The International BoatBuilders' Exhibition & Conference (IBEX) 2025 is set to make waves in the marine industry as North America's premier technical trade event returns to Tampa, Florida. From October 7-9, 2025, the Tampa Convention Center will host over 700 exhibiting companies and an anticipated 8,000 industry professionals for three days of innovation, education, and networking that will shape the future of recreational boating.
IBEX 2025: Fast Forward Theme and Vision
This year's IBEX embraces the theme "Fast Forward: Navigating What's Next," reflecting the rapid pace of innovation currently transforming the marine industry. The Fast Forward theme represents more than innovation; it's a call to action for marine professionals to adopt new technologies, modernize operations, and collaborate for a more connected, efficient future.
From electrification to automation, sustainable solutions to smart manufacturing, IBEX 2025 is where tomorrow's breakthroughs are showcased, discussed, and deployed. The event serves as a catalyst for industry transformation, bringing together the brightest minds in boatbuilding to fast forward the future together.
Vision Statement: IBEX: Where Better Boats Begin.
Mission Statement: IBEX is a highly focused marine technology trade show dedicated to advancing the business of boating.
Event Details and Logistics
When and Where
Dates: October 7-9, 2025 (Tuesday through Thursday) Pre-Conference Sessions: October 6, 2025 (Monday) Location: Tampa Convention Center, Tampa, Florida, USA Expected Attendance: 8,000+ marine industry professionals Exhibitors: 700+ companies
Show Hours (Eastern Time Zone)
1st Floor Exhibits:
- Tuesday, October 7 & Wednesday, October 8: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Thursday, October 9: 9 AM – 3 PM
2nd Floor Exhibits:
- Tuesday, October 7 & Wednesday, October 8: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Thursday, October 9: 9 AM – 3 PM
3rd Floor Exhibits:
- Tuesday, October 7 & Wednesday, October 8: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Thursday, October 9: 10 AM – 3 PM
Trade-Only Event
IBEX is strictly a trade-only event, not open to the general public. All qualified marine industry professionals are welcome to attend, including boat builders, designers, manufacturers, naval architects, distributors, wholesalers, and service providers. No one under 18 years of age, including infants, will be admitted—there are no exceptions to this age policy.
Registration is encouraged early for a free badge; a $50 badge fee applies starting Saturday, September 6th, and on-site registration.
What Makes IBEX Special
Comprehensive Industry Coverage
IBEX serves as a unique forum where the marine industry can do business, share ideas, and accelerate new product development. The show offers unparalleled access to:
- Over 700 exhibits in exhibition halls, outdoor display spaces, and on the IBEX Docks
- Cutting-edge marine technology from electrification to smart manufacturing
- Industry-leading education through expert-led seminars and workshops
- Networking opportunities with 8,000+ marine professionals
- Product demonstrations and hands-on training sessions
Smart Marine Technology at IBEX 2025
The 2025 show will feature cutting-edge marine technology across multiple categories, with exhibitors like K2 Lighting demonstrating the latest in smart automation systems. Key technology areas include:
- Advanced marine electronics and automation systems
- Electric propulsion systems and energy-saving technologies
- Smart lighting and control systems - including K2 Lighting's wireless automation solutions
- Environmentally friendly coatings and sustainable materials
- Smart boat technologies and IoT integration
- Next-generation safety and navigation equipment
As one attendee noted: "This is absolutely the best show in the US, in particular for covering all sorts of hardware, machinery, fabrication components for boats, you name it, and it brings together so many experts with so many decades of combined experience to provide educational opportunities."
IBEX Education Conference: World-Class Learning Opportunities
Comprehensive Educational Program
The IBEX Education Conference represents the ultimate learning experience for the recreational boating industry. With expanded educational opportunities for 2025, the conference features sessions for everyone from leadership to engineers, offering expert-led technical seminars, hands-on workshops, cutting-edge product demos, and more.
Pre-Conference Sessions (October 6)
Hosted by IBEX exhibitors and industry associations, Pre-Conference Sessions offer in-depth subject matter and hands-on training in full and half-day formats. These sessions allow attendees and their teams to explore relevant topic areas for extended, focused training the day before the exhibit halls open.
Seminar Series
The technical Seminar Series, produced in collaboration with the show's education partners, includes:
- Professional BoatBuilder magazine
- American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC)
- National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA)
- National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA)
With more than 50 individual seminars, the conference covers topics from fundamental skills to cutting-edge advanced training, including:
- AI Afloat: Assessing the Promise of Intelligent Technology for Safety, Efficiency, and Autonomy at Sea
- The Perils of Paint: Creating Consistency in Yacht Coatings
- Developing Full Foils for Recreational Boats
- How To Conduct an Engineroom Inspection: What To Look for Working in, or Walking Through Engine Compartments
- The Latest in Digital Switching: Where ABYC and NMEA Meet
- Outstanding Outsourcing: Integrating Subcontractors Into Your Team
Tech Talk Workshops
Free, exhibitor-led product demonstration presentations showcase the newest technology in the industry. These workshops provide hands-on exposure to cutting-edge marine technologies and solutions.
Continuing Education Credits
CEUs are available for paid and verified participation at IBEX seminars. IBEX offers 1 CEU per 1 hour of training within the Seminar Series, supporting professional development throughout the marine industry.
Special Events and Networking Opportunities
Opening Day Industry Breakfast
The Opening Day Industry Breakfast features:
- Industry Address from NMMA President Frank Hugelmeyer
- Keynote presentation by Emmy award-winning television host Kevin O'Connor
- 2025 IBEX Innovation Awards presentation
Sponsors include AWLGRIP North America, Honda Marine, Interlux Yacht Finishes, Sea Hawk Paints, Suzuki Marine, and Tides Marine Inc.
Social Events
Opening Night Party: Sponsored by Wet Sounds, Inc., taking place outside at the Sail Pavilion
Mid-Show Mixer: Sponsored by Roswell Marine, also at the Sail Pavilion
Professional Development Programs
Marine Ideas Exchange (MIX): Presented by IBEX and Soundings Trade Only, highlighting influential voices in the industry with insights on leadership, technology, branding, retail, and organizational culture.
Navigating the Marine Industry: Presented by Boating Industry, featuring a panel of marine executives discussing key players and associations in the industry.
Pitch the Press: A fast-paced forum for industry buyers and press to hear product pitches from select exhibitors.
ABYC Student Career Day: Returning for its third year, bringing real-life marine industry exposure to area technical school students and instructors.
IBEX Main Stage
The Main Stage showcases special sessions every day, featuring topics ranging from managing tariffs, trade and supply chain to workforce development, with speakers including:
- Robyn Boerstling, Senior Vice President, Government Relations at NMMA
- Former NMMA President Dr. Thomas Dammrich
- Freedom Boat Club President Cecil Cohn
- NMEA President and Executive Director Mark Reedenauer
IBEX Innovation Awards: Recognizing Excellence
Prestigious Industry Recognition
The IBEX Innovation Awards showcase outstanding marine product development to the recreational boating industry and beyond. Managed by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and judged by Boating Writers International (BWI), this program represents one of the marine industry's most prestigious honors.
Award Criteria
To be eligible for the 2025 Innovation Awards, products must meet strict criteria:
- Not marketed or sold in the U.S. prior to October 1, 2024
- On display in finished, sellable state at IBEX 2025
- Never previously submitted for an Innovation Award
- Sold and marketed or "shipping to market" at show time, or available within 60 days
Innovation Way Showcase
All Innovation Award entrants are featured along Innovation Way, with complimentary display space. The showcase features all product entries for one year, starting from IBEX 2025's opening day, providing extended exposure for innovative products and technologies.
Entry Process
- Entry Deadline: August 20, 2025
- Entry Fee: $450 for NMMA members, $550 for non-members
- Winner Announcement: During the Industry Breakfast on October 7th
Exhibitor Experience and Opportunities
Comprehensive Exhibition Space
IBEX offers exhibitors multiple options for showcasing products and technologies:
- Indoor exhibition halls across three floors
- Outdoor display spaces for larger equipment and demonstrations
- IBEX Docks for in-water displays and demonstrations
- Specialty pavilions for focused industry segments
Seniority-Based Space Allocation
Exhibit space allocation uses a seniority system based on:
- IBEX Show points
- NMMA member points
- Annual METSTRADE points (if same address used)
This system ensures longtime participants and industry supporters receive preferred positioning while maintaining fairness in the allocation process.
Global Reach and Partnerships
IBEX is owned and produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association and RAI Amsterdam, connecting it to international marine industry networks. RAI Amsterdam also produces the METSTRADE Show in Europe, creating opportunities for global industry connections and cross-promotion.
Industry Impact and Testimonials
Professional Endorsements
Industry professionals consistently praise IBEX's unique value:
Matt Ostmeyer, HCB Yachts: "IBEX is essential in connecting with industry partners to build the best product possible and ultimately best serve our customers."
Dave Gerr, Gerr Marine Inc.: "This is absolutely the best show in the US, in particular for covering all sorts of hardware, machinery, fabrication components for boats, you name it, and it brings together so many experts with so many decades of combined experience to provide educational opportunities."
Craig Obara, Ray Hunt Design: "I've been coming down to IBEX for quite a number of years. There's always some very good information given out in various seminars, and they have two and a half days full of seminars, so there's plenty to choose from."
Akshay Bhuva, Kitchenery Inc.: "IBEX is the ideal platform to network and build valuable relationships within the marine ecosystem. From brand representatives and suppliers to OEMs, technology service providers, and marine innovation, it brings everything under one roof."
Industry Networking Hub
IBEX serves as North America's central gathering point for marine industry professionals, providing unparalleled opportunities to:
- Connect with industry colleagues and discover new partnerships
- Explore cutting-edge technologies before they reach the broader market
- Learn from industry experts through comprehensive educational programming
- Influence industry direction through collaborative discussions and feedback
K2 Lighting at IBEX 2025: Showcasing Smart Marine Lighting Innovation
K2 Lighting will be exhibiting at IBEX 2025, showcasing their innovative boat and yacht light automation solutions to the marine industry's most influential professionals. As an official exhibitor, K2 Lighting will demonstrate how their smart lighting automation systems align perfectly with IBEX's "Fast Forward" theme of advancing marine technology.
K2 Lighting's IBEX 2025 Exhibition Categories include:
- Electrical Systems & Accessories - Smart automation controllers and wireless systems
- Interior & Exterior Lighting - Comprehensive marine lighting solutions
- Deck Hardware - Integrated lighting control systems
- Marine Equipment - Professional-grade automation technology
IBEX provides the perfect environment for K2 Lighting to demonstrate how their intelligent lighting systems integrate with broader smart boat technologies, offering attendees hands-on experience with next-generation marine automation solutions. Visitors can explore how K2's Zigbee wireless technology, NMEA 2000 integration, and comprehensive alarm systems represent the cutting-edge of marine lighting automation.
Visit K2 Lighting at IBEX 2025 to discover how effortless automation can transform every voyage, making your vessel safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable to operate.
Why Attend IBEX 2025
For Marine Industry Professionals
Boat Builders and Designers: Access the latest materials, components, and technologies essential for competitive boat construction and design.
Manufacturers and Suppliers: Connect with distributors, OEMs, and end users while showcasing products to the industry's most influential decision-makers.
Service Providers and Technicians: Stay current with industry standards, technologies, and best practices through comprehensive educational programming.
Naval Architects and Engineers: Explore cutting-edge design tools, materials, and technologies that enable innovative marine vessel development.
Unique Value Proposition
Mary Velline, IBEX Show Director, emphasizes: "IBEX is the ultimate place in North America for marine industry professionals to come network with colleagues and friends. The opportunities to connect together and drive innovation are what make the IBEX community so unique, and our team has put together a packed schedule to support that growth in learning together."
Competitive Intelligence
IBEX offers unmatched opportunities to:
- Assess competitive landscapes and emerging market trends
- Identify potential partnerships and supply chain opportunities
- Understand regulatory developments affecting the marine industry
- Preview next-generation technologies before market deployment
Registration and Planning
Early Bird Pricing
Registration is open for IBEX 2025, with early bird pricing available through September 5th. This provides significant savings for both individual attendees and companies sending multiple team members.
Education Conference Packages
Various education conference packages and tickets are available during the registration process, allowing attendees to customize their experience based on specific learning objectives and interests.
Photography and Videography Policy
IBEX enforces a strict photography and videography policy due to the large number of proprietary new products and prototypes on display. Press credentials or written approval are required for any photography or video recording in the exhibition halls.
The Future of Marine Innovation
IBEX 2025's "Fast Forward" theme reflects the marine industry's rapid transformation toward more sustainable, efficient, and technologically advanced vessels. The show serves as a catalyst for this change, bringing together the innovations, expertise, and collaborative spirit necessary to shape the industry's future.
From electric propulsion systems to smart boat technologies, from sustainable materials to advanced manufacturing processes, IBEX 2025 will showcase the technologies and trends that will define recreational boating for years to come.
Conclusion
IBEX Show 2025 represents far more than a traditional trade show—it's the epicenter of marine industry innovation, education, and collaboration. With its comprehensive exhibition, world-class educational programming, and unparalleled networking opportunities, IBEX provides the platform where better boats truly begin.
For anyone involved in building, designing, servicing, or selling boats and marine products, IBEX 2025 is the must-attend event that will shape your understanding of where the industry is heading and how to successfully navigate the future of recreational boating.
As the marine industry continues its rapid evolution toward smarter, more sustainable, and increasingly sophisticated vessels, IBEX 2025 stands ready to fast forward that transformation, bringing together the people, products, and ideas that will define the future of boating.
Don't miss the opportunity to be part of this pivotal moment in marine industry history. Register now for IBEX 2025 and join the community that's building tomorrow's boats today.
Be sure to visit K2 Lighting's exhibit to experience firsthand how smart lighting automation is transforming modern marine vessels, making every voyage safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable.
