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Attendees Say IBS Gives a Big Boost to Their Business
What happens at the IBS in Vegas definitely does not stay in Vegas.
When thousands of builders and other home building industry professionals descend on Las Vegas Jan. 19-22 for the International Builders’ Show, attendees will take away information and relationships that will help benefit their businesses for years to come.
“I enjoy going to the IBS for many reasons; the exhibit floor grants me the time to observe new and old products and speak directly with the manufacturers about the questions I've always had and haven't had the time to get answered,” said Pat Kelley, a home builder from Chesterfield, Mo.
IBS attendees connect with manufacturers and suppliers from around the world in one place at one time. Instead of doing research on the Web, making phone calls, visiting showrooms and scheduling appointments with salespeople throughout the year, attendees can see and try the latest products in person, ask questions and take advantage of show specials — all in just a few days.
Home builder Alan Hanbury, Jr., CGR, CAPS, CGP, of Newington, Conn., feels that the IBS trade show has given him a competitive advantage for more than 30 years.
“I have attended every Builders’ Show since 1979 because it is the best opportunity to touch, feel, investigate and grill the sales and tech people at the booths,” he said. “Often, products are rolled out, introduced at the show; what a great opportunity to beat my competitors to the punch.”
Click here for a list of the show's exhibitors.
Another valuable takeaway of the show is the educational sessions, according to J.T. Takacs, a Realtor® and sales and marketing manager for The Woods at Longacre Village in Dover, Del.
“I was overwhelmed by the quality and expertise of the presenters and instructors. I couldn’t have been more pleased with the amount of knowledge I obtained,” he said.
More than 175 education sessions will be held this year on topics including multifamily, 50+ housing and sales and marketing. Many of the courses fulfill the requirements for various builder certifications, and all are led by recognized experts in their fields.
Convention-goers can choose how many days of educational sessions they’d like to attend. One- or two-day education passes are available this year, which provide admittance to as many sessions as attendees care to attend on one or two days of the show. These passes come with admission to the exhibit floor for all four days.
On Friday, Jan. 22, all education sessions will be free.
William E. Becker, MIRM, of The Web Organization, LLC, in Teaneck, N.J., said, “I have been attending the IBS convention for the past 47 years and have yet to be disappointed with the professional education programs, the ideas I picked up from speakers to increase my knowledge and my business, and the friendships I have developed with suppliers and new clients.”
Friendships built at IBS help attendees gain a different perspective on their own business from the experiences of their peers.
“IBS is a cost-effective ‘one-stop shop’ opportunity to get a finger on the pulse of what's going on in the industry,” said Deborah Blake of Pulte Homes' Southwest area division. “I've always taken away valuable information and actionable thinking. Not to mention the value of the discussions with other attendees from all across the country — small, medium, big builders.”
John Palumbo, MIRM, CEO of The Sales DNA Institute in Jacksonville, Fla., summarized his IBS experience in just two sentences.
“The International Builders’ Show is a great opportunity to network with other professionals and get the latest pulse on the market,” he said. “Excellent educational programs and the newest innovations in the building industry — what more could you ask for?”
For more information on attending the IBS, go to www.buildersshow.com.
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