Builders, remodelers
and other members of the home building industry are back at work this week
after more than 60,000 attended the National Association of Home Builders’
International Builders’ Show in Las
Vegas last week.
Attendees took
advantage of more than 250 educational sessions and exhibits showcasing
products and services from more than 1,600
companies to arm themselves with information about the latest industry
trends, research and new products-the better to respond to demand when the
market returns.
“This attendance
speaks to the optimism of our members and the nature of home builders to always
anticipate the ‘next big thing’,” said newly elected NAHB Chairman Joe Robson,
a home builder in Tulsa, Okla. “We continue to advocate for an economic
stimulus package that recognizes how important the home building industry is to
helping the nation get back on track-and when it does, we will be ready.”
Exhibitors noted the
drop in attendance from more than 90,000 at the 2008 IBS but said they were not
surprised, given the economy and underscored the importance of maintaining
their presence on the show floor. An industry downturn brings out more serious
inquiries and fewer “tire kickers,” they said.
“People are spending
more time talking,” said Shawn Buckland of Adrian Steel in Adrian, Mich.,
a company that customizes the interiors of work vans and trailers for home
builders.
Twice as many
exhibitors showcased green product lines this year, including Progress Lighting
of Greenville, S.C., which manufactures high-efficiency and LED light products.
“Green is definitely the hot topic. People are very interested in understanding
new lighting technology,” said Bob Sale, vice president of sales.
International
Builders' Show exhibitors sprawled over 850,000 square feet of space at the Las Vegas Convention Center, including outdoor
displays of homes built on site for the Show. Industry professionals also
attended educational events and training sessions on a variety of subjects
ranging from land development techniques and building science to marketing
tools and green product certification.
“We’re in the midst
of an industry crisis, yet our members are still busy gaining knowledge about
new products and techniques, and networking and learning from each other,”
Robson observed. “I’m proud of the resilience of our members even as we work
together to improve the market.”