Business Growth

Your ultimate guide to the 2022 NAHB International Builders’ Show

The can’t-miss construction conference returns in person this year in Orlando, Florida. Here’s what you need to know to do the NAHB International Builders’ Show like a pro.

Graphic illustrating two attendees at the 2022 NAHB International Builders’ Show.

Whether this is your first time attending the NAHB International Builders’ Show or your eighth, you’re in for an incredible week in sunny Orlando, Florida. That’s right – this premiere construction conference is back in person. Say goodbye to watching from behind laptop screens in home offices and say hello to sunny days spent alongside the industry’s best.

The excitement of being back in person at the Orange County Convention Center is just the beginning, too.

You’ll learn about innovative new practices and cutting-edge technology. There will be countless breakout sessions tailored to your business goals and problems. And, best of all, you’ll leave inspired to approach the way you build in whole new way.

With more than 50,000 building professionals in attendance and dozens upon dozens of things to see and do, it’s best to go into NAHB IBS with a plan. Don’t worry, we’re here to help. To get you prepped and prepared, weeks before you set foot on the show floor, we put together this handy guide with expert tips.

1) Create a schedule but stay nimble

It’s a fact: The IBS show schedule is packed. There are exhibits, panels, parties and more throughout this must-attend home builders show. The most seasoned attendees will take time to outline what they want to see and do beforehand then create a schedule.

To make sure you don’t miss anything, you might even consider going the old-fashioned route and printing off your schedule to bring with you. After all, you never know when that phone battery might be running low.

Of course, practicing flexibility is always a good idea, too. Have backup plans ready if a session is full or you can’t make it in time. Keep in mind that Orlando is a bustling metropolis with a ton of foot and car traffic. Pad your time to get from point A to point B.

2) Prepare to learn from the best of the best

The most forward-thinking business strategies. Exciting ways to wow clients. Some of the latest and greatest building techniques. This is all waiting to be discovered by you during the NAHB IBS convention.

Educational opportunities abound – and here are some of the most exciting offerings available to any attendees with an All Access Pass or a 1-Day Education + Expo Pass:

  • 120+ education sessions – The “who’s who” of the residential construction industry will present and share their insights. More than 70% of the content is new to 2022, too.
  • Spotlights – As the name suggestions, these educational offerings put a spotlight on the industry’s top voices and trends, including 60 Design Ideas in 60 Minutes and the 2022 Housing and Economic Outlook.
  • Game Changers – These daily keynotes discuss issues critical to the housing industry and how you as a builder can best tackle them.

3) Get to know Orlando

Throughout the NAHB International Builders’ Show, consider Orlando your home away from home. Before you go, study a map and familiarize yourself with where the Orange County Convention Center is in relation to your hotel – and how to get from one to the other.

Be sure to fit in time for some fun outside the construction conference as well. Here is some of the best Orlando has to offer. This central Florida city is home to the house of mouse, Walt Disney World Resort. And SeaWorld Orlando or Universal Orlando Resort also offer thrills to teams who come a day early or stay late.

Be sure to eat and drink like a local, too. In both downtown Orlando and on International Drive, you’ll find scores of lounges, restaurants and bars – including Mango’s Tropical Café, a 55,000-square-foot entertainment space.

4) Network like a pro

As the biggest annual construction conference, you’ll likely meet other builders or remodelers from every corner of the country. Think of this as key opportunity to network. After all, a team from Dallas isn’t your competition if the market you operate in is eight states away. This is your chance to share tips, tricks and put your brains together.

Once the conference ends, the information-sharing can live on. Exchange information, connect on social and become better builders together.

5) Begin and end IBS on a high note

You won’t just see builders and construction pros at IBS 2022. An A-list athlete and musician will also be in attendance.

Opening ceremonies will feature basketball-legend-turned-business powerhouse Magic Johnson. Later in the week, IBS wraps up with a closing concert on Thursday night with Trace Adkins, a country music superstar who has sold more than 11 million albums.

6) Spend time on the Builders’ Show floor

This is your place to see the most in-demand products up close and in action. Across acres of pavilions, there are outdoor exhibits, a job site safety zone and nextBuild, a space dedicated to the latest technologies.

One of the most impressive booths in nextBuild belongs to Buildertrend. Here’s why you’ll want to check out and hang with the leading construction software solution:

  • Free giveaways – including a $500 gift card to The Home Depot and two free Buildertrend University tickets
  • Live product demos and the chance to meet the Buildertrend Customer Success team face to face
  • Daily happy hours with construction industry leaders

Outside the booth, there will also be a panel with Buildertrend CEO Dan Houghton on Tuesday, Feb. 8. He’ll be joined by some of the residential construction community’s top builders to discuss mastering the demands of a modern-day builder.

Attendees will gain insights on how to prioritize building among other expectations like maintaining a solid company culture and managing a team. This advanced session will also cover techniques to elevate the client experience and most effective lead generation tactics.

You’re invited! Your IBS Expo Pass is on Buildertrend

Are you visualizing the Florida sun yet? We are – and we hope to see you at the International Builders’ Show. If you haven’t registered just yet, Buildertrend has got you with free Expo Passes available here.

After more than a year away from an in-person show, IBS 2022 is sure to be unforgettable. This your chance to gain real ideas and make real change to grow and strengthen your business.

About The Author

Sean Robinson

Sean Robinson Sean Robinson is a senior content marketing specialist at Buildertrend

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