IBS: New products focused on home technology and increased energy efficiency

The expo halls and education sessions were packed at the Las Vegas Convention Center Jan. 20-22 for the NAHB International Builders’ Show® – another indication that the home building industry is one more leg up on its climb out of the doldrums.

More than 60,000 attendees walked through the doors, part of the more than 100,000 who attended this third annual Design & Construction Week, which included exhibits and education from the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, The International Surface Event and International Window Coverings Expo.

New products focused on home technology and increased energy efficiency: two factors boosting the return of buyers to the new home market. All together, IBS boasted nearly 1,400 exhibitors and more than 500,000 square feet of real estate, including a record-breaking 30,000 square foot outdoor exhibit space.

Show organizers also noted an increase in international exhibitors, led by China, whose participating businesses made up more than 35,000 square feet of exhibit space.

Builders and remodelers are taking a bigger interest in automating their purchasing, accounting and sales systems and crowded business management sessions designed to help them grow their companies’ revenue. There were more than 120 education sessions over the three-day event.

“The show is going really well. There seems to be a lot more enthusiasm and a lot more emphasis on technology than in the past,” said Michael Schwitter, business manager for ITW Alpine. “Attendance is up, a lot more people are coming by the booth. It seems like genuine interest.”

Michelle Barghout, Professional Services Manager for Sales Simplicity Software, agreed. “Everyone we’ve talked to has been a much more solid lead than last year. The quality of attendees and potential sales is much higher.”

In addition to the exhibit hall and education sessions, this year’s IBS featured the annual Spike party – with guest performers Hall & Oates – awards dinners, luncheons and breakfasts, networking opportunities and the NAHB annual meeting, where the board of directors elected Ed Brady, a home builder from Bloomington, Ill., as the 2016 Chairman of the Board.

Next year IBS moves to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. The dates are Jan. 10-12, 2017.