A powerhouse of ideas is coming to the 2026 NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS). IBS Education* is where the top pros break down real-world problems and share actionable solutions across AI, design efficiency, customer experience, attainable housing and more. Leading the conversation is Tim Costello, CEO of Polymagnet.
Meet Tim
When it comes to spotting the future before it hits the mainstream, Tim Costello has made a career out of it. From launching the first modern electric vehicle at General Motors to transforming semiconductor manufacturing at Applied Materials to leading the homebuilding industry’s digital evolution for more than two decades, Tim has always been one step ahead. Today, as CEO of Polymagnet and a trusted advisor to technology companies across the country, he continues to challenge convention, rethink what’s possible and push industries forward.
Tim’s IBS Education Sessions
At IBS 2026, Tim brings that same visionary energy to his fast-moving session: Know Before You Go! 50 Must-See Products & Services at IBS 2026. It’s your shortcut to navigating the massive Builders’ Show floor like a seasoned pro. Instead of wandering aisle by aisle and hoping you stumble across the good stuff, Tim’s giving you the master list of the 50 most innovative, disruptive and downright cool products debuting this year. Even better? You’ll walk away with a curated map of where to find them so you can plan your route, maximize your time and hit the ground running.
Why You’ll Want to Hear from Tim
Tim is a self-described product and tech geek, so he considers IBS his playground. Every year, he’s blown away by the creative solutions exhibitors bring to age-old challenges in home building, design and construction. In 2026, he’s zeroing in on the innovations you cannot miss, like specialty robotics powered by rapidly advancing AI, smarter automation tools for both on-site and off-site work and products that signal a shift toward modularity and net-shape construction. If you want a glimpse of where the industry is headed in the next five years, Tim’s got the roadmap.
What You’ll Learn
Discover 50 standout products and services debuting at IBS 2026. Learn why each one matters and how it can improve the way you build, design or sell. Get a floor map highlighting where to find each product and walk away with the full list of exhibitor submissions so you don’t miss a thing
Tim’s Take on the Builders’ Show
Best part of the show? All of it. The Outdoor Exhibits, the energy on the floor, the IBS Education sessions — you can’t go wrong.
Advice for first-timers? Have a plan or risk wandering the same three aisles for three days. (Seriously.)
Biggest challenge facing builders? The big three that never change: land, labor and loans.
Trend to watch? AI, automation and robotics are no longer futuristic concepts but real-world solutions reshaping residential construction today. The new AI & Tech Studio at the Builders’ Show features all of this and more.
Whether you’re a rookie attendee or an IBS veteran, Tim Costello is the guide you’ll want in your corner. His session makes the show floor feel smaller, your time feel longer and your experience far more strategic.
Don’t just walk the floor, master it. Tim will show you how. To attend Tim’s and choose from the other 120+ IBS Education sessions, an Expo+Education registration is required.
*To attend IBS Education, you must have an Expo+Education registration.