Updated April 14, 2025

Nothing replaces face-to-face interaction with customers, suppliers, manufacturers, peers and more during the NAHB International Builders’ Show^® (IBS). And this is just one of the many benefits the show offers exhibitors.

Here are the top 13 benefits of exhibiting at IBS 2026.

#1 It’s the #1 Industry Trade Show

Not all industry shows are created equal. Top shows attract the top exhibitors and attendees. Your target audience and the groups of people you truly want to get in front of with your products and services attend the Builders’ Show. For the residential construction industry, the Builders’ Show is the #1 industry show of the year. 

We had an absolutely amazing show this year. — IBS 2025 Exhibitor

#2 Record-Breaking Numbers  

IBS 2025 was the biggest show in 17 years with 1,800+ exhibitors and 81,000+ industry pros attending. IBS 2026 is shaping up to be another successful show, but the only way to be a part of it is to apply to be an exhibitor.  

#3 Floor Segmentation 

We segment the Builders’ Show floor to make it more productive for exhibitors and attendees and because the layout can affect booth traffic. When the floor is segmented by industry category, it is easier for attendees to find you and your product or service.  

#4 Face-to-Face Time is Priceless 

The Builders’ Show fulfills the need you and your customers have for human contact and face-to-face interactions. Industry pros want to meet and know the people they do business with. The Builders’ Show facilitates these meetings and opportunities to build relationships, gain trust, build credibility, gather quality leads and see current customers in person. 

#5 Launch of the Hottest New Industry Products & Services 

One of the primary reasons people attend a trade show is to discover new products and services. The hottest new industry products and services launch at the Builders’ Show annually, so there is no better place to launch a new product or service than at IBS 2026. The Builders’ Show is full of your target audience and partners that can help promote your offering to your target audience. It’s also the perfect venue for live demonstrations of how to use your product or service in person. 

The New Product Zone at the Builders’ Show offers exhibitors an additional and special area on the show floor to feature the launch of new products and services. 

#6 Generate Quality Leads 

The Builders’ Show helps you gather high-quality leads. 81,000+ industry professionals attended IBS 2025 and tens of thousands of your target audience attend the Builders’ Show annually. They attend IBS to find the industry products and services you offer. It can be a lot like fishing in a barrel if you have a system for collecting and following up with the quality leads from the show. 

12,000 unique opens on a pre-show, email blast. 1,200 engaged clicks on email assets. 179 direct leads from the show floor. –IBS 2025 Exhibitor

#7 Generate Sales 

Decision-makers and buyers attend the Builders’ Show. In some cases, you may generate sales directly at your booth. In others, the trade show is the platform to meet and connect with these decision-makers so you can easily close the deal during your post-show follow-up.  

One of the #1 reasons building industry professionals attend the Builders’ Show each year is to discover innovative products, technology, services and more. They’re there to find it at the show and buy it later. You generate leads and sales at IBS unlike any other industry show you attend. 

#8 Stay Up to Date with Your Industry 

The Builders’ Show is where the industry action is. It’s the best place to discover what’s new in the industry, whether it’s trends, products, services or companies/competitors in the market. IBS is your chance to see cutting-edge developments and the opportunities they create, so you can plan to take advantage of these opportunities. 

#9 Maximize Exposure 

IBS 2025 drew record crowds of residential building industry professionals. IBS 2026 is shaping up to be just as successful (if not more successful). With a captive audience of industry professionals and hundreds of media outlets at the Builders’ Show, it maximizes your business, product or service exposure during the three-day show.

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation for the incredible IBS 2025 event in Las Vegas. The exhibition was outstanding, and we had a fantastic experience showcasing our products. Congratulations on organizing such a successful event!

Given the great results we achieved, we are very interested in participating again in IBS 2026. This time, we hope to secure a larger booth. — IBS 2025 Exhibitor

#10 Engage with Building Professionals 

IBS is the one place where the entire industry comes together each year. There’s no better opportunity to meet, engage with and gather feedback from industry professionals than at the Builders’ Show. 

#11 Feel the Industry Pulse 

The hottest new industry products and innovative technologies make their debut at IBS every year. New trends are also revealed at the Builders’ Show. Keep your finger on the pulse of the industry by experiencing all of this and more at IBS. 

#12 Best of IBS Awards 

Everyone wants to work with an award-winning company or use an award-winning product. IBS Exhibitors can win one or more Best of IBS™ Awards, which recognize the most innovative products on the IBS show floor. Promotion of the Best of IBS winners and finalists drives interest and booth traffic at the Builders’ Show. Entry is free for all IBS Exhibitors. 

#13 It’s in Orlando! 

The 2026 NAHB International Builders’ Show is happening Feb 17 – 27 in Orlando. Learn more about the benefits of exhibiting at the show and how to apply to be an IBS Exhibitor.