Making the most of your IBS 2019 experience
Heading to Vegas in a few weeks? The NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) is the largest annual gathering of design and construction professionals in the residential design and construction industry. Whether you’re attending IBS or KBIS, here are a few tips to make your tradeshow experience more enjoyable, effective and successful.
1. Identify your goals for attending.
It’s important to determine your goal for the tradeshow. Are you shopping around for the newest roofing materials, tools for your team or a software vendor? Ask yourself, which booths will be the best use of your time? Many companies launch their latest and greatest products at the show, so it’s the perfect time to get inspiration and discover what’s new in design, technology and construction trends. If you’re attending with your team, set up a pre-meeting to determine your priorities – don’t be afraid to divide and conquer.
2. Establish a game plan.Â
When it comes to a tradeshow as large as IBS, a little preparation goes a long way. Check the show’s schedule and check it twice. Be mindful of registration deadlines so your team gets a great deal on admission and travel.
Have each member of your team download the show app to their smartphone for quick access. It has a full exhibitor list, schedule of exclusive events and a guide to the educational sessions.
Pro Tip: Bookmark the convention center’s map on your smartphone to easily reference as you maneuver through the venue.
Determine if there are particular panels you want to attend that meet your goals. Educational sessions are prevalent and run at all times throughout the day. Take time to pre-plan by reviewing the show guide to determine if there are topics that fit your team’s educational and professional development needs.
Add to your schedule: Buildertrend Co-Founder Dan Houghton will be speaking on a panel about building a better customer experience. Our VP of Sales, Paul Wurth, will be leading an innovative project management discussion around making your projects as mobile as you.
3. Align expectations and reality.
The Las Vegas Convention Center sprawls over 3.2 million square feet of exhibition space, which means you will be walking A LOT. Wear comfortable shoes, and don’t try to get through the whole show in one day. Leverage your team to divide and conquer!
4. Network, network, network!
With 80,000 people in one place, you will have plenty of people to meet and greet, so ensure your team is stocked with plenty of business cards. You’ll be connecting with fellow builders and industry professionals all day long. As you network, don’t forget about participating online via social networks. Follow the show’s official hashtag on social media platforms: #IBS2019. Engage, absorb the experience and, most importantly, enjoy yourself!
Stop by and see us in the nextBUILD area in the South Hall at booth SU1010. Snap a photo, tag us on social media (@Buildertrend, #Buildertrend), grab a t-shirt, or even a beer … we’ve got it all and we can’t wait to see everyone there!
Can’t attend IBS 2019? We’d still love to connect! Schedule a live demo of Buildertrend at a time that works best for you.
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