Your International Builders’ Show 2026 playbook: Must-see sessions, Orlando tips and Buildertrend booth highlights

You’ve snagged your free expo pass, booked your flights and mentally prepared yourself for three days packed with:

• Educational sessions
• Networking opportunities
• And more after-hours events than anyone will admit to the next morning

But when it comes to building the perfect agenda? That’s where things can get overwhelming fast.

If you’re heading to Orlando for the 2026 International Builders’ Show this February, we’ve got your back. Think of this as your expert guide to navigating the biggest builder event of the year – minus the stress – plus a few pro tips you won’t get anywhere else.

From must-see sessions to what’s happening at the Buildertrend booth, and the best Orlando eats and adventures to fill your downtime, this playbook will help you show up prepared, stay energized and head home armed with insights, connections and inspiration for your strongest year yet. Let’s build a great week in Orlando.

Visit the best booth on the expo floor

Every year, Buildertrend brings the energy to the International Builders’ Show – and 2026 is no exception. From powerhouse guest speakers to live product demos to happy hours that keep the conversations going, our booth is where builders, remodelers and industry leaders come together. And we want to see you there.

Where to find us

• We’re located at booths S6005 and S6017

Download our digital floor map to find us at the venue.

Why you should stop by

• 20 premium prize giveaways for our 20th anniversary

Ask any booth staff member how to enter. Winners announced daily at 2 p.m.

• Happy hours on Tuesday and Wednesday from 2–5 p.m.

Connect with builders, partners and industry leaders over drinks to recharge and network.

Tuesday’s lineup on the Buildertrend stage

• Stronger together: Inside the new era of builder collaboration at 1 p.m. Today’s top builders aren’t going it alone; they’re powered by community, transparency and shared expertise.

Join this candid conversation as leaders from across the industry – including CopeGrand Homes and Boutique Living by Curate – discuss how collaboration fuels faster problem-solving, better decision-making and an elevated client experience.

You’ll also get an exclusive first look at the new Buildertrend Community, a digital hub where builders can connect, troubleshoot and stay ahead of industry trends. If you’ve ever learned something game-changing from another builder, this session shows what’s possible when that connection scales.

Wednesday’s lineup on the Buildertrend stage

• Breakfast with Brad Leavitt at 9:30 a.m.

Kick off day two of the Builders’ Show with one of the industry’s most respected voices: Brad Leavitt, President of AFT Construction.

Grab a coffee (or mimosa) and join a high-energy, ask-me-anything session packed with unfiltered insights from a builder who’s navigated rapid growth, award-winning projects and an enviable brand reputation. Expect real talk, smart takeaways and a strong start to your week.

• Profitability in practice: Inside the workflows that protect your bottom line at 1 p.m.

Join Tyler Farrell of Killowen Construction, Nick Baldo of Oakvale Homes & Development and Meg Billings of Meg & Co. Designer Homes who have transformed their financial systems to gain clarity, control and confidence.

This session digs into real-world processes for job costing, reducing uncertainty, staying ahead of surprises and strengthening your bottom line. Consider it your practical guide to building with confidence.

Other event highlights you won’t want to miss

Buildertrend’s 20^th anniversary celebration

Feb. 17 | 6:30–10:30 p.m.

We’ve hit the big 2–0 and we’re celebrating with the builders who made it possible (that includes you). Join us for a special night where you’ll:

• Connect with top builders and industry pros
  • Enjoy great food, drinks and conversations
  • Be part of an exclusive milestone moment
  • Get transportation provided to and from International Drive

RSVP now before tickets sell out!

Buildertrend CEO Dan Houghton’s Building Knowledge Session

Scaling with intention: Signs you’re ready and steps to get there

Tuesday, Feb. 17 | 2:15–3:15 p.m. | OCCC – West 224F

If your business feels “on the edge of something bigger,” this session is your roadmap. Dan Houghton joins top builders – Joe Christensen of Cardinal Crest Homes, Tyler Farrell of Killowen Construction and Brad Robinson of Bradford Custom Homes & Remodeling – to break down what it really takes to grow with confidence.

You’ll learn:

• The key signals your business is ready to scale
• How to assess capital, team strength and operational capacity
• Smart timing for hiring and expansionHow to build your own “personal board of advisors”
• What seasoned builders wish they’d known before scaling

Note: Requires an Expo + Education pass. Seating is first come, first served.

Networking events and must-attend parties

• The Opening Ceremonies with pro football hall of fame running back, Emmitt Smith, will set the tone of inspiration and innovation for the rest of the week.
• If you’re under 40 and live for a good yacht theme, make sure to check out the IBS Young Pro Party
• Attend the Best in American Living Awards to honor the most creative and innovative residential construction projects of 2025.
• The IBS Closing Concert is featuring country music duo, Brothers Osborne. Wrap up the show in style!

These are prime opportunities to meet peers, partners and industry leaders – and unwind a little, too.

NEW: The AI & Tech Studio

This is your front-row seat to the future. Brand new for the International Builders’ Show, the AI & Tech Studio delivers hands-on, no-fluff sessions built specifically for residential construction pros. Expect smart, practical demos and builder-led case studies focused on AI tools you can actually use.

Spending extra time in Orlando?

If you’re tacking on a little pre- or post-IBS downtime, Orlando has plenty to offer beyond the convention center. Here are a few crowd-pleasers to make your trip even better:

Restaurant recommendations

Orlando’s food scene goes way beyond theme-park snacks. Check out:

• The Ravenous Pig for elevated gastropub dishes
• Domu for standout ramen and small plates
• Se7en Bites for Southern comfort classics
• Yellow Dog Eats for quirky, creative sandwiches
• The Osprey for seafood done right

Entertainment

When you’re ready to take a break from job costing and panel discussions:

• Universal CityWalk for live music, dining and late-night fun
• ICON Park’s 400-foot observation wheel
• Dr. Phillips Center for a world-class show or concert
• Lake Eola Park for a low-key escape

Transportation

Orlando isn’t exactly walkable, so plan accordingly:

• Rideshare apps are your best friend
• I-Ride Trolley runs along International Drive for easy access to attractions
• Many hotels offer shuttles to the Orange County Convention Center
• If renting a car, allow extra time and patience for parking around the convention center

Nightlife

Looking to unwind? We recommend:

• Tin Roof for live bands
• The Courtesy Bar for craft cocktails
• Howl at the Moon for the dueling-piano experience you didn’t know you needed
• The Hampton Social for a lively, laid-back vibe

Bucket-list adventures

Got half a day to spare? Try:

• An airboat ride through the Florida wetlands
• A visit to Kennedy Space Center
• A sunrise hot air balloon ride
• Universal Studios or Disney for the thrill-seekers
• Golf at one of Orlando’s top courses

5 tips for making the most of the three-day conference

Three days of walking, learning, talking, strategizing and celebrating can take a toll – in the best way. Here’s how to stay sharp and make the most of your IBS experience:

1. Plan your schedule before you land. Highlight your must-see demos, speakers and events, so you don’t miss what matters most.

2. Wear comfortable shoes. This is not the moment to break in anything new. Your feet will thank you by day two.

3. Keep an open mind. IBS is full of fresh perspectives, new tech and unexpected connections. Let yourself explore.

4. Pack recovery essentials. Think water, electrolytes, throat lozenges, snacks and anything that helps you recharge between sessions and after happy hours.

5. Build in downtime. The schedule gets intense. Give yourself at least one short break each day to regroup, refuel and make space for spontaneous connections.

Have you grabbed your free expo pass yet?

Buildertrend is proud to support the International Builders’ Show – and we genuinely believe every builder, remodeler and specialty contractor should experience it.

That’s why we’re offering a free expo pass to help get you there.

Just make sure to come find us at booths S6005 and S6017 and say hi. We’d love to meet you, hear about your business and help you make the most of your Builders’ Show experience.