This year’s Walls & Ceilings Convention Companion lists an expanding roster of trade shows serving our industry. As usual, each of these shows will present its own unique display of exhibitions, seminars, workshops and award ceremonies. Whether you are looking for the latest in products, technology, construction code updates, or education and training, each event offers plenty of value, introductions and even some entertainment. 

Look for Walls & Ceilings at these shows in the next 12 months.

EIMA (EIFS Industry Members Association)

March 7-9, Sawgrass Marriott Resort, Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

The EIFS’ industry’s only official show, brought to you by the EIFS Industry Members Association, will hold its Annual Meeting in the Sunshine State. The fun and sunshine begins March 7 and ends March 9 at the historic Sawgrass Marriott Resort. 

Like 2016’s highly successful meeting in Orlando, an extra day is added to the meeting to accommodate all the programs and activities that are lined up.

This year’s overall theme—“One Industry Team”—highlights how the industry is stronger working together for a common goal. Throughout the three-day event, the association will have an agenda full of relevant events for each of its member categories. 

In each, one will see how collaboration will move the EIFS industry forward and how bringing more outside groups to the table can help with these efforts. This meeting will be a non-stop cavalcade of events in which attendees can obtain information that will help in the present and future. The program is structured to encourage interaction between all who attend and includes events that span the spectrum from those that are educational, enlightening and entertaining. Networking opportunities continue to expand and remain a hallmark of EIMA Annual Meetings. 

The annual Duncan Crowther Golf Tournament will be a major part of the meeting at the famed TPC Sawgrass, while non-golfers will have the opportunity to visit the sites of historic St. Augustine.

Informative panel discussions have become one of the pivotal and most educational portions of recent EIMA Annual Meetings, and this year it only gets better. The panel, entitled “Continuous Insulation, Exterior Claddings and Fire,” will feature a group of the nation’s top fire safety experts to discuss the fire safety implications of the growing use of combustible plastic foam insulation in construction. The panel will be made up of leading experts, insulation professionals, and industry consultants, all of whom have decades of experience with this topic. Additionally, the meeting will showcase guest speakers Dr. Joseph Lstiburek (Building Science Corporation) and Jim Kuhn (Former Special Assistant to President Ronald Reagan), who will both share educational and entertaining stories from their respected fields. 

For contractors in attendance, the “EIFS Contractors Committee Breakfast” will return to discuss pressing challenges for the EIFS industry and beyond, including challenges associated with the construction industry’s personnel shortage. This breakfast will be formatted to invite discussion from contractors in attendance. EIMA is also hosting a special Students Breakfast this year with the University of North Florida’s Construction Management Department School of Architecture and the University of Florida’s College of Design Construction and Planning. By partnering with the leaders of tomorrow, the EIFS industry will be better positioned for the future. Attendees will walk away knowing more than ever before about the ever-growing EIFS industry and the initiatives of EIMA in 2018 and beyond.

For more information, visit eima.com. 

Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry

March 24-28, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

AWCI Celebrates 100 Years

You’ll be part of a history-making industry meeting when you attend AWCI’s Convention & INTEX Expo in Orlando, Fla. Along with top-notch education sessions and networking events, AWCI’s centennial celebrations throughout the March 24–28 meeting are like none hosted by AWCI in the past.

Time Capsule

During the convention, AWCI will fill and seal a time capsule to be opened during AWCI’s bicentennial celebration in 2118. AWCI members are invited to submit a message for future generations and associates of their company and send it to porinchak@awci.org, or post it on AWCI’s Facebook page (facebook/awciwall, and please use the #AWCI100 hashtag). Or, visit the AWCI booth at the INTEX Expo and see the time capsule for yourself, and add your note. AWCI will take steps to preserve the notes so that they will be readable in 100 years.

White Diamond President’s Reception

Fireworks at Epcot are a great way to start! Instead of the one-hour reception held in the past, this extended version, which is March 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., will feature heavy hors d’oeuvres and be held in the Epcot American Adventure Rotunda. This exclusive location means RSVPs are required for both bus transportation and entrance into the event.

Opening Session/ Awards Brunch

Again AWCI is breaking with tradition by not awarding a Pinnacle Award in 2018. Why? Because AWCI is the star of the show! Attend the brunch to see a new video on the history of AWCI, then look to the future with the keynote speaker, Jack Uldrich. The opening session starts at 9:30 a.m. on March 27.

Celebration Night Dinner

AWCI goes formal for the dinner and auction on March 27, and the moment will be captured in a photograph that will be put on display at AWCI headquarters. Attendees will be asked to grab a seat for a group photo, so please be on time—be there by 6 p.m.! After that, browse auction items, catch up with friends and colleagues, and have your own photo taken by our pro photographer. Each couple will receive a copy of their photo in a commemorative AWCI frame.

AWCI’s Construction Dimensions

In celebration of 100 years of AWCI, its magazine has been publishing articles related to the history of the industry and AWCI since July 2017. But the March 2018 issue, the one that will be distributed to all attendees of AWCI’s Convention & INTEX Expo, is a special collector’s edition focusing on everything from vintage history to the future. 

More Surprises

Those are the big highlights, but we don’t want to ruin all the fun by telling you everything. You’ll have to attend the convention to see what else is in store! Keep an eye on AWCI’s convention website (awci.org/convention) and AWCI’s social media sites for updates.

For information, call (703) 538-1600 or visit awci.org/convention. 

Ceilings & Interior Systems Construction Association

March 24-28, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Fla. 

CISCA promotes and supports the industry by providing a network of opportunities with industry leaders through education and a forum to allow the industry to interact, evolve and prosper. 

Construction Excellence Award winners will be showcased throughout the year. The awards will be presented at the Keynote Dinner on March 26.  

Schedule of Events

March 25

• CISCA Shot Gun Golf Outing 
• Registration 
• Specialty Manufacturer’s Rep and Contractor Reception 
• Welcome Reception 

March 26

• Registration 
• Manufacturer Rep Sales Meetings 
• Past Presidents Meeting 
• Educational Sessions
• Awards Program /Keynote Dinner

March 27

• Manufacturer Rep Sales Meetings 
• Wall and Panel Committee Meeting 
• Small Manufacturers Meeting
• INTEX Expo Opens
• Farewell Reception

March 28

• Board of Directors Meeting
• INTEX Expo

For additional information on the CISCA convention, visit cisca.org or call (630) 584-1919.

INTEX Expo

March 27-28, Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort, Orlando, Fla.

Expect a great time to be had professionally and leisurely at this year’s INTEX Expo, returning after a decade to Orlando, Fla. This time of the year in Florida, expect warmer weather than up north and to be introduced to loads of new industry products and accessories. The industry’s biggest trade show will feature new ceilings, drywall related products, EIFS/stucco, steel framing, pumps/hoppers, hand and power tools, building material cranes and lifts, insulation and plenty more. 

The INTEX Expo, which is managed by AWCI and co-sponsored by the Ceilings & Interior Systems Construction Association, continues to be the largest wall and ceiling trade show (and gathering) in the industry. More than 140 exhibitors in more than 270 booths are eager to share their latest innovations with their key buyers.

Exhibitors will be on hand to offer new technologies, products and tools to enhance your productivity and strategies to give you the competitive edge in your market. Meet with the manufacturers face-to-face to discuss their new product lines and company events. 

This annual event is held in conjunction with AWCI and CISCA’s respective programs, events and seminars. Throughout the week, several committee meetings take place, as well.  

Visit intexconstructionexpo.com for a complete list of exhibitors and more information.  

Visit Walls & Ceilings at booth #912 and meet our staff.

NWCB (Northwest Wall and Ceiling Bureau) 

May 3-5, WESTIN La Paloma Resort & Spa, Tucson, Ariz.

The theme of this year’s NWCB 2018 convention is “Visionary Leadership.” The goal of the event is to help you approach the future in a strategic manner and share your vision to inspire others. 

The event features a trade show, educational sessions, industry meetings, social events, golf and other outdoor activities. Attendees gain access to the latest must-know information and can take advantage of many opportunities to connect with industry peers and partners.

The convention activities get underway with a golf tournament Thursday morning at the Westin La Paloma Golf Club. As an alternative to golf, those who are looking to experience the Sonoran Desert can participate in a dude-ranch experience with either a horseback trail ride or a fishing experience.

The official convention agenda commences Thursday afternoon with the opening session featuring a keynote speaker and the announcement of the 2018 Outstanding Project of the Year Awards celebrating the achievements of the wall and ceiling industry. The opening session keynote speaker is Paul Smith, author, speaker and one of the foremost experts on corporate and organizational storytelling as a business tool.

The trade show opens Friday morning with an exhibit breakfast. The attendees will have an opportunity to browse through exhibits and to win prizes. Right after the exhibit hall event, the education component of the convention starts with a seminar “Tell Your Story – Learn to Craft and Communicate Stories that Get Results” by Paul Smith. The attendees will work on real-life scenarios and develop their organizational storytelling skills.

Next in the educational lineup is a program called “Virtual and Augmented Reality in the Construction Industry,” which will be presented by Cody Novak, Founder of DisruptAEC. This program will give us a review of current and rapidly developing new technologies that are revolutionizing construction.

Learning continues at a seminar presented by James T. Yand, attorney and partner at Miller Nash Graham & Dunn LLP, who will discuss contract language to ensure timely payment – an issue always important and timely for wall and ceiling contractors. Following the legal topic, there will be high-level discussion on business planning and strategy as John Tullius, CICP, associate at Tullius Partners presents a program titled “The Master Plan – Valuing your Business and your Options.”

The afternoon’s education concludes in a technical seminar on continuous insulation finishing systems presented by NWCB Executive Director Terry Kastner.

Next on the Friday afternoon agenda are the caucus meetings for the various industry segments, including contractors, labor organizations and dealer members. 

After the caucus meetings, the organizers are introducing a new activity in the exhibit hall—express networking for the exhibitors and qualifying contractor attendees. This session consists of up to six pre-arranged appointments, and the attendees are treated to snacks and refreshments. 

After a busy day of learning, collaborating and networking, the attendees can enjoy a fun, casual dinner party at the resort’s pool. Once the sun goes down, representatives from the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association will be there to help attendees get a closer look at the starry sky through their powerful telescopes.

Saturday’s agenda begins with the Annual Membership meeting of the Northwest Wall and Ceiling Bureau, which will be followed by brunch in the exhibit hall, giving attendees one last chance to visit with the exhibitors and win valuable prizes.

After the trade show closes, there will be a special meeting for the signatory contractors and industry labor organizations to discuss common goals and the future of the industry.

As always, this event is family friendly and family members are welcome at the convention events. There are special activities organized for the spouses, and the youngest delegates can enjoy their own, special adventures at the Westin Kids Club. With museums, historic sites, hiking trails, golf courses and shopping around every corner, Tucson offers something for everyone and is a great destination for a fun family vacation.

The event will close with a reception and banquet featuring fine dining, the presentation of the Industry Person of the Year Award and a keynote by Linda Welter, CEO of the Caliber Group, an award-winning brand marketing, public relations, social media and interactive firm based in Tucson. The keynote is titled “Build a Personal Brand & Impressions that Matter,” a perfect ending to the quest of learning to tell the story of who we are and what we stand for.

Guestroom reservations can be made by calling (800) WESTIN1 or online (link found at WallCeilingShow.org). The group rate is $199 per night.  The resort fee has been waived. The cutoff date for group reservations is April 11 or sooner if the block fills up.

This event is organized by the Northwest Wall & Ceiling Bureau. Please visit wallceilingshow.org for more information and convenient online registration.

AIA National Convention and Design Exposition

June 21-23, Javits Center, New York

This year’s annual exposition has more than 200,000 square feet of booths, galleries, and lounges. More than 800 exhibiting companies representing software and technology, energy efficiency, building systems, finishes, lighting, stone and tile, restoration and more. The materials and technologies of tomorrow featured in specialty product pavilions today.

This year’s theme is "Blueprint for Better Cities." This theme will explore how to design cities, towns and communities that are smarter, healthier, more equitable and sustainable. 

AIA Convention 2018 is one of the largest gatherings of architecture and design professionals in the world, and the expo floor is a hotspot of activity. It’s not just an exhibit hall—it’s also a temporary built environment packed with the first looks that will affect your practice into the future. 

From software to building systems to stone and tile, you’ll explore the newest and upcoming high-tech products and materials, and experience demos, displays, and galleries. Many wall and ceiling manufacturers will be attending the show. 

There’s also live programming, expo credit courses, and longer dedicated expo-only hours to give you ample time to browse the floor with no scheduling conflicts.

This year’s keynote speakers are yet to be announced.

Countless seminars and education sessions are all available at the institute’s website. For more information about this year’s show, visit aia.org or
conferenceonarchitecture.com.

Regional Shows

Wall and Ceiling Alliance

The Wall And Ceiling Alliance will hold its annual Construction Excellence Awards Show this late spring/early summer in California. The program honors contractors who have performed exceptional wall and ceiling work. 

Also, WACA and the Wall and Ceiling Bureau will hold its annual Wall & Ceiling Expo this summer in Northern California. The Expo is a regional program designed and intended for all professional levels of the industry.  

Show attendees represent all areas of the wall and ceiling industry: architects, designers, building officials, contractors, general contractors, suppliers and dealers, manufacturers, industry professionals, along with construction management students. If you are part of the community, and part of our Northern California community, you should attend.  

For information on sponsorships, please contact Carmen Valencia at (925) 523-3898.

TLPCA Annual Convention

The Texas Lathing & Plastering Contractors Association Annual Convention and Trade Show will return to Austin, Texas.

The 66th Annual Convention & Trade Show will offer meetings, receptions, golf tournament, exhibitors trade show, educational program, Annual Design Awards Competition, spouses program, awards banquet, dinners and casino night entertainment.

President Chad Dupree is looking forward to welcoming members and friends to the Austin Convention and Trade Show. 

Additional information on registration and sponsorship opportunities will be available at tlpca.org or call the association office at (817) 461-0676. 

FWCCA Annual Convention and Trade Show 

The 2018 FWCCA Annual Convention and Trade Show will be held at the Trump National Doral in Miami, July 12-15. This year’s show will feature 100 exhibits from throughout the nation with many new as well as returning exhibitors.

The Annual Golf Tournament will take place on the renowned Blue Monster golf course at the property and this event has been sold out for over three months. There will be prizes, a raffle to benefit our scholarship program full of great golf items and exhibits on the golf course with member companies giving away great items to all players.

The Trade Show will open on July 13 from 5:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m., and on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by the association’s annual Industry Awards Luncheon and presentation on incoming officers and directors.

There will be industry educational programs on both July 12 and 13 commencing at 1:30 p.m. and continuing until the President’s Cocktail Reception on Thursday and the exhibition opens on Friday.

Last year’s show saw 1,000 attendees over the two-day period and we anticipate this year’s event in fabulous Miami will be even greater. 

For more information, call (407) 260-1313 or visit fwcca.com.

ICAA Convention and Trade Show

September 13-15, Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Orlando, Fla.

The three-day ICAA Convention and Trade Show features educational programs that target new technology, essential business skills, and ever-changing industry regulation and opportunities. And the ICAA Trade Show is an outstanding once-a-year opportunity for suppliers and contractors to network and talk business.

Again this year, ICAA strives for record-breaking participation by trade show exhibitors who assemble an impressive diversity of insulation products and services for prospective customers. These exhibitors represent leading insulation manufacturers; suppliers of materials, equipment, and technology; and complementary businesses such as closet shelving, firestopping, health and safety equipment, infrared imaging systems, and computer software.

This is ICAA’s 40th Convention and Trade Show. With four decades of leadership in the insulation industry, ICAA proudly presents a dynamic and information-packed, three-day assembly in which business strategy and skill building are paramount.

Executive Director Michael Kwart says of this important industry event, “Attendance at the annual ICAA Convention and Trade Show is a very important annual business decision for ICAA member-contractors and suppliers. It is an opportunity for participants to fuel their businesses and generate growth. It is an unparalleled professional experience that features reviews of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

For more information, please visit insulate.org/convention. 

CONSTRUCT SHOW (CSI)

October 3-5, Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, Calif.

After a well-attended event in Providence, R.I., in 2017, The CONSTRUCT Show is headed west this year to California. This trade show is your most cost effective strategy for combining educational opportunities with practical, real-world, product and service solutions for your business success. This event is dedicated to the institutional, industrial and commercial building industry. If you design, build, specify, engineer, renovate or operate in the built environment, this is your event. 

CONSTRUCT Show offers a relevant, accredited education program, an expansive exhibit hall floor filled with the latest services, products and technologies, as well as a myriad of networking opportunities. In conjunction with the CSI Annual Convention, the event is coupled with technical tours, activities and special events. The trade show is the only dedicated national event specifically designed to provide the commercial building team real-world, practical products and education solutions.

Find hundreds of exhibitors with the newest trends and practices on the show floor and, with non-conflicting hours, attend your choice of more 50 accredited courses. The education program sessions, taught by experts, offer AIA LUs and HSWs and GBCI CE. Unparalleled networking opportunities include the Welcome Reception, the CSI Night Out event and other social events.

For more information, please visit constructshow.com.

The Remodeling Show

October 9-11, Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore

In many ways, The Remodeling Show is a similar and complementary show to the larger IBS show, yet has its charm and clear focus to remodeling contractors. The Remodeling Show | DeckExpo | JLC LIVE (R|D|J) is a co-located annual trade-only residential construction event that provides remodelers, deck builders and other industry professionals with a vibrant exhibit hall filled with nearly 300 products and services from leading industry manufacturers, a strong educational conference program with business and job site training, and networking events every day of the show.

Among the hundreds of exhibitors, the exhibit hall features live installation clinics presented by leading industry professionals, interactive, hands-on workshops, and instructional exhibitor-led product demonstrations.

Forge new relationships with product manufacturers on the exhibit hall floor, fellow construction professionals in the educational conference sessions, and during social functions like the all-new Boots & Booze Bash, meet-ups, and other less formal get-togethers during the week.

Education

The conference program is carefully planned, crafted, and developed by industry leaders for construction professionals.

R|D|J offers an enjoyable learning experience through various training programs, both within the conference program and on the exhibit hall floor that allow you to customize your experience to fit your individual and professional needs.

To view registration information, visit remodelingdeck.com.

STAFDA Annual Convention & Trade Show

October 28-30, Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix

STAFDA’s recent 41st Annual Convention & Trade Show, held in Austin last year had another great year in attendance.

Day One featured five educational workshops, one spouse/companion program and a “speed interviewing” opportunity.

• Blink They’re Gone! - Why Today’s Customers are Leaving Your Company for the Competition & How to Win Them Back! - David Avrin
• Reviving Work Ethic: How to End Entitlement Mentality & Create an Enronment of Achievement - Eric Chester
• Feedback with Impact: Part 1, “Great Bosses ear Feedback Glasses;” Part 2, “Tough Conversations, Top Outcomes” - Jill Geisler (This workshop does not repeat.)
• Smart Teams - Creating Teams that Succeed Together - Jason Young

The business sessions covered today’s trending issues from the customers leaving for competitors, work ethic, sales, giving feedback with impact and working “smart” as a team.

Day Two began with the General Session featuring a state of the industry speech from state-of-the-Industry reports and Keynote Speaker John Ratzenberger. 

Afterwards, the doors opened to STAFDA’s Trade Show and it was a mad rush for distributors to see the latest and greatest from over 35 different product categories for six hours before enjoying an evening of manufacturer hospitality.

Day Three began with economist, Alan Beaulieu’s annual forecast for 2018 and beyond. His forecasts boast a 96 percent accuracy rate and the standing room only crowd exceeded capacity early on in his program.

Afterwards, the trade show opened, where attendees could spend more time at booths. The convention concluded with a closing party.

This year’s show will be held in Phoenix from October 28 through 30. Online registration from the members-only section of STAFDA’s website begins this spring. Not a lot of information has been published in regards to this year’s event but check the association’s website for continuing developments. 

For general information and to learn more about the association, visit stafda.org.

Greenbuild International Conference & Expo

November 14-16, McCormick Place, Chicago

Greenbuild offers a truly unique experience. It is the place to be to get inspired and find yourself among other like-minded people in the sustainable building and construction industry. Planning for the 2018 event is well underway and we hope you’ll join the celebration this November in the Windy City.

Educational Opportunities

By attending Greenbuild, not only can you attend the 200-plus courses that keep you up-to-date with your LEED certification and everything going on in the industry, but you get to actively participate by asking questions and speaking with other attendees in the multiple education sessions offered in the core conference program, and the education available on the expo hall floor.

• International Summit returns
• Expanded offerings for the residential community

At Greenbuild, you are going to see a vast array of sustainable building supplies that you may have not known to exist.

• Pavilions on the show floor and the return of the Net Zero Energy Zone
• Networking and having a great time with your colleagues. Making connections with those in the know, people who can provide you with ideas and answers, making new friends. Why not take the time to enjoy yourself, get out and socialize and meet really interesting people.

Waterbuild: The Water Summit at Greenbuild

• Plenary speakers and celebration entertainment announcements coming soon
• Endless opportunities for networking throughout the week
• Women in Green Breakfast Sponsored by Sustainable Forestry Initiative

Visit greenbuildexpo.com for show information, hotel reservations and sign up to be notified when registration opens soon.

World of Concrete

January 23-26, 2019 Las Vegas

World of Concrete 2018 exceeded expectations across the board, and concluded the 43rd show as the largest World of Concrete in nine years. This signature event for the concrete and masonry industries drew 58,222 registered professionals, and featured more than 1,567 companies (including 302 brand new companies) exhibiting across more than 747,411 net square feet of exhibit space. 

World of Concrete established the Bob Weatherton Award to honor his contributions to the concrete industry. The award includes a $2,500 scholarship and a $200 gift card which was presented at the CIM National Board Meeting at WOC 2018. This year’s recipient of the Weatherton Award was Damien Bonis, who attends California State University-Chico. 

His presentation was “A Concrete Advantage: How the CIM Program Fosters Unique Research and Internship Opportunities.” Concrete Industry Management (CIM) is a business program that has been developed specifically for the concrete industry to provide students with a four-year Bachelor of Science degree in Concrete Industry Management. The program gives students entering the concrete work force industry experience early in their careers.

In addition, CIM held its 13th annual unreserved silent and live auctions at World of Concrete. The silent and live auctions raised gross revenues of just over $1.1 million, setting a record for funds raised at WOC, and bringing a total of over $7 million to the CIM program in the past 13 years. More information on the CIM Program can be found at www.concretedegree.com.

Despite a brief government shutdown, International Delegation Leaders and Delegates from across the globe made it to WOC 2018 to do business at this premier global event, including a large delegation from India organized by the American Embassy in New Delhi. 

Mr. Sanjay Mathur, CEO of UltraTech Cement Ltd. and Mr. Ramesh Joshi, Sr. VP, visited the event along with others from the delegation. WOC once again partnered with the U.S. Commercial Service to support U.S. exhibitors interested in expanding their international sales and to recruit international attendees to the show.  

The International Buyer Program at World of Concrete featured Construction Market and Industry Specialists from the U.S. Commercial Service. A special Export Achievement Certificate was presented to Verti-Crete LLC (precast concrete wall systems mfg.) by the U.S. Commercial Service for their contribution and recent success in international trade at WOC. Modelco, from Algeria, and Verti-Crete signed a long-term contract (customer/supplier), with a strategic partnership vision for the Algerian market. The Export Achievement Certificate was created in 2001 to recognize small and medium-sized U.S. enterprises that have successfully entered the international marketplace for the first time or that have successfully entered a new market.   

For more information on next year's show, visit worldofconcrete.com/Attendee/Register.

NAHB International Builders’ Show

February 19-21, 2019, Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas

An optimistic home building industry filled the exhibit halls of Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center as the National Association of Home Builders hosted one of the largest turnouts in recent years at the NAHB International Builders’ Show January 9-11.

Home building professionals from around the world attended this year’s IBS—the biggest component of the annual Design & Construction Week, which also includes the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show. The combined events drew more than 85,000 attendees. Of that total, about 60,000 were IBS registrants. 

“Each and every year, a tremendous amount of work goes into making IBS an extremely valuable, can’t-miss event for anyone in residential construction,” says Geoff Cassidy, NAHB senior vice president of exhibitions and meetings. “And once again, the show was an incredible success with a palpable enthusiasm reflective of the momentum in the home building industry.”

Exhibit space for IBS also expanded from last year’s 569,000 square feet to this year’s 583,000 square feet, where more than 1,500 exhibitors displayed the latest in building products and technology. Many of the exhibitors noted the increased foot traffic this year.  

This year’s show in Orlando brought out many companies from the industry and associations, including drywall, trims and molding, EIFS, stucco, steel framing, housewrap/waterproofing products and so much more. 

“The show is back and we were extremely busy all week,” says Vicki Frye, director of corporate marketing for Ply Gem. “People are eager to know what’s new, so we had a lot of fun showing them a wide variety of real products for real projects, from entry-level and do-it-yourself, to higher price point homes.” 

In addition to meeting suppliers and seeing product demos throughout the three-day show, attendees networked with peers and attended many of more than 140 education sessions led by industry experts on a wide range of industry topics. 

“After attending just two [education] sessions, I already found exactly what I came for,” says Walt Schumm, a custom home builder and president of C.D., LLC in Crestwood, Ky. “I’ve made several new connections with whom I think we’ll strike up business relationships. Plus, it’s really interesting to see a huge presence from Asian and European vendors on the show floor. The products they’ve got on display are just unbelievable.”

For more information, visit buildersshow.com.