Why IBS Scholarship Recipients Are Excited to Attend the Show

New professionals to the residential construction industry attend the NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) every year. And the show is doing its part to introduce IBS: The Essential Industry Experience to up-and-coming industry professionals by awarding them with scholarships to attend IBS — the premier show for the residential construction industry.

NAHB members between the ages of 21-35 who receive a scholarship to attend IBS have the opportunity to learn, network, socialize and advance their careers with the people they meet and everything they learn and experience during IBS, which is critically important to them — especially in this current market.

“This will be my second time attending IBS,” shared Kenzi Weber, graphic and web design manager at Vivid Digital Media (VDM) and member of Brunswick County HBA. “While my first experience was fantastic, there was so much to take in that, at times, it was a little overwhelming.”

“Now that I know the breadth of opportunities available, I feel like I will be able to better navigate the show,” she added. “Since so many of our clients are in the building industry, I plan to participate in events that will help me to better understand their needs so that I can bring that information home and use it in my work on their behalf.”

Here are a few additional examples of what they’re hoping to achieve during IBS: The Essential Industry Experience:

New Products

• “Covid changed a lot for fixtures and finishes, and I would love to have a more substantial view of what’s available and new solutions being offered,” noted Liz Kennedy, a designer for ELM Construction and member of Greater Birmingham Association of Home Builders.
• “I am looking forward to learning as much as possible about new products or alternative products I can use,” stated Daisy Gardner, project manager at Stone Creek Building & Development, Inc. and member of HBA Greater Portland. “I am also hoping to see a few unique and custom products or ideas that I can take back to Oregon and try on one of our custom homes.”

Emerging Trends and Technology

• “The past few years have been NUTS between supply issues, rising rates and home shortages,” said Cam Parry, regional sales manager for Valley View Granite and member of Cache Valley HBA. “I am anxious to see the new up-and-coming products to help cope with these issues in the construction world. My job relies heavily on the trends of today, which are constantly changing, so being ahead of that to help my clients keep an up-to-date design is very essential if I want to dominate my sector.”
• “I would love to learn the latest design trends in the market as well as the latest solutions in construction detailing and waterproofing,” noted Jessica Fritz, owner of J.Cor Architecture and member of HBA of Central Arizona. “There is always a new and better way to construct a home, and I want to make sure my drawings utilize the best technology for my clients.”

Networking and Education

• “I want to find other like-minded builders who have weathered the storms of multiple economic cycles and made it through standing,” shared Jesse Hayre, co-owner of The Homestead Builders and member of Greater Brazos Valley Builders.
• “I want to learn from professionals the ways we can enhance our offerings and client experiences,” noted Edward Buczkowski, president of Renovations Unlimited, and member of HBA Livingston County. “As costs have become an issue in our industry, I also hope to find additional ways that we can save clients on project investments without compromising integrity.”
• “I am looking forward to attending as many workshops and speaking events at IBS that I can to increase my base of knowledge,” said Colin Bluestone, a land acquisition financial analyst for the D.R. Horton Seattle Division and member of Master Builders Association – King and Snohomish Counties. “Specifically, I would like to learn how other home builders are adjusting to the current financial environment in which inflation is increasing construction costs and fiscal policy is impacting cost of capital.”

Business Management Tools

• “One challenge I would like to tackle at IBS is overall organization,” shared Josh Clark, co-owner of Clark Builders and member of Ames HBA. “Being able to organize information/able to quickly check if something has been ordered or needs to be selected is becoming key as we continue to grow our business.”

Looking forward to these activities and more at IBS? There’s still time to register, but prices will go up Dec. 9. Register for IBS today to save.

Learn more about this year’s IBS Scholarship recipients at Know the Show.