The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) International Builders’ Show (IBS) is set to return to Orlando, Florida, from February 17-19, 2026, marking its final appearance in the city before rotating venues. As the premier annual event for the residential construction industry, IBS brings together builders, remodelers, architects, suppliers, and other professionals to showcase cutting-edge products, trends, and strategies. Co-located with the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) as part of Design & Construction Week (DCW), the combined spectacle transforms the Orange County Convention Center into a vibrant epicenter of innovation, drawing attendees from over 100 countries. This year’s show is anticipated to be one of the largest in recent history, building on the momentum from 2025’s record-breaking turnout. Organizers expect more than 115,000 attendees for DCW, including over 70,000 specifically for IBS.
This represents a slight dip from 2025’s DCW total of over 130,000 but still underscores the event’s growing appeal amid a recovering housing market.
The influx of participants reflects heightened interest in sustainable building practices, smart home technologies, and economic forecasts for the sector. For exhibitors, the numbers are equally impressive: IBS alone will feature more than 1,700 brands and companies, while DCW boasts over 2,350 exhibiting brands across 1.2 million net square feet of space.
These exhibitors span categories like building materials, tools, software, and design elements, offering hands-on demos and exclusive launches. Attendees can look forward to a packed agenda blending education, networking, and entertainment. A standout new feature is the AI & Tech Studio, an interactive space dedicated to practical applications of artificial intelligence in construction—from streamlining operations to enhancing project management. Over 120 educational sessions will cover topics like market trends, time management techniques, and regional building strategies, providing actionable insights that professionals can implement immediately. Past participants have raved about sessions yielding pages of notes on business strategies and innovative practices. Networking remains a cornerstone, with events like the IBS House Party at Live! at The Pointe Orlando. This sold-out extravaganza includes live music, DJs, a mechanical bull, and multiple indoor-outdoor venues for mingling. The show closes with a concert featuring country duo The Brothers Osborne, adding a festive cap to the proceedings. Official show homes, The New American Home 2026 and The New American Remodel 2026, will demonstrate the latest in energy-efficient design and luxury remodeling.
Beyond the exhibits, IBS 2026 emphasizes sustainability and resilience, with discussions on eco-friendly materials and disaster-resistant building amid climate challenges. For newcomers, pre-show planning is key: research sessions and booths via the app to maximize the experience. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or an emerging professional, IBS promises to inspire and equip you for the future of housing. With Orlando’s sunny backdrop and theme-park proximity, it’s not just business—it’s an unforgettable industry reunion.
