I just made my fifth trip to the International Builders’ Show (IBS). Held in the Las Vegas Convention Center, it was spread out over three halls with a fourth outside location. According to IBS reporting, there were 70,000 people in attendance and more than 1300 exhibitors; these totals do not include the Kitchens and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), the hardware show, or the surfaces (countertops and floor coverings) show, all of which took place simultaneously.

I attend IBS regularly for three reasons. The first is to network with builders who have similar construction interests, many of whom I see only at the show. Second, I like to walk the halls and chat with different manufacturers about their products; I believe it gives me an edge in my market to know about new materials and technologies. And third, I value the many and varied educational offerings that happen in the “Construction Performance Zone” and the “Craft Techniques Zone.” Both areas had sets built where different construction products were displayed, proper installation techniques were demonstrated, and product performance was discussed.

The Construction Performance Zone concentrated on high-performance building education—everything from proper window flashing and air-sealing to performing a blower-door test. The Craft Techniques Zone featured how-to instruction with a focus on improving productivity. This year’s topics included constructing a curved deck and installing cabinets on out-of-level walls. Over the course of three days, the two locations held more than 60 discussions and demonstrations.

Ben Bogie, Travis Brunardt, and Joe Cook helmed the Construction Performance Zone, while the Craft Techniques Zone featured Walt Tomala and newcomer Brandon Jones. Guest speakers included HVAC expert Ross Trethewey, a regular on This Old House, contributing FHB author Myron Ferguson, Jason Russell (a.k.a. Dr.Decks), GBA contributor and indoor air quality expert Nikki Krueger, IBS regulars Mark LaLiberte and Gord Cook from Construction Instruction, FHB code expert and educator Glenn Mathewson, and building science guru Joe Lstiburek. This short list is meant to demonstrate the level of collective expertise on hand at the annual show.

As mentioned, there were more than 60 presentations, most of which ran for a half hour. Josh Salinger talked about concrete-free slab-on-grade foundation systems, and the dos and don’ts of a concrete-reducing strategy for residential construction. Ben Bogie and Travis Brungardt gave a presentation on and demonstrated proper techniques for installing mechanically fastened and self-adhered water resistive barriers, discussing pros and cons of each type. Gord Cooke talked about net-zero energy vs. net-zero carbon; and Myron Ferguson presented on drywall tapes and applications and highlighted new products, tools, and techniques that make drywall finishing easier.

There were several deck-building classes with Jason Russell that included products selection advice, spans/spacing requirements, rules on how to bend composite decking materials, and approaches to meeting customer expectations. There were also a couple of presentations on pre-built vs. custom shower systems that included water management of the floor and walls.

These talks float to the surface as good examples of the kind of topics people looking for training in the trades will find at IBS. Between the availability of presenters to ask questions of, the hands-on approach to product demonstration, and the use of mockups to show proper installation techniques and application of products and principles, anyone looking to grow their high-performance building knowledge would do well to attend the annual show.

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Randy Williams is a builder and energy rater based in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Photos courtesy of the author, except where noted.