The New Product Zone at the 2026 NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) not only showed up. It showed off.
Launched at IBS 2022 in Orlando, the New Product Zone returned to its birthplace this year at the Builders’ Show and delivered its biggest performance yet. What started as a promising debut four years ago has grown into one of the most popular destinations at the Builders’ Show.
Midea Residential Air Conditioning was the exclusive sponsor of the New Product Zone at IBS 2026.
Record Growth in 2026
This year’s New Product Zone numbers tell the story:
- 79 exhibitors
- 90 products
- Most products ever featured in New Product Zone history
That is not incremental growth. It is compound momentum.
Each exhibitor brought something fresh to the table. Builders, remodelers and industry pros explored innovations across categories without trekking the entire exhibit floor. The New Product Zone has become a fast-forward button for what’s new and what’s next in residential construction.
Learn more about the exhibitors and products featured in The New Product Zone.
Traffic That Turned Heads
Nearly 6,000 visitors were counted in the New Product Zone. That number is only part of the story because not every visitor is counted, which means total foot traffic was even higher.
Translation: The curiosity was real.
Attendees were stopping, asking questions and leaning in. The New Product Zone created the kind of energy you want around new ideas.
A Full-Circle Moment in Orlando
The New Product Zone launched in Orlando at IBS 2022. Four years later, it returned to Orlando stronger, louder and packed wall-to-wall with innovation. It continues to evolve from a new concept into a cornerstone feature of IBS – a must-stop destination for show attendees.
Innovation in Action
From cutting-edge materials to smart jobsite solutions, the variety in the New Product Zone reflected where the industry is headed. Don’t take our word for it, though. Hear from a New Product Zone exhibitor about their experience.
“We launched our brand four years ago at IBS. The exposure was extraordinary and enabled us to change the way walls are finished in the world today. We have utilized the New Product Zone each year to advance our technology and brand recognition, while always being one of the busiest booths at the show year after year. The exposure you get from exhibiting in the New Product Zone, money can’t buy. It only takes one contact to change your company overnight. In our experience, we have grown by approximately 1000% year over year and attribute this success largely to IBS. The Builders’ Show has always been the show that yields the most contacts to help a company grow.”
–Sheila A Cross, Founder Muddskip LLC.
With 90 products featured this year, the New Product Zone is no longer the “new kid” at the show. It’s a launchpad, proving ground and spotlight for ideas that deserve attention.
If 2026 set a record, the real question is: how much higher can it climb?
One thing is certain. When IBS opens its doors again, the New Product Zone will be ready to raise the bar all over again.