The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), taking place Oct. 1-3 at the Tampa Convention Center, has announced its full schedule of events. The special sessions and networking events planned for the show include opportunities to connect with colleagues, come together to do business, meet with current suppliers and build new partnerships.

Networking events are scheduled each day at IBEX and include the popular Opening Night Party outside at the Sail Pavilion, sponsored by Wet Sounds, Inc. In addition, the All-Industry Exhibit Hall Happy Hour, sponsored by Hertz Marine/Audison Marine and the Mid-Show Mixer, sponsored by Roswell Marine return on Wednesday, as well as Pitch the Press, a fast-paced and fun live event for industry buyers and the press featuring a number of product pitches from a handful of select exhibitors. Last year’s successful debut of Career Day, hosted in partnership with ABYC, returns on Thursday with a full day of activities for students including seminars and exhibit hall visits.

The IBEX Main Stage will showcase several special events including the panel discussion Avoiding Contradictions in Technology, which will focus on answering the question of how to manage the longevity of boats’ designs and construction compared with the shorter lifespans of electric, electronic and other critical components. Another session will be Visionary Leadership Panel Discussion: The Driving Force Behind the Marine Industry’s Small & Medium Sized Businesses, which will dive into the qualities of a visionary leader. For more information about events at IBEX, visit ibexshow.com.