IBEX 2019 Networking events not to miss

International BoatBuilders' Exhibition and Conference © Andrew Golden

The International BoatBuilders' Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) announced today that during the Show held October 1-3 at the Tampa Convention Center, it will offer visitors the chance to participate in a number of social and entertainment special events throughout the week.

These events are in addition to live ongoing activities such as the Kiosk Challenges sponsored by ABYC, The Landing School, and Professional BoatBuilder magazine; Designer Row sponsored by Tides Marine Inc.; Innovation Way; the NMEA Connected Boat Experience sponsored by ETA Engineering Technology, Fusion Entertainment, Garmin, and Raymarine; the Marinas of the Future Café sponsored; and the IBEX Docks and Outdoor Exhibits.

Monday, September 30th

- Between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m., Soundings Trade Only hosts its 40th Anniversary Gala at the Tampa Museum of Art. The sold-out gala will have an expected attendance of 250 people. The evening will include cocktails, dinner, live entertainment and dancing, the announcement of the Top 10 Most Innovative Marine Companies awards 2019, and more. The gala is sponsored by Correct Craft, Fusion Entertainment, Lumishore, Propspeed, Volvo Penta, and Yamaha.

- From 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., in the CAMLS Center at 124 S. Franklin Street, 12 visionary boat designers will present their concepts and ideas that have never been launched (and some that have), but all of which will inspire at Sparks!: Immerse Yourself in Inspiration, powered by PechaKucha: Boat Design Concepts. Each speaker will show 20 slides and discuss each for 20 seconds. This is a fast-paced event and there is no cost to attend. Produced by the Sparks! Group, PechaKucha is sponsored by Tides Marine, Inc. and media partner Professional BoatBuilder magazine.

Tuesday, October 1st

- From 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., the annual IBEX Industry Breakfast and Awards Ceremony, will be held at the Tampa Waterside Marriott Hotel, Grand Ballroom. Several prestigious industry awards will be presented, including the National Marine Representatives Association (NMRA) Mel Barr, NMMA Hall of Fame Award, Boating Industry Movers & Shakers, the IBI Export Excellence Award, and the IBEX Innovation Awards. Motivational political speaker Dr. Sam Potolicchio will deliver the keynote address. The 2019 IBEX Industry Breakfast is sponsored by AWLGRIP North America, Electrosea, Interlux Yacht Finishes, Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF), Tides Marine Inc., and the Unified Purchasing Group.

- Beginning at 6 p.m., exhibitors and visitors can join the Opening Night Party at The Sail Pavilion to celebrate IBEX's opening day. Located just outside of the convention center, visitors can spend the evening enjoying drink specials, live entertainment, and food trucks. The Opening Night Party music is sponsored by Wet Sounds.

Wednesday, October 2nd

- New for 2019, the Marine Innovators Pop-Up Show will be held for one morning only. On Wednesday, October 2nd from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. the Marine Innovators Pop-Up Show will showcase a wide range of marine apps from its developers, all of whom are committed to simplifying boating with technology. Their mission is to, "leverage technology to enable remarkable experiences on the water."

- At 1 p.m., walk down the seminar hallway to participate in or watch IBEX's second annual Vacuum Bagging Challenge. Teams of two will go head-to-head to get the tightest vacuum seal on a balloon without popping it. Winners will receive prizes and participation is free. Email Sarah Devlin, IBEX Education Director, to register for the challenge or for more information: . Technical support, supplies, and judging panel courtesy of PRO-VAC USA.

- Complete the day with the IBEX All-Industry Happy Hour in the Exhibit Halls between 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. IBEX welcomes all industry professionals to peruse the exhibitions with exhibitor-hosted drinks and hors d'oeuvres. The Happy Hour is sponsored by Gougeon Brothers Inc.

Join the Emerging Marine Leaders (EML), formerly the Marine Millennials, at IBEX. The group is hosting two events for professionals new to the industry to meet-up. On-the-Water takes place Tuesday, October 1st from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. providing EMLs the opportunity to enjoy just that - time on the water. On Wednesday, October 2nd, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., participants will gather for Tips for Surviving and Thriving in the Marine Industry. EMLs will discuss their challenges in the industry and how to overcome them. Registration for both events is required. To learn more about the group and to join Emerging Marine Leaders today, visit www.ibexshow.com/emerging-marine-leaders.

Also new in the Marina & Yard Pavilion, the IBEX Marinas of the Future Theater, where visitors will see visual presentations of the latest innovations in marina development, boat sharing, smart technology, drystack, sustainability and much more. In addition to being able to see these new concept videos, there will be a networking area with café seating, beer and coffee available.

"This year our team has organized a schedule of special events intended to connect and inform our visitors and exhibitors in a powerful and dynamic way," said Anne Dunbar, IBEX Show Director. "We believe that this year's schedule will appeal to everyone who takes part, from all aspects of the industry and all levels of experience. Our intention is for everyone involved to have an experience that inspires new thinking that they can bring home to their businesses."

For more information on IBEX 2019, exhibiting companies, interactive exhibit hall floor plans, and more, please visit www.ibexshow.com. Register for the show here.