BLD Marketing Attends International Builders’ Show^® in Vegas

Sponsored by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the 2025 International Builders’ Show^® (IBS) was the largest in nearly two decades. More than 81,000 building and construction professionals attended the show, and nearly 2,000 companies exhibited at the Las Vegas Convention Center during the last week of February.

BLDrs Garrett Andrae, Dave Sladack, and Jake Michalski were also in attendance.

Here are their takeaways from this year’s show.

What dominated the conversations on the exhibit floor at this year’s IBS? What has construction professionals concerned in 2025, and what is driving optimism?

Garrett Andrae, Creative Director

Almost every manufacturer mentioned excellent show attendance compared to the recent past. One manufacturer said they got a similar numbers of leads in a single day at this year’s show than they did during the entire show last year. In terms of other topics discussed, many are concerned about skilled labor shortages. Others are closely watching interest rates to see if they continue to decrease, which could stimulate activity in the housing market in general.

Dave Sladack, President

While attitudes seem bullish for the coming year in terms of how well the industry will do, there is uncertainty in the air regarding recent tariff news and lingering concerns about the economy – interest rates, high materials costs, and a lack of labor pool due to tighter immigration management.

We spoke to an association director who talked about the need to organize various associations to create a more powerful voice in Washington to address the tariff concerns. At the same time, there seems to be a positivity about the regulatory environment loosening to create an easier path for development and construction.

Jake Michalski, PR/Content Marketing Manager

There’s certainly some uncertainty regarding materials and prices in light of tariff talks in the U.S. and those we spoke with north of the border.

I spent most of my time in the Outdoor Show Village, and the brands I encountered were focused on solutions that provided both time and cost savings. For example, Everlast Advanced Composite Siding^® participated in installation demonstrations at the ProTradeCraft stage, where many of the other products being installed emphasized quick and easy installation.

Where did you encounter the most compelling innovations at the show?

Dave Sladack

ODL privately showcased a new transparent, energy-efficient aerogel window insulation solution from an MIT-inspired start up called AeroShield, a BLD Marketing client. It will be a game changer, providing true innovation for the window industry that is better than triple-pane technology. Door and Window Market covered the unveiling along with a few other innovations.

Jake Michalski

The coolest exhibits I walked through were the prefabricated/manufactured homes. Exhibits from companies such as Cavco Industries, Modulux Homes, and Zook Cabins were the most intriguing. They definitely drew a crowd, because people are interested in “touring” a home.

Garrett Andrae

Houzz had in-booth presentations on their suite of software products for builders and remodelers – project management, client dashboards, communication tools, etc. With the large number of contractors in the audience, it seems that digital tools like these are in high demand.

How can building materials brands best utilize a show such as IBS to up the ante for their brand?

Jake Michalski

Brands really need to identify ways to stand out and do something different to attract visitors. Whether it is interactive/immersive experiences, product demos or live builds, or an unconventional booth design, brands need to think of outside-the-box methods to showcase their products, services, and solutions. If I’m an attendee, I’m thinking… “What sets you apart, and how can you deliver that to me in a compelling way that’s going to get me to dedicate 10 minutes of my day to you?”

Garrett Andrae

Create an exhibit with interactivity and compelling demonstrations. Even if you have a small exhibit, invest in professional marketing and graphic design.

Dave Sladack

It’s all about the journey. We advise our building materials clients to strategically consider the journey they want their prospects to take and guide them through a journey that tells a story. Use technology like QR codes and video to enhance that experience. Take the prospect from brand awareness to education through conviction where they are ready and eager to continue the conversation.

Be compelling with your brand’s unique selling proposition (USP). For example, Rockwool, a Canadian-based insulation brand that focuses on noise reduction as part of their brand promise, featured an insulation maze at their booth. The deeper you walked into it, the more silent the environment. That experience clearly demonstrated Rockwool’s USP.