Every savvy home builder knows that success requires far more than simply being good with a hammer and saw.

The more than 250 educational sessions being offered at the upcoming International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Las Vegas on Jan. 20-23 will focus on the information industry professionals need to remain successful in today’s difficult housing marketplace.

Builders will have the opportunity to hear about what will attract new business and learn how to manage more profitable jobs, respond to changing consumer needs and capitalize on the growing green building trend.

To make schedule planning easy for the tens of thousands of builders who will be coming to the show from across the country, IBS workshops and sessions are arranged in nine “tracks” or topic areas:

• Architecture, Design and Community Planning
• Business Opportunities and New Markets
• Construction Methods and Systems
• Economic Trends and Housing Finance
• Green Building and Sustainability
• Innovation and Technology
• Legal Issues and Government Regulation
• Organization and Business Management
• Sales and Customer Focus

Something for Everyone

IBS programming has been designed to help builders no matter what their industry niche or how far along they are in their careers. For example, in addition to pre-show courses on dozens of topics, some of the IBS sessions provide credits toward professional designations such as MIRM, CAPS and RCS. The IBS will also include a broad array of advanced-level educational sessions, with the most popular sessions offered multiple times.

Among widely-recognized industry leaders who will be presenting educational sessions:

• Steve Easley, internationally recognized construction consultant, will speak on “The Green & Sustainable High Performance Home.”
• Tony Crasi, president and founder of Crasi, Inc., will share valuable insights on “Achievable Million Dollar Details.”
• Gary Ryness, founder and president of The Ryness Company, will address the fine points of “Moving Stalled Inventory With Auctions.”
• Freddie Mac Chief Economist Frank Nothaft will provide a timely presentation on the “Housing and Economic Outlook.”

Hands-on Learning

Builders attending the IBS will also be able to pick up a variety of useful ideas in less formal settings than the educational sessions. The New American Home will showcase the latest in green building technology, the hottest trends in outdoor living and the most up-to-date building techniques. And the IBS exhibit hall will display the newest home building products and solutions from more than 1,700 suppliers and industry partners.

Many builders are using today’s slowing home building market as an opportunity to retool their skill sets so that they are well prepared to lead the competition when the market bounces back. Recognizing this need, NAHB is introducing new pricing options for registered attendees at this year’s show. NAHB members can buy individual tickets to attend IBS education sessions for as little as $50 ($70 for non-members); buy four tickets and get a fifth ticket free; or buy seven tickets and get three free. (For more on IBS cost-saving education options, click here).

The 2009 IBS is expected to draw more than 90,000 attendees from around the U.S. and more than 100 countries, representing every facet of home building and related industries.

To learn more about the variety of education opportunities at IBS, click here.

For the latest IBS information — including floor plans, renderings and construction photos of The New American Home — visit the 2009 International Builders’ Show Web site at www.buildersshow.com.

Las Vegas Dining, Shopping and Sightseeing Guides Available at BuilderBooks.com

Dining, shopping and sightseeing “must-have guides” for those who want to get the most out of the 2009 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas are available at BuilderBooks.com.  

These comprehensive guides offer expert advice and trustworthy information on dining, shopping and entertainment for every budget.

To view or purchase these guides online, click here, or call 800-223-2665.