IBEX announces details of Industry Breakfast and Awards Ceremony and Keynote Speaker

Rich Karlgaard © Andrew Golden

The International BoatBuilders' Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), announced today details of its annual Industry Breakfast and Awards Ceremony. Doors open at 7:00 a.m. and the program begins promptly at 7:30 a.m. on the opening day of this year's show in the Main Ballroom of the Tampa Marriott. Best-selling author and motivational business speaker Rich Karlgaard will deliver the keynote address. Karlgaard is the publisher of Forbes and a renowned global futurist, economic leader, entrepreneur, and author. As an expert in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things, he is a regular panelist on "Forbes on Fox," the author of two celebrated business books on healthy organizations, and a past recipient of Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur of the Year award.

"The IBEX Industry Breakfast has become a must-attend opening day event," said Anne Dunbar, IBEX Show Director. "This year I am extremely pleased to have such a distinguished member of the business community as our keynote. I am confident the insights Rich Karlgaard will share on the U.S. and global economies, financial markets, technology and tech-driven change and innovation will be inspiring and set the tone for an exceptional IBEX show."

Preceding Karlgaard's keynote speech, NMMA President Thom Dammrich will address the more than 750 marine professionals attending the breakfast, discussing the future of the industry, with the theme Recreational Boating in 2035.

"The boating industry is on the verge of a quantum shift," said Dammrich. "While our industry is experiencing a Golden Age with new innovations, an increase in production and record boating expenditures, we need to shift the short-term focus and look generations ahead, determining how the industry needs to adapt – from employee recruitment to attracting new boaters – and ensuring a healthy industry and strong boating population for years to come."

Several prestigious industry awards will be presented, including the National Marine Representatives Association (NMRA) Mel Barr, Boating Industry Movers & Shakers, and the IBEX Innovation Awards. Entry to the Innovation Awards program will begin in July – access details here. New this year, the International Boat Industry (IBI) Export Excellence Award will also be presented. IBI's Export Excellence call for nominations is now open – click here to access the application.

Registration for the IBEX Industry Breakfast is now available. Tickets are $40/per person and must be purchased in advance of the show. There will be no ticket sales at the door as the event has customarily sold-out and all sales are final. The 2018 IBEX Industry Breakfast is sponsored by Tides Marine Inc., Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF), Interlux Yacht Finishes, AWLGRIP North America, and Unified Purchasing Group.

For information about the Industry Breakfast and Awards Ceremony, please visit www.ibexshow.com/special-events-demos. For more information on IBEX 2018, exhibiting companies, interactive exhibit hall floor plans, and more, please visit www.ibexshow.com. To register for the Show and purchase Industry Breakfast tickets, click here.