At the 2026 NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS), registrants with an Expo+Education Pass could choose from 130+ education sessions spanning everything from AI and affordability to leadership strategy. And here’s the secret sauce: those same registrants can revisit sessions or catch what they missed on-demand* through June 30, 2026, turning three packed days into months of learning on replay.
Top 10 IBS 2026 Education Sessions
Here are the 10 sessions that drew the biggest crowds, sparked the most discussion and delivered the kind of insights attendees are still thinking about. And some of the sessions that IBS 2026 Expo+Education registrants can access on demand through June 30.
#1 The Outlook: 2026 Housing & Economic Forecast
A perennial favorite for a reason, this session delivered a clear-eyed look at where the housing market is headed, breaking down economic indicators, buyer behavior and what builders should prepare for next. Attendees walked away with both caution flags and green lights.
#2 Jon Taffer & Gene Myers: Building Competitive Advantage
Part strategy, part adrenaline shot, this dynamic Game Changers session blended hospitality-driven customer experience insights with building industry expertise, showing how to stand out in a crowded, competitive market.
#3 Design Sells: Create Affordable Homes Buyers Want & Can Afford
Affordability met aspiration here. This session tackled the puzzle of designing homes that hit budget targets without sacrificing style or livability, a balancing act that’s more important than ever.
#4 An Insider Guide to 2026 Design & Product Trends
Think of this as your crystal ball for what buyers will be asking for next. From materials and layouts to must-have features, this session mapped out the trends shaping the homes of tomorrow.
#5 The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Builders
A blueprint for success that goes beyond bricks and mortar, this session focused on mindset, leadership and operational discipline, offering practical habits that separate top-performing builders from the pack.
#6 3 Keys to Winning Floor Plans: Right-Sized, On-Trend, Margin-Boosting
Floor plans are where design meets dollars. This session broke down how to create layouts that buyers love while protecting (and even increasing) margins.
#7 AI is Your MVP: Train & Coach Your Team to Win
Artificial intelligence stepped into the spotlight as a true team player. Attendees learned how to integrate AI into workflows and empower teams to work smarter, faster and more efficiently.
#8 Avoid Margin Loss & Unlock Hidden Profit Through Smarter Project Management
Profit leaks can hide in plain sight. This session helped builders identify inefficiencies, tighten processes and uncover profit opportunities that often go unnoticed.
#9 The Rally: Unstoppable Sales — 5 Pillars to Stand Out, Win Buyers & Sell More in 2026
High energy and packed with takeaways, this session delivered a powerful framework for boosting sales performance and connecting with today’s buyers in meaningful ways.
#10 AI Demystified: Field-Tested Tools to Streamline Builds, Protect Margins & Reduce Headaches
AI made a second appearance on this list, this time with a practical, no-hype approach. Attendees explored real-world tools already being used in the field to simplify operations and improve outcomes.
Why an IBS Expo+Education Pass Was the Real Power Move
With so many can’t-miss sessions happening simultaneously, even the most strategic attendee had to make tough choices.
That’s where the Expo+Education pass really shines:
- You can choose from 130+ sessions across 9 industry tracks
- Multiple formats to meet every learning style
- On-demand access through June 30, 2026
So, if you had to miss a session or want to rewatch a session you loved*, you’re not out of luck. You’ve got a rewind button.
The Real Win: Learning That Lasts Beyond the Show
The Builders’ Show isn’t just a three-day sprint. With on-demand access*, it becomes a slow-burn masterclass you can revisit when:
- You’re planning your next community
- Rethinking your sales strategy
- Or finally tackling that tech stack upgrade you bookmarked in February
Because the best IBS sessions don’t just inform, they echo on long after the show floor clears.
Only Expo+Education registrants for IBS 2026 can access Education On Demand. While the IBS 2026 sessions are not available for purchase, register for an Expo+Education Pass when registration opens Sept 1 for access to the recorded 2027 IBS Education sessions.
*Access to Education On Demand is not available for purchase, but if you want access to the recorded 2027 IBS Education sessions, register for an Expo+Education Pass when registration opens Sept 1.