Next stop: Orlando, Fla.

Next stop: Orlando, Fla.
Tags: Trade Show
January 23, 2012 - Teena Hammond

'Tis the season. But not that season. The holidays are behind us. Instead, this is the season of trade shows and building conferences.

I'm looking forward to meeting some of ProudGreenHome's readers and learning about new sustainable products from the companies attending the first show on my list this year: the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) International Builders' Show (IBS) in Orlando, Fla., at the Orange County Convention Center.

I'll be busy attending a range of shows around the country this year, starting with the IBS show from Feb. 8-11 (although I get into town on Feb. 7 to make sure I get a sneak peek at the 2012 New American Home).

The grand opening of the show begins with a bit of fun on Feb. 8, with world-famous magicians Penn & Teller entertaining the crowd with their antics. I'm especially curious what Aron Ralston will share with the audience when he speaks at the show, also during the opening ceremonies. Ralston's story of bravery was told in the movie "127 Hours." He was pinned under a half-ton boulder in a remote Utah canyon and freed himself by severing his forearm with a dull pocket knife. He will talk about surmounting seemingly impossible obstacles. A suitable topic for the guy who impressed us all!

My plan of attack at the show is to meet with as many companies as I can to bring back the newest info to share on ProudGreenHome. One of the events I'm looking particularly forward to is Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's special session on Feb. 10. When Bernanke testified before the Joint Economic Committee in Congress in October, he specifically acknowledged housing's role in economic recovery and job growth and the challenges facing builders. He will address the state of the housing market and industry concerns when he speaks at IBS.

And there is, of course, plenty of fun set for the evenings. But you guys will probably have to tell me all about those events, since most post-trade show days end with me working frantically in my hotel room, trying to get out the latest news to post online before everyone wakes the next day.

Nevertheless, for those who do venture out, there's the first-ever IBS House Party on Feb. 8 at Howl at the Moon in Orlando, and it's sponsored by Homes for Our Troops. And then the next night is for the 2012 Spike and Director's Reception: Party at the Pointe at Pointe Orlando, which promises it's "just a short walk from the Orange County Convention Center."

Hmmm ... who knows. Maybe I'll find my next great story among the crowd at one of those late night parties!

Seriously, please let me know if you will be attending the show and would like to meet me to talk about your products or company. Just email me at teena@proudgreenhome.com. I'd love to hear from you.