The Builders’ Show is where the residential construction industry comes to discover what’s next, but also where the industry’s best and brightest get their moment in the spotlight.
From award-winning residential designs and projects to innovative products and sales and marketing excellence, the Builders’ Show features several opportunities to celebrate the people, companies and projects raising the bar. And while some ceremonies are included with your IBS registration, others require a separate ticket.
Here’s your guide to the awards you can experience during the Builders Show.
The NationalsSM Awards Gala
If sales, marketing, 55+ housing or global innovation are part of your world, The Nationals Awards Gala is one to put on your IBS calendar.
The Nationals is NAHB’s largest awards competition, recognizing outstanding achievements by individual professionals, home builders and their associates. The gala also features the Best of 55+ Housing Awards, Global Innovation Awards and NAHB Honors.
This is an evening celebration, not a quick awards presentation squeezed between exploring the show floor. Think black-tie attire, dinner, entertainment and plenty of industry recognition.
Ticket required: Yes. The Nationals is a ticketed event, so be sure to add your ticket when you register for IBS.
Why go? You’ll see the people and companies behind some of the industry’s strongest sales, marketing and innovation achievements, while connecting with other residential construction professionals.
Best in American Living™ Awards (BALA)
Design. Remodeling. Multifamily. Offsite construction.
The Best in American Living™ Awards celebrate residential projects that push creativity, innovation and design excellence forward. The program recognizes outstanding work from builders, remodelers, architects, designers and other professionals across the industry.
If you’re looking for fresh ideas for your next project, this awards program is worth seeing. You’ll get a firsthand look at the projects and ideas earning recognition from some of the industry’s leading professionals.
Ticket required: Yes. BALA is a separately ticketed event and can be added to your IBS registration.
Why go? Get inspired by award-winning residential design and discover ideas you can bring back to your own projects.
Best of IBS™ Awards
Want to know which IBS Exhibitor products and solutions are making the biggest impression at the show?
The Best of IBS Awards recognize outstanding building products and services from IBS Exhibitors across nine categories, including home technology, energy efficiency, kitchen and bath, windows and doors, construction tools and innovative building materials. Category winners, including the overall Best in Show winner, are announced during the final day of the show.
And there’s no need to rearrange your evening plans for this one.
Ticket required: No. The Best of IBS Awards Ceremony is open to IBS attendees.
Why go? It’s a quick way to discover some of the most innovative products at IBS and see which new solutions earned top honors.
NAHB Student Chapters Awards
The future of residential construction gets its own spotlight at the NAHB Student Chapters Awards Ceremony.
The program recognizes outstanding student chapters, educators, individual students and Industry Advisory Board members, along with winners of the NAHB Student Competition. It’s also an opportunity for students to connect with residential construction companies and industry professionals.
Ticket required: No. All IBS attendees are welcome.
Why go? If you’re a student, educator, employer or anyone interested in the next generation of residential construction professionals, this is a chance to celebrate emerging talent and see who’s making an impact.
Safety Awards for Excellence (SAFE)
Safety deserves a spotlight, too. The NAHB/Builders Mutual Safety Award for Excellence (SAFE) recognizes individuals, companies and other industry leaders making meaningful contributions to safety in residential construction.
The SAFE Awards are the residential construction industry’s only awards program recognizing professionals who have made successful efforts to advance safety, including innovative safety practices, leading jobsite safety programs and mental health initiatives.
And you don’t have to leave the show floor to see the winners recognized. The SAFE Awards ceremony takes place in the Jobsite Safety Zone, giving IBS attendees an easy opportunity to celebrate the people putting safety at the forefront of residential construction.
Ticket required: No. The SAFE Awards ceremony is part of the show-floor experience and does not require a separate ceremony ticket.
Why go? Get inspired by companies and professionals leading the way in jobsite safety, learn what successful safety programs look like and celebrate the people helping make residential construction safer.
Associates of Excellence Awards
The Builders’ Show isn’t only about celebrating products and projects. It’s also a chance to recognize the people making the residential construction industry stronger.
The Associates of Excellence Awards recognize the volunteer efforts and accomplishments of NAHB Associate Members at the local, state and national levels. The program also honors builder members who go above and beyond to support and do business with associate members.
These awards spotlight the people who often work behind the scenes to strengthen their associations, support their peers and help move the industry forward.
Ticket required: Free, but a ticket may be required. Admission is free, but IBS attendees have to reserve a ticket during IBS registration, with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Why go? Celebrate the volunteers and industry partners who make a difference beyond their day jobs and discover some of the people helping build stronger NAHB communities.
NAHB Young Professionals Awards
The NAHB Young Professionals Awards spotlight rising industry leaders.
The awards recognize young professionals who are helping shape the future of the residential construction industry through leadership, industry involvement, innovation and commitment to the growth of residential construction. The awards are part of the Young Professionals experience at the Builders’ Show, alongside dedicated networking and the Young Pro Party (which also requires a separate ticket to attend).
If you’re a young professional, this is a chance to see who’s making an impact early in their careers. If you’re an established industry professional, it’s a chance to celebrate the people who will help lead the industry forward.
Ticket required: Yes. Add your ticket to your IBS registration. You will not receive a physical or electronic ticket, but your name will be added to the event guest list and checked at the door.
Why go? Meet and celebrate the next generation of residential construction leaders.
The Takeaway
Some ceremonies require a separate ticket, some are free and some may require you to reserve a free ticket. When you register for IBS 2027, check the event details and add any ticketed or reservation-required awards ceremonies you want to attend. A little planning can keep your awards itinerary from becoming the one thing you forgot to put on your IBS Vegas itinerary.
Did You Know?
You can experience several awards programs without buying a separate ticket, while others require you to add a ticket to your IBS registration. If an awards ceremony is on your must-see list, check the event details when you register so you don’t miss your chance to be there.
Make Awards Part of Your IBS Game Plan
IBS is about much more than walking the show floor or advancing your industry and business knowledge in IBS Education sessions. It’s a chance to see what’s winning, what’s innovating and who’s setting the pace across residential construction.
Ready to plan your IBS 2027 experience? Registration opens Sept 1 at BuildersShow.com.