IBEX 2026
Event Date
October 6–8, 2026
Location
Tampa, FL
Expected Exhibitors
730
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryIBEX — the International BoatBuilders' Exhibition & Conference — is North America's leading technical trade event for the recreational marine industry. The show brings together boatbuilders, engineers, designers, and marine manufacturers from around the world to the Tampa Convention Center. It is a trade-only event focused on the products, technology, people, and training advancing the business of building better boats.
Attendees include production and custom boatbuilders, OEM manufacturing teams, naval architects and designers, marine engineers, suppliers, marina and boatyard operators, and company executives. The 2026 event is expected to feature more than 730 exhibiting companies and anticipated total attendance of over 8,000 industry professionals, including boat builders, manufacturers, naval architects, distributors, wholesalers and more.
IBEX is worth attending because it combines a large exhibition floor with the industry's most comprehensive technical education program. IBEX brings together professionals across design, construction, systems, and service to solve problems, evaluate new technologies, and make informed decisions. Beyond buying and specifying, it offers unmatched networking with the people who develop the products shaping the future of marine manufacturing.
Show Highlights
- Exhibition floor: Access to 700+ exhibitors showcasing the latest marine technologies, innovations, and products.
- Education Conference: More than 50 educational sessions across ten technical tracks covering construction, engineering, and marine systems. The program is developed in partnership with Professional BoatBuilder, ABYC, NMEA, and NMMA.
- Ten technical tracks: Construction Methods & Materials; Design & Engineering; Emerging Topics; Leadership; Management Policy; Marina and Boatyard Operations; Marine Electrical Systems; Marine Onboard Systems; Survey and Repair; and Sustainability.
- Tech Talks: Free exhibitor product-demo presentations of the newest technology in the industry.
- Innovation Awards recognizing the best new products and technologies in marine manufacturing.
- Special programs: MIX (Marine Ideas Exchange), the Yachting Ventures Start-Up Pavilion, Emerging Marine Leaders, Career Day, and the Industry Breakfast.
- New for 2026: Florida-licensed insurance professionals can earn up to 16 Continuing Education hours.
Attendance
The 2026 event is anticipated to draw total attendance of over 8,000 industry professionals, including boat builders, manufacturers, naval architects, distributors, wholesalers and more, alongside more than 730 exhibiting companies. IBEX reports attendance of thousands of marine industry professionals from across North America and around the world each year.
Registration
Registration for IBEX 2026 is open and can be completed online at the official registration portal. IBEX is for the trade only and not open to the general public; no one under 18 years of age — including infants — will be admitted, and IBEX reserves the right to request identification to verify age or business affiliation.
- Exhibit Hall badge: Free for visitors who pre-register by September 4th and qualify as marine industry professionals; a $50 Exhibit Hall badge fee applies beginning Saturday, September 5th, 2026. Badge fees are waived for those who purchase a Seminar Series pass.
- Education passes: Purchase a Single Seminar, Three-Pack, or FlexPass (up to 11 seminar choices) during registration; for the best pricing, buy before the Early Bird deadline of September 4th, 2026.
- Badge pickup: You receive registration confirmation by email, then use your QR code at the Xpress Check-In kiosks in the 1st Floor lobby of the Tampa Convention Center.
- International visitors: Visa invitation letters are available during registration and are provided digitally.
History
IBEX — the International BoatBuilders' Exhibition & Conference — is North America's leading technical trade event for the marine industry. The show is owned and produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and RAI Amsterdam. Its education program is developed in collaboration with Professional BoatBuilder, the IBEX Technical Journal. The event has grown into a flagship gathering drawing more than 730 exhibitors and thousands of professionals annually, and in 2026 it introduces a refreshed brand. As IBEX continues to evolve, the 2026 Show introduces a refreshed brand reflecting a stronger focus on the future of marine technology, innovation and industry alignment.
Exhibitors
Exhibitor Information
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
Venue & Travel
Venue
Tampa Convention Center
333 S Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602
The Tampa Convention Center, situated at 333 S Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602, hosts IBEX 2026. The center is located in the heart of downtown Tampa, within walking distance of many hotels, restaurants, and attractions, and is adjacent to the Tampa Riverwalk, a 2.4-mile pedestrian path along the Hillsborough River. It is prominently situated along the waterfront in the heart of downtown Tampa. IBEX uses multiple exhibit floors, and services include a baggage/coat check on the 1st floor (Room 124).
Parking
Parking is available at the Tampa Convention Center and in the surrounding area. Numerous downtown garages and on-street options are within a few blocks, with rates varying by facility and event. Reservable nearby lots (via SpotHero) include the Franklin St. Lot about 0.2 miles away and the Tampa Bay History Center Valet Garage at 801 Water St. about 0.3 miles away. Several nearby hotels also offer on-site or valet parking. It is wise to arrive early to navigate downtown traffic and parking.
Getting There
The nearest airport is Tampa International Airport (TPA), about 5 miles from the Tampa Convention Center; other nearby airports include St. Petersburg–Clearwater (PIE), about 14.5 miles away. The venue has easy access from major thoroughfares like I-275 and I-4, making arrival straightforward for those driving. Rideshare and taxis are readily available downtown. IBEX also runs Tides Rides, a complimentary golf-cart shuttle connecting the convention center with official IBEX hotels during show days.
Nearby Hotels
IBEX offers special room rates at partner hotels within walking distance, bookable through its official housing partner, OnPeak. Downtown hotels near the Tampa Convention Center include:
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center — closest, about 0.15 mi.
- Tampa Marriott Water Street — about one block / 0.27 mi, overlooking Tampa Bay.
- The Westin Tampa Waterside (Harbour Island) — about 0.47 mi.
- Hilton Tampa Downtown (211 N Tampa St) — about 0.53 mi.
- Hyatt House Tampa Downtown (325 N Florida Ave) — about 0.3 mi.
- Hotel Tampa Riverwalk and JW Marriott Tampa Water Street — a short walk downtown.
Additional airport-area hotels (Westshore district) are roughly 3–5 miles from the venue.
Contact
Show Management
Professional Boatbuilder Mag
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is IBEX 2026?
IBEX 2026 takes place October 6-8, 2026 at the Tampa Convention Center, 333 S Franklin Street, Tampa, Florida. Pre-Conference Sessions are held the day before, on Monday, October 5.
Who can attend IBEX?
IBEX is a trade-only event and is not open to the general public. No one under 18 years of age, including infants, will be admitted, and IBEX may request identification to verify age or business affiliation.
How do I register and is there a cost?
Registration is done online through the official IBEX registration portal. Exhibit Hall badges are free for qualified marine professionals who pre-register by September 4th; a $50 badge fee applies starting September 5th, 2026, and the fee is waived with the purchase of a Seminar Series pass.
What education and continuing education options are available?
The IBEX Education Conference offers more than 50 sessions across ten technical tracks, available via Single Seminar, 3-Pack, or FlexPass options, plus free Tech Talk workshops. CEUs are available at one credit per hour of seminar training, and Florida-licensed insurance professionals can earn up to 16 CE hours.
What hotels and transportation are available for IBEX?
IBEX offers discounted rooms at partner hotels within walking distance of the Tampa Convention Center, booked through official partner OnPeak, and runs a complimentary Tides Rides shuttle between the venue and official hotels. Tampa International Airport is about 5 miles away, and parking is available at and around the convention center.
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