The 2026 International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Orlando was a standout event for new home builders and developers, marking the final year the show will be held there before moving to Las Vegas. With nearly 75,000 attendees, innovative products on display, and a focus on forward-thinking solutions, the atmosphere felt more intimate and collaborative compared to previous years. For Lita, being deeply involved in the industry, serving as Chairperson of NAHB’s Global Opportunities Network (GON) for 2026 (part of NAHB International Membership) and a member of the Healthy Homes and Communities Sub-Committee, she had the privilege of contributing directly through education sessions and networking.

A highlight for Lita was moderating the GON “Meet the Experts” session on “What We Wish We Knew Before Doing Business in the U.S.” and presenting her program with Dan Stiling from BSB Design on “3 Keys to Winning Floor Plans…Right Sized, On Trend, Margin-Boosting.” These discussions emphasized practical, consumer-driven design strategies that can help builders create homes that sell faster and stand out in competitive markets.

One exciting recognition came from the Best in American Living Awards (BALA), where a Mattamy Homes single-family earned a coveted Silver BALA Award. Congratulations to Matt Berkis and his Mattamy team, and architect Deryl Patterson from Housing Design Matters; this project showcased thoughtful, award-worthy architecture supported by strong interior merchandising that aligns with current buyer preferences for functionality and style.

Cassy, Lita, and Michaela—made the most of our quick trip to IBS. Cassy took the lead on new materials trends, logging plenty of steps across the show floor, while Michaela focused on networking and gained valuable insight into how manufacturers are actually driving today’s material innovations.

It’s impressive to see how companies invest years in research, sourcing, and scaling production to transform concepts like health and wellness, energy efficiency, and calming environments into real, market-ready solutions.

One of the biggest advantages of attending IBS is the opportunity to share and discover trends. A special shout-out to Dawn Duhamel of DTJ Designs and Kate Pourhassanian of Unscripted Interior Design for their generous, product-focused presentation on tiles, flooring, and garage doors—it was incredibly insightful!

The mood among builders varied by region: Colorado folks seemed cautious, reflecting local market softness, while other areas felt quite positive. Overall, 2026 is shaping up as a transitional year: challenges persist, but there’s clear optimism for pickup toward the end of the year. The buzz around AI integration stood out, shifting conversations of fear and anxiety to proactive opportunities for efficiency in design, planning, and operations.

For new home builders and developers, IBS 2026 reinforced key takeaways:

  • Stay ahead on trends by leveraging manufacturer-led innovations in materials and wellness-focused features.
  • Prioritize adaptable floorplans that balance aesthetics, efficiency, and buyer demands.
  • Network globally and locally: events like GON sessions highlight international perspectives that can inform U.S. projects.
  • Embrace tech like AI to streamline processes and gain a competitive edge.

It was energizing to meet up with friends at IBS like Bobby Long and Chris Grady from Kephart Architects while seeing the industry’s resilience and innovation firsthand. If you’re planning your next community or product lineup, now’s the time to lean into these positive shifts. Let’s connect if you’d like more details on GON, current trends, updating floorplans, better merchandising, or how these insights can apply to your builds—here’s to a strong 2026!