The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) will take place at the Tampa Convention Center from 6-8 October 2026.
The 2026 theme, ‘Embrace Innovation, Master Momentum’, reflects current conditions in the recreational marine sector, where companies are working with new technologies alongside evolving standards and changing operational requirements.
More than 730 exhibiting companies and over 8,000 attendees are expected, including boat builders, manufacturers, naval architects, distributors and wholesalers.
“IBEX 2026 will be where the marine industry comes together to tackle today’s challenges and build a strong future,” says Mary Velline, IBEX show director. “We’ve taken years of feedback from our exhibitors and attendees and used it to refresh the event in a meaningful way.
“IBEX 2026 is focused on helping boatbuilders cut through the noise; understanding new technologies, what’s worth adopting, and how it impacts their business. At its core, IBEX remains the only event in the world dedicated to the kind of technical education the industry needs to keep up with real-world change.”
For 2026, updates include revised branding and operational changes shaped by exhibitor and attendee feedback. All exhibit areas will open at 9am each day, giving a more consistent flow across the show floor and allowing more time for meetings.
The Education Conference will continue to provide a technical programme developed with organisations including ABYC, NMEA, NMMA and Professional BoatBuilder, the IBEX Technical Journal. It includes pre-conference sessions, technical workshops and seminar series covering current industry practices.
The main stage will move to a new location and feature an updated schedule of presentations. The Marine Ideas Exchange (MIX), developed with Soundings Trade Only, will return with discussion-led sessions focused on industry topics.
Attendees can review exhibitor listings, floor plans and event updates, plus register for events, via the IBEX website. Additional programme details are due in May, with the full conference schedule and registration opening in June.
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