The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) announced that the 2026 show closed with year-over-year increases in attendance and show-floor traffic. Held Oct. 6–8 at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Fla., IBEX brought marine professionals together to evaluate new products and address the challenges facing their businesses in an ever-evolving landscape.

The 2026 show welcomed more than 7,700 industry professionals from over 55 countries and featured 701 exhibitors, including 103 first-time exhibitors. Among the newcomers were 21 international exhibitors. Nearly 100 students participated in IBEX Career Day, produced in collaboration with the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC), connecting future marine professionals with industry employers, technologies, and career opportunities.

“IBEX is at its best when the industry comes together to share ideas, tackle challenges and move our businesses forward,” said Mary Velline, IBEX show director. “That energy was evident throughout this year’s show, from the conversations happening on the exhibit floor to the enthusiasm around our education programs and new opportunities to connect. We’re proud of what we accomplished together in 2026, and even more excited about what’s ahead.”

Looking ahead to 2027

IBEX will begin its new December schedule in 2027, returning to the Tampa Convention Center Dec. 7–9, 2027. Representatives of the show said December offers greater opportunity for outdoor, hands-on learning and demonstrations, including increasing the IBEX Docks giving more visitors the chance to test drive technology. With the later date, plans are underway to expand the current marina, yard, refit and repair technical programing.

The IBEX Education Conference is also accepting proposals for 2027 seminars. This includes topics that professionals would like to present, topics that attendees would like to see on the schedule and speaker suggestions. Preferred subject matters include:

• Marine Innovations, such as 3D printing, AI and robotics in manufacturing, and semi-autonomous and autonomous vessels
• Electrification and Propulsion
• Sustainability, such as boat design, regulatory codes, waste reduction and recycling
• Marine Industry Business, such as leadership, management and policy
• Marine Electrical and Onboard Systems
• Marine Investigations and Surveying
• Service Yard: Repair and Refit
• Marina and Boatyard Operations
• Construction Methods and Materials, including composites
• Design and Engineering, including advanced hull design

Proposals are due Jan. 4, 2027.