From an entertaining speech from Bob Knight to start IBEX to the close where Country Singer Jake Owen made a surprise guest appearance, thousands of marine professionals who participated in the first day of the 24th annual International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference were not disappointed, with the energy as well as excitement about the future of the boatbuilding industry. The exhibit hall was open yesterday, on Wednesday, October 1st from 10 am to 6 pm, and will be open again today, on Thursday, October 2nd from 10 am to 3 pm, with the IBEX Seminar Series starting each day at 8:30 am.
Keynote address by Bob Knight
The event started with an inspiring and entertaining speech from legendary basketball coach Bob Knight who talked to the standing room only crowd of marine industry professionals about winning, but more importantly how to lose. He talked about his illustrious career and how he coached his young players about the game of basketball and about the game of life.
At 10 am the doors to the sold out exhibit floor opened where attendees packed the aisles to see many of the new and award winning products. With 573 exhibiting companies, of which 142 exhibitors did not exhibit in 2013 and 80 are first time exhibitors, there was no shortage of innovation on the show floor.
Boating Writers International (BWI) members selected 20 of the show’s best new products for a Pitch the Press event which dazzled the crowd with everything from Metal Flex Gel Coat from HK Research as shown below to Bluetooth volume control, smartphone chargers for the countertop, connected boat technology, a massaging and heated toilet seat to the Docktail cocktail bar.
IBEX 2014 Day 1
The rain might have forced the Party for Purpose events indoors, but spirits were high as the industry gathered to network and help support the advocacy work being done in Washington on behalf of the boating industry. The event was sponsored by the NMMA‘s Accessory Manufacturers Division (AMD) Board of Directors and had a surprise appearance by Country Music Star Jake Owens who met with attendees.
On Wednesday, October 1st the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) presented an informative session on How to Target and Engage New or Underserved Audiences including the Hispanic Community at a seminar from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm. Also attendees and exhibitors were invited to the Compliance & Standards Coffee where they could learn more about ISO and ABYC compliance and certification from subject matter experts.
For the first time at IBEX, 25 leading manufacturers have boats at the dock space at the Tampa Convention Center for on-the-water exhibits and demonstrations where they are showcasing the latest products for the marine industry. On the show floor attendees will definitely want to take time to visit The Connected Boat, the 3D Digital Workshop, and the Material ConneXion.
