Connect with the Marine Industry
Strategic events designed to build relationships, share insights, and drive business forward
Explore signature events, networking opportunities, and industry meetups
Signature Events
High-value, must-attend events that define the IBEX experience
Industry Breakfast & Innovation Awards
Start your day connected with marine industry leaders and strategic insights
Tuesday, October 6
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
- Industry insights from industry experts
- Network before the show floor opens
- Fuel your day with breakfast and strategic conversations
- Purchase through IBEX registration. Sells out quickly!
MIX: Marine Ideas Exchange
Dynamic peer-to-peer networking with structured collaboration
Wednesday, October 7
7:30 AM – 10:00 AM
- Structured small-group discussions on industry challenges
- Exchange proven solutions with peers
- Build strategic relationships beyond casual networking
- *Purchase through IBEX registration.
Innovation Awards Meet & Greet
Connect with the innovators and breakthrough technologies shaping the future of boating
Tuesday, October 6
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
- Meet Innovation Award winners and finalists
- Explore breakthrough technologies across the marine industry
- Connect with leading innovators, engineers and product teams
- Get an up-close look at products recognized through one of the industry’s most respected technical awards programs
Networking Events
Connect with marine professionals across receptions and social gatherings
Networking Events are Included with your exhibit hall badge
Pre-Show Happy Hour
Kick off your IBEX experience before the show floor opens. Enjoy a relaxed evening of networking, conversation, and new connections as the recreational marine industry comes together for another exciting year at IBEX.
SPONSORED BY:
Monday, October 5
4:00 PM
Sail Pavilion
*On the waterfront outside the Tampa Convention Center
Opening Night at Sail Pavilion
Celebrate the opening day of IBEX at the Sail Pavilion for drinks, food, and fun with industry leaders. Located outside of the convention center, you will find drink specials and a live DJ provided by event sponsor Wet Sounds. Guaranteed to keep the excitement of the opening day going into the evening and on into the night.
SPONSORED BY:
Tuesday, October 6
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Sail Pavilion
*On the waterfront outside the Tampa Convention Center
Mid-Show Mixer at Sail Pavilion
Get loud with Roswell Marine at the Sail Pavilion on Wednesday evening, after the show closes. Experience a new concept in clarity with Roswell R1 Marine Audio as DJ Drop Top and Dano the Mano bring the party to IBEX and take you to a place where imagination meets sound. There will be exclusive SWAG and ice-cold drinks courtesy of event sponsor Roswell Marine.
SPONSORED BY:
Wednesday, October 7
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Sail Pavilion
*On the waterfront outside the Tampa Convention Center
Industry Meetups
Targeted events for specific communities within the marine industry
Industry Meetups are Included with your exhibit hall badge
Professional BoatBuilder Issue Launch Party
For boatbuilders, repairers, and technical professionals
Connect with the Professional BoatBuilder community—builders, repair professionals, and technical experts who value craftsmanship, innovation, and industry standards.
Tuesday, October 6
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Room 107-109, 1st Floor
Emerging Marine Leaders Networking
For next-generation marine industry professionals
Network with the next generation of marine professionals building careers and shaping the future of the industry through the Emerging Marine Leaders program.
Pitch the Press
For exhibitors launching new products seeking media coverage
Present your breakthrough products and innovations directly to marine industry media, editors, and journalists in a structured pitch format designed to generate coverage.
SPONSORED BY
Wednesday, October 7
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Room 101, Press Room, 1st Floor
Start-Up Pitch Competition
For emerging companies and investors in marine technology
Watch emerging marine technology companies compete for industry recognition, investor attention, and funding opportunities in this high-energy pitch competition.
Tuesday, October 6
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Room 107-109, 1st Floor
Women at the Helm
Finding your seat at the table isn’t just a moment, it’s a journey. Join us for a high-energy, interactive program designed to spark real conversation and share practical insights across the marine industry. Featuring three fast-paced, hot-topic panels: How to get to the table, What to do when you’re there, When it’s time to move on.
SPONSORED BY:
Wednesday, October 7
4:00 PM
Main Stage
Full Schedule
Complete chronological schedule of all networking events and special programs. The schedule for Tides Rides, IBEX’s complimentary golf cart shuttle service connecting the Tampa Convention Center with official IBEX hotels, is on the Plan Your Visit page
- All Days
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
Pre-Con Sessions
Monday, October 5
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Education Hall
Pre-Show Happy Hour Sponsored by SeaPower
Monday, October 5
4:00 PM
Sail Pavilion
Industry Breakfast & Innovation Awards
Tuesday, October 6
7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Tampa Bay Ballroom
Show Opens
October 6-8
9:00 AM
Exhibit Halls, IBEX Docks, Innovation Way
Innovation Meet & Greet
Tuesday, October 6
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Rotunda
National Boating Safety Awards Presentation
Tuesday, October 6
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Tech Talks on the Main Stage
Opening Night at Sail Pavilion Sponsored By Wet Sounds
Tuesday, October 6
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Sail Pavilion
MIX: Marine Ideas Exchange
Wednesday , October 7
7:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Education Hall
Pitch the Press
Wednesday, October 7
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Room 101, Press Room, 1st Floor
Women in the Industry
Wednesday, October 7
4:00 PM
Main Stage
Mid-Show Mixer at Sail Pavilion Sponsored by Roswell Marine
Wednesday, October 7
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Sail Pavilion
Pre-Con Sessions
Monday, October 5
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Education Hall
Pre-Show Happy Hour
Monday, October 5
4:00 PM
Sail Pavilion
Industry Breakfast & Innovation Awards
Tuesday, October 6
7:30 AM – 9:30 AM
Tampa Bay Ballroom
Show Opens
Tuesday, October 6
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Exhibit Halls, IBEX Docks, Innovation Way
Innovation Meet & Greet
Tuesday, October 6
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Rotunda
National Boating Safety Awards Presentation
Tuesday, October 6
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Tech Talks on the Main Stage
Opening Night at Sail Pavilion
Tuesday, October 6
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Sail Pavilion
MIX: Marine Ideas Exchange
Wednesday, October 7
7:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Education Hall
Show Opens
Wednesday, October 7
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Exhibit Halls, IBEX Docks, Innovation Way
Pitch the Press
Wednesday, October 7
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Room 101, Press Room, 1st Floor
Women in the Industry
Wednesday, October 7
4:00 PM
Main Stage
Mid-Show Mixer at Sail Pavilion
Wednesday, October 7
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Sail Pavilion
Show Opens
Thursday, October 8
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Exhibit Halls, IBEX Docks, Innovation Way
Why IBEX Networking Matters
Build Business Relationships
Transform connections into partnerships, collaborations, and long-term business opportunities
Access Decision Makers
Meet builders, engineers, suppliers, and industry leaders who drive business forward
Discover New Opportunities
Uncover markets, partnerships, and solutions through structured networking experiences
