LEGENDARY BASKETBALL COACH BOB KNIGHT TO KEYNOTE 2014 INTERNATIONAL BOATBUILDERS’ EXHIBITION & CONFERENCE INDUSTRY BREAKFAST
Nominations now being accepted for several industry awards
The International BoatBuilders' Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), taking place September 29 – October 2, 2014 at the Tampa Convention Center, has announced that legendary basketball coach Bob Knight will present a motivational speech on "Winning" at the annual Industry Breakfast on Tuesday, September 30, 2014 – 7:30 to 9:30 am. Thom Dammrich, NMMA President will deliver the State of the Industry address followed by the presentation of four important industry awards including, The IBEX Innovation Awards, the NMMA Hall of Fame Award, the Exhibitor Video Awards, and the Boating Industry Movers & Shakers Award.
"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 fisherman to deliver the keynote address at the annual IBEX Industry Breakfast," noted NMMA President Thom Dammrich. "Bob Knight's impressive record on and off the basketball court illustrates his dedication to his team and the game, all values which will resonate with our attendees who will be inspired by his drive to succeed."
The numbers and achievements that illustrate what Bob Knight has done for the game of basketball include 41+ Seasons as a head coach at the Division one level team with a Career Record: 902 – 371; establishing the standard for career NCAA wins (880 victories) on January 1, 2007; and boasting a 98% Graduation Rate among his players. In 1984, Knight coached the U.S. men's basketball team to Olympic gold. In addition to his impressive record on the basketball court, Knight was also inducted into the Vince Lombardi Titletown Legends, which pays tribute to those individuals who possess the characteristics instilled by Vince Lombardi in all his players: Dedication, Teamwork, Respect, Love, Family, and Discipline.
"The IBEX Industry Breakfast is an exciting way to begin your IBEX experience," said Anne Dunbar, IBEX Show Director. "We are thrilled to be rewarding innovation and recognizing the true leaders of the industry. We encourage people to register early, as this event will surely sell out."
In addition to the keynote address, IBEX Industry Breakfast highlights include:
• The IBEX Innovation Awards acknowledge the importance of technological advancement. All IBEX 2014 exhibitors are encouraged to enter their NEW products in the IBEX Innovation Awards competition. This is one of the marine industry's most prestigious honors. Products entered for the 2014 Innovation Awards are displayed all three days of the show in Innovation Way, located inside the IBEX exhibit hall. Deadline to Enter – August 29, 2014 Click here for more information.
• The NMMA Hall of Fame was established in 1988 and recognizes individuals who have, or continue to generate, substantial and lasting contributions toward the advancement of the marine industry. It honors individuals whose names and deeds are synonymous with the pursuit of quality, innovation, and perfection within their respective spheres of expertise. Excellence in the areas of product development, competitive activities, environmental protection, legislative support, and arts and entertainment can be considered for the award. It is NMMA's most prestigious recognition. For nomination criteria and eligibility, click here.
• Boating Industry is now accepting nominations for the 2014 Movers & Shakers. Nominees can be from any company or group that does business in the boating industry, as long as they are showing the vision and leadership to move the industry forward. The Mover & Shaker of the Year, along with finalists and other selected nominees will be featured in the October issue of Boating Industry and recognized at IBEX. Click here for more information or to make a nomination.
• The Exhibitor Video Awards (EVA's) honor the best product and company videos submitted by IBEX exhibitors. The goal of the EVAs is to showcase the technology and innovation exhibitors are bringing to IBEX and to create an interactive way for IBEX exhibitors to promote themselves and their products or services. EVAs will be awarded in three categories: Best Company Video, Best Product Video, and People's Choice. Exhibitors can upload a company video on the IBEX Facebook Page – check back in July for details.
The Industry Breakfast is sponsored by Steyr Motors GMBH and the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF).
IBEX will host 510 exhibitors on a show floor encompassing over 100,000 square feet of exhibit space, dock space, and on-the-water demonstrations, three pavilions, and special feature areas including The Connected Boat, The IBEX 3D Digital Workshop and Material ConneXion. Attendees will also have access to 55+ robust technical and pertinent education sessions which are part of the IBEX Seminar Series as well as the IBEX Super Sessions (pre-conference workshops) and the Exhibitor Workshop Theater.
