IBEX 2023 to grow into expanded and refreshed TCC space

IBEX 2023 to grow into expanded and refreshed TCC space © Juan Lopez

The International BoatBuilders' Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) announced today the new construction on the Tampa Convention Center (TCC) will be completed in time for IBEX 2023, to be held October 3 - 5, 2023, in Tampa, Florida. North America's largest trade event for recreational marine industry professionals, IBEX is owned and produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and RAI Amsterdam.

The renovation project is the largest ever for the TCC and will result in an expanded third floor exhibit hall and additional fourth floor meeting rooms, complete with terraces with breathtaking water views. The expansion has added 5,900 square feet of exhibit space for the Show and the new meeting room space on the fourth floor will also be the location of the VIP Lounge for 2023. More than 675 exhibiting companies will fill three floors of exhibit halls, occupying over 134,000 sq ft indoors, plus outdoor displays and the IBEX docks along the waterfront.

The overall upgrades to the TCC improve the customer experience, with updates to all existing ballrooms, which have received new carpet, paint, new air wall fabric, and upgraded lighting. The Convention Center has also fully renovated 15 restrooms with wall-to-wall large-format modern tile, integrated sinks, stainless steel touchless fixtures, backlit mirrors, and much more. For food and entertainment during the days of the Show, the completely reimagined Sail Plaza now includes Big Ray's Fish Camp Restaurant, a local favorite for seafood in the Tampa Bay area. In addition, exhibit hall concessions have been modernized to include refreshed menus while staying true to classic offerings guests crave.

"We look forward to welcoming the industry to IBEX at the newly updated Tampa Convention Center," said Anne Dunbar, IBEX Show Director. "All attendees will notice the expanded 3rd floor exhibit hall and additional natural light the renovations will bring. Our seminar participants will also enjoy updated conference rooms and lighting. Make plans now to join the industry at IBEX 2023, you do not want to miss this year's event."

"We are so proud of the improvements happening at the Tampa Convention Center," said Mayor Jane Castor, City of Tampa. "This is the largest renovation project in the center's history since it opened in 1990. It signals that the convention center and the city are looking to the future, to ensure that it continues to be a major economic engine for the city of Tampa. Tampa is excited to host IBEX and show all that our city and our convention center have to offer. We look forward to welcoming the marine industry to America's best city."

"The construction here at the Tampa Convention Center is on track to hit the scheduled completion date of late June," said David Ingram, Executive Director, Tampa Convention Center. "These renovations give us the flexibility to stay competitive in our market. We are thrilled to host IBEX in October and showcase our center during this premier marine industry event. We know attendees will be impressed by our improvements and our waterfront location."

IBEX registration for exhibiting companies will open in early June. Visitor registration will open in mid-June. If you are interested in registering to attend IBEX this year, please stay up to date on important announcements by signing up to receive the IBEX email newsletter by clicking here.

To begin planning for IBEX 2023, visitors can review the exhibitor list, floor plans, and more by visiting here. The Education Conference will include Monday Pre-Conference sessions, Tech Talk Workshops on the show floor, and the technical Seminar Series. There will also be networking events scheduled every day. Schedules for the Education Conference and networking events will be posted soon. To learn about the products, services, and companies that are driving the future of marine industry technology, click here to visit IBEX365. For the latest updates via social media, like and follow the IBEX Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages.