Major industry event updates in the USA and Europe - MarineBusinessWorld North America newsletter
by Peter Rendle 18 Jun 16:00 BST
The International BoatBuilders' Exhibition and Conference © IBEX
The International BoatBuilders' Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), North America's premier technical trade event for the recreational marine industry announced today that registration for visitors is now open for this year's Show, set to take place at the Tampa Convention Center, October 7-9.
IBEX 2025 is set to feature over 700 exhibitors on display across three floors of exhibition space, of which more than 50 are new exhibiting companies, and welcome an anticipated total attendance of 8,000 industry professionals, including boat builders, manufacturers, naval architects, distributors, wholesalers and many more. This year's theme, Fast Forward, reflects the pace of innovation currently shaping the industry.
In Europe, this year's edition of the prestigious DAME Design Awards at METSTRADE, the global leisure marine industry's gold standard recognition for excellence in equipment design, is now open for entries. A wide field of participants will gain credibility and raise the profile of their latest launches while supporting the invaluable work of this year's chosen charity, the Ocean Conservation Trust.
Company expansions include The Multihull Company who has announced the opening of its newest location in charming downtown Annapolis, Maryland. As a hotspot destination for sailing, Annapolis offers fishing excursions, private charters and overnight cruises for residents and travelers alike.
Vision Marine Technologies (NASDAQ: VMAR), a pioneer in high-voltage electric marine propulsion systems, announced a major milestone in its U.S. scale-up strategy: the expansion of its longstanding partnership with Octillion Power Systems, a top-tier U.S.-based lithium-ion battery manufacturer, to produce Vision-branded high-voltage battery packs dedicated exclusively to the American market.
In the sailing world, last week at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, The Ocean Race brought together an extraordinary line-up of athletes, policymakers, scientists, and environmental leaders to spotlight the unrivalled power of sport as a driver of ocean action. Moderated by Richard Brisius, the Race Chairman of The Ocean Race, the event delivered powerful insights. "We know many more Americans follow sports than they do science," noted Jeremy Pochman, CEO of 11th Hour Racing. "We are looking for ways to use sport as a platform to bridge science and public understanding."
Staying with sailing and since 1999, the BoatUS/NWSA Leadership in Women's Sailing Award has recognized extraordinary women who have inspired, educated and enriched the lives of women through sailing. This year's honoree, Kathy Sinnett of Daytona Beach, Florida, continues the tradition in epitomizing the exceptional skill, leadership, and dedication to promoting opportunities for women to embrace the joy and challenge of the sport of sailing.
Warbird Marine Holdings, the parent company of Invincible Boats and Yellowfin Yachts, has announced the appointment of Thomas Wieners to Chief Executive Officer. Long-time industry veteran and current CEO, John Dorton, transitions to the role of Executive Chairman.
Finally, how to land your first superyacht job, even if you've never stepped on a boat: "The Superyacht Industry isn't just for sailors. Not long ago, I was sitting in a Houston cubicle, 24 years old, engineering degree in hand, and completely miserable. I'd followed the safe path, but it left me burned out and questioning everything. Soon after I quit my job, ended a six-year relationship, and purchased a one-way ticket to Southeast Asia. That's where I met a deckhand in Myanmar who told me he got paid to work on superyachts and travel the world. That night changed my life. Within weeks, I earned my basic certifications and was crossing the Atlantic on my first yacht. Ten years later, I've worked my way up to Captain, visited 100+ countries, and helped hundreds of new crew do the same."
Peter Rendle - peter.rendle@worldmarine.media