How to Prepare to Exhibit at International Boatbuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX) 2026: Tips for Exhibitors

If you’re in the recreational marine industry, there’s no better place for you to gain exposure for your business and stay current on the latest industry trends than the International Boatbuilders’ Exhibition & Conference. This three-day event is reserved for industry professionals only, which puts the best minds in the building, design, service, or sales of boats and marine products together for the exchange of ideas and innovation.

Find out more about the International Boatbuilders’ Exhibition & Conference 2026 (IBEX), the most expansive marine industry event in North America.

ABOUT IBEX 2026

As the premier industry trade event for those working in the recreational marine industry, IBEX offers over 700 exhibits across three exhibit halls and 41 dock slips. As a show for trade professionals only, the primary focus of IBEX ’26 is to enlarge the industry with exceptional training and educational opportunities from some of the leading experts in the industry. This trade event captures a targeted audience of marine industry manufacturers and suppliers, aftermarket innovators and service providers.

With its tagline “Where Better Boats Begin,” IBEX 2026 continues to serve as North America’s premier gathering for professionals shaping the future of recreational boating.

IBEX 2026 takes place October 6-8, 2026, at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Florida, with a pre-conference on October 5.

IBEX 2026 FACTS AND STATISTICS:

• Date:
  • October 6-8, 2026 (Pre-conference: October 5)
• Venue:
  • Tampa Convention Center
• City/State:
  • Tampa, Florida
• Sponsor:
  • National Marine Manufacturers’ Association
  • RAI Amsterdam
• Exhibit Space:
  • 150,000 square feet
• Exhibitors:
  • 700+ companies from 15 countries

ABOUT THE NATIONAL MARINE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION AND RAI AMSTERDAM

The National Marine Manufacturers’ Association, North America’s leading trade organization for the recreational boating industry, is one of the owners of IBEX. Its member companies are responsible for the production of over 80% of the boats, engines, trailers, marine accessories and gear for boaters in North America. The National Marine Manufacturers’ Association seeks to improve the industry for its members by providing domestic and international sales and marketing opportunities, decreasing business costs, and promoting interest in recreational boating, as well as lobbying against excessive government regulations for the boating industry.

RAI Amsterdam is an international exhibition and convention company that organizes events abroad and is another co-owner of IBEX. In 2024, RAI hosted 338 events with approximately 1.5 million visitors. Its Amsterdam convention center offers roughly 110,000 square meters of event space across 12 halls, and RAI provides event-related services to exhibitors, visitors, and organizers worldwide.

IBEX is also powered globally by METSTRADE, the world’s leading platform and community for professionals in the leisure marine equipment industry.

WHY EXHIBIT AT IBEX?

If your business involves the recreational boating industry, IBEX provides you with the single largest platform in North America for brand exposure and business development. With 150,000 square feet of exhibit space across three exhibit halls, 41 dock slips, and over 700 exhibiting companies from 15 countries, there’s never been this much opportunity in one place.

In addition, IBEX puts your brand in front of the right people. 30% of attendees are owner/operators or CEOs, 66% of attendees are in a position to say “yes” to that new product or service and 81% of attendees visit IBEX with the intent of making buying decisions.

Whether you’re looking to promote new products or showcase new technology, increase your OEM or aftermarket sales, network with industry leaders, generate leads and contacts or simply stay on top of the current industry trends, IBEX can do wonders for the future of your business.

EMERGING TRENDS AT IBEX 2026

The recreational marine industry is experiencing rapid transformation, and IBEX 2026 will showcase the latest innovations in several key areas:

Electrification and Alternative Propulsion: The industry is investing heavily in battery-electric and hybrid boat systems. Expect to see cutting-edge electric outboards, solar-electric vessels, and related charging infrastructure from both established manufacturers and emerging startups.

Smart Connectivity: Boats are becoming networked platforms with advanced sensors, automation, AI integration, and IoT connectivity. These technologies enable predictive maintenance, enhanced navigation, and seamless integration with smart devices.

Sustainable Technologies: With growing focus on environmental responsibility, IBEX will feature eco-friendly fuels like methanol and hydrogen, sustainable materials, greener manufacturing processes, and advanced coatings. NMMA has launched initiatives to explore sustainable marine fuels, including a pilot program in Florida testing alternative fuel options.

The IBEX Start-Up Pavilion, hosted in partnership with Yachting Ventures, provides a dedicated space for emerging companies to showcase innovations in these and other cutting-edge areas.

FEATURED EXHIBITORS

IBEX consistently attracts leading companies in the recreation marine industry. Past exhibitors have included established brands like Teak Isle, Propspeed, and Harman Marine, alongside hundreds of other manufacturers and suppliers who recognize the value of this premier trade show.

The full exhibitor list for IBEX 2026 will be available on the official IBEX website as the show approaches.

MAKE A GREAT IMPRESSION AT IBEX

Trade show success is just as much about marketing as it is about networking, and that begins with your trade show booth. As one of your most lucrative marketing investments, your booth is an extension of your brand identity, so a basic setup simply won’t do.

If you’re attending a trade show packed with other industry professionals, such as IBEX 2026, you need to make sure your trade show booth catches attention, attracts visitors and gives you the opportunity to market your business effectively. With all the seminars, displays, and exhibitors at IBEX, it’s vital that you create an experience that makes potential customers want to stick around.

Here are some tips:

Focus on the details and your goals for the show, so you can tailor your entire booth experience toward reaching your audience.

• Evaluate your past trade show metrics to find areas for improvement
• Design your booth’s structure, graphics, and marketing materials around your brand identity and develop a plan for holding your customers’ interest and telling a compelling story
• Create digital materials that enhance your brand’s message, and make sure they align with the product or service you’re offering
• Establish your company’s thought leadership and authority and drive more traffic to your booth by speaking or having a team member speak at the event

With the right planning, you can maximize your investment and leave a lasting impression on the attendees at IBEX.

PREPARE FOR IBEX WITH HELP FROM XIBIT SOLUTIONS

If you’re planning to exhibit at IBEX 2026, North America’s largest trade show for the recreational marine industry, you need to pull out all the stops to stand out amongst your peers. The expert team at Xibit Solutions offers over 20 years of experience helping business owners with all aspects of trade show exhibiting, from creating memorable booth experiences to custom booth graphics. We’ve helped industry leaders in a variety of fields, so let us help you take your industry presence to the next level with customized solutions that complement your business.

Contact the team at Xibit Solutions to learn more about our trade show services and get started on your plan for IBEX ’26!