More than 3,700 people from 100+ countries outside the United States traveled to Las Vegas for the 2014 NAHB International Builders’ Show. The advent of Design & Construction Week™, combined with the robust IBS education programs made the 2014 Show a must-attend event for building and construction professionals around the world, making this year’s show one of the most global ever.
Representatives from nearly 2,000 overseas and multinational companies streamed into the Las Vegas Convention Center to make the most of this invaluable opportunity for face time with top building industry suppliers and manufacturers, as well as the chance to see the latest products and newest home building technologies.
IBS 2014 was once again a selected show in the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Buyer Program (IBP). Participating trade shows are promoted around the world at commercial service posts, where they recruit delegations of qualified buyers to attend the Show. U.S. exhibitors interested in doing business abroad are also given the opportunity to be listed in a special directory given to international attendees and used to match opportunities between foreign delegates and U.S. companies.
Said Project Officer Dustin Ross, “Through our collaboration with the NAHB, the U.S. Department of Commerce International Buyer Program was a great success at IBS 2014! Our Commercial Specialists brought over 160 delegates from around the world to the IBS – all eager to do business with the U.S. exhibitors. International Central was bustling with activity throughout the show as a space where IBP delegates could meet with the U.S. exhibitors to make new connections and do business. The Global Market Insight Program, also hosted at International Central, provided an excellent opportunity for export-ready U.S. exhibitors to gain valuable insight for their products from industry experts in markets around the world.”
International Central, located on the second floor of the North Hall, was packed throughout the Show. Offering complimentary beverages and wifi, International Central is the place for international attendees and exhibitors to network, do business or to plan their day at the Show. The highlight of the week was the International Buyer Reception held on Wednesday, February 5, allowing international buyers and exhibitors to meet and make new contacts. Programs included briefings on business opportunities in Ghana and Brazil, as well as a seminar from the U.S. Department of Commerce specialists: “Advancing U.S. Exports of Building Products, Services & Equipment.”
If you are interested in attending future Shows as an international visitor or are a U.S. exhibitor interested in learning more about exporting, email international@buildersshow.com.