Today education is an increasingly important function of trade shows and the opportunities for higher learning at IBEX are impressive if somewhat esoteric for the non-technical among us. Seminar sessions range from "Designing with Rhino 3D and AutoCAD 2D" through "Drilling Holes in the Hull: Seacocks, ThroughHull Connections, and Drain Plugs" to "Overcoming Catastrophes: How to Keep Your Business Functioning" If a seminar setting is not for you then there are exhibitor workshops about: "Have you gone to the extreme in seating systems", "Noxudol Application" or "Eight way adjustable engine mounts".

Still have a thirst for knowledge? Then how about FREE outdoor demonstrations including "WebCore Infusion Process (WIP): Designing and Infusing Structural Sandwich Composite Parts Using TYCOR".

The organisers are not taking chances that education on its own is a strong enough draw. Every pre-registered attendee at IBEX will receive at the show a book of "Products & Processes Discount Offers featuring special deals from exhibitors".

Last but by no means least are the raffle draws hosted by some of the exhibitors. Drop your business card in the bowl for a chance to win a 16ft sailboat, two luxurious ultrasoft microfiber bathrobes or a 7-day Caribbean cruise for two.

It is too not hard to imagine the look on the exhibitors face as an attendee lurches towards him clutching bathrobes, waving a coupon and demanding a discount on his favourite chemicals.