The 30th International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) announced that attendance exceeded expectations with the return of an in-person event, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association website. IBEX saw more than 560 exhibitors, including 80 new exhibiting companies, and more than 3,200 visitors. The IBEX docks were sold out with 29 boats on display, and the expanded outdoor displays included nine demos and exhibits. There were 18 exhibiting international companies, representing 12 nations including: Australia, China, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Korea, Netherlands, Slovenia, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. The IBEX Education Conference had more than 300 registrants who participated in over 40 pre-conference sessions and technical seminars.

“I’ve talked with many of our exhibitors, and they are saying the same thing, that while attendance may have been impacted by COVID concerns, the quality of boat builders and industry buyers this year was exceptional,” said Anne Dunbar, IBEX show director. “We all needed this event to reconnect and experience the new innovations that will move the marine industry forward.”

IBEX 2022 is scheduled to return to the Tampa Convention Center Sept. 27–29, 2022. For more information, visit www.ibexshow.com.