The National Association of Home Builders hosts the International Builders Show (IBS), the largest annual light construction show in the world. Beginning in 2014, the show is co-located with several other industry shows to form create Design and Construction Week at the beginning of the year when work for builders in northern climates, slows down (certainly did for my handyman business).
- Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), began co-loacating with IBS in 2014.
- International Window Coverings Expo (IWCE) – joined the event in 2015.
- International Surface Event (TISE) – joined the event in 2015.
- Las Vegas Market – has home décor & furnishings, accessories and gifts, but it's not within walking distance so I haven't been there yet.
In it's inaugural year, the Design and Construction event had more 1,700 exhibitors and 75,000 attendees from around the world.
What Happens at the International Builders Show?
It's hard to put into words what happens at this show. It's different for everyone (loved Tess Whittler's article, 5 Big Takeaways from the International Builders Show) and depending on how you plan your week, you get different information.
- Learning about new products, and innovative ways to use old products. This is where architects, interior designers and builders find the products they'll introduce to you, their homeowner clients.
- Seeing industry trends based on products being exhibited, like more doors with glass to bring natural sunlight indoors. This is where you see themes evolve like products designed for aging in place and home automation, integrating your home with your smart phones.
- Lots of education from industry experts, so you're increasing your skills for things you do every day. For example, I saw an amazing demonstration on how to install perfect crown molding, as rarely are your corners a perfect 90 degrees.
- Networking with industry peers that you don't see in person any other time of the year. Here's where builders learn from each other because they're from different parts of the country, and not in direct competition.
- Tours of model homes including the latest American Home, built for each show to showcase cutting-edge materials, technology, design and building techniques that are advancing the way we build houses.
Not every builder or remodeler gets to attend this show. You'll learn a lot though, when you're talking to home professionals, by asking them how they stay current on products and industry trends.
Check out our articles on IBS through the years …
