The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX) drew more boat builders and marine professionals from around the world than it ever has before, even in spite of a flat economy.

Over 4,570 attendees from 67 countries were present at IBEX, slightly up from 2006 attendance of 4,509. Including the 900 exhibitors––manufacturers and suppliers from six continents and over 25 countries––total verified attendance was at 8,709 for IBEX 2007.

IBEX 2008 is scheduled for Oct. 6–8 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.