What Is IBEX?
IBEX, the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference, is the marine industry’s leading B2B platform connecting professionals to the technical knowledge, products, innovation, and community shaping the future of boatbuilding and marine technology.
Each year, marine professionals gather in Tampa to evaluate new technologies, compare solutions, learn from experts, and solve complex challenges across the full recreational marine supply chain.
IBEX brings together technical education, product discovery, standards-based learning, and industry collaboration under one roof.
What Drives IBEX
Vision Statement
To be the marine industry’s most trusted year-round platform for technical knowledge, products, innovation, and community, where professionals shape the future of boatbuilding and marine technology.
Mission Statement
We bring the marine industry together to inspire innovation and accelerate growth.
Embrace Innovation. Master Momentum.
Technology across the marine sector continues to advance rapidly — from electrification and networked onboard systems to advanced materials, automation, AI-assisted workflows, and evolving regulatory standards.
But speed alone does not define progress.
Innovation must work together in real-world recreational use, at scale, under standards, and across interconnected systems.
IBEX 2026 is about alignment in an accelerating industry. It is where innovation is embraced, complexity is navigated, and momentum becomes disciplined progress.
Where innovation meets application.
Why IBEX Matters
Technical Relevance
Evaluate products, systems, and technologies in practical, real-world marine applications.
Standards-Driven Education
Learn from trusted experts, education partners, and industry leaders across technical and strategic disciplines.
Industry Collaboration
Connect directly with builders, engineers, suppliers, and decision-makers across the marine supply chain.
Year-Round Industry Value
IBEX extends beyond the annual event through Professional BoatBuilder and IBEX 365.
IBEX by the Numbers
700+
Suppliers
1000’s
Qualified Marine Professionals
50+
Technical Education Sessions
10
Technical Education Tracks
Where the marine industry comes together to solve, source, and move forward.
The IBEX Ecosystem
IBEX Show
North America’s leading technical marine trade event connecting products, people, and practical solutions.
Professional BoatBuilder
The IBEX Technical Journal and a key education partner supporting technical depth, standards, and industry insight.
IBEX 365
A year-round digital platform extending industry connection, content, and education beyond the event.
Owned By
National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA)
NMMA is the leading trade association representing the North American recreational boating industry and works to support business growth, standards, advocacy, and industry advancement.
RAI Amsterdam
RAI Amsterdam is an international exhibition and convention organization and co-owner of IBEX. Through RAI Amsterdam, IBEX maintains a strong connection to the global marine ecosystem, including Metstrade.
Metstrade is a connected global platform through RAI Amsterdam.
Strategic Partners
IBEX collaborates with leading global marine industry organizations to strengthen connections, elevate standards, and advance the recreational boating industry worldwide.
Metstrade
IBEX and Metstrade operate under shared ownership through RAI Amsterdam, creating a connected global platform for the marine industry.
ICOMIA
International Council of Marine Industry Associations
IFSBO
International Federation of Surveyors & Boat Inspectors
Proud Supporting Member
30+ Years of IBEX
For more than three decades, IBEX has been the leading technical trade event for the recreational marine industry in North America.
What started as a focused gathering for boatbuilders and suppliers has evolved into a global platform for innovation, education, and industry advancement.
As the industry continues to evolve, IBEX remains a constant—bringing together the people, products, and ideas shaping the future of boatbuilding.