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September 3, 2009
MAATS Combining with IBEX in 2010, Making Industry’s Largest Trade Event Even Bigger
New Efficiencies, Aftermarket Segment’s Desire for One Event Prompt Move

FROM: National Marine Manufacturers Association
200 E. Randolph, Suite 5100
Chicago, IL 60601
CONTACT: Ellen Hopkins: (312) 946-6249; ehopkins@nmma.org

CHICAGO, September 3, 2009 – The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) announced today it will move its Marine Aftermarket Accessories Trade Show (MAATS) to combine with the fall 2010 International Boatbuilder’s Exhibition and Conference (IBEX), making the industry’s single largest trade event, following IBEX’s 2009 introduction of Dealer Development Days, even bigger

The consolidation of MAATS and IBEX, which is owned and produced by NMMA and Professional BoatBuilder magazine, will bring together OEM and aftermarket parts and accessories under one roof, creating new efficiencies for exhibitors and attendees. In addition, the aftermarket accessory industry suggested in recent years that a fall timeframe would be more conducive for introducing new products to dealers, encouraging the NMMA’s shift toward a combined fall show.

“After examining the existing and future landscape of the show with the MAATS Planning Committee and evaluating feedback from exhibitors, it was clear the industry would be best served by combining MAATS with IBEX,” noted Ben Wold, NMMA’s executive vice president of shows. “This is a welcome change, as it will improve efficiency in the marine trade show environment. One trade event for OEM and aftermarket parts and accessories will create a more productive environment, reduce exhibitor costs and time and attract a broader base of attendees to the show.”

The combination of IBEX, with its Dealer Development Days – the innovative boat building stimulus program added in 2009 to assist boat manufacturers and dealers in conducting crucial in-person business at a minimal cost by allowing them to premier new boat models on land and in-water – and MAATS will create an even bigger show in 2010. For more information on IBEX’s 2009 launch of Dealer Development Days click here or visit www.ibexshow.com.

"IBEX will always be centered on boatbuilding technology," said Carl Cramer, IBEX show co-producer and publisher of Professional BoatBuilder. "Adding Dealer Development Days and the MAATS pavilion will not detract from our core mission but will add great value for our existing exhibitors and attendees by creating new business opportunities while reducing costs."

In addition to Dealer Development Days, IBEX 2009, being held October 12-14 in Miami Beach, will also feature its most comprehensive seminar series and the latest boatbuilding technologies, tools and materials for boat builders, marine industry dealers, designers, repairers, surveyors, and boatyard/marine operators. For more information on IBEX 2009 visit www.ibexshow.com.

For aftermarket suppliers who desire a summer timeframe for working with buyers, the National Marine Distributors Association (NMDA) will continue to produce the Sales, Training, Education and Purchasing (S.T.E.P.) meeting.

Additional information about the 2010 combined MAATS and IBEX show, including registration details, features, floorplan layout and show hours will be announced in the coming weeks.

About NMMA: National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters in North America. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy advocacy, market statistics and research, product quality assurance and promotion of the boating lifestyle.

About Professional BoatBuilder: Professional BoatBuilder, the boatbuilding industry trade magazine, was first published in 1989 in response to a growing need for a dedicated forum for boatbuilding-related professionals. The magazine’s worldwide readership exceeds 23,000 (subject to BPA International audit). Professional BoatBuilder is online at www.proboat.com.

Dinghy Digest ®