The 2026 IBS Education* lineup for the NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) is packed with bold ideas, real-world expertise and strategies builders can put to work immediately. With 120+ sessions on the schedule, IBS is where the industry gathers to sharpen skills, challenge your thinking and prepare you for what’s next in home building.
Meet Michael Berke
Among this year’s standout voices is Michael Berke, Founder of Tempo Capital Group, a nationally recognized real estate financing firm specializing exclusively in the home building industry. With decades of experience spanning building, development, finance and capital structuring, Michael brings a rare, 360-degree view of what private builders are up against and how they can win.
Michael’s career includes 20 years as a Chicago-area builder and developer, time as a CFO for a regional homebuilder and experience as an analyst for one of Chicago’s largest banking groups. Today, his mission is clear: level the financing playing field so private and mid-size builders can compete, grow and thrive in an industry increasingly dominated by public builders.
Michael Berke’s IBS Education Session
The home building landscape has shifted dramatically. In 1990, public builders held roughly 5% of the national market share. Today, that number has surged to more than 55%. At IBS 2026, Michael Berke tackles this reality head-on in his session, Private Builders Playbook: Proven Strategies to Win in a Big Builder World.
This candid, builder-to-builder discussion focuses on what private builders can control right now. Rather than dwelling on consolidation alone, the session dives into proven strategies successful private builders are using to differentiate themselves, operate more efficiently and seize opportunities that still exist in today’s competitive environment.
What You’ll Learn in Michael’s Session
Michael’s session is built around practical takeaways and real-world lessons shared directly by successful private home building company owners. Attendees will explore strategies across every major pressure point in the business, including land acquisition, capital, operational efficiency and customer experience.
Topics include land strategies, inventory management, labor and trade partner relationships, business model evolution and the differences between for-sale and build-to-rent approaches. The goal is simple but powerful: equip private builders with proven methods to navigate consolidation, adapt their models and position themselves for long-term success.
Why Michael Is Excited for IBS
For Michael, IBS is all about the people. He’s looking forward to the energy and enthusiasm that fills the show, especially conversations with builders who are eager to learn, connect and improve their businesses. It’s that shared drive to do better that makes the Builders’ Show such a meaningful experience year after year.
Advice for First-Time IBS Attendees
Michael’s advice is straightforward and time-tested: talk to as many people as possible and ask plenty of questions. IBS brings together an industry that’s remarkably open about sharing what works and what doesn’t. First-time attendees will be surprised by how much insight, perspective and connection they can gain just by starting conversations.
The Best Place to Be at IBS
Why choose just one? Michael recommends fully immersing yourself in the IBS experience by spending time in education sessions, exploring the exhibits and connecting in IBS Centrals. Each plays a role in delivering the big picture of where the industry is headed.
The Most Interesting 2026 Industry Trend
From Michael’s perspective, financing and investment evolution is one of the most compelling trends shaping 2026. The rise of private credit and innovative capital solutions is opening doors for builders and developers of all sizes. Options like co-GP equity funds, JV partnerships, land banking and specialty acquisition and development financing are becoming more accessible, creating new paths to growth.
What the Next Five Years Will Bring
Looking ahead, Michael sees the industry becoming even more driven by data. Builders who can translate data into faster, smarter execution will stand apart. The answers will be right in front of us, and those who act decisively will be the ones who thrive.
The Industry’s Biggest Challenge
Consolidation looms large. As public builders continue to grow rapidly, the industry must grapple with a fundamental question: is bigger always better? Michael challenges builders to consider how consolidation impacts consumers and the long-term health of the housing market, and how private builders can continue to deliver value through differentiation and agility.
About Michael Berke
Michael Berke is Founder of Tempo Capital Group, a nationally recognized real estate financing firm serving the homebuilding industry. He provides builders and developers access to debt and JV equity solutions across both for-sale and build-to-rent projects. Known for his ability to structure creative capital arrangements and deliver certainty of execution, Michael helps clients fully capitalize new developments and scale their businesses. His deep background in building, finance and capital markets gives him a unique understanding of what builders need to succeed.
Attend Michael’s IBS Education Session
Private builders ready to grow, adapt and compete won’t want to miss Private Builders Playbook: Proven Strategies to Win in a Big Builder World at IBS 2026. This session delivers real-world strategies, honest dialogue and actionable insights from builders who are navigating today’s market successfully.
Michael’s session is one of 120+ IBS Education opportunities designed to help builders sharpen their edge and prepare for what’s next. Register today for IBS 2026 and get ready for three days of ideas, tools and connections shaping the future of home building.
IBS Education requires an IBS Expo+Education registration.