We have so much going on this year at IBEX, it's hard for me to keep up! I know my dance card is already full. We've really have made it easy for you to make new connections in the marine industry and see the friends you know will be there. There's so much to do, so many conversations to have, and so much work to be done. Let me help to make your planning a bit easier with these exciting IBEX events:
Industry Breakfast, Keynote Address, & Innovation Awards Presentation
Tuesday, September 15th from 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM. Sponsored by Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF)
Kick off IBEX with hundreds of other marine industry professionals at this important event which highlights the latest industry news and trends. The coveted Innovation Awards will also be presented to the winning IBEX exhibitors.
Johnny Bench will be IBEX’s keynote speaker this year. Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in January 1989, Bench is undoubtedly the greatest catcher ever as stated by the Sporting News in late 1998, in which Johnny was named the 16th greatest player of all time – His successes include National League Rookie of the Year (1968), National League Most Valuable Players (1970 & 1972), World Series MVP (1976), 14-time All-Star, and 10 Gold Gloves. In 1980, Bench set an endurance record by catching 100 or more games for 13 consecutive seasons. Then, in 1999 Johnny received baseball’s esteemed honor of selection to the All-Century Team on October 24. Over the years, Johnny has maintained a sense of balance by using his celebrity status to aid such worthy causes as the Heart Association, the American Cancer Society (as past National Chairman of Athletes vs. Cancer), the Kidney Foundation, Franciscan Sisters of Poor Health System, the American Lung Association, and the ‘Catch the Cure’ program of the Children’s Hospital of Cincinnati.
Several other prestigious marine industry awards will also be presented during the Industry Breakfast including:
- NMMA Hall of Fame Award
- Boat US Life Jacket Design competition winner • Boating Industry Mover and Shaker of the Year
- Mel Barr Award will be presented by National Marine Representatives Association (NMRA)
- NMMA CSI Awards
- There will be a special addition to the Industry Breakfast presentation this year as IBEX will recognize its Silver Exhibitors, companies who have exhibited at all 25 IBEX shows.
Composites Challenge & Cocktail Competition is back for round two.
Tuesday, September 15th at 5 PM in the Composites Pavilion. Sponsored by Composites One and MVP.
We Challenge You! Test your knowledge, sip a cocktail, and connect with the industry. IT’S ON US!
Hosted by the world’s leading marine composite suppliers, IBEX is bringing back this popular Composites Pavilion event to provide even more opportunity for you to meet potential new partners, suppliers, and connect with colleagues. While you taste the crazy creative composite cocktails concocted by our composite suppliers (say that four times fast!), exhibitors will pose challenge questions to test your knowledge about composite applications. The winner of the Challenge will receive a prize.
To attend the event, all you need to do is:
- Stop by the Composites Pavilion Tuesday, September 15
- Visit a composites exhibitor to receive an access wrist band
- Come back to the Composites Pavilion at 5 PM for the start of the challenge
Opening Night Party on Fourth Street LIVE!
Tuesday, September 15th, after the exhibit hall closes at 6 PM
Enjoy entertainment, live music, and great food with other marine industry professionals in downtown Louisville’s premier entertainment district. Click here to see the great deals your IBEX badge will get you!
Bourbon & Brew Happy Hour
September 16th, 5 PM – 6 PM in the Exhibit Hall
Some of Kentucky’s best local distilleries and breweries will be spread throughout the exhibit hall to create a trail of the best bourbons and beers for you to taste while you connect with colleagues.
Rock the Yacht Pre-Party & Concert
September 16th, Pre-Party begins at 6 PM in North Wing with the Concert to follow at Freedom Hall at the KEC. The Pre-Party will include music, food, and drinks and then the Rock the Yacht concert will include your favorites from Ambrosia, Little River Band, and many more. For more information, click here.
If you still need register, click here to get started.
I look forward to seeing you at all these great IBEX events. To learn more, please visit our website.
Kate Holden
Marketing Director/Sales
