Metstrade

Looking to enter the US leisure marine market?

A joint initiative by IBEX and Metstrade, delivered in collaboration with the National Marine Representatives Association and Marine Marketers of America, is opening a new pathway into a market worth 230 billion dollars annually.

Taking place at IBEX, 6 to 8 October 2026 in Tampa, Florida, the International Pavilion offers a structured approach to entering North America:
* A prime exhibition position in a high-traffic entrance area
* Pre-arranged meetings with experienced US sales representatives
* Targeted sessions on market entry, distribution and regulation

As Mary Velline, IBEX Show Director, explains,
“The US leisure marine market operates very differently from the rest of the world, and understanding these differences is essential for commercial success.”

With a limited number of places available, the programme is designed to help international companies build the right connections and accelerate their entry into North America.

Applications are still open. Secure your place in the IBEX International Pavilion.

International Exhibitors - IBEX Show Reach the World’s Largest Recreational Boating Market IBEX connects global marine suppliers with North America’s leading boatbuilders, manufacturers, and marine professionals. For international companies looking to expand into the U.S. market, IBEX is the industry’s most important meeting poin...

What does strong collaboration across the supply chain really deliver in today’s boatbuilding industry?

Starcraft Marine’s relaunch of its iconic 1957 Ski Champ offers a clear answer. By working closely with partners including Uflex USA, Axium Group and Williamsburg Marine, the team recreated a fully authentic, period correct design while meeting modern standards for quality and safety.

The project stood out to the Boat Builder Awards judging panel not only for its craftsmanship, but for the scale and depth of collaboration behind it. More than seven supply chain partners contributed to bringing a heritage design back to life, aligned with today’s growing interest in retro and heritage driven products.

It is a strong example of what can be achieved when builders and suppliers work together with a clear, shared vision.

The Collaborative Solution between a Boat Builder and its Supply Chain Partner category returns at the Boat Builder Awards 2026, with winners announced at Metstrade this November.

Do you have a project that demonstrates outstanding collaboration? Nominate now and share your story with the industry: https://bit.ly/43G6H0A

How Starcraft’s authentic 1957 Ski Champ relaunch wowed BBA judge The Indiana-based builder’s strategic supplier partnerships earned recognition at last November’s Boat Builder Awards, demonstrating how deep builder-supplier collaboration can deliver period-correct authenticity that taps into the emerging heritage trend.

The spotlight often shines on the finished yacht.

But behind every launch lies something far more powerful, the people, the process and the industrial force that makes it possible.
With the 2026 Boat Builder Awards now open for nominations, we turn our focus to ‘The Industrial Pulse’ of yacht building. From visionary designers to skilled craftspeople and forward thinking collaborators, this is about recognising the engine behind our industry.

Michelle Hildyard, Vice-President and General Manager at Raymarine: “This event brilliantly showcases the innovation and momentum within our industry. It is always a standout occasion, not only for the inspiration it delivers, but for the opportunity to connect with so many passionate people.”

Organised by IBI and Metstrade, in association with Raymarine, these awards highlight the innovation, collaboration and leadership shaping the future of our sector, often away from the spotlight.
We invite the industry to nominate the innovations, launches and people driving real impact. Entry is free, and the deadline is 26 September.

Save the date for 18 November, when the industry comes together at Restaurant Harbour 8 (at Metstrade) for an evening of recognition, connection and shared momentum.

Nominate now: https://bit.ly/43G6H0A
Secure your place: https://bit.ly/4wf25uH

International Boat Industry Raymarine

Boat Builder Awards opens to honour the beating hearts of yacht building in 2026 The 2026 IBI Metstrade Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement, held in association with foundation partner Raymarine, will take as its theme ‘The Industrial Pulse’— a powerful celebration of the raw energy, precision and artisanship that lies at the heart of yacht building.