Boat builders and marine industry professionals from around the world will have access to the industry’s premier education program offering everything from fundamental skills to cutting-edge advanced training at the 2014 International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), taking place Sept. 29-Oct. 2 at the Tampa Convention Center.

Among other topics, the schedule includes:

Lessons from the America’s Cup: Designer Gino Morrelli explains how lifting foils, T-rudders, wave-piercing hulls and improved CFD/VPP (computational fluid dynamics/velocity prediction program) analysis tools can be applied to the next generation of performance cruising cats.

A look at challenges faced by wakeboard boat designers and builders. Richard Akers, Jeffrey Bowles and Cliff Goudey will explain how boats make wakes and how the wakes vary at different speeds.

ABYC 2014 standards updates: Brian Goodwin and Matt
Wienold of the American Boat and Yacht Council will talk
about changes in ABYC standards and any current work that
may shift requirements.

How boats are adapting to smartphones, tablets and the Internet: Ben Ellison, Frank Emnett and Shane Coloney discuss how smartphones and tablets are becoming valuable accessories to dedicated marine electronics. This panel of speakers will explain the details and show how to get involved.

Belle Blanding and Dean Callander will answer the question: Should you switch to VIP? After reviewing the build cycle of a 44-foot (13m) Mystic Powerboat’s hull and comparing the company’s traditional fabrication methods with vacuum-infusion methods, attendees will want to hear this manufacturer’s opinion.

In addition to the education program, IBEX will host 525 exhibitors on a show floor encompassing more than 100,000 square feet of exhibit space, dock space and on-the-water demonstrations, three pavilions and special feature areas including The Connected Boat, the IBEX 3D Digital Workshop and Material ConneXion. For more information on these events, to view the schedule and to register, visit www.ibexshow.com.