Attending the NAHB International Builders’ Show in Orlando, Florida, this February was nothing short of an extraordinary experience. Walking into the Orange County Convention Centre, I was immediately struck by the sheer scale of the event. More than 117,000 attendees moved through the halls across the three days, and there was so much to see and do, with thousands of exhibitors spanning construction, design, materials and technology.

The International Builders’ Show (IBS) has been held annually in America since the 1940s, and has been co-located with the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) since 2014. As the largest event of its kind in the United States, it’s not just a trade show – it’s a global convergence of ideas, ambition and innovation. And it’s an experience I’d encourage all HIA members to make room for on their 2027 calendar.

Building meets showbiz

IBS attracts plenty of big names – both in and out of the construction industry. This year’s opening ceremony featured American football icon and construction entrepreneur Emmitt Smith as keynote speaker. His inspiring address balanced humour with insights about change, resilience and staying adaptable – messages that landed well with a room full of builders navigating an evolving industry. 

At the other end of the week, the closing concert brought the industry together in a different way, with a high-energy performance from country music duo Florida Georgia Line. It was a fitting celebration – less about products and pipelines, and more about the amazing people who make this industry what it is.

Innovation in action

The theme for IBS 2026 was All Homes Start Here, and this was evident in every corner of the show – all 55,000 square metres of it! 

The breadth and diversity of exhibits delivered a comprehensive view of where residential construction is heading, particularly in areas such as sustainability, offsite construction, digital transformation and advanced materials. For me, what stood out most was the maturity of innovation on display. Technology is no longer a far-off, aspirational goal; it’s operational. 

At the AI & Tech Studio – one of the most talked-about additions to the traditional show format – delegates took part in hands-on educational sessions, demonstrating how new technologies can transform processes for building businesses: AI-powered estimating tools, automated design platforms, and integrated systems that connect project management, procurement and onsite delivery. The focus was on productivity, accuracy and margin improvement. 

At the Construction Performance Zone, the crowds enjoyed live demonstrations of framing, building envelope systems and installation techniques. These weren’t staged displays; they were practical, skills-based sessions grounded in improving build quality and efficiency on site.

Design leads the conversation

The exhibits at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show delivered a different, but equally compelling, perspective – how homes feel, function and perform for the end user. A standout was Kohler’s 1500-square-metre, fully immersive installation, tantalisingly titled Step into Possibility. Entering through a re-creation of the brand’s historic foundry gates, visitors were led through curated environments blending wellness, sustainability and high design.

It was a powerful reminder that while construction systems are evolving rapidly, so too are consumer expectations around liveability, luxury and personalisation. This idea was also showcased in the New American Home display, where visitors can see how the newest products, trends and technology look and operate in an actual house. 

Located just outside Orlando, the display home brought together high-performance building, energy efficiency and luxury design in a seamless way. Integrated smart systems, advanced materials and modular construction techniques were all on display, but what stood out was how cohesive it felt. While the home was undeniably futuristic, it was also liveable – innovation wasn’t layered on; it was embedded from the ground up.

Why it matters for Australia

For Australian builders and industry leaders, IBS and KBIS are more than an opportunity to check out new products. The themes that dominated the conversation in Orlando – namely AI integration, decarbonisation, prefabrication and human-centred design – mirror many of the challenges and opportunities that HIA members face locally.

Across the board, there was a focus on investing in new ways of working and utilising technology to reshape productivity and the customer experience. Overall, the key takeaway message was unmistakable: the competitive edge is increasingly digital, and those who embrace it early will lead.

Planning for 2027

The 2027 International Builders’ Show and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show will be held in Las Vegas from 2–4 February next year. If you’re considering making the trip, it’s worth having a clear plan to get the most from the experience.

Some highlights worth prioritising include:

• the AI & Tech Studio for practical insights
• the KBIS Innovation Awards for a curated view of what’s next
• the Construction Performance Zone for hands-on learning
• the New American Home as the ultimate case study in future-focused building.

With its immense scale and breadth, a visit to the show can be as intensive or as considered as you choose. Whether your focus is innovation, design inspiration or practical improvements to your business, IBS and KBIS offer a valuable opportunity to explore new ideas and gain a fresh perspective.