The 19th annual International BoatBuilders' Exhibition & Conference opens today at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Show organizers reports more than 65 new or returning exhibitors committed to the show in the last 90 days and that preshow registrations are "slightly off" from 2008 numbers, when 3,924 people attended.
A special opening night presentation is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., featuring Al and Laura Reis, bestselling authors and consultants to such companies as Microsoft and Ford. Their presentation will offer insights and ideas for moving forward as the boating industry looks to rebuild.
Seminars in nine tracks ranging from design and engineering to manufacturing management also will be held today, in addition to free workshops and outdoor demonstrations.
This year, IBEX also features special seminars for dealers. Today's topic is Dealer Economics: How to Survive.
IBEX, which is owned and produced by Professional BoatBuilder magazine and the National Marine Manufacturers Association, runs through Wednesday.
Check Soundings Trade Only for daily reports from the show.