The International BoatBuilders' Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) is returning to the Tampa Convention Center from 6 to 8 October 2026, bringing the marine industry together under the theme "Embrace Innovation, Master Momentum."
That theme reflects something genuine about where the sector currently stands. Moving fast without coordination produces fragmentation, and chasing new technology without a clear route to practical application yields little of lasting value. IBEX 2026 is positioned as the place where builders, manufacturers, and suppliers can step back from the noise, take stock of what is genuinely emerging, and determine what those developments mean for their own businesses.
More than 730 companies have signed up to exhibit at the 2026 show, which is expected to draw over 8,000 industry professionals, among them boat builders, naval architects, distributors, and wholesalers. The theme boat for the year is the ENVGO.
Several changes have been introduced in direct response to feedback from exhibitors and attendees. Among the more practical adjustments, all exhibit areas will now open at 9 a.m. each day, establishing a consistent rhythm across the show floor and expanding the time available for networking.
The Education Conference, developed in partnership with ABYC, NMEA, NMMA, and Professional BoatBuilder, returns as the most comprehensive technical marine education programme in the world, encompassing Monday Pre-Conference sessions, Tech Talk Workshops, and a Seminar Series. A reimagined Main Stage moves to a new location and features a fresh lineup, while the Marine Ideas Exchange (MIX) programme, presented with Soundings Trade Only, is back to foster peer-driven collaboration.
IBEX is also launching a refreshed brand identity for 2026, reflecting a sharper focus on marine technology and industry alignment.
Exhibitor applications remain open, though space is limited. Full registration opens in June, with further programme details due in May.
