The International Builders' Show (IBS) is just around the corner, and the excitement is building! Our very own General Manager, Kelly Fink, recently joined host Carol Morgan and guest Courtney Stewart of Denim Marketing on the Atlanta Real Estate Forum Radio podcast to discuss all things IBS 2025.This insightful podcast episode covers what attendees can expect at this year’s show, key trends in marketing, and some of the exciting sessions Milesbrand team members will be leading.
IBS 2025: A Must-Attend Event for Homebuilding Professionals
Kelly shares her enthusiasm for several highlights of IBS 2025, including:
- The Nationals Awards: Milesbrand is up for 13 awards this year! The awards show, presented by the National Sales and Marketing Council of the National Association of Home Builders, is the perfect place for Milesbrand to gather with its team and clients in attendance, celebrating a successful year of home builder branding.
- Educational Sessions: Kelly is excited to speak at this year’s show, as well as attend other educational sessions to learn from industry professionals. She emphasizes the value of gaining insights from experts across the homebuilding industry. An extensive education lineup is one of the hallmarks of the International Builders’ Show, and shouldn’t be missed by anyone in attendance.
- Networking Opportunities: Kelly is also excited to connect with colleagues and friends from across the country at the show and attend meetings for the National Sales and Marketing Council, where she sits on the Board of Trustees.
Key Trends and Hot Topics
Courtney Stewart, Vice President of Client Services for Denim Marketing, weighs in on key marketing trends that are likely to take center stage at IBS 2025. Some of the trends she expects to be a focus at the show include:
- The ever-evolving role of AI: As technology continues to advance, expect it to remain a central topic of conversation in every facet of the industry, from in-the-field applications for home builders to project management and marketing tools.
- The importance of data-driven decision-making: Look for experts to provide even more tips on how to make better decisions using data.
- Strategies for reaching the right audience: You have to reach the right audience for your marketing to resonate, but it must also include the right message once you reach them. Expect conversations on what’s working for home builders across the country with real-world examples you can use in your business.
- How to build homes affordably: From zoning laws to building material costs, affordability remains a hot button issue the homebuilding industry. Education sessions will cover innovative building ideas, while the show floor will likely feature products to designed to help lower building costs.
- Building with natural disasters in mind: Expect to see innovative building materials or hear conversations about building practices that make homes better equipped to deal with natural disasters.
Education Sessions from the Milesbrand Team
Two Milesbrand team members are presenting at this year’s show, including Kelly and Bill Sievertsen, Director of Client Services.
Kelly’s session, “Building an Impactful Brand Beyond Colors and Logos,” will be presented with Lisa Welter of JTB Homes and Carol Morgan of Denim Marketing. The session delves into the critical elements of creating a compelling brand for master-planned communities, emphasizing the importance of:
- Understanding your unique Brand DNA.
- Investing in your brand for long-term success.
- Aligning the vision of developers, builders and marketing teams.
Bill’s session, “What’s Your Hook? The Forgotten Art of Storytelling in New Home Marketing,” will be presented with Diana Carroll of Hillwood Communities, Jennifer Cooper of Evolution Marketing and Robert Crowes of SmartTouch Interactive. The session provides a comprehensive view of how storytelling and branding can revolutionize marketing strategies in residential construction.
Tips for First-Time International Builders’ Show Attendees
To wrap up the podcast episode, Carol asked Kelly to share her advice for first-time attendees to ensure they make the most out of their experience. Here’s Kelly’s top tips they must know before attending IBS:
- Plan ahead: There is more to do at the show than can be done in three short days, so plan and prioritize in advance. Use the IBS website and app to create a schedule and determine what sessions you want hear, booths you want to visit and exhibits you need to see.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions: Between the size of the convention center and the number of things to do, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Don’t be afraid to stop and ask questions of other attendees or anyone from NAHB if you need assistance.
- Wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated and pack snacks: Walking is one thing you can be guaranteed to do a lot of at the show! Wearing comfortable shoes and layered clothing will ensure you’re always comfortable, while having plenty of snacks and water on hand ensure you’re not missing valuable show time to go in search of necessities.
Connect with Milesbrand at the International Builders’ Show
The International Builders’ Show takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center February 25 – 27, 2025. If you’ll be in attendance at this year’s show and would like to meet with a Milesbrand team member, email kelly@milesbrand.com. We look forward to seeing you at IBS 2025!