Roundtable discussions at the upcoming NAHB International Builders’ Show in Orlando will focus on how residential builders looking for opportunities to diversify their businesses in today’s challenging housing market can apply their skills to small-scale commercial projects.

Sponsored by the NAHB Commercial Builders Council (NCBC), the “Move Into Commercial” roundtable discussions are geared to promoting a dialogue among builders interested in working on projects that are less than four stories — including schools, religious facilities, strip malls, mixed-use retail, self-storage, warehouses and medical offices.

The roundtables will be held on Thursday, Feb. 9, noon-1:30 p.m., in the NCBC headquarters, West 303A.

The NCBC headquarters is open to all IBS attendees and provides a place to relax and network with commercial builders.

Discussion will occur simultaneously and will focus on three topics:

• Ted Clifton — a designer and builder from Coupeville, Wash., who owns Zero-Energy Home Plans and Clifton View Homes — will lead a discussion on building commercial properties to own, which can help in difficult economic times.
  
  
• Incoming NCBC Chairman Ken Ringe, president of Bayview Construction Corp. in Stuart, Fla., will discuss the basics of bonding basics and common mistakes to avoid.
  
  
• 2011 NCBC Chairman Gene Graf III, owner of Gallatin Center LP in Bozeman, Mont., will lead an open discussion entertaining questions from attendees on their own commercial projects and the commercial industry.

Lunch will be provided during the discussion.

Other opportunities for commercial builders during IBS include:

Wednesday, Feb. 8

• "Surviving With Light Commercial"
  1:30-3:00 p.m.
  West 304E

Friday, Feb. 10.

• "Improving Trade Contractor Relationships — From Good to GREAT!"
  1:30-3:00 p.m.
  West 311B-C

To RSVP for roundtable registration or for more information, email Lisa Leone at NAHB, or call her at 800-368-5242 x8455, and leave a name, telephone number and email address.