IBEX, SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 2, 2014 TAMPA, FL WHERE BETTER BOATS BEGIN

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NEW CITY. NEW TECHNOLOGY. A WHOLE NEW EXPERIENCE.

IBEX BRINGS ITS PREMIER MARINE TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASE TO TAMPA

Thousands of new products, advanced processes, and impressive innovation, docks filled with boats, exciting networking, easy travel, and training seminars you won’t find anywhere else will fill the Tampa Convention Center.

If you’re involved in boat building, design, repair, maintenance, sales or other professional marine-industry segments, you can’t afford NOT to be in Tampa this September.

http://www.ibexshow.com/

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IBEX Tampa will host 510+ exhibitors with thousands of new products and the most advanced technology.

It's all here! Come see for yourself the award-winning, new product innovations in:

Aftermarket Products
Batteries
Composite Materials
Decking
Engines
Fasteners
Hardware
HVAC Systems
Hybrid Technology
Lighting
Molds & Tooling
Paints & Coatings
Resins & Adhesives
Rigging
Electrical Systems
Much more!

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http://www.ibexshow.com/pdf/IBEX_infographic.pdf

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Exhibitors and Map

http://network.ibexshow.com/IBEX14/p...p.aspx?mapID=3

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IBEX not only presents the best in marine technology, but it also provides unmatched training for various professional roles and skill levels - all with the goal of helping attendees like you improve performance and grow their business.

55+ seminars allow you to develop a seminar schedule that works around your exhibit floor time and networking events.

Here's a quick sample of seminars perfect for professionals interested in growing their business:

104 INTRODUCTION TO GOVERNMENT PROPOSALS AND CONTRACTS
SPEAKERS: D. Michael Bergen and Jeffrey Bowles
Pick up government contracts to broaden your portfolio. It's a great idea. But, how?
Michael Bergen and Jeffrey Bowles will show you.

406 SMARTPHONES, TABLETS, AND THE INTERNET
SPEAKERS: Ben Ellison, Frank Emnett,and Shane Coloney
Smartphones and tablets are becoming valuable accessories to dedicated marine electronics. This panel of speakers will explain the details and show you how to get involved.

108 PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF GLOBAL COMPLIANCE
SPEAKERS: Craig Laboranti and David Marlow
To become a global manufacturer, you must be certain your product meets the correct national and regional standards. Do you comply? Craig Lobaranti and David Marlow will tell you.

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Boost Performance with IBEX Education
Fundamental Skills & Advanced Training

IBEX (Sept. 30-Oct. 2, Tampa, FL) will be offering 55+ seminars allowing attendees to develop a seminar schedule that works around exhibit floor time and networking events. Here's a sample of seminars picked by Professional BoatBuilder editors featuring regular contributors to the magazine:

Session 204: Installation and Management of Large Battery Banks
SPEAKER: Nigel Calder

Session 304: Enhancing Vessel Reliability, Failure Analysis and Prevention
SPEAKER: Steve D'Antonio

Session 303: Measuring Slamming Loads and Mitigating the Effects of Severe Wave Impacts
SPEAKERS: Douglas Reynolds, Johan Ullman, Michael Riley, Timothy Coats

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Education is at the Heart of IBEX Tampa 2014

Technical education and training are unmatched at this year's show - another reason to register your team right now:

Super Sessions are specialty workshops by exhibitors that offer in-depth, hands-on interaction with materials and processes. These sessions are held the day before the exhibit floor opens on Monday, September 29, and allow participants to focus solely on training. Seats are limited for the IBEX Super Sessions, and those wanting to participate should not delay in registering.
The Seminar Series runs all three days of IBEX, and offers 55+ technical seminars with eight specialty tracks. Participants can also earn continuing education credits (CEUs).
The Exhibitor Workshop Theatre allows attendees to participate in 21+ workshops without leaving the exhibit floor. A new Theatre area has been established on the floor, which will hold a live Exhibitor Workshop every hour. These Workshops are FREE to IBEX attendees.

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25 Docks Filled with Boat Exhibits

How are the coolest new marine products impacting recreational boating today? Try them for yourself - on the water! The 2014 IBEX Fleet is showcased this year right on the IBEX Docks in front of the Tampa Convention Center. Many boat exhibits will be regularly cruising into Tampa Bay to show off their latest technology.

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Monday - September 29, 2014 - 12:00PM - 4:00PM

Room: 5-6

SS 08: Composites One: I've Made the Decision to Convert to Closed Molding, Now What?

Session Number: SS 08

Session Type: Composite Methods & Materials

Tracks: Composite MethodsComposite Methods

Composites One - Booth 941Sponsored by: Composites One - Booth 941

Description

Converting to closed-mold is an important decision. Once you decide it is the right choice for your manufacturing needs, there are many factors that will be part of your conversion to these more efficient processes. This session is for the decision-maker, and it will provide you with a road map and the necessary tools once you have said yes to closed-molding. Topics will include conversion success stories, time studies, the closed-mold culture, cost estimates, and which process is right for you. The session will also explore the manufacturing efficiencies that closed-molding will offer your business. You will leave with a tool box that will help you on your way to closed-molding, as well as the technical contacts you need to help guide you in the conversion process.

Fee: No charge; lunch will be served.

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Don't miss the best tradeshow of the year for your marine business.

SOLD OUT Exhibit Floor

See more suppliers and manufacturers presenting thousands of new products, processes, and technology.

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IBEX show management has put together another slate of technical seminars that can't be missed. While we won't have the distraction of America's Cup racing to compete with this year, the results of the rapid development of foiling and other technologies during the 2013 race series have found their way into our offerings: In seminar #507 A Multihull Designer's Lessons from the America's Cup, multihull designer Gino Morrelli will look at lifting foils, T-rudders, and wave-piercing hulls. In seminar #703 Foil Design, yacht designer Erik Berzins will explore how daggerboards and rudders have evolved from simply providing lateral resistance and turning forces for boats to fully flying types of sailing craft in recent years. In addition, there are two seminars--#701 and #503--focused on advanced prepreg construction techniques, the very methods and materials that hold those big foiling cats together.

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IBEX Tampa 2014 is packed full of new products, technology, and marine industry innovation. In addition to IBEX's Education Conference, you will find interactive displays, live demos, two docks full of boats, and a dynamic show floor with over 550 exhibitors.

New in 2014, LIVE at IBEX includes many free, show floor experiences you won't want to miss, including The Connected Boat, Material ConneXion, and a 3D Digital Workshop. To read more about LIVE at IBEX, click here.

To review the Schedule of Events, please click here.

IBEX is only two weeks away! Register now and join the marine industry in Tampa for IBEX 2014, September 30 - October 2.

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IBEX touts flurry of Innovation Award nominations

Posted on September 18th, 2014





Organizers say thousands of new products, advanced processes and impressive innovations will be offered at the 2014 International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference.

Industry professionals will see the latest from more than 550 exhibiting companies at the Sept. 30-Oct. 2 event, which will be held at the Tampa (Fla.) Convention Center.

Organizers said there are a record number of nominees for the conference’s annual Innovation Awards this year.

“With almost 90 nominees, a 43 percent increase, for this year’s Innovation Awards and a significant number of our exhibitors showcasing new products, technologies and services, IBEX will set the stage for innovation in the marine industry,” IBEX show director Anne Dunbar said in a statement. “Seven out of 10 attending companies base their purchasing decisions on what they see at IBEX, and there will be no shortage of new products and services for them to choose from.”

The best new innovations in marine product development will be recognized at the Industry Breakfast & Innovation Awards presentation on Sept. 30 from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Here are some of the products IBEX exhibitors will display:

• ASA Electronics, Booth 222: The company will introduce several new state-of-the-art audio and electronic marine entertainment options guaranteed to survive any rough waters it may encounter.

• Awlgrip North America, Booth 1224: AWLGRIP’s new Awlwood gives an exceptional finish lasting as much as four times longer than a traditional premium yacht varnish.

• Boatlife Division of Life Industries, Booth 841: BOATLIFE has developed Graphix Wax, a non-degradable wax product without solvents or petroleum products to use on boats with costly graphics.

• Broodle Brands, Booth 2520: Two new drink docks: Bev Dock holds and insulates a wide range of can and bottle sizes to prevent drinks from wobbling insecurely; Unimount is a magnetically detachable base that keeps drinks within reach for places that do not already have a drink holder.

• Glamox Aqua Signal Corp., Booth 814: LED Underwater/Multi-Purpose Light, the perfect mount solution for LED lighting for extreme environments above or below the waterline.

• OceanLED, Booth 342: OceanLED introduces the innovative and bold design of the Amphibian Pro Xtreme Series underwater lights, which provide extraordinary energy savings with game-changing LED innovation, delivering exceptional control and hands-free limitless color-change ability for all styles of boats.

• Oceanmat, Booth 2518: Oceanmat provides premium non-slip, customizable EVA marine decking that can be used in interior and exterior applications.

• Rigid Industries, Booth 1018: The new Deluxe Docking Light Kit is available in Surface and Stealth mounting options and features Rigid’s marine-grade SR-M2 LED light.

• Safashor Products, Booth 2513: Safashor is a new boarding device that will revolutionize boarding, allowing boarders to safely board and disembark.

• Skudo, Booth 2410: Skudo will launch solutions for protecting marine surfaces, including Deck Defend and Tack-Mat products, which will alleviate repairs and cleaning time due to damage and accidents that can occur during boat build, refit, transport or storage.

• Syntec Industries LLC, Booth 1217: ReFlex Nonskid Traction Pad, a traction pad that provides an exceptional flooring and step-covering alternative.

• Taco Metals Inc., Booth 1433: New ratchet hinges are constructed from high-grade stainless steel and brass.

• Whale Seaward Inc., Booth 615: The Whale 12V Water Heater is ideal for outboards because it connects to a 12V power supply; there is no need for a generator or inverter. And Whale Seaward’s new Touch Control Electric Cooktops from Whale are specifically designed for marine conditions and simple to use, with light-up displays allowing for heat level monitoring.

http://www.tradeonlytoday.com/2014/0...d-nominations/

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IBEX announces Innovation Awards nominees

IBEX September 17, 2014

BROOKLIN, ME, September 17, 2014 - Thousands of new products, advanced processes, and impressive innovations will be offered at the 2014 International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) taking place at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, FL, Tuesday, September 30 through Thursday, October 2. This year will bring together marine industry professionals to view the latest innovations and technology from over 550 exhibiting companies.

“With almost 90 nominees, a 43% increase, for this year’s Innovation Awards and a significant number of our exhibitors showcasing new products, technologies, and services, IBEX will set the stage for innovation in the marine industry,” said Anne Dunbar, IBEX Show Director. “Seven out of ten attending companies base their purchasing decisions on what they see at IBEX, and there will be no shortage of new products and services for them to choose from.”

The following is a sneak peek of what will be available from the IBEX exhibitors.
ASA Electronics – Booth #222: The company will introduce several new state-of-the-art audio and electronic marine entertainment options guaranteed to survive any rough waters it may encounter.
AWLGRIP North America- Booth #1224: AWLGRIP’s new Awlwood gives an exceptional finish lasting up to four times longer than a traditional premium yacht varnish.
BOATLIFE Div. of Life Industries - Booth #841: BOATLIFE has developed Graphix Wax, a non-degradable wax product without solvents or petroleum products to use on boats with costly graphics.
Broodle Brands – Booth #2520: Two new drink docks: Bev Dock holds and insulates a wide range of can and bottle sizes to prevent drinks from wobbling insecurely, and Unimount, a magnetically detachable base that keeps drinks within reach for places that do not already have a drink holder.
Glamox Aqua Signal Corp. - Booth #814: LED Underwater/Multi-Purpose Light- the perfect mount solution for LED lighting for extreme environments above or below the waterline.
OceanLED -Booth #342: OceanLED introduces the innovative and bold design of the Amphibian Pro Xtreme Series underwater lights, which provide extraordinary energy savings with game changing LED innovation, delivering exceptional control and hands-free limitless color-change ability for all styles of boats.
Oceanmat – Booth #2518: Oceanmat provides premium nonslip, customizable EVA marine decking that can be used in interior and exterior applications.
Rigid Industries – Booth #1018: The new Deluxe Docking Light Kit is available in Surface and Stealth mounting options and features Rigid’s marine-grade SR-M2 LED light.
Safashor Products – Booth #2513: Safashor is a new boarding device that will revolutionize boarding, allowing boarders to safely board and disembark.
Skudo – Booth #2410: Skudo will launch solutions for protecting Marine surfaces including Deck Defend and Tack-Mat products which will alleviate repairs and cleaning time due to damages and accidents that can occur during boat build, re-fit, transport, or storage.
Syntec Industries LLC - Booth #1217: ReFlex Nonskid Traction Pad – A traction pad that provides an exceptional flooring and step covering alternative.
TACO Metals Inc. - Booth #1433: New ratchet hinges are constructed from high-grade stainless steel and brass.
Whale Seaward Inc. – Booth #615: The Whale 12V Water Heater is ideal for outboards because it connects to 12V power supply – no need for a generator or inverter. And Whale Seaward’s new Touch Control Electric Cooktops from Whale are specifically designed for marine conditions and simple to use with light-up displays allowing for heat level monitoring.

The very best new innovations in marine product development will be recognized at the Industry Breakfast & Innovation Awards Presentation on Tuesday, September 30 from 7:30 am – 9:30 am. The awards, presented by Boating Writers International, will reward ingenuity and honor excellence to stand-out companies in the boatbuilding industry. Companies that have submitted products to be considered for the Innovation Awards, include:

AcryliCo Inc.
Mercury Marine
AWLGRIP North America
Oceanair Marine Ltd.
Bainbridge International
OceanLED
Blue Water Desalination
Parker Hannifin Corp./Racor Division
BluSkies International LLC
Pettit Paint
BOATLIFE Div. of Life Industries
Pompanette LLC
BoatLink +
Powermania Inc.
Bocatech Inc.
Protomet Corporation
Bogantec Marine
Quick USA LLC
Broodle Brands
Raritan Engineering
Buck Algonquin Company Inc.
(Hydrasearch Co.)
Raymarine Inc.
Challenger Hardware
Rigid Industries
Cummins Inc.
Ripack Inc.
Docktail Bar
Safashor Products
Dometic Corporation
Dowco Marine
Safety Components Fabric Technologies Inc.
Engineered Marine Coatings
Seakeeper,Inc.
EZ Loader Boat Trailers
SeasStar Solutions
Flexiteek Americas
Simrad-Navico
Flow-Rite Controls Ltd.
Skudo
Gemeco Marine Accessories
Southco Inc.
Gold Eagle Co.
Spradling International Marine
Imtra Corporation
STEYR Motors North America
Indmar Products Co.
Suzuki Motor of America,Inc.
International Marine
TACO Metals
Certification Institute (IMCI)
Taylor Made Group LLC
Intertape Polymer Group
Thetford Marine
IL Marine Systems
Total Plastics Inc.
Kasco Marine Inc.
Trac Ecological Marine Products and Services
Kenyon International, Inc.
Trimaco LLC
Lewmar Inc.
Trim-Lok Inc.
Llebroc Industries
Ultra-SoniTec LLC
Lumishore USA LLC
Unlimited Group LLC
Magic Tilt Trailers Inc.
US Marine Products
Marinco/ Mastervolt
Vetus America
Marine Accessories Corp/
Webasto Thermo and Comfort North America Inc.
Xtreme Tower Products
Wet Sounds Inc.
Medallion Instrumentation
Whale Seaward Inc.
Systems
XYLEM
Yamaha Motor Corporation

Submissions from these companies will be on display in Innovation Way in aisle 100 in the exhibit hall. In addition to featuring the announcement of Innovation Award winners, the breakfast will offer perspectives from respected industry leaders on the latest news and trends and feature keynote speaker Bob Knight, NCAA Division I Head Coach, who will share his philosophies on winning to inspire teams to maximize their potential. To order industry breakfast tickets, contact Joanne Miller at jmiller@nmma.org or 312-946-6245.

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Industry gathers in Tampa for IBEX
Posted on September 29th, 2014

On-site registration for the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference began at 8 a.m. today at the Tampa (Fla.) Convention Center and the first of nine popular “super sessions” commenced at 9 a.m.

The Industry Breakfast and keynote address by college basketball legend Bobby Knight will formally open IBEX at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday. The exhibit floor will open at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Beginning Tuesday, Soundings Trade Only will have a crew at IBEX, reporting on noteworthy discussions and product introductions in this week’s Trade Only Today e-newsletters.

For a preview of what to look for on the exhibit floor, check out a roster of new-product announcements posted in the IBEX “virtual press room.”

IBEX, which runs through Thursday, will feature more than 550 exhibiting companies, including 142 that did not exhibit in 2013, and 80 first-time exhibitors that will showcase thousands of new products, advanced processes and the latest innovation.

The new venue in Tampa enables the addition of on-water demonstrations that the previous venue in Louisville, Ky., did not allow.

Interactive displays to be found on the exhibit floor include:

• A demonstration showcasing 3-D printing and scanning technologies applicable to the marine industry.

• Material ConneXion, showcasing the world’s largest resource for advanced, innovative and sustainable materials and processes.

• The Connected Boat: See a variety of boat systems interconnected using existing network technology. These are real-world solutions using real-world systems. Located in the Electronics Pavilion, it is a live display ongoing throughout the show.

http://www.tradeonlytoday.com/2014/0...rs-tampa-ibex/

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IBEX heads to Tampa
Jonathan Sweet, Editor in Chief September 30, 2014

Look for things to get shaken up a little bit this year as the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference gets its first waterfront displays.

With the show rotating from Louisville to Tampa this year, several companies will offer on-water demonstrations.

“We expect the IBEX docks to be very active,” said Anne Dunbar, IBEX show director. “Having water access directly in front of the convention center is an incredible opportunity for IBEX exhibitors to show off their new products and technology.”

Honda, Mercury, Elco, Yamaha and Volvo Penta are among the companies scheduled to display their products on the nearby waterfront docks. Besides the on-water exhibits, there will also be an outdoor demonstration area on a 3,300 square foot patio.

IBEX 2014 is September 30 – October 2. IBEX will return to Louisville in 2015 and Tampa in 2016.

This year’s event will feature 510 exhibitors and 100,000 square feet of exhibit space, dock space, on-the-water demonstrations, three new pavilions, and special feature areas including The Connected Boat and Material Connexion.

Bob Knight headlines industry breakfast

IBEX will feature more than 500 exhibitors.

Hall of Fame college basketball coach Bob Knight will be delivering the keynote address at this year’s industry breakfast, scheduled for 7:30-9:30 am on September 30, the opening day of the show.

“In college basketball, the name Coach Bob Knight is synonymous with greatness and winning and we are thrilled to welcome this legendary basketball coach and avid fisherman to deliver the keynote address at the annual IBEX Industry Breakfast,” said NMMA President Thom Dammrich.

The industry breakfast will also feature the presentation of several awards:

• The Boating Industry Movers & Shaker of the Year – Jim Lane and Buck Pegg – will be recognized, as will the finalists for the award. You can read more about the award winners on p. 22 of this issue.

• The IBEX Innovation Awards acknowledge the importance of technological advancement. Products entered for the 2014 Innovation Awards are displayed all three days of the show in Innovation Way, located inside the IBEX exhibit hall. The awards honor achievement in product development in 13 areas of the marine industry, including boatbuilding methods and materials, inboard and outboard engines, hardware, interior parts and furnishings, OEM electronics, boatyard and dealer hardware and software, and safety equipment. Judges may also present an award to any entry that provides an environmental benefit to the marine industry. The entries are judged by a panel of industry experts from Boating Writers International.

• The NMMA Hall of Fame was established in 1988 and recognizes individuals who have, or continue to generate, substantial and lasting contributions toward the advancement of the marine industry. It honors individuals whose names and deeds are synonymous with the pursuit of quality, innovation and perfection within their respective spheres of expertise. Excellence in the areas of product development, competitive activities, environmental protection, legislative support, and arts and entertainment can be considered for the award. It is NMMA’s most prestigious recognition. Ralph Meloon Sr. of Correct Craft was recognized last year.

• The Exhibitor Video Awards honor the best product and company videos submitted by IBEX exhibitors. The goal of the EVAs is to showcase the technology and innovation exhibitors are bringing to IBEX and to create an interactive way for IBEX exhibitors to promote themselves and their products or services. EVAs will be awarded in three categories: Best Company Video, Best Product Video and People’s Choice.

IBEX will also offer several educational sessions this year on a number of technical topics including designing for 3D printers, fiberglass repair, hull design, tailoring wakes and more.

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IBEX 2014: Cloud computing keeps you in touch with your boat

Posted on October 1st, 2014 Written by Theresa Nicholson


Chetco Digital Instruments chief technology officer Joe Burke coordinated the Connected Boat display at IBEX.

TAMPA, Fla. — Clouds were on everyone’s mind on Tuesday at the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference. And it had very little to do with the rain.

Amid IBEX’s 573 exhibiting companies and 7,000 registered marine professionals, the Connected Boat exhibit in the flashy Electronics Pavilion shone through the traffic. The dynamic, interactive display demonstrates how systems can interconnect using existing network technologies and cloud computing.

The exhibit and examples provided lay out a simple path for consumers to connect smartphones and home computers to the entirety of their boat’sonboard network, using cloud technology.

“One kid put it to me this way,” said Joe Burke, chief technology officer at Chetco Digital Instruments and IBEX’s creative partner at the Connected Boat exhibit. “He said, ‘I own a boat and I use it 5 percent of my time, but I think about it 100 percent of the time.’ Whether you’re onboard, at the office or at home, you can stay connected to your boat. You can check your systems whenever you want.”

One of Burke’s display screens at the IBEX exhibit shows real-time information from his own boat, anchored near the Pacific coast in Oregon. Burke’s fuel gauge, battery bank levels and oil pressure are accessible and visible, along with Oregon’s current temperature, wind speeds and tides. The most recent update on Tuesday afternoon showed that the information was current as of four minutes prior.

Chetco’s SeaSmart Pro, the next-generation vessel Wi-Fi network adapter, connects a boat’s data systems to the cloud. Smartphones, personal computers and satellite coverage systems such as Iridium retrieve the data through the cloud. When cloud access is not possible, the SeaSmart Pro data are stored on an SDT memory card. When connections become available, the stored data are sent in a fast, compressed manner.

Chetco can work with any brand of network services already aboard a boat and connect to smartphones, long-range Wi-Fi and satellite communication systems. Chetco’s cloud computing is done through its HelmSmart product, which is a paid data service.

HelmSmart can be used through an app or through smartphones and home computers. Along with displaying real-time shore power and fuel levels, HelmSmart can assist trip planning by tracking previous paths and routes and displaying weather trends. Chetco products are compatible with existing onboard systems such as SmartCraft, Navico, Simrad, Garmin and Honda.

Data analytics from these cloud transmissions allow the system to report when boats need refueling or batteries are low. “You can set the system to send you a tweet when the oil pressure is low,” Burke said.

The companies of common outboard brands such as Honda and Mercury can also use the compilation of data from the HelmSmart cloud (using data from numerous consumers) to look at performance and ultimately improve products. Many of the newer, larger boats come standard with fully integrated technology.

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IBEX 2014 VIDEO: Show reports big increase in turnout

Posted on October 3rd, 2014 Written by Theresa Nicholson

TAMPA, Fla. — IBEX show director Anne Dunbar reported a 47 percent increase in the number of industry professionals who attended the 24th annual International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference at the Tampa Convention Center.

Dunbar said in a statement that the IBEX team had been feeling positive all week about the strong attendance. Along with a 34 percent increase in exhibitor pre-registration and a 43 percent increase in the number of companies that entered products in the Innovation Awards competition, the numbers were all looking up for this year’s conference.

“It was the best IBEX show I have ever attended, and I have been to all of them for the past 12 years,” Blue Sea System senior vice president David C. Johnson told Trade Only Today this morning.

“I thought the venue was perfect — to have boats only a short stroll away, I thought, was exceptional. We had customers from New Zealand to Sweden and every significant boating state in the country, and they all had a positive vibe about the industry and the event.”

The exhibit hall included 80 first-time exhibitors and the total number of IBEX exhibitors was 17 percent higher than in 2013. There were on-the-water exhibits and live on-the-water demonstrations this year for the first time. A day-to-day breakdown of attendance numbers and final verified numbers will be available next week.

“One of the reasons we selected the Tampa Convention Center was the easy access to the water,” Dunbar had said before the show. “To take advantage of our waterfront location, participants in at least two of our seminars will leave their classroom and go outside to learn live, aboard the boats, as part of their session. We expect the IBEX docks to be very active.”

More than 15 companies, including propulsion manufacturers, electronics manufacturers and helm and steering manufacturers secured slips with boats, Dunbar said.

“With a strong economy and such a successful event, we are confident that the 2015 event in Louisville (Sept. 15-17) will be strong as we bring the industry together to celebrate our 25th anniversary,” she said.

The conference opened Tuesday morning at the Industry Breakfast with a state-of-the-industry address from National Marine Manufacturers Association president Thom Dammrich. Dammrich identified the two most important factors that affect the marine industry — weather and Congress — and encouraged industry members to get involved in political initiatives that are important to boaters, such as the ethanol debate, sportfishing regulations and all of the issues that surround the pending reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

He stressed the importance of social media in marketing campaigns, specifically online video content, and revealed that the NMMA’s Stories of Discovery campaign had received more than 7 million views. Discover Boating’s sponsorship of country star Jake Owen’s Days of Gold concert tour drove 1.75 million people to Discover Boating’s website, Dammrich said, and he welcomed IBEX conferees to meet Owen during a happy hour event on Tuesday at the convention center.

Innovation Award winners were announced at the Industry Breakfast. A record-setting 88 products were entered in 13 categories, a 43 percent increase in entries from 2013.

“IBEX did a great job marketing the Innovation Awards and helping exhibitors and companies understand the benefit of competing in the Innovation Award process,” said Zuzana Prochazka, the awards chairwoman and a freelance marine writer and photographer.

The largest concentration of Innovation Award entries was in the mechanical systems, deck equipment hardware and OEM electronics categories. Other award categories included boatbuilding methods and materials; inboard and outboard engines; interior parts and furnishings; boatyard and dealer hardware and software; and safety equipment.

Seven judges, including Prochazka, arrived two days before the show opened and spent hundreds of hours examining the impressive field of nominees.

EVA/CSI/Mel Barr

Other awards presented at the breakfast included the 2014 Marine Industry Customer Satisfaction Index Awards and the Exhibitor Video Awards, or EVAs, honoring the best product and company videos submitted by IBEX exhibitors.

The Best Company Video Award was presented to Marinco/Mastervolt. The Best Product Video Award and the People’s Choice Award were presented to SeaStar Solutions.

The Boating Industry Mover & Shaker of the Year was presented to Jim Lane, president, and Buck Pegg, founder of Chaparral Boats and Robalo, who have embraced change and adapted to today’s radically different boating industry.

The Mel Barr Award, which honors a person who has contributed to the improvement of the marine industry through personal involvement, was presented to Zach McLanahan, aftermarket sales manager at T-H Marine Supplies.

The highlight of the Industry Breakfast was the keynote address from legendary NCCA Division I basketball coach Bob Knight, whose speech brought together basketball and boating. Knight told conferees that he was happy to answer any questions at the end of his talk “as long as there weren’t any dumb questions.” He turned down the first question, and when asked about the location of his favorite fishing hole, quipped, “I would tell you, but then I’d have to kill you.”

Exhibits, Docks, Boats

IBEX’s exhibit floors, docks and the outdoor demonstration areas attracted large crowds on all three days of the conference. The floor area featured more than 550 exhibitors. The total number of exhibitors was 17 percent higher than in 2013.

Special sections in the exhibit hall included The Connected Boat, an interactive exhibit sponsored by Simrad-Navico that featured a dozen companies showcasing products that connect onboard boating systems to smartphones and home computers.

Joe Burke, chief technology officer at Chetco Digital Industries and IBEX’s creative partner in the Connected Boat exhibit, demonstrated how new products such as Chetco’s SeaSmart Pro, a next-generation vessel Wi-Fi network adapter, connects a boat’s data systems to the cloud.

A wide variety of onboard systems from Honda, Blue Sea and Garmin can now connect to “off-board” boaters’ smartphones and computers, using cloud technology. Exhibitors at Material ConneXion in the Composites Pavilion in the exhibit hall took advantage of the crowds to decode some of the technical properties, innovative traits and suggested applications of more than 7,500 cutting-edge materials.

“Seven out of 10 companies attending IBEX base their purchasing decisions on what they see at the conference,” Dunbar said.

The 3-D workshops also drew large crowds throughout the conference. DRS Technologies and RhinoFabStudios held live demonstrations of 3-D printers, 3-D scanners, laser cutters and CNC machines.

Honda, Mercury, Simrad and Elco were just some of the companies that had boats in the water rigged with their products. Mercury was showcasing its 250-hp, 4.5-liter gas sterndrive, its first in-house-built gas engine, and its new 90-hp FourStroke.

Elco installed a diesel/electric hybrid propulsion system in a 34-foot trawler from Beneteau. The system teams a 425-hp Cummins diesel and a 20-hp Elco electric motor. Back inside, Elco was presenting for the first time its new 5- and 7-hp electric outboards.

— Executive Editor Chris Landry also contributed to this report.

http://www.tradeonlytoday.com/2014/1...crease-crowds/