NAHB’s International Builders’ Show® (IBS) has always been the place for building professionals to get information on the latest trends, the newest techniques and the most forward-thinking business strategies. But this year, the learning opportunities are even more exciting, interactive and full of value.
The Builders’ Show will be held January 10-12, 2017 in Orlando, and we’ve managed to pack even more into those three days. In addition to a wide variety of new speakers and original programming, there is a lot new—with IBS 2017 education—that is sure to impress. Here’s what to expect:
Pre-Show Education
The education portion of the show actually begins on Friday, January 6 with pre-show education courses. These one- and two-day courses give you the chance to become fully immersed in specific industry topics while working towards an NAHB designation. Nowhere else during the year will you find all of these courses available in one place, at one time. Please note: there are additional fees associated with the pre-show education. Learn more about pre-show courses.
Building Knowledge & Spotlight Sessions
More than 130 education sessions will be offered during the three-day show. These sessions will be a mix of 30-, 60- and 90-minute presentations from 8 tracks:
- 55+ Housing
- Building Performance & Techniques
- Business Management & Operations
- Custom Building & Remodeling
- Design, Land Development & Community Planning
- Financial Strategies, Market Forecast & Legal
- Multifamily
- Sales, Marketing & Customer Focus
Master Sessions
Five in-depth, advanced Master sessions with a strong set of speakers leading these sessions will be available at IBS 2017. Topics will include:
- Negotiating techniques
- Building the sales and marketing blueprint
- Addressing the labor shortage
- Developing leadership
- Exploring high performance marketing
To register for Master sessions, you’ll need to have a full registration or one-day education registration for the day the particular session you’d like to attend is being held. General seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, but seats can be reserved in advance for only $25. Reserved seating can only be purchased during IBS advanced registration online through January 7, not on site.
Tech Bytes and Builder Clinics
New this year is the addition of Tech Bytes and Builder Clinics, where you’ll get even more hands-on, interactive learning. These programs will be offered in short 20- to 30-minute segments and repeated multiple times throughout the week. Our series of Tech Bytes sessions are interactive workshops that allow you to test out and learn some of the latest technology, social media and virtual reality tools using your personal laptop or tablet. The Builder Clinic sessions are designed for custom builders, remodelers, subs and trades. Inside, you’ll see live demonstrations of various building techniques, with a focus on finish and trim carpentry.
Interactive Learning Formats
Education with good information doesn’t always have to mean a traditional panel presentation or a person on stage talking at you. IBS is known for offering interactive learning formats—such as demonstrations, case studies, town halls, debates, lightning rounds, and live drawings and critiques—to keep you actively involved in the discussion, and there will be even more of them at IBS 2017.
Thought Leader Sessions
We introduced these programs with great success last year, and you can expect an expanded line-up of these sessions for 2017. Featured will be innovators from both inside and outside the industry who are transforming their companies and the way we do business.
Spotlight Room
While Spotlight sessions aren’t new to IBS, this year’s Spotlight Room certainly will be. Here you’ll find some of the most highly-anticipated programs of the year, featuring high-profile speakers and the latest industry trends.
IBS Education On Demand
When you register for a full registration, not only do you get full access to education sessions during the show, but you also get a complimentary one-year subscription IBS Education On Demand. You’ll receive access to a streaming library of all recorded sessions from IBS 2017. Learn more about Education On Demand.
A full schedule of IBS education sessions and programs will be available at the end of August. Keep in mind that in order to access the all of the amazing education available—Building Knowledge & Spotlight Sessions, Master Sessions, Tech Bytes, Builder Clinics and IBS Education On-Demand—you must purchase the full registration package. Check out registration options and register today.