Washington, DC, December 7, 2005--Approximately 100,000 housing professionals, including home and apartment builders, architects, product manufacturers, and those involved in every aspect of residential and light commercial construction, are expected to turn out for their industry’s largest annual trade show and exposition, the 2006 International Builders’ Show, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., January 11-14.
Held in one of the largest convention centers in the country, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) event will boast a record 1,600+ exhibitors spread across more than 1.5 million square feet of space -- the equivalent of more than 40 football fields. On display will be the most cutting-edge designs, technologies, products and services available to the home building community in the new year.
“Orlando is going to be the place to see and be seen if you’re a housing professional this January, because the International Builders’ Show is by far the most important event of the year for our industry,” said NAHB President David Wilson, a custom home builder from Ketchum, Idaho. “This will be our second consecutive year holding the show in Orlando, and many of our 220,000 members can’t wait to return or visit for the first time in 2006.”
The event is the housing industry’s largest new-product showcase, with suppliers spanning more than 300 categories ranging across every niche of the residential and light commercial construction fields. Additional draws include more than 200 educational seminars to help builders and their affiliates expand their professional knowledge, explore new opportunities and grow their businesses, plus show home tours headlined by The New American Home 2006.
Starting things off on a patriotic note, General Colin L. Powell (Ret.), the highly respected soldier and 65th U.S. Secretary of State, will headline the Grand Opening Ceremonies of the International Builders’ Show on Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 10:30 a.m. An audience comprised of builders, their affiliates and guests will be on hand for what is bound to be a stirring address.
In addition, the keynote speech will be preceded by a spectacular musical and visual production with a live orchestra and a professional cast of Orlando’s top singers and dancers.
NAHB’s 1,000-member-plus Board of Directors will hold its annual winter meeting during the show, as well. “All eyes are on the U.S. housing market right now, with expectations for a soft landing following some of the greatest years we’ve ever seen for home sales and production. Topics of discussion at our Board meeting are certain to focus on the economy, tax reform proposals that would negatively impact housing and homeownership incentives, and the need to maintain and preserve the integrity of the government-sponsored enterprises that form the foundation of our nation’s world-class housing finance system,” said Wilson.
The 2006 International Builders’ Show is not open to the general public. Home builders and their affiliates throughout the housing trades are welcome to register by visiting www.BuildersShow.com.
Discounted online registration ends Dec.16. Attendees will be able to register on-site at the show beginning on Sunday, Jan. 8. Visitors can also see what the show has to offer at www.BuildersShow.com/VTS, a virtual showcase for exhibitors and their products. IBS exhibit floor and onsite registration hours are listed below.
