The NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) is almost here! The excitement is palpable, but don’t let it get in the way of making the most of your Builders’ Show experience. Here’s what you need to know before you go to the Builders’ Show. (If you’re not registered to attend, register now. Then read on.)
#1 For a first-time attendee, what’s the best way to navigate the show?
Plan, research and set priorities for each day of the show. Check BuildersShow.com for schedules, floor plans and exhibitor lists. Read the Know the Show Blog for guides, tips and more. All of which provide the IBS first-timer with a head start in deciding which IBS Education Sessions to attend, where areas of interest are on the segmented show floor and specific booths to visit.
The best way to navigate the event smoothly is with the Official IBS App and features like interactive floor plans, the complete event schedule, speaker listings and more. Be sure to download it before the show to learn how it works and use the app to plan each day, navigate the show and network with attendees, exhibitors and speakers.
#2 How is the show different this year?
The IBS 2024 show floor is the largest show floor in 15 years. IBS 2024 features the largest exhibit floor in 15 years, with over 1,700 exhibiting companies taking almost 675,000 NSF. Additionally, 45% of the 2024 exhibitors are new to IBS!
For the first time in the 80-year history of IBS, the exhibit floor is separated into six broad product/service categories (Product Segmentation). Since IBS co-locates with the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) for Design & Construction Week, DCW became so large that it was increasingly difficult for attendees to find what they needed and to compare suppliers. Segmentation solves that.
#3 How are exhibitors grouped/laid out across the halls?
The IBS Exhibits that are inside the Las Vegas Convention Center are divided into six segments:
Central Hall
- Building Materials
West Hall
- Interior Finishings & Home Living
- Business Management & Professional Services
- Global Products
South Hall (Upper Level)
- Construction Tools, Systems, Equipment & Safety
- Outdoor Living, Leisure & Modular Structures
IBS Outdoor Exhibits are in Silver Parking Lot 1 and are not segmented. A more detailed list of the product/service categories contained within each segment is available at BuildersShow.com.
The KBIS exhibits are in the North Hall, downstairs in South, Silver Parking Lot 3, and part of West Hall. IBS registrants have complimentary access to the KBIS exhibits.
#4 What’s your best advice for getting the most out of the show?
Do not expect to do and see it all! Instead, set priorities and a goal for each day of the show. Create a daily plan based on exhibitors, education sessions, networking, and social events, etc., you want to see and attend. Do this all before landing in Vegas and re-visit and adjust the plan each night before heading to the show each morning. Stick to the plan to achieve your daily goals.
Schedule your time with your main priorities in mind first but leave time for all the other areas of the show. You may spend most of your day in IBS Education Sessions, but leave an hour to walk the show floor, visit the IBS Store to stock your bookshelf, connect with niche peers and experts in Centrals and network during the evening special events.
#5 What’s one of the more memorable exhibits in years past?
The two demo zones on the show floor, the Construction Performance Zone, and the Craft Techniques Zone are two of the more popular spots on the exhibit floor. All types of industry professionals attend the live demos to learn about new products and techniques or even new uses for products they’re already using.
The show can get overwhelming, what’s your top tip?
Be present and enjoy the experience. It’s hard to leave work or your business for 3+ days, but the show is your opportunity to better yourself and your business/company. Take it all in while you have the chance. Then, bring the information, knowledge, contacts, and insights back to your business when you get home.
#6 Are any exhibits a must-see this year?
Honestly, there are too many to list, but we would like to highlight that for the past 41 years, NAHB has spearheaded the construction of the IBS Official Show Home, The New American Home® (TNAH 2024) and this year is no exception. Complimentary buses run from the show to the home in the Ascaya neighborhood of Henderson, NV, during show days. Tickets to ride that bus and tour the home are always in great demand and are first come, first served.
#7 With an Expo+Education registration, how can I maximize my IBS Education experience?
Use the IBS App to manage your daily show schedule, including IBS Education Sessions, meetings and events. Tap the Add to Agenda button on IBS Education Sessions and events to add to your daily show schedule. Add all the sessions you want to attend, even if they are happening at the same time.
If you can’t attend a session, attend the backup session. New for 2024, we’re also offering encore or repeat sessions, so if you can’t attend the first time the session is scheduled, you can attend the encore session. After the show, access the Education On-Demand Library of recorded IBS Education Sessions until Jun 30, 2024.
Arrive Early. Popular sessions can fill up quickly, so arrive at least 15-20 minutes before the session starts to get a seat and network with other professionals while waiting for the session to begin.
All the IBS Education Sessions and niche Centrals are in the LVCC West Hall. Use the Vegas LOOP to travel between halls! The Las Vegas Convention Center is massive! Need to get from the show floor in Central Hall to an education session in West Hall? No problem! The underground Vegas LOOP turns a 25-minute walk into a 2-minute ride.
Find handouts in the app or BuildersShow.com in the session details (if the speaker has provided a handout). Use the IBS App notes section for sessions you attend and email the notes to you or team members later!
If you would like to add IBS Education access to your registration:
- Visit BuildersShow.com/register
- Log in to your registration record (you will need your confirmation ID number)
- Upgrade your registration type
- Stop by a Scan & Go registration counter onsite at the show to pick up your new badge
#8 What’s the best way for attendees to get show updates?
Check BuildersShow.com. Mark show emails as safe so you receive them in your inbox. Watch for email show updates and information to land in inboxes. And finally, while at the show, check the IBS App for alerts and updates!
#9 What should I have in my bag?
We recommend bringing your registration confirmation, a government-issued ID, IBS Badge and business cards. Pack comfortable business casual attire and comfortable shoes for each day of the show.
Pack layers. Las Vegas can warm up during the day and cool off at night. Areas of the Las Vegas Convention can be cold or hot, depending on where you are and the time of day. Wearing layers allows you to add or subtract layers for temperature changes.
Pack a reusable water bottle, snacks and even a lunch for the day. The desert can be dry, so staying hydrated is a must. The LVCC has water bottle filling stations. Lines for food and beverages can be long, so pack snacks and buy a sandwich before arriving so you don’t have to wait in long lines.
Since NAHB produces IBS, is there anything exclusively for NAHB members at the show?
NAHB Members can enjoy several exclusive events, giveaways and more at the Builders’ Show.
NAHB HQ
NAHB HQ in Central Hall is right next to the IBS Bookstore. NAHB Members, visit the NAHB HQ for daily giveaways, member-only amenities and more.
NEW Members-Only Area
Discover a new retreat exclusively for NAHB Members. Equipped with comfortable couches, tables and charging stations, it is a perfect area for networking and relaxation.
(If you’re interested in becoming an NAHB Member, visit NAHB HQ while you’re at the show or Become a Member before the show so you can enjoy these member-exclusive events at the Builders’ Show.)
Daily Members-Only Events & Giveaways
NAHB Members can attend these daily events inside of NAHB HQ at IBS.
- Morning Energizer: Kickstart your day with daily morning coffee & donuts in the member-only area.
- Afternoon Delights: Unwind during daily afternoon happy hours with your fellow members.
- Daily Giveaways: Visit the member-only area for a chance to win exciting daily giveaways, including exclusive NAHB baseball caps.
Member Savings Campsite
Explore the world of the NAHB Member Savings Program at the Member Savings Campsite in the IBS Outdoor Exhibits, Booth P42. Enjoy a cozy drink (while supplies last), engage in fun outdoor games and enter for a chance to win daily giveaways, including a PS5, a $500 Lowe’s gift card, and a $300 HotelPlanner gift card.
NAHB Meeting of the Members
Exclusive to members*, this event provides a unique opportunity to gain insights from NAHB President & CEO Jim Tobin and Chief Economist Robert Dietz, PhD, during the Builders’ Show. Tobin will share his perspectives on the 2024 presidential election and its implications for the housing sector, while Dietz will unveil his economic predictions for the years ahead.
Remember, IBS 2024 is your opportunity to connect, learn, and influence the future of the homebuilding industry. Don’t miss out on this exclusive experience tailored just for you, the valued NAHB member!
We hope this helps prepare you for IBS 2024! Check our IBS FAQs for more answers to your show questions.
Test your Builders’ Show knowledge with the Know the Builders’ Show crossword puzzle.
