IBS Live is a new feature for the 2012 National Association of Home Builders International Builders' Show next week. More than 50,000 members of the home building industry are expected to attend the show in Orlando, Fla., from Feb. 8-11.
IBS Live features a theater airing short, educational mini-sessions on a wide range of topics; the NAHB Finance Pavilion, where attendees can meet individually with a variety of capital sources and financing advisors; and a lounge for relaxing with fellow attendees — all in the middle of the Orange County Convention Center.
Bob Vila, long-time former host of This Old House, will kick things off on Wednesday at noon when he talks about the trend toward more compact, energy-efficient homes and the new luxury details that consumers want.
J.R. Martinez, who was severely injured in Iraq before becoming TV's "Dancing with the Stars" champion, will talk about his work with Operation Finally Home, a national charitable program providing new homes for injured soldiers. Martinez will be available for autographs and photos after the presentation.
"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" personalities Tracy Hutson and Paul Dimeo will share the secrets, tips and behind-the-scenes antics of America's quintessential feel-good reality TV show, one that brought entire communities together as they built more than 200 homes in 50 states.
Representatives from "Better Homes & Gardens" will discuss top consumer trends around the country, McGraw Hill Construction Analytics will discuss the results of the latest in a series of green building preferences, and Professional Builder editors will discuss new home building and remodeling smart phone and tablet apps.
Because inaccurate home appraisals and scarce financing continue to plague the industry, IBS Live will also host sessions that help provide solutions. "How Builders Should Work with Appraisers" and "Capital Markets — What All Builders and Developers Seeking Capital Should Know" are just two of the finance sessions that will be an integral part of the IBS Live theater.
"We developed the IBS Live concept based on feedback we had from past attendees that wanted more education and networking opportunities on the floor," said Mark Pursell, NAHB senior vice president of exhibitions, marketing and sales, in a press release. "We think the area will be a big draw and add an energy that will benefit both the attendees and exhibitors alike. It will be right smack dab in the middle of the show floor, so if you are on the show floor you can't miss it — and I hope you won't."
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