The 2025 NAHB International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Las Vegas was more than just a convention—it was a five-day immersion into the heart of the homebuilding industry, and Lita Dirks & Co. soaked up every minute! From February 23-27, we dove into pre-show excitement, navigated the massive show floor, and celebrated with friends old and new. With over 81,000 attendees and 1,800 exhibitors across 728,000 square feet, IBS 2025 was a record-breaking event—and our Vegas journey was one for the books. Here’s our tour of the pre-IBS buildup and the show itself!

Pre-IBS: Power-Packed Days and Nights

The action started well before the convention doors opened on February 25. Those pre-IBS days were a whirlwind of meetings, boards, and unforgettable parties—setting the stage for an epic week.

  • Global Opportunities Board (GOB) Meeting: Kicking things off, Lita joined the GOB Board for a strategy-packed session. 

  • The New American Home Party: This was a highlight of the pre-show festivities! We mingled under the Vegas lights and the team soaked in the excitement around this year’s showcase home.

  • Builder Partnership Party: A night of celebration with Emma Jane, President of Builder Partnership, where we laughed and networked.

  • Colorado Party: The Colorado contingent brought the house down!

These pre-IBS moments were electric, proving that the real magic often happens before the official kickoff.

Opening Day: The Show Begins!

February 25th arrived with a bang as IBS officially opened its doors. The Kickoff Program, hosted by the hilarious David Spade, set the tone with laughs and inspiration. Michaela led the way and kept heading toward the front row… Lita asked if they should go back and take a chair somewhere and she just kept moving ahead. Michaela found them two sets almost dead center a few rows back; they climbed over those already sitting – put their lattes on the floor and sat down for the amazing intro for the event. Vegas vibes in full effect!

The energy was palpable as thousands poured into the Las Vegas Convention Center, ready to explore the latest in homebuilding.

Clients and Friends: The Heart of IBS

IBS is all about connection, and we were thrilled to catch up with clients and friends across the show.

  • Design Central Meet-Up: Lita and Michaela posed with Deryl Patterson and Heather Attardo in the bustling Design Central hub—a perfect moment of collaboration.

  • 1776/Epcon Team: Caught up with our friends Brock and Nicole Fankhauser from North Carolina!

These encounters reminded us why we love this industry: it’s the people who make it shine.

Award Shows: Glitz, Glam, and Inspiration

Vegas wouldn’t be Vegas without a little sparkle, and the award shows delivered!

  • BALA Awards: The Best of American Living Awards gala was a night of stunning designs and great company.

  • The Nationals: This celebration of new home sales and marketing was a blast. These events left us buzzing with ideas to bring back to our clients. Congrats again to all our industry friends!

Education: A Moment to Share

Lita’s panel, “The Healthier Home & Community Design Toolkit,” was a solid contribution to the show’s 120+ education sessions. Moderated by Jillian Pritchard, founder and CEO of Wellness Within Your Walls; the panel featured Lita, Cassy Cherry, Director of Marketing & Client Relations at Danielian Architects, and John Barrows, P3 Builder Group Inc; it was well-received, thoughtful, and had several takeaways. Lita was in her element—proof of her passion for healthier design! 

The Floor: Where Inspiration Lives

The IBS exhibit floor was a sensory overload—in the best way possible. Spanning over 728,000 square feet, it was packed with innovative products and jaw-dropping displays. We had several moments that sparked our creativity: a sleek kitchen setup, a bold Cambria quartz feature, and more. These moments are already fueling our next model home designs! 

Wrapping Up Five Days in Vegas

From pre-IBS boardrooms to the show floor’s chaos, IBS 2025 was a marathon of inspiration, connection, and celebration. The Las Vegas Convention Center hummed with energy, and we left with notebooks full of ideas, cameras bursting with photos, and hearts full of gratitude for this industry we call home. As we settle back into Denver, we’re ready to turn this Vegas magic into actionable designs for our clients. Want to talk about how we can bring some IBS sparkle to your projects? Reach out—let’s make it happen!