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12 STORM & SECURITY PROTECTION / IBS PREVIEW 2015 The 2015 International Builders' Show (IBS) returns to Design & Construction Week at the Las Vegas Convention Center January 20 to 22. A year ago, IBS collocated with the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) for the first time and with strong results: a combined 1,700 exhibitors and more than 75,000 professionals attending. Registered attendees also had compli- mentary access to the International Window Coverings Expo show floor. The joint enterprise proved successful and so it is being repeated. Billed as the nation's largest annual residential housing construction trade event, IBS features exhibits by manufactur- ers and suppliers of home construction products and services covering the breadth of the entire building industry. Pop-up Forums In addition to the must-see products and exhibits, IBS also offers up-to-date and innovative industry education. A revamped education program features more than 100 sessions in 10 tracks taught by renowned building industry experts from across the country. Topics range from sales and marketing to construction and codes—literally something for everyone. Make no mistake; education is in demand these days. The number of attendees getting full registrations (with access to all education sessions) has grown 40 percent over the last two years, according to IBS producers, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Meeting and talking with fellow building industry pro- fessionals is a valuable educational experience in itself and IBS provides many opportunities to network, learn, share info and make connections with builders and the industry's top suppliers and manufacturers. Attendees taking advantage of these opportunities will find everything from small gatherings and roundtables, to meet-and-greet sessions and awards programs, to evening parties. Many of these events are complimentary to registered attendees. The offer of learning new things at IBS can pop up just about anywhere. For 2015, 15 exhibiting companies will offer NAHB-approved education forums in their booths throughout the show. These interactive exhibitor floor forums will provide insight on current or emerging building and product trends, demonstrations of construction best practices and lessons to help build a business more effectively. The forums are slated to be 20 to 45 minutes in length and qualify as continuing | by Howard Shingle ROI Building industry profits from International Builders' Show return to Las Vegas for Design & Construction Week The 2015 IBS returns to Design & Construction Week in January to welcome an expected 75,000 attendees.