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IBS 2025 Recap

First time attendee, Taylor Hockman, recaps the 2025 International Builder Show

In my 15+ years working in Healthcare IT, I had the chance to attend some of the biggest industry conferences across the country. The format was always familiar—massive convention centers, exhibit halls packed with vendors eager to pitch the latest tech, a full slate of education sessions from seasoned professionals, and endless networking. When I joined Dale Koontz Builder in September, stepping into an entirely new industry, the idea of attending the International Builders’ Show just five months later actually felt like a small comfort. Everything else was new and a bit overwhelming, but conferences? That was familiar turf.

In the lead-up to the event, coworkers would drop hints and unsolicited tips:
“Are you ready for IBS?”
“Did you look at the schedule yet?”
“Wear good walking shoes.”
“Scott walks fast—keep up.”

I brushed it off with a confident chuckle. “This sounds like a typical healthcare conference. I’ve got this.”

Nope.

The 2025 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas absolutely blew my expectations out of the water. With over 124,000 attendees, more than 2,500 exhibitors, and 1.2 million square feet of combined exhibit space (shared with the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show for Design & Construction Week), it dwarfed the largest healthcare events I’d ever attended. By comparison, it was like walking into a small city dedicated entirely to construction innovation.

After arriving on Monday, we hit the show floor Tuesday morning—and by the end of Day 1, I was toast. We clocked over 12 miles of walking, I had blisters in places I didn’t know could blister, and my brain was absolutely swimming in new ideas, tech, trends, and insights. I spent the next two days at the conference with a bit more intention. I spent time and vendor booths talking about construction software, learning about some of our building systems, and familiarizing myself with products I know we use on our jobs. 

Here are just a few standout takeaways:

• AI & Smart Tech: From AI-powered HVAC systems to integrated smart home solutions, the role of tech in home building is only growing. I was shocked to see nearly an entire exhibit hall focused on technology. I attended several education sessions about the future of AI in construction and the general feeling is that if you aren't already using it, you're behind. 

• Wellness is In: Homeowners are craving sanctuaries. Think cold plunge tubs, indoor saunas, and nature-inspired finishes. Golf simulators, home gyms, all built in spaces designed to entertain at home as more technology for these spaces becomes attainable to the average consumers. 

• Outdoor Living Reigns: Patios, pergolas, and fire features are becoming must-haves.

• Design Trends: "Skinny shaker" cabinets, earthy tones with saturated color pops, and gold finishes were everywhere.

• Energy Efficiency: Net-zero homes and advanced solar-ready designs are no longer fringe—they’re fast becoming the standard.

• Industry Outlook: New home sales expected to incrase, remodel market poised for growth in 2025. Skilled labor continues to be a concern. 

IBS 2025 was more than just a conference—it was an experience. For anyone new to the building industry (or even veterans who haven’t been in a while), it’s an experience that’ll leave your feet sore but your mind fired up.

I'm looking forward to attending IBS 2026 in Orlando and expanding my learning, but I'm going to start my physical training program now in preparation.