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
“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.
