International BoatBuilders' Exhibition & Conference 2027

IBEX is a North American technical marine trade show, showcasing boatbuilding innovation, products, and services for marine professionals.

IBEX 2027

The International BoatBuilders' Exhibition & Conference runs December 7–9, 2027 in Tampa, Florida. That is a change of season: IBEX has been an early-October show, and the organiser's published future dates put 2027, 2028 and 2029 all in early December in Tampa. The 2026 show was held at the Tampa Convention Center; IBEX had not named a 2027 venue when this page was checked.

What it is

IBEX is the recreational marine industry's technical trade event, covering the full boatbuilding supply chain — builders, engineers, designers, suppliers and repairers. It is owned by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and RAI Amsterdam, which also runs Metstrade, and has been held for more than three decades. The organiser cites 700+ suppliers, 50+ technical education sessions and 10 technical education tracks.

Education

The IBEX Education Conference is produced with Professional BoatBuilder, the show's technical journal. In 2026 it ran as a pre-conference day of sessions before the show opened, followed by Seminar Series sessions and Tech Talk Workshops during show days.

Admission rules

• IBEX is trade-only and not open to the public; no one under 18, including infants, is admitted, and photo ID may be requested.
• Photography and video on the show floor need a press badge or prior written approval, exhibitors can restrict photography of their products, and recording seminars is prohibited.
• In 2026 the last show day closed at 3 p.m., two hours earlier than the others.