Building on the success of the Yachting Ventures Start-Up Pavilion at METSTRADE in Amsterdam, YV is heading to the US to host a sister event at IBEX (International Boatbuilders' Exhibition & Conference) in Tampa, Florida.
Tampa, Florida - The International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), North America’s premier technical trade event for the recreational marine industry will take place at the Tampa Convention Center, October 1 - 3, 2024. Hosting over 650 exhibiting companies and an anticipated total attendance of 8,000 industry professionals including boat builders, manufacturers, naval architects, distributors, and wholesalers, IBEX serves as a crucial hub for networking and business development.
In recognition of the importance of fostering innovation within the recreational marine industry, IBEX has teamed up with Yachting Ventures to introduce an inaugural Start-Up Pavilion in 2024. The space will provide a platform for 12 start-ups to showcase their cutting-edge technologies and solutions for the duration of the 3-day event. Following a format proven successful at METSTRADE in 2023, the new pavilion offers start-ups the opportunity to engage with industry experts, present their products, and participate in a pitching competition judged by an esteemed panel of investors.
For marine industry start-ups, participation in the IBEX Start-Up Pavilion presents a unique opportunity to gain exposure, access industry networks, and receive valuable feedback from key industry professionals, boat builders, and OEMs in the US. It is a cost-effective way to begin exploring the potential of the US market, while also benefiting from the media coverage and content highlighted from Yachting Ventures.
The Yachting Ventures team will also be working closely with the local tech ecosystem in Tampa, FL to organize a pitching competition where 5 companies will compete for a chance to secure investment, gain further recognition, and propel growth. The Tampa Bay area is a rapidly growing start-up hub that’s been named by Forbes one of the best emerging tech cities and one of the best places to work in tech.
Gabriella Richardson, founder of Yachting Ventures, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with IBEX, "We're excited to launch a dedicated Start-Up Pavilion at IBEX in the USA. Most start-ups we work with see the US market as a big opportunity. Being part of the IBEX Start-Up Pavilion will allow them to explore this market and connect with important partners and OEMs."
“IBEX is where the industry comes to find innovation and adding a Start-Up Pavilion to this year’s event is another way we can highlight the product development and ingenuity that takes place in our industry”, said Anne Dunbar, IBEX Show Director. “I look forward to working with the team at Yachting Ventures to produce an exciting Start-Up Pavilion and to creating a space for start-ups to launch new and exciting products.”
With Yachting Ventures' expertise in supporting start-ups within the marine and yachting sectors, this collaboration promises to be a catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship within the industry. If you are a start-up that is interested in exhibiting at the IBEX Start-Up Pavilion 2024, please apply via this link or contact hello@yachtingventures.co for more information.
The deadline to apply is 1st June 2024, however, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
For more information on IBEX, visit: https://www.ibexshow.com/