IBEX 2009- Strong RV sales bodes well for boat builders

by IBEX on 11 Oct 2009 A recent influx of new exhibitor registrations, in addition to positive shipment news released by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), indicates the International Boatbuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX) is poised for a strong opening on Monday (tomorrow).

The annual industry trade event opens Monday 12 until Wednesday 14 October at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

“Growth in RV sales and the increase in registrations is a positive sign that IBEX will be a key event for boatbuilders who need to prepare for what could be a period of economic stability in 2010,” says Carl Cramer, IBEX co-director and publisher of Professional BoatBuilder magazine. “Slow and steady seems to be the predominant feeling among most IBEX exhibitors, many of whom are hoping a positive turnout at IBEX will further accelerate their own business recoveries, as well as the industry as a whole.”

According to Cramer, pre-show registrations are off only slightly from 2008 numbers, while show management has seen more than 65 new or returning exhibitors make a commitment in the past 90 days to exhibit at the 2009 event. Also, the show typically experiences a surge of last-minute and on-site registrations which bolster attendance numbers.

What’s more, RVIA reported this week that July RV shipments to dealers were at their highest seasonally-adjusted levels since October 2008. The marine industry typically follows the RV industry by six months.

'Recent news out of the RV industry is an encouraging signal for the marine industry and further suggests we will see stronger retail sales and a ramp up in production for recreational boats in 2010.,' adds Thom Dammrich, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), which co-produces IBEX with Professional BoatBuilder magazine.

Dammrich will discuss the outlook for the recreational boating industry in his keynote address during the IBEX Industry Breakfast, being held Wednesday, October 14 at 8 a.m. in Hall D Ballroom of the Miami Beach Convention Center. Click here for more information on how to attend.

IBEX is owned and produced by Professional BoatBuilder magazine and the National Marine Manufacturers Association and is the largest boating industry gathering of 2009. For boat builders, marine industry dealers, designers, repairers, surveyors, and boatyard/marine operators, IBEX is the single source for the latest boatbuilding technologies, tools, and materials.

For more information, visit www.ibexshow.com.