When it comes to the ability to pivot on the big stage like a rock & roll diva , Anne Dunbar is the queen of cool . As Show Director of the International BoatBuilders ’ Exhibition & Conference ( IBEX ) since 2013 , she ’ s demonstrated uncanny resiliency the past few years , first steering through the unchartered and rough waters of Covid-19 and most recently , navigating her team through Hurricane

By Wanda Kenton Smith

Ian that forced a lastminute show closure in 2022 . Through all the stressors , Anne outwardly maintained a beacon of composure , all while ensuring timely communications with the show ’ s exhibitors and more than 4,000 + registered show attendees .

Boating Industry ( BI ): Before diving into the challenges you ’ ve faced and overcome , tell us about your boating background . Anne Dunbar ( AD ): I grew up on and around boats in Fairfield , CT . My dad started buying boats for our family when I was about 10 years old . We joined the Black Rock Yacht Club and a series of sailboats followed , and with that , sailing lessons which evolved into sailboat racing . Every summer we were on the water all over Long Island Sound .

In 2018 , my husband Andrew and I both got our U . S . Coast Guard 50-Ton Captain ’ s License .

BI : How long have you worked in the boating industry … and how did you transform your passion into a fulfilling career ? ( AD ): It ’ s hard to believe , but it ’ s been about 30 years ! After graduating from the University of Colorado , I drove to Long Beach , CA to teach sailing at the Alamitos Bay Yacht Club . At the end of summer , I had to find a real job and a member asked me if I wanted to work the Long Beach Boat Show . My first ‘ real ’ job was giving away subscriptions for Soundings at the show . When I returned home , I called and asked for a job . They hired me to sell advertising for the Southern California territory and my career in the marine industry had begun !

I worked a couple of years for Boating Industry , and then Carl Cramer of Professional Boat- Builder magazine made an offer which included working for him on IBEX , which I ’ ve been doing now for about 20 years .

I ’ ve managed to survive two ownerships changes and relocating the show to four different cities . My first job was selling exhibit space in 2002 and from there I handled all the marketing . When the show moved to Louisville , Ky ., convincing everyone to attend was one of my biggest marketing challenges ! In 2013 , the owners at that time – NMMA and Professional BoatBuilder magazine – asked me to take on the role of show director .

BI : What does the show director role entail ? AD : I work with a talented staff of a dozen people and together , we create a dynamic show experience that brings the marine industry together to inspire innovation and accelerate growth . My responsibilities include all areas of IBEX planning , from financials to overall event strategy . I continually develop and evaluate new ideas to improve the value and quality of the show experience to ensure both exhibitors and visitors consider IBEX the most valuable three days of the year .

BI : Besides IBEX , are you involved in other marine industry and / or community initiatives ? AD : In June of 2022 , I was elected president of IFBSO , the International Federation of Boat Show Organizers , an organization of the world ’ s leading boat shows . Its mission is to help member organizations by providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and cooperation among members .

I ’ m participating in the Soundings Trade Only women ’ s mentor program and am mentoring two wonderful young women . When I look back over the years of my career , there are so many amazing men and women who advised and helped me , so I embrace the opportunity to give back .

Anne Dunbar

Outside of marine , I ’ m on the Board of Directors for Spread Compassion , a private foundation whose mission is to spread compassion by offering monetary assistance to hard-working families and veterans who are struggling financially due to unexpected life circumstances . We also assist organizations that support abandoned or animal shelter dogs .

BI : Let ’ s shift to your recent experiences that no doubt tested your leadership skills to the max . When the industry was first faced with Covid-19 in 2020 , you were among the first forced to cancel your show and to pivot . AD : The hardest thing about the Covid situation was none of us had any idea what we were dealing with . When you work running events , you are used to dealing with unexpected issues and challenges , but a dealing with the pandemic wasn ’ t in any playbook . The decision to cancel in 2020 was shocking , but the safety and well-being of our exhibitors and our visitors is what matters .

Looking back the decisions seem so logical , but at the time they were happening , it was so incredibly difficult and stressful .

BI : What business lessons did you learn during Covid-19 ? AD : One of the most surprising lessons we learned

28 february 2023 www . boatingindustry . com