The 2010 International Builders' Show (IBS), running January 19–22 in Las Vegas and drawing an anticipated 50,000 attendees, offers more than 175 educational sessions, countless networking opportunities, and the chance to learn about the newest product innovations by manufacturers and suppliers from every aspect of the home building industry. The editors of CUSTOM HOME, residential architect, and sister magazines BUILDER, EcoHome, BUILDING PRODUCTS, and others are reporting on the latest housing industry news and trends, as well as product launches from the show.
Read on for a handpicked selection of coverage:
- A (Virtual) Home for the New Economy—BUILDER magazine's Concept Home 2010 provides a virtual show-home experience at IBS.
- IBS Green Product Preview—Energy-efficient windows, lighting, insulation, and other selections from the show.
- Smaller Floor Plans Demand Creativity With Space, Design—Even as home sizes shrink, buyers still want warmth, amenities, and visual appeal, say IBS speakers.
- NAHB Forecasts 754K Housing Starts by Q4 2010, 1.22M by Q4 2011—Economist expects increased activity this spring, a slowdown mid-year, and re-acceleration into 2011.
- IBS Product Finds, Day 1—Sprinkler systems, doors, paint, cordless nailers, and other finds from the show floor.
- Video: Day 1 Recap—BUILDER editor in chief Denise Dersin recaps the first day of the Builders' Show.
- Universal Design Holds Universal Appeal—Winners of AARP's 2010 Livable Communities Awards blend good looks with comfort, convenience, and safety for all ages.
- Video Tour of 2010 Livable Communities Awards Winners
- Energy-Efficiency Retrofits Help Builders and Remodelers Survive and Thrive—Air sealing spaces, beefing up insulation, and other upgrades allow pros to turn profits in a down economy.
- Day 2 Product Finds—Windows, siding, decking, and other introductions from the show floor.
- Eight Hot Kitchen Trends for 2010—What's cooking in kitchens? Kitchen design gurus MaryJo Camp, Mary Jo Peterson, and Connie Edwards share their insights during a January 20 design workshop at IBS.
- Social Media: An Effective Way for Builders to Connect With Women Home Buyers—IBS speaker: "They joined your Facebook page. They want to talk to you."
- IBS 2010 Wrap-Up—BUILDER editor in chief Denise Dersin recaps the week's top stories from Las Vegas.
- Day 3 Green Product Finds—Solar roofing shingles, radiant heating, underlayment, and other introductions from the show floor.
- How to Avoid the Legal Pitfalls of Green Marketing—Vague or false representations of sustainable products and buildings can lead to government or private legal action—and builders often are the first sued.
- Video: Social Media Essentials—BUILDER Online's Alison Rice talks with Dina Gundersen of Monte Hewett Homes about how and why small builders can integrate video into their marketing efforts.
- Show Homes at IBS 2010—It's a brave new world for our annual show homes at IBS 2010, both of which reflect how the industry has changed—and must adjust—to new realities.
- The New American Home 2010—The New American Home 2010 sits three-quarters finished in an enviable Las Vegas infill community, the victim of a construction financing crisis that's affecting builders nationwide. Also, take a virtual tour of the New American Home 2010.