From the show floor to education sessions, technology was a predominant theme at the 2020 NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) in Las Vegas last month. There were hundreds of technology tips, tools and trends to see at the show, and attendees came to learn new ways to apply tech to their businesses, their careers and their everyday lives.
The Tech Bytes sessions not only featured top programs, but the room itself also buzzed with technology innovations. The long, sleek room was separated into two stages for two distinct areas of focus—delivering programs via headphones. Attendees could decide which program they wanted to follow with a quick toggle of the switch on the headset. Some of the topics included technologies that are redefining sales, marketing and the home-buying experience. Industry professionals learned tech advice to better communicate, plan projects and refine business operations.
The CEDIA® Technology Pavilion was where attendees could get connected with a growing array of home automation products. From kitchen and bath to energy efficiency, there were hundreds of ideas to apply both new home construction and remodeling projects.
Nestled into the South Hall was the IBS Live stage. It was in this comfortable space that presentations went beyond current trends and discussed major changes that are poised to disrupt the building industry as we know it. From self-powered homes to autonomous mobility, the sessions discussed topics that make us all think about the future of the home building industry.
nextBUILD was the place to explore technology solutions designed to make businesses more efficient and profitable. Attendees were able to:
• Explore hot technology such as structured wiring, automated energy, and entertainment and security options.
• Meet one-on-one with construction technology providers to learn specifics about how solutions can help them manage projects and streamline business operations.
• See fun products in action, like VR, and gain product knowledge directly from vendors to be better equipped to appeal to tech-savvy consumers.
Located in the North Hall, the High Performance Building Zone (HPBZ) was a buzz of constant activity throughout the three-day show. When Matt Whitbeck and Kevin Ireton took the demonstration stage, it was usually standing-room only to hear what they were explaining (and laugh at their banter). Through a variety of 30-minute live demos, the guys showed attendees the latest methods, tips and tricks for integrating high performance building techniques. Some of the topics covered included using technology to plan lighting, building accessible homes and monitoring home energy use.
The New American Home® (TNAH) and The New American Remodel® (TNAR) always feature the latest innovations and technology available, and this year’s editions were nothing short of remarkable. Behind the walls, both homes were built featuring some of the most energy-efficient products available today, but it is always the cool tech that makes people “ooh” and “aah.” TNAH 2020 featured a full spectrum of smart home technology products including appliances, lighting solutions, motorized window shades and climate control solutions. In the TNAR 2020, everything from lighting controls to a unique sound system could be controlled by strategically placed in-wall touch panels and wireless tablets.
Plan to experience all of the innovative technology at the NAHB International Builders’ Show® in Orlando, February 9-11, 2021. Registration opens September 1, 2020.