’s laid-back vibe. From there, party-goers can try to keep their seat in a mechanical bull riding contest at PBR Louisville, sip an IBEX signature cocktail at the Kill Devil Club, belt karaoke tunes at the Tengo Sed Cantina, or show off their moves at the Marquee Bar’s late night DJ dance party. Conference exhibitors and attendees who present their badges will take advantage of many drink and food specials at several locations at Fourth Street Live!.
On Wednesday night, the Exhibit Halls will be transformed into a tasting venue for local distillers of fine Kentucky bourbons from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. during the Bourbon and Brew Happy Hour. Bars will be scattered throughout the hall and bourbon experts will be on-hand to discuss the craft of distilling bourbon. There will also be other beverages available, including several local micro-brews. Participating companies include Wild Turkey, Town Branch, Buffalo Trace, Falls City Beer, Bluegrass Brewing Company and Kentucky Ale. IBEX’s Exhibitor Happy Hour Sponsors will provide assorted hors d’oeuvres, helping to host the party from their booths.
“IBEX is known as the place where the business of boating gets done, but it is also a great place to meet other marine industry professionals and network – all while enjoying some of the local flavor of Louisville,” explained Kate Holden, IBEX Marketing Director. “The Bourbon and Brew event is a great place for attendees and exhibitors to meet one another more informally. Last year was our first Happy Hour, and we were pleased with how well-received it was by everyone. We expect an even better event this year!”
In addition to these two evening events, IBEX will facilitate several other networking opportunities throughout the show including the IBEX Industry Breakfast, the Innovation Awards, the Social Media Lounge, and the Compliance and Standards Coffee.
