The IBS Education* lineup for the 2026 NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) is packed with new ideas, real-world expertise and fresh strategies you can put to work right away. With 120+ sessions to choose from, the Builders’ Show is where pros across the industry come to sharpen their skills, challenge their thinking and prepare for what’s next in a constantly evolving industry.
Meet IBS Education Speaker Leah Fellows
Among this year’s experts is Leah Kaiz Fellows, founder and owner of Blue Gypsy Inc., based in Denver, Colorado. A national online sales counselor (OSC) trainer and consultant, Leah has been shaping the evolution of online sales in the building industry for nearly two decades.
Her path to the home building industry wasn’t a straight line. After earning a degree in communication from Boston University, Leah spent 13 years traveling the world as a sailboat captain and dive instructor before transitioning into real estate in 2006. That diverse background shows up in her work today, bringing a relatable, human-first perspective to sales, training and leadership. Since founding Blue Gypsy Inc. in 2010, Leah has helped builders across the country strengthen lead development, elevate customer experiences and adapt to a changing sales landscape.
Leah Fellows’ IBS Education Session
AI is everywhere in today’s business conversations, but Leah brings a grounded, people-centered approach to the topic. Her IBS Education session, CTRL + ALT + CONNECT: How OSCs Use AI & Empathy to Reboot the Sales Journey, focuses on how technology and human connection can work together rather than compete.
Leah believes AI is a powerful tool, but not a replacement for the relationships that drive trust and conversion in home sales. At IBS 2026, she’ll explore how online sales counselors can use AI to support smarter, more efficient communication while keeping the customer journey personal, relevant and authentic.
What You’ll Learn in Leah’s Session
Attendees will walk away with practical, actionable strategies for using AI as a support system rather than a shortcut. Leah will share how OSCs can leverage AI to personalize messaging at scale, stay connected to prospects and remain relevant in a crowded marketplace, all while preserving the human touch that turns leads into buyers.
The session emphasizes ethical, thoughtful use of AI and shows how technology can enhance efficiency without sacrificing empathy. If your goal is stronger engagement, better follow-up and a more connected sales process, this session delivers tools you can apply right away.
Why Leah Is Excited for IBS
This will be Leah’s 12th year attending IBS and her 7th year speaking on a main stage (10th if you count IBS Centrals). What keeps her coming back is the people. The Builders’ Show is where long-time friends, colleagues and partners reconnect, and where new relationships begin. The energy of being surrounded by so many passionate professionals is one of Leah’s favorite parts of the show.
Advice for First-Time IBS Attendees
Leah knows IBS can feel overwhelming the first time. Her advice is simple but smart: plan. Review the education offerings a week or two before the show and build a schedule using the IBS App (available Jan 20). Spend time in Centrals, and if possible, arrive a day or two early to attend NAHB Council and Committee Meetings.
Even if you’re not on a board, these meetings are a great way to learn how to get involved and find your place in the industry. From Professional Women in Building and the Sales and Marketing Council to Custom Builders, Remodelers and Young Professionals, there’s truly something for everyone.
The Best Place to Be at IBS
For Leah, it’s Sales Central. That’s where colleagues and friends inevitably cross paths and conversations happen organically. As a consultant and sales trainer, she gravitates toward the education side of the Builders’ Show, soaking up fresh ideas and listening to what others in the industry are saying. While the show floor has plenty of exciting tech tools to explore, education is where she finds the most inspiration.
The Most Interesting 2026 Industry Trend
Leah doesn’t consider herself a trend follower, but one reality is impossible to ignore: AI isn’t going anywhere. The real opportunity lies in understanding what AI can and can’t do for a home builder’s business and learning how to use it ethically and correctly. Education around responsible, effective AI use is becoming just as important as the tools themselves.
What the Next Five Years Will Bring
Looking ahead, Leah expects the industry to move toward smarter, more cohesive use of technology. While many tools have entered the market to support building and selling, success will depend on how well they’re implemented and aligned. Thoughtful coaching and integrated systems will be essential to creating seamless workflows, better customer experiences and stronger outcomes for builders and buyers alike.
The Industry’s Biggest Challenge
Having lived through multiple market cycles, from the 2008 downturn to the COVID years, Leah sees today’s challenges as part of a natural shift. After a long seller’s market, many professionals are now navigating unfamiliar changes. While that can feel unsettling, it’s also where training, company culture and strong sales skills matter most. These moments reward teams that invest in people and processes.
About Leah Fellows
Leah Kaiz Fellows is the founder and owner of Blue Gypsy Inc. and the author of Attract, Engage, Conver, a builder’s guide to navigating sales and marketing success through online sales counselors. She is a past member of the NAHB Sales and Marketing Council Board of Trustees, past chair of the NSMC Membership & Communications Subcommittee, past chair of the Professional Development Subcommittee for NAHB Professional Women in Building and a former board member at both her local Metro Denver HBA PWB and SMC. Giving back to the industry is central to her work and her leadership.
Attend Leah’s IBS Education Session
If you’re looking for practical guidance on blending AI with empathy to strengthen the sales journey, CTRL + ALT + CONNECT: How OSCs Use AI & Empathy to Reboot the Sales Journey is a must-attend session at IBS 2026.
Leah’s session is one of 120+ education opportunities you can choose from to sharpen skills, support growth and help you navigate what’s next in home building and sales. Register today for IBS 2026 and get ready for three days of insights, connections and ideas that move the industry forward.
IBS Education requires an IBS Expo+Education registration.