Sept 20, 2022

It might not surprise you to learn that the IBEX Show in Tampa that’s on from September 26 to 29th is my favorite show marine industry show.
 
With aisles full of both the tried and true as well as the new and experimental, I’m going to see a range of both products and processes that will give me a lot to think about in the coming year. It is always a preview of exciting new features, electronics and hardware that I’m going to be seeing at the upcoming boat shows from now until next spring. I’m like a kid in a candy store. 
 
As we get back to normal after the COVID lockdowns, I have set a very busy agenda of new product demonstrations and meetings with people. But that means I have not signed up for as many of the educational sessions and I am disappointed about that.

There’s only so much you can do in the relatively short length of time the show is on and this year in particular, I needed to make some hard choices. The news and new products I need to learn about and understand as I do Boating Industry Canada News Week are my priority but I especially enjoy attending some of the boat building sessions. I’ll be sorry to miss those.
 
Some of the very best sessions in my opinion are the specialty training sessions held on the Monday before the show opens and that are offered by manufacturers. In past years, these have included great sessions about advanced composite construction, vacuum infusion processes, advances in wiring and electrical, engines and electronics. Many of the companies who hold these sessions are also active here in our Canadian market. It makes me wonder if there’s an opportunity for them to hold similar types of training and education sessions, perhaps in conjunction with our Canadian boat shows or the annual conferences held by our marine trade associations.
 
While I’m in Tampa, I’m going to ask a few people about this idea. I bet there would be significant interest here if our people could attend introductory, advanced or specialized sessions like those, at or near home our own market.
 
If you are at the show in Tampa and you happen to spot me combing through the displays or out on the docks, please stop me and say hello.

Andy Adams – Editor