Why Student Competitions are a Must-See for IBS Attendees

The NAHB Student Competitions at the International Builders’ Show (IBS) will feature contests between more than 400 of the brightest aspiring project managers, land developers and designers from NAHB student chapters.

During the competitions, students showcase and defend robust professional building proposals, which are reviewed, critiqued and judged by a panel of construction company executives. 

Dan Puvak, an operations partner for TrueHomes, was a judge for the student competitions at six previous Builders’ Shows from 2017 to 2022, experiences that made him feel proud of his career and excitement for those who are joining the industry.

“People pay attention to these competitions,” said Puvak. “The students may not know it, but those who are in the industry and value the young talent coming up, they’ll show up and they’ll listen; they’ll pay attention to who’s on stage and what they’re talking about because they know they’re going to get a well-rounded professional straight out of school.”

Sixty-nine teams are set to compete across five student competitions: four-year programs (production homes), four-year programs (custom/small build), associate programs, secondary programs, and graduate programs (production homes). Teams present in 30-minute intervals.

Although the lights are at their brightest for the students, it’s equally as important for industry professionals to attend and support their future colleagues.

“This is an opportunity for builders to come see the next generation before they graduate,” said Scott Kelting, a student competitions consultant and construction management professor at California Polytechnic State University.

“It’s an opportunity to not only recruit but support them and spark their interest in the home building industry, too.”

All IBS attendees are encouraged to attend. The three-day competitions starts Monday, Feb. 26 and ends Wednesday, Feb. 28.

The full schedule is available here and is open to all attendees.