IBS 2026: Milestone Wins, Infrastructure Woes, and the Future of Building
The International Builders' Show is always a whirlwind, but this year's trip to Orlando was particularly memorable. As the show prepares to move locations in the coming years, it sent itself off in style — with a record turnout, high-level networking, and a few transportation adventures we won't soon forget.
Orlando's Farewell: A Record Crowd
The sheer scale of this year's event was staggering. Nearly 117,000 industry professionals descended on the Orange County Convention Center for Design & Construction Week, and Orlando felt every bit of it. The infrastructure was pushed to its limit — a two-mile Uber ride took 45 minutes and cost $100. What started as a running joke quickly became one of the best unplanned team-building exercises of the trip. Those long waits turned into real conversations with our MCG colleagues and friends from the Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA).
Celebrating Local Excellence
Tuesday was a standout day for our local talent. We were proud to witness Jackie Rowland take home the YPG (Young Professionals Group) of the Year award — a well-deserved recognition for someone making a real impact in our industry.
We also had the privilege of watching the UNF student team deliver a stellar presentation during the student competition. Seeing the next generation of builders hold their own on a national stage is always one of the best moments of the show.
Leadership and Advocacy
Wednesday was dedicated to the business of building. As a NEFBA delegate to the NAHB, we participated in debates and voted on new resolutions that will shape our industry in the months ahead.
A personal highlight was the installation of our new chairperson, Bill Owens of Worthington, Ohio. Bill is a custom builder and remodeler we've respected for years, and it's genuinely exciting to see a dedicated remodeler step into the chairperson role. We also had the chance to sit in on discussions with Nicole Goolsby, who served as NAHB Remodelers Council Chair this past year — a conversation full of valuable perspective.
Tech and Trends: Innovation Worth Watching
By Thursday, the crowds thinned and we had space to actually talk with the designers and manufacturers behind the products. A few standouts:
Aquor Hot + Cold Residential Mixing Valve — A well-deserved Best Outdoor Product winner. This recessed, sleek outdoor water access solution is a big win for Florida homeowners who want reliable hot/cold capability outside.
SPAN Panels — Smart electrical panels that are changing how modern homes manage energy.
Halo Lights — One of those booth moments that reminded us why we come to the show. We sat down with their team, described a specific project challenge, and walked away with a solution on the spot.
Sonos — A perennial favorite for our clients and our own homes. Their latest sound integration continues to set the standard.
Building Science — We spent significant time discussing moisture management and the water-tightness of a home. In our climate, this is one of our biggest challenges, and seeing the latest engineering in person was invaluable.
The Road Home
We wrapped up the week with a closing concert by the Brothers Osborne and a great dinner with our friends from Russell Rowland. Even the drive back was productive. We stopped in Sanford to visit Mike Kassee at One to One Plans, whose business is genuinely revolutionizing how builders present plans to clients. More on that in a future post.
Finally, a sincere thank you to the team that managed the NEFBA events this year. You made everyone feel welcomed, kept the energy high, and made the whole experience better. We couldn't do it without you.
Can't get enough of IBS and KBIS?
Our own Jalen Atkinson went deep so you don't have to. Her three-part YouTube series takes you through both shows day by day — the products, the conversations, and the moments that don't make it into a recap post.
