Student Competition
The annual NAHB Student Competition is one of the highlights of the International Builders’ Show (IBS). The competition gives students the opportunity to apply skills learned in the classroom to a real construction company by completing a management project/proposal. Proposals are submitted to a group of construction company executives who act as judges.
The 2026 NAHB Student Competition will be held live at the 2026 International Builders’ Show in Orlando, Feb. 16-18, 2026. Presentation schedules are now available. Keep in mind they are still subject to change. Each team presentation will appear in the 2026 IBS App when available for download.
Important events for students and faculty:
- Faculty and sponsor happy hour: Monday, Feb. 16, 3:30-5:30 p.m. ET, Club Room - North Hall, room N320 Corridor. Connect with fellow faculty from NAHB Student Chapter programs and network with sponsoring companies that support NAHB Student Chapters. (Club Room closed to students during this time.)
- Team and Individual Photos: Tuesday, Feb. 17, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. ET, Club Room - North Hall, room N320 Corridor.
- Student Competition Judges’ Debriefs: Wednesday, Feb. 18, North Hall, room N320E
- 10 a.m. ET: Associates and Secondary Competitions
- 11 a.m. ET: Four-Year and Graduate Production Home Build Competition
- 12 p.m. ET: Four-Year and Graduate Custom/Small Home Builder Competition
- Snack and Stamp: Wednesday, Feb. 18, 1-3 p.m. ET, Club Room - North Hall, room N320 Corridor. Connect with talent specialists from residential building companies, learn about company culture and career opportunities through short, engaging presentations, and enjoy snacks for a mid-day pick-me-up. Visit every company during the event to be entered for a chance to win a cash prize. Prize winners will be announced during the Student Chapters Award Ceremony.
- Student Chapters Award Ceremony: Wednesday, Feb. 18, 3:30-4:30 p.m. ET, North Hall N310 (doors open at 3 p.m. ET).
Click on the programs below to view 2026 competition details and past winners.
