Tradeshow Report

(Feb. 21, 2008)

DID YOU MISS OUT ON THE 2008 INTERNATIONAL

BUILDERS' SHOW?

Don't sweat it. K&A's got all the insight from the industry's hottest event.

Despite the current state of the housing market, the 2008 International Builders’ Show opened its doors to a bustling and enthusiastic crowd. Over 92,000 attendees from around the globe were reported to have packed the show floor to check out the 1,900 exhibitors, February 13-16 in Orlando, Fla.

 It was a star-studded occasion. From NASCAR superstars and magicians, to industry legends like Ed Del Grande, Ron Hazelton and Lou Manfredi, IBS 2008 was like the actors’ Oscars for the home channel professional.  

And IBS 2008 definitely proved that “knowledge is power.” This year’s event gathered over 300 industry experts to speak to its valued exhibitors and attendees during its educational seminars held throughout all four days of the show. Topics ranged from green building, customer service, technology and organization to building management, architecture, interior design, building systems and international affairs.

Green is the new black

This year, IBS dedicated one entire day to green initiatives. February 14 marked the exciting launch of the show’s “Green Day,” as the NAHB officially launched its National Green Building Program and the new Certified Green Professional designation. In addition, more than 170 companies included their products and services in the brand new “green” category for IBS exhibitors. 

Hot products sizzle at the show

The Florida sun, packed aisles, high-profile celebrities and thought-provoking seminars weren’t the only thing heating up the tradeshow floor. Check out some of our favorite product finds below. 

“Cool” roofs, and even “cooler”… wine coolers

Following a recent study that found 63 percent of consumers were attracted to the lower operating and maintenance costs for green homes, MonierLifetile® the leading concrete roof tile manufacturer introduced its Energy Efficient Roof (EER). This new system’s ventilated assembly provides a 50 percent reduction in heat penetration into the conditioned space of a home, thereby decreasing heat and energy costs by up to 22 percent as compared to an asphalt shingle roof. Going green never looked so good.

On the other side of the ‘cool’ spectrum, Danby, unveiled its latest wine cooler featuring blue LED interior lighting. Why blue? Wine is affected by the heat of a typical incandescent light. This is why Danby's wine cooler is... well, cooler!  

Lights, camera, action

Gerber Plumbing Fixtures LLC proved it wasn’t shy about being in the spotlight. Appearing on the NBC six o’clock news in Orlando, Gerber validated its unwavering commitment to the trade professional with its water conserving products that enhance the highly-publicized sustainable living movement.  What’s more, Gerber showcased a comprehensive package containing all the parts needed for installation, Gerber’s new Toilet Pak, launched this year at IBS, includes a tank, bowl, toilet seat, wax ring and flange bolts-all the parts needed for installation. Even better, the featured toilet in the Toilet Pak is low consumption with a two-inch flush valve and front jet flushing action. Value and convenience for the plumber truly go hand-in-hand! 

Hybrids aren’t just for cars anymore

Grand Hall®, the foremost innovator and supplier of residential and commercial gas appliances and components, showcased its newest revelation: Eternal®. A premier hybrid water heating system engineered to out-perform all other water heaters in the marketplace, Eternal utilizes a patented counter-flow design and multi-pass heat exchanger technology that maintains an 86 percent thermal efficiency rating with consistent pressure. 

Grand Hall, also unveiled its Eternal Direct Vent®, a water heating system that directly intakes and exhausts air outside the home allowing for cleaner indoor air quality. Combining the finest components of both tank and tankless water heating units without the limitations, the Eternal Direct Vent offers: sealed combustion, increased run lengths for venting, twin PVC vents, an optional remote control for the digital control pad, and operates more quietly than other systems. 

Why “wood” you use any other trim? KOMA enhances the perception of PVC trim products.

KOMA Trim Products, provider of exterior trim solutions used for a variety of applications including fascias, window and door surrounds, flat panel applications, custom millwork and decorative columns and trim, showcased its 2007 Building Professional of the Year - Sean O’Connor. In its second year, KOMA’s “idea exchange program” recognizes one leading building professional who effectively and innovatively incorporates KOMA Trim Products into housing designs and projects. 

Additionally, KOMA introduced several new products at this year’s show including: soffit systems, water tables, and an extension of its popular Allure Collection of extruded PVC mouldings.  

Corporate responsibility and fiber cement go hand-in-hand

Nichiha, an international leader in fiber cement technology, demonstrated its latest corporate mission of “sustainable stewardship” with the presentation of its ground-breaking fiber cement line featuring five new products: NichiBoard, NichiTrim, NichiShake, NichiPanel and NichiSoffit. 

Even more innovative, all Nichiha products are manufactured in the company’s new eco-friendly plant utilizing recycled materials and no added crystalline silica. These conditions provide the safest, most environmentally-friendly and highest-quality products on the market.   

New exhibitors rock the floor

Other big finds at IBS were in the hidden jewels of HomerWood and Metallo Arts. HomerWood hardwood floors debuted its Amish Hand-Scrapped collection - premier flooring which offers distressed authentic Hand-Scrapped wood from Pennsylvania. Metallo Arts, a new-to-IBS exhibitor, produces custom hoods which are of the finest quality and are the most custom hood liners we’ve seen thus far in the marketplace. 

A few more hidden gems of the show included products by pegRAIL™, Tile Redi® and Flexstone, offering unique solutions from closet and storage organization and leak-proof and mold-free shower pans, to a lightweight flexible sandstone that can be cut to fit or assembled to mold around any surface.  

Get all the industry info

K/BIS 2008 will be here before you know it. A little more than 50 days to be exact! So, for all the pre, during and post show action, make sure to check out www.kleberandassociates.com. 

Want more insight into the show? Contact Steve Kleber at sk@kleberandassociates.com or call 770.518.1000!


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