Australia had a strong contingent at the recent International Boatbuilders' Exhibition (IBEX) held from 17-19 October 2011 at Kentucky Exposition Center. Despite a distinct lack of foot traffic at IBEX Australian companies still agreed it was a success.
The quality of the visitor was excellent and made up for the very limited number of people visiting the show. Exhibitor numbers at the show appeared similar to previous year and it appears lower visitor numbers are the new norm and what everyone is starting to expect at shows such as this.
Carl Khamu, Director, Finscan said 'Despite the lower visitor numbers it is the place to be for an OEM supplier like ourselves. We have been impressed by the builders representatives we have met and interest in our product range has been high. We will definitely continue to exhibit at this show.'
Similar comments came from Stress Free Marine, Polyflex Group, Palm Plastics, Aqualuma Marine Lighting, VEEM Propellers, Hydrive Engineering, and Coursemaster Autopilots.
AIMEX CEO Maryanne Edwards felt the show was definitely quieter than previous years confirming the new norm for the industry. 'Exhibitors expectations for show outcomes are not what they used to be,' she said.
'Interest in Australian product continued to be high particularly the fact that most Australian companies are continuing to innovate and grow their product ranges. There does seem to be a lack of R&D in the US so innovation is definitely the key to Australian companies maintaining sales and profitability in the current global market.'
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