Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/101169
IBS PREVIEW BUILDIN B uilder confidence in the market for newly built, singlefamily homes posted a gain in November for the seventh consecutive month, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index. With that five-point gain the index now stands at 46, close to the 50 mark at which point an equal number of builders view sales conditions as good versus poor. Significantly, a year ago the Housing Market Index was 19. More good news was posted in October, when nationwide housing production rose 3.6 percent, the highest pace of new home construction since July 2008. New home sales in October were running about 17 percent ahead of year ago, according to figures released by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau. Clearly, the home building market is improving. The next step in recovery is for builders to take advantage of all the opportunities that exist. Helping with that goal is a focus of the upcoming 2013 NAHB International Builders��� Show (IBS) January 22 to 24 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV. Billed, as always, as the largest annual light construction show in the world, the IBS brings together at one time in one location more builders and suppliers than any other event. Its exhibit floor showcases the latest and most advanced building products and services assembled and features hands-on demonstrations and working models in over 300 building industry categories. Emphasis on Education For the 2013 International Builders��� Show, NAHB has made an all-out effort to bring education to the forefront. Many changes were made to the show���s educational program, which include cutting the total number of sessions from 165 to just under 100, adding day-long master sessions and bringing back daily keynote sessions. NAHB says reducing the total numbers of educational sessions emphasizes only the best from hundreds of submissions. It also notes that in creating the 2013 schedule, it kept a total of three-and-a-half hours a day open, so those attending sessions have time to walk the exhibit hall floor. 18 STORM & SECURITY PROTECTION / IBS PREVIEW 2013 The daily master sessions added for this show are in-depth, full-day programs intended to dig deep into specific topics on running a successful and profitable business. The 2013 topics include technology trends in marketing, strengthening finances and earnings, and lean business techniques to eliminate non-value waste. Also added are speed learning sessions���fast-paced, 45minute programs to provide quick insights and ideas that can be applied immediately. Many of the sessions and events are grouped into tracks focused on specific markets, and are intended to bring together rookies who want to learn more and veterans who can share their knowledge. These tracks, called Centrals, include workshops, discussions with panels of experts, product tours, breakfast meetings, luncheons and receptions. The Centrals are: ��� 50+ Lifestyle: Questions, issues, strategies and trends unique to the 50+ housing industry.