With four weeks to go until the 2010 International BoatBuilders' Exhibition and Conference opens, the show has surpassed last year's exhibitor registration by 11 percent. To date, 538 exhibitors are confirmed and there will be at least 70 first-time exhibitors.
IBEX, which moves this year to the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, runs Sept. 28-30.
"The increase in exhibitor participation is very encouraging and reaffirms that our decision to move the show to a more centralized, cost-effective location while adding several new components were the right steps for IBEX and the industry," said Thom Dammrich, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the show's co-producer. "We're committed to ensuring IBEX remains the must-attend event for the industry to learn, build business and grow profit."
In addition to the new MAATS Aftermarket Pavilion, the 2010 conference is hosting a variety of new events, courses and special sessions to address the needs of marine industry stakeholders.
Highlights include a new Dealer Development-Service & Parts Managers seminar program; a special session on Using Market Intelligence for Market Growth; Dr. Shrink's first of what are intended to be annual Shrink Off contests; plus the return of attendee favorites - 20 free workshops, daily outdoor demonstrations, specialty routes and pavilions, and the Industry Breakfast.
Celebrating 20 years, IBEX has become the marine industry's largest and most influential trade event. The 2010 show is expected to draw thousands from around the world to see the newest boatbuilding technology and marine aftermarket products and learn about the future of boating.
"We're thrilled to see a boost in exhibitor attendance this year and look forward to celebrating 20 years of marine innovation," said Carl Cramer, IBEX co-director and the publisher of Professional BoatBuilder. "There truly is no other marine trade event that gives the entire industry an opportunity to conduct a year's worth of business in just three days."
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