5 Must-See Items for Every IBS First-Time Attendee

IBS
Published

With more than 1,300 exhibitors to see — and numerous events and education sessions to attend — the 2024 NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS) provides plenty of great choices to fill your time in Las Vegas. With so many options from which to choose, however, it may be hard for first-time attendees to maximize their time at the event.

Although not a comprehensive list of everything at the show, the following should be top stops on your show agenda if it’s your first IBS event:

1. Special Events: IBS‘s impressive lineup of special events cater to a wide range of interests. Whether it’s an informative pre-show learning opportunity by a respected industry expert, a celebrity keynote speech or an awards ceremony, make sure to add some of these events to your schedule. Events such as the Official IBS House Party, Young Pro Party and NAHB Award ceremonies, including the Best in American Living™ Awards and The Nationals, are ticketed events that often sell out, so it’s best to buy tickets as soon as possible.

2. New Product Zone: This is where the latest and greatest residential construction products and technologies make their grand debut. Don’t miss the chance to be among the first to discover the next industry-changing innovation. This area tends to get crowded, so try to visit early in the day for the best experience.

3. Segments on the Show Floor and Outdoor Exhibits: This year, the exhibit show floor is separated into six categories, plus the Outdoor Exhibits. With 1,300-plus exhibitors, it’s impossible to visit every one of them. Instead, look at the exhibitor list or floor plans ahead of time. Identify the categories or exhibitors that you want to visit so you know before you go where to concentrate during your times on the show floor.

4. Demo Zones: Live demonstrations in the Construction Performance Zone and the Craft Techniques Zone are hot spots at IBS. Step into the Construction Performance Zone to see industry experts reveal industry best practices for building more durable, efficient, higher-quality homes. Explore the details and finishes that complete a home in the Craft Techniques Zone.

5. IBS Education: One of the biggest draws to IBS is the 100+ IBS Education sessions, where you can learn strategies, discover new trends and learn more directly from industry experts. As an NAHB member who is a first-time attendee, you can enjoy an Expo+Education Pass at a greatly reduced rate, which gives you access to the show floor and all of the IBS Education sessions.

Registration will open Sept. 1 for the 2024 IBS, taking place Feb. 27-29, 2024. Learn more at BuildersShow.com.

Subscribe to NAHBNow

Log in or create account to subscribe to notifications of new posts.

Log in to subscribe

Latest from NAHBNow

Advocacy

Aug 08, 2025

Lumber Talking Points Featured in NAHB’s Monthly Update

The update provides the latest messaging framework to help members articulate housing priorities and latest news related to Canadian lumber duties.

Housing Finance

Aug 07, 2025

Podcast: Federal Home Loan Bank Leader Shares Insights into Current Mortgage Market

On the latest episode of NAHB’s podcast, Housing Developments, CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez are joined by Council of Federal Home Loan Banks CEO Ryan Donovan to spotlight how the home loan bank system can support housing development, especially affordable housing, and what the system is doing for the economy.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics

Aug 08, 2025

Weaker Demand for Residential Mortgages in Second Quarter

In the second quarter of 2025, overall demand for residential mortgages was weaker, while lending standards for most types of residential mortgages were essentially unchanged, according to the recent release of the Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey (SLOOS).

Economics

Aug 07, 2025

Multifamily Developer Confidence Increases in Second Quarter

The Multifamily Production Index (MPI) was up two points year-over-year to 46. The Multifamily Occupancy Index (MOI) had a reading of 82, up one point year-over-year.

Economics

Aug 06, 2025

Mortgage Applications Tick Up in July as Rates Ease Slightly

Mortgage application activity picked up in July as interest rates eased modestly. The Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Market Composite Index, which tracks mortgage application volume, rose 2.4% from June on a seasonally adjusted basis. Compared to July 2024, total applications were up 24.5%.