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Two years have passed since I last attended the International Builders’ Show (IBS). My previous visit, in Orlando, felt like walking through a ghost town: the event had shrunk to a single hall and the aisles were nearly empty. The recession hit the building industry hard, and the lack of exhibitors and attending builders made that painfully clear.
Now, with the show returned to Las Vegas, the mood is much brighter. The housing market has shown significant improvement compared with a year ago, and that renewed confidence is evident on the show floor. Builders are back, actively seeking new products and services to bring into their businesses.
Over the three days the exhibit halls were consistently busy. Unlike recent years, the aisles were bustling and many booths were crowded with attendees eager to see the latest offerings.
The atmosphere was lively and creative: some exhibitors handed out iPads to mark milestone celebrations, others hired bands to bring energy to their displays, and a few staged memorable, interactive demonstrations.
Most excitingly, next year’s event promises to be even larger. Organizers have announced that IBS will coincide with the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (K/BIS) in Las Vegas, creating a combined experience that should draw an even wider range of professionals and innovations. It looks like the industry’s recovery is translating into renewed momentum and a sense of optimism for what’s ahead.