IBEX to Move to December Starting 2027, Remains Anchored in Tampa

Date shift of North America’s largest marine industry trade event aims to enhance safety and planning reliability while maintaining long-term commitment to Tampa as host city

The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX), North America’s largest marine industry trade event, will shift to a December date pattern beginning in 2027 in response to feedback from the industry and disruptions caused by hurricane season. The event will remain in its long-standing host city, Tampa, Fla. The first IBEX to follow the new date pattern will be held December 7–9, 2027 at the Tampa Convention Center.

This change follows extensive consultation with industry stakeholders and exhibitors, who overwhelmingly supported the move as a way to protect the consistency and reliability of the show and provide opportunities for growth.

“In recent years, hurricanes have caused disruptions and uncertainty for IBEX,” said Mary Velline, IBEX show director. “We listened carefully to the industry, and the December shift is ideal, allowing us to better serve our community by delivering a dependable, world-class event each year and ensuring the long-term success for our exhibitors.”

The new IBEX December date pattern was developed in close collaboration with IBEX co-owners, RAI Amsterdam, and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).

“Moving IBEX to December is both a necessary step and a strategic move to ensure the long-term vitality of the show,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, NMMA president & CEO. “This new timing will give our exhibitors and attendees greater consistency and opportunity for growth year after year.”

Upcoming IBEX Dates:

• IBEX 2025: October 7–9, 2025 | Tampa Convention Center
• IBEX 2026: October 6–8, 2026 | Tampa Convention Center
• IBEX 2027: December 7–9, 2027 | Tampa Convention Center
• IBEX 2028: December 5–7, 2028 | Tampa Convention Center
• IBEX 2029: December 4–6, 2029 | Tampa Convention Center

For exhibitor or attendee inquiries, please contact Mary Velline, IBEX Show Director, at mary@ibexshow.com. More details about the 2027 date change will be shared in the coming months. For media questions, please contact Sarah Salvatori, ssalvatori@nmma.org.