TAMPA, FL, October 9, 2018 – The 28th International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) welcomed nearly 4,300 verified visitors – a 23 percent increase over last year – and a 10 percent increase in square footage to accommodate 14 percent more exhibiting companies totaling 700 different exhibitors. In total, 55 countries were represented at IBEX, a 10 percent increase over last year. In addition, visitors had access to 38 boats on the IBEX Docks used to display marine equipment on the water. Four International Pavilions represented exhibitors from South Korea, Australia, France and Italy to accompany the four Specialty Pavilions: the Composite Pavilion, Marina & Yard Pavilion, Electronics Pavilion and the Compliance, Standards & Education Pavilion.

“The energy and excitement during IBEX this year was amazing,” said Anne Dunbar, IBEX Show Director. “The positive response to all of our educational offerings, the exhibit halls were packed and people really took advantage of what IBEX does best—which is bring the newest elements of marine products and technology to our industry, in one place. The increase in visitors, exhibitors and exhibit space are all powerful indicators that the industry is as strong as ever.”

Marketing and Communications Director Kate Holden thanked mdg “… for being part of our amazing success this year! I knew if I was going to elevate IBEX and deliver the visitors our Board wanted, I needed to work with mdg. I’m happy to say we DID IT!” She added, “The digital campaign we implemented was well planned and executed. And results – you knocked it out of the park! We hoped to get 10 percent of registration from this tactic and instead got 51 percent!”

IBEX is scheduled to return to the Tampa Convention Center for the next three years, with IBEX 2019 show dates set for October 1-3, 2019. For more information, visit www.ibexshow.com.