NMMA - National Marine Manufacturers Association Inc.
10/05/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/04/2026 23:23
IBEX 2026 Opens Tomorrow With Innovation, Education and Industry Connections
IBEX 2026 officially opens tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 6, bringing the recreational marine industry together in Tampa for three days of new products, technical education, industry conversations and networking. With pre-conference programming underway today, attendees are encouraged to finalize their schedules and make plans for the key events, sessions and show-floor experiences taking place throughout the week.
The IBEX Main Stage, newly located in a waterfront setting on the third-floor exhibit hall, will feature free programming throughout the show focused on emerging technologies, business strategy, workforce, leadership and other issues shaping the industry. Innovation Way will offer another key stop, showcasing the full field of 2026 IBEX Innovation Award entries and providing an up-close look at new products and technologies. The broader IBEX Education Conference includes more than 50 technical sessions covering topics ranging from design and engineering to marine electrical systems, sustainability, leadership and operations. Attendees can review the full schedule and build a personalized agenda through the IBEX Show Planner.
Industry Breakfast
The annual IBEX Industry Breakfast kicks off opening day Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. Doors open at 7 a.m., with the program from 7:30-9 a.m. Highlights include NMMA President and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer's State of the Industry address, the NMMA Hall of Fame, IBEX Innovation Awards and National Marine Representatives Association's Mel Barr Award. Tickets are $65 and should be purchased in advance.
Key Industry Sessions
"The Next Decade in Boatbuilding: Industry Leaders Share What's Shaping Our Future" will take the IBEX Main Stage for a forward-looking discussion on the trends, technologies and market forces influencing the future of recreational marine manufacturing. The free session will bring together industry leaders for a broad look at what is ahead for boatbuilding and the marine marketplace.
On Thursday, Oct. 8, from 8-9:40 a.m., "Marine Manufacturing EHS & Regulatory Update: What You Need to Know Now" will examine environmental, health and safety requirements affecting marine manufacturers. NMMA's Jeff Wasil and John McKnight will join experts from the U.S. Coast Guard, ICOMIA, Correct Craft and Brunswick Corp. to address topics including PFAS reporting, California Proposition 65 requirements and global environmental regulations. The session requires an IBEX seminar package.
Connect with NMMA on the show floor
Throughout IBEX, stop by the NMMA Membership and Certification booths, 3-2229 and 3-2231, to connect with the NMMA team, learn more about member and certification resources, and enter for a chance to win NMMA prizes.
NMMA will also host happy hours at the Sail Pavilion at 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5; 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6; and 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7.
Attendees can explore the full IBEX schedule and begin building their show plans now.
NMMA - National Marine Manufacturers Association Inc. published this content on October 05, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 05, 2026 at 05:23 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]