Co-organization
RAI Amsterdam, owner and organiser of the METS (Marine Equipment Trade Show), the world's largest boat equipment exhibition, has acquired the shares held by WoodenBoat Publications Inc. in the IBEX (International BoatBuilders' Exhibition & Conference). The publisher of Professional BoatBuilder magazine, who created the American trade show, owned 50% of the company. The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) retains the remaining 50%.
Identities retained
IBEX officials said that they would work with METS to develop the show globally, while maintaining the identity and positioning of each event.
The management of the American show is maintained and will be reinforced by elements of the European show.
Opening the IBEX to Europeans
"We look forward to working with the NMMA to bring more industrial resources to the boating industry and professionals in general. As the new co-owner of IBEX, we will work together to increase the international presence of the yachting and technology industry at IBEX while giving European companies more access to US professionals," said Ids Boersma, Executive Vice President of RAI Exhibitions.
Thom Dammrich, NMMA President, said,"By working with Professional BoatBuilder, we have made IBEX the best boat show in North America. Through our new partnership with RAI, we will build on these foundations to create the best boat show in the world."
30,000 Visitors
While METS has 22,000 visitors and 1,400 exhibitors, IBEX has around 7,000 visitors and 556 exhibitors. RAI confirms with its acquisition from IBEX its leading position in the organisation of professional boat shows.
