After missing last year’s International Builders’ Show due to the pandemic, builders, remodelers, designers, and other building pros descended on Orlando Feb. 8-10 with enthusiasm. In fact, NAHB is reporting that 70,00 people attended Design & Construction Week, the combination of the International Builders’ Show and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show.
We were excited to be at the show under our new family at Westlake Royal Building Products. Boral North America was acquired by Westlake last year, and the new Westlake Royal Building Products brand brings together the rich legacy of three leading North American Building Product Manufacturers: Royal® Building Products, Boral® North America building products, and DaVinci® Roofscapes.
We also debuted our new TruExterior 5/8” Lap Siding, available this spring. The new profile combines the coveted look and shadow lines of traditional lap siding with the high performance of TruExterior’s poly-ash material.
Couldn’t make the trip to Orlando? Here are a few observations and happenings from the show floor.
• Serious commitment: Where in year’s past many show attendees were there to browse or reward employees, this year’s attendees meant business, eager to learn, connect, and place orders. The cause could be the pandemic or the urgency of a tight supply chain, but we were thrilled to have numerous detailed discussions with new and existing customers.
• Influencers galore: Influencers have been around for years, but we saw more of them than ever this year, recording their experiences and chronicling trends. These influencers are often skilled craftspeople and savvy designers, so seeking them out on social platforms can give you a great view of the show.
• Fewer new products: Where in years’ past many manufacturers unveiled a host of new products and materials, it seemed they weren’t as prevalent this year, perhaps driven by companies’ ongoing focus on filling orders and overcoming supply chain issues. But the show wasn’t completely devoid of new items. In addition to our TruExterior 5/8” Lap Siding, check out product roundups from The Journal of Light Construction and Pro Builder
• Enthusiasm and relief: For many attendees, attending IBS brought a sense of normalcy. While the industry was quick to adapt to the pandemic with virtual meetings, construction also relies on handshakes, face-to-face problem-solving, and seeing products in person. There was a palpable sense of excitement for the return to the industry’s biggest annual event.
With the enthusiasm and overall positive vibes from this year’s Builders’ Show, many are already getting excited for next year’s Design & Construction Week, which will return to Las Vegas Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 2023. Adding to the anticipation was the announcement that the National Hardware Show will co-locate with IBS and KBIS in 2023.
See scenes from Westlake Royal Building Products on our Instagram page.
