Despite an obvious absence of foot traffic at IBEX held from 17-19 October 2011 at Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, USA, Australian companies still affirmed it was a success. The quality of visitors was great and made up for the very limited number of people visiting the show.  Exhibitor numbers at the show seemed similar to the previous year and it seems lower visitor numbers are the new norm and what everyone is starting to expect at shows such as this.

AIMEX stand at IBEX 2011

Carl Khamu, Director, Finscan said “despite the lower visitor numbers it is the place to be for an OEM supplier like ourselves. We have been impressed by the builders representatives we have met and interest in our product range has been high. We will definitely continue to exhibit at this show.  Similar comments came from Stress Free Marine, Polyflex Group, Palm Plastics, Aqualuma Marine Lighting, VEEM Propellers, Hydrive Engineering, and Coursemaster Autopilots.

AIMEX CEO Maryanne Edwards felt the show was definitely quieter than previous years confirming the new norm for the industry. “Exhibitors expectations for show outcomes are not what they used to be.”

Interest in product from Australia continued to be high particularly the fact that most Australian companies are continuing to innovate and grow their product ranges. There does seem to be a lack of R&D in the US so innovation is definitely the key to Australian companies maintaining sales and profitability in the current global market.