Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/387334
8 | Boating Industry | October 2014 LAUNCH Analysis, data, solutions, news and perspectives to move your business forward. www.BoatingIndustry.com BY JONATHAN SWEET Look for things to get shaken up a little bit this year as the International BoatBuilders' Exhibition and Conference gets its fi rst wa- terfront 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 ac- tive," said Anne Dunbar, IBEX show director. "Having water access directly in front of the convention center is an incredible opportu- nity for IBEX exhibitors to show off their new products and technology." Honda, Mercury, Elco, Yamaha and Volvo Penta are among the companies sched- uled to display their products on the nearby waterfront docks. Besides the on-water exhib- its, there will also be an outdoor demonstra- tion 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 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 fi sherman 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 fi nalists for the award. You can read more about the award winners on p. 22 of this issue. The IBEX Innovation Awards ac- knowledge 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 pres- ent an award to any entry that provides an environmental benefi t to the marine industry. The entries are judged by a panel of industry experts from Boating Writers International. The NMMA Hall of Fame was estab- lished in 1988 and recognizes individuals who have, or continue to generate, substan- tial and lasting contributions toward the ad- vancement of the marine industry. It honors individuals whose names and deeds are syn- onymous with the pursuit of quality, innova- tion and perfection within their respective spheres of expertise. Excellence in the areas of product development, competitive ac- tivities, 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. IBEX heads to Tampa Outdoor demos are one of the highlights of IBEX.