IBEX reports drop in attendance

Posted on 30 October 2009

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Organizers of the International BoatBuilders' Exposition and Conference reported an estimated 31 percent drop in attendance this year compared to 2008.

Actual attendance figures were not immediately available.

Despite the drop, organizers said many exhibitors were pleased with the quality of attendees at the three-day event, which ran Oct. 12-14 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

"IBEX continues to be the largest gathering in the boating industry, so it was no surprise that exhibitors and attendees felt there was good value and good business being done," said Thom Dammrich, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, co-producer of IBEX. "Feedback from the show floor suggests boat and accessory production is picking back up and orders were being placed, as well as an enthusiasm for the new, more cost effective Louisville location for IBEX 2010."

IBEX moves to Louisville, Ky., next year and will be held there for at least three years. Next year's show, set for Sept. 28-30 at the Kentucky Exposition Center, also will feature a component from the defunct Marine Accessories Aftermarket Trade Show.

In addition to a drop in attendees, exhibitor numbers were down, with around 500 at the show.

"Everyone that matters in the boatbuilding industry was at IBEX. We met with many customers and, as usual, had that one meeting with the right boatbuilder that made exhibiting all worthwhile. IBEX always delivers," said exhibitor Ron Bailey, vice president of sales and marketing for Turning Point Propellers, in a statement.

"From the time the show opened until its conclusion, there were encouraging signs from the exhibitor and the attendee, as boatbuilders with new orders were buying products," said Carl Cramer, IBEX co-director and publisher of Professional BoatBuilder magazine. "The technical sessions were among the best we've produced, and the response to the Louisville move next year was overwhelmingly positive."

IBEX is owned and produced by Professional BoatBuilder magazine and the NMMA.

Comments

6 Monday, 02 November 2009 21:30

I probably will not be going to Louisville. I am very busy and need to make the most of my time when  traveling. IBEX is a valuable learning experience but going to Miami allows me the chance to cruise boatyards, get hard-to-find merchandise (I am in Tallahassee and it is a small market), visit the Keys, and enjoy the sunny weather. Plus, by driving down from here I get to stop at boatyards, dealerships, retailers, and get an idea of what is going on in the industry.

Louisville offers no collatoral attractions. Who goes there for parts, boats, or a fall vacation? Bad move guys. I've got to go where its warm! Try another Florida venue in a less expensive location - there are many options and even Jacksonville would be better than Louisville.

5 Friday, 30 October 2009 22:21

Do not want to leave Miami.  Show should be in Miami, boating capital of the country and in the winter so most of the attendees from the rest of the country can come, and warm up for few days.... Kentucky  Not for us!

4 Friday, 30 October 2009 20:30

The IBEX show is a tremendous asset to the marine industry. It offers OEM's and vendors to see new products, and exchange knowledge and experiences for the future. It is for the benefit of the industry to showcase itself.

Why would any responsible company or dealers not want to participate in an marine industry exposition that offers insight into the future? It would seem logical to think attendees would benefit from information gathered, whether it be technical, or product driven. The disadavantages of not attending an industry expo would only help curtail recovery in a struggling market.

The Louisville facility is among the best in the entire country. It offers easy move in and great parking. The facility itself has exhibt space that is second to none in the country, with meeing rooms and etc. There is a reason is is one of the fastest growing convention facilities in the country. Costs vs. Florida ARE a big difference not only in travel, but setup.

The economy this year undoubtedly had an effect on attendance. Next year IBEX should be a great success with an improving marine market.

3 Friday, 30 October 2009 18:44

How about a poll?

Have you attended in years past?

Are you planning to attend next year in Louisville?

 

My answers:

Attended in the past, including this year.

No plan to attend in Louisville.

2 Friday, 30 October 2009 16:44

This years IBEX although smaller was still very profitable to me as an engineer with a major boatbuilder.  The seminars I attended were better in my opinion than any other year.  Year after year the show is the high point of my work year when all the vendors that supply the marine industry bring their products and ideas to one location.  That coupled with the expertise and technical knowledge of the consultants and "cutting edge builders" always get my creative juices flowing with new ideas and applications.  Keep up the good work and for those who have never attended; give it a try.

1 Friday, 30 October 2009 16:33

I must have been to the wrong show.

I spoke with many of our vendors and none of them where happy with the move to Louisville!

Most of our vendors are participating in the IBEX for many many years and they are not happy.

The cost reduction is marginal; the loss of international visitors will be catastrophic.

Many people I spoke with expect the IBEX to develop into a local show and many big corporations will focus completely on the METS

 

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