Why IBS Is So Valuable: The ROI from Attending IBS

IBS Show Floor

“Is attending IBS really worth it?”

That’s a question we know gets asked by many in the building industry.

When deciding whether attending the 2019 NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) is worth it, the first thing you (and your boss) probably look at is the expense. While the registration fee for IBS is not terribly expensive, with the addition of hotel, airfare and meal expenses, the cost can add up.

The truth is, we know that the return on investment completely outweighs the hard costs, but don’t let us tell you. Here are some of the reasons we heard from those who attended IBS last year.

Networking: Some of the greatest insights often come from others in the industry because they understand your unique challenges and share similar goals. There are plenty of networking opportunities at IBS to meet others and talk shop.

“One of my takeaways is networking with others. Networking is a huge part of business. You never know who you’re going to run into, what services you might share, what you might have in common or who knows who.” – Elenore Decos, MonGroup Properties, Inc., Shrewsbury, NJ

“During the show, I had a conversation with someone else in the IBS Scholarship Program about a construction management software and why it’s better. I have since purchased it and am implementing it, which is a huge change for me. I would have never networked with him had it not been for the show.” – Dayson Johnson, Willowood Homes, Salt Lake City, UT

Talk Directly with Exhibitors: The trade show environment makes it easy to talk with vendors and fellow attendees to get answers to the questions you need. Additionally, exhibitors often launch new or updated products at IBS, and new companies come to make a splash in the industry, meet buyers and get media coverage.

“We sell a variety of window and door products, and I really did have a great opportunity to meet with a couple of my major window brands to talk about product improvements and things that I’m seeing in my region. I got some excellent face time with them that I would not have had otherwise.” – Zeke Keel, Southern Window Supply, Birmingham, AL

“I enjoyed learning about new products and meeting people who represented those products. It definitely helps to have a minute with the manufacturers to talk to them because they give you a lot of important tidbits.” – Lynch Christian, Four Points Construction, Inc., Berkeley County, WV

Education Sessions: IBS Education is where you can find the hottest, most relevant industry topics in one place. IBS 2019 will offer over 130 sessions in seven tracks—from novice to advanced—covering a wide array of topics.

“I liked going to the education sessions, and I had a couple this time where I felt like they were speaking to me. I was sitting in the audience, and I was like, ‘Yes, this is what I want to hear!’” – Dana Spanjer, Spanjer Homes, Fort Collins, CO

Learning About New Products: IBS features more than 1,500 manufacturers and suppliers from around the globe in 600,000 net square feet of exhibit space. Nowhere else will you find so many products under one roof than the IBS show floor.

“The green building section of the show floor was really eye-opening—with what new products coming out and what’s currently available. That was one of the biggest things I took away from the show.” – Dan Darnold, Oak Tree Homes, Inc., Wilton, IA

Compare Products: Walk the show floor to compare products and services, and to talk to knowledgeable product reps who are willing to help you understand their products better so you can make informed decisions.

“I checked out a lot of vendors and ultimately hooked onto CoConstruct. We’re in the process of completely changing our entire program now.” – Bo Owens, Quality Homes of Port Charlotte, Inc., Port Charlotte, FL

Niche-Specific Topics: The IBS Centrals are the place to explore fun, new ideas, refine your skills and gain business information about your specific niche in the industry.

“By going to the Centrals, I had an opportunity to meet with like-minded individuals, and then the discussions at the education sessions were helpful.” – Kristopher Gardner, Magleby Construction, Lindon, UT

Make 2019 the year you invest in your professional development. Discover why All Homes Start Here and register at BuildersShow.com.

 

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