IBS Education: Learn and Connect with Industry Leaders
The International Builders’ Show offers unmatched education opportunities tailored for residential construction professionals. From dynamic Super Sessions to hands-on workshops, quick-hit talks and deep-dive discussions, IBS Education covers nine general topic areas across more than 120 sessions and provides a variety of formats to fit different learning styles. Whether you prefer interactive, fast-paced or in-depth learning and no matter your role in the industry, there’s something for everyone.
The wealth of education sessions at IBS cover the latest industry trends, strategies and innovations, and the 2026 lineup will not disappoint. Customize your daily Builders’ Show schedule and attend the sessions that are most relevant to you. Begin planning your schedule now to make your IBS 2026 experience the most impactful one yet!
Building Knowledge Sessions*
Each year, the Builders’ Show features fresh voices and perspectives to keep you updated and informed. These 60-minute sessions covering nine topic tracks are the foundation of IBS Education. From architecture, design, custom building and remodeling to sales and marketing (and everything in between), sessions explore today’s most relevant building topics. While some favorite speakers return year after year, 40% are IBS first-time presenters.
This year’s sessions include “5 Proven Processes to Boost Team Efficiency & Client Satisfaction,” the “2026 Remodeling Outlook & Business Benchmarks,” “AI is Your MVP: Train & Coach Your Team to Win” and more!
Game Changers*
Game Changers feature business thought leaders who transform how we think about and address critical housing industry issues. They reshape how you tackle business challenges with breakthrough strategies and solutions that will transform your approach to growing your business and solving key building industry issues.
Each session pairs a top industry CEO with an outside expert to tailor fresh perspectives and cutting-edge business techniques to our industry. It’s your opportunity to discover new strategies that drive real, measurable results.
Super Sessions*
Four of your favorite sessions are now super-sized education experiences. Attendees of these popular and jampacked sessions discover some of the most popular annual industry trends and forecasts.
The Outlook
2026 Housing & Economic Forecast
Tuesday, Feb 17 | 2:15 PM
Housing affordability challenges, tariff uncertainties and an evolving economy are reshaping the home building industry. Three nationally recognized economists share their expert analysis of the U.S. economy, home sales and construction activity, while addressing supply-side issues such as persistent labor shortages and supply chain challenges. The session concludes with an extended audience Q&A to ensure your questions are answered and to equip you with the foresight needed to guide your business strategy in the year ahead.
The Experience
Mastering Customer Care During & After the Build
Wednesday, Feb 18 | 8:30 AM
Industry leaders share both the strategic frameworks and tactical tools that transform the build journey into a profit-protecting, reputation-boosting advantage. Learn how to align your internal processes around proven rules of customer care, apply the R-E-C-I-P-E method to turn satisfied buyers into raving fans, master the project hand-off to stop profit leaks before they start and uncover how to approach warranty challenges to strengthen trust (even when things go wrong).
The Rally
Unstoppable Sales — 5 Pillars to Stand Out, Win Buyers & Sell More in 2026
Wednesday, Feb 18 | 2:15 PM
Explore how sales professionals can remain essential in an AI-driven market by focusing on what technology can’t replicate: trust, connection and personalized experiences. Learn how to stay focused through market shifts, drive traffic, re-engage past leads, uncover new opportunities ahead of the competition and unlock proven strategies to establish yourself as the guide that buyers trust.
The Blueprint
How Innovation-Driven Design & Construction Is Reimagining Attainable Housing
Thursday, Feb 19 | 8:30 AM
With home prices outpacing incomes and expectations shifting across market segments, builders need real, practical solutions that deliver housing attainability without sacrificing quality, style or profit. In this session, dive into cutting-edge research and innovation in design, materials and construction techniques that are making a difference on the ground. Drawing on the latest insights into buyer and renter behavior, this session will explore how forward-thinking teams are translating trends into action to create next-generation housing that’s both market-ready and margin-friendly.
AI & Tech Studio*
New for IBS 2026, the AI & Tech Studio focuses on cutting-edge, practical tools tailored for industry professionals. Topics include AI applications across business, design, sales and project management with tools like CRMs, estimating software, BIM/3D modeling and virtual tours.
Unlike traditional tech talks, this format is all about discovering, doing, comparing and testing. Expect hands-on demos, builder-led case studies and interactive presentations to see the technology in action. Technology moves fast, and so does your competition. The AI & Tech Studio is your chance to learn from early adopters, ask tough questions and leave with a clear strategy for using today’s most powerful tools.
For more information and to explore the full IBS Education schedule, visit BuildersShow.com.
NAHB Education and IBS Education are sponsored by Lowe’s Pro.
Pre-Show NAHB Courses**
Saturday – Monday, Feb 14 – 16
Before IBS 2026 begins, expand your experience with immersive NAHB Courses. These one-day in-person courses at the convention center focus on specific industry topics designed to help you build skills while earning NAHB Continuing Education Credits. Increase your skill sets by delving deep into industry topics and collaborating with fellow industry members in a classroom setting.
Course topics include marketing and communicating with aging-in-place clients, land development, business accounting, project management and more. Courses encourage collaboration and active participation to learn from industry peers and apply practical knowledge after the show.
View all the courses at BuildersShow.com.
Pre-Show Building Science Symposium**
Monday, Feb 16 | 9 AM – 5 PM
Back by popular demand, the Building Science Symposium returns to the Builders’ Show with fresh content and ideas on the most pressing building science topics. Learn from high performing builders who are applying these techniques every day. Spend a full day learning the hottest building science topics, networking, and meeting suppliers and vendors of high performance products.
Experts share actionable strategies and insights from understanding standards and integrating performance components to providing durable, energy-efficient enclosures. It’s a gathering for builders, architects, engineers, tradespeople and anyone interested in building better.
All IBS registrants are eligible to prepurchase a seat, and some seats may be available on site as space allows. Add the symposium to your registration at BuildersShow.com.
*Requires an IBS Expo+Education Pass.
**Requires a separate registration and fee from your IBS registration. Add your ticket to your IBS registration.