Strong Interest in Building Systems at IBS in Las Vegas

Attendance at the 2009 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas is down dramatically from years past, no surprise given the current economic climate and the dramatic downturn in fortunes for the home building industry. While the exact number numbers of attendees has not yet been compiled by the National Association of Home Builders, most observers and exhibitors say attendance decreased anywhere from 30% to more than 50%.

But what is surprising is the number of site builders looking to make the switch to a building system. However, attendance at the educational sessions that detailed the inherent advantages in concrete, log, modular and panel technologies was similar or increased compared to years past, when there were far more bodies at the event. Moreover, events held in the Building Systems Councils’ hospitality suite, where site builders could learn more about how to get started with using a building system, drew far more interested applicants than years past. A breakfast for those interested in log home construction drew more than 50 interested builders and a luncheon on building systems saw more than 100 turnout for the event.

“Instead of tire kickers, we have builders who are very qualified and interested in looking to make the switch to a building system,” said Mike Weber, 2009 BSC Chairman and a home builder in Selinsgrove, PA.

Traffic at the Building Systems Council booth has also been surprisingly strong, despite the decrease in overall attendance at the show, which runs Jan 20-23rd. It’s clear that in the new economy, site builders are looking to building systems to outsource design, engineering, construction and a host of other management issues.