NMMA - National Marine Manufacturers Association Inc.
10/02/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/01/2026 23:27
IBEX Main Stage Panel to Explore Next Decade of Boatbuilding
As the recreational marine industry navigates changing consumer expectations, new technologies, evolving regulations and workforce and economic pressures, a special IBEX Main Stage panel will bring together leaders from across the industry to look ahead at the forces expected to shape the future of boat building.
The Next Decade in Boatbuilding: Industry Leaders Share What's Shaping Our Future will take place Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 12:40pm EST during IBEX in Tampa. Moderated by Rob Newsome, NMMA's Chief Administrative Officer and Senior Vice President of Operations, the conversation will bring together perspectives spanning boat manufacturing, propulsion, standards and regulation, marina operations and the broader marine trades.
The panel will explore who will be buying and building boats in the years ahead; the regulatory, resource and economic trends influencing the market; and the emerging technologies, materials and production challenges transforming how boats are designed, built, powered, serviced and supported.
Joining Newsome on the Main Stage are:
- John Adey, President, American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC)
- Jens Bering, Head of Product & Solutions Management, Volvo Penta North America
- Kate Pearson, SVP of Business Development, Safe Harbor Marinas
- Peter Barrett, Chief Executive Officer, Smoker Craft, Inc.
Drawing on their respective areas of expertise, panelists will share where they see the greatest opportunities and challenges taking shape across recreational boating and what marine businesses should be thinking about-and preparing for-today.
The session is part of an expanded lineup of programming on the IBEX Main Stage, newly relocated for 2026 to a prominent waterfront setting on the third-floor exhibit hall. Free and open to all registered IBEX attendees and exhibitors, the Main Stage is designed to bring timely industry insights, new ideas and broader conversations directly to the show floor.
NMMA - National Marine Manufacturers Association Inc. published this content on October 02, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 02, 2026 at 05:27 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]