New Exhibits, Latest Education Tracks To Be Unveiled At International Builders' Show

WASHINGTON, Nov. 21 - Excitement is building for the National Association of Home Builders' 2012 International Builders' Show (IBS) Feb. 8-11 as planners report pre-registration figures up nearly a quarter over this time last year and dozens of exhibitors have snapped up remaining booths in the last two weeks.

The Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., will be packed with IBS events featuring expert speakers, opportunities for networking and entertainment, nearly 175 outstanding education sessions, home tours and more than 700 exhibitors with the products and services that make it the largest light commercial construction show in the world.

Home builders, remodelers, designers, architects and developers will fill the classrooms and trade show floor to learn about and examine the latest energy-efficient appliances and insulation products, technical improvement and innovation in roofing, decking and other building supplies, new design trends for the kitchen, bath and outdoor living areas--and everything in between.

"I do about 10 shows a year, but if you said to me I could only do one, it would be this one," said Brian Stowell, president of Crown Point Cabinetry in Claremont, N.H. The company is exhibiting at the International Builders' Show for the third year in a row. In a still struggling housing market, "unless you are there, you are not going to be in front of the people who are doing the jobs," he said.

They will also gain a better understanding of the country's economic outlook at a special presentation by Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke open to all credentialed attendees on Feb. 10.

Thirteen tracks of education--from "Remodeling" and "Green Building and Sustainability" to "Business Opportunities and New Markets"--offer a wealth of information to professionals in all segments of the industry. Sessions detail tools for innovative project financing in a tough lending market, social media tactics specific to new home buyers and other effective marketing tactics, advanced framing techniques, consumer preference surveys for the 50+ buyer--and more.

"Outstanding networking opportunities, special displays and product information for niche markets such as universal design and custom building, and the signature educational events that only NAHB can provide--each of those is reason enough to make plans to attend the International Builders' Show," said NAHB Chairman Bob Nielsen, a home builder from Reno, Nev.

Highlights of the opening ceremonies include appearances by hiker Aron Ralston, who survived a harrowing trip through a remote Utah canyon that is retold in the movie 127 Hours, and magicians Penn & Teller.

"I encourage all my home building industry colleagues to visit the Show website at www.buildersshow.com for registration information and a preview of the many activities and events we have planned--and I hope to see you at the International Builders' Show," he said.