IBS 2026

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IBS 2026: Five Things That Stopped Builders in Their Tracks (and Why It Matters)

The International Builders’ Show 2026 in Orlando didn’t whisper about the future. It shouted it across 600,000 square feet of exhibits, demonstrations, and hallway conversations.

You could feel it in the crowds clustered three deep around live demos. You could hear it in the blunt, unfiltered comments from builders: “This changes everything,” or just as telling, “We’ve needed this for years.”

Here are the five biggest impressions from IBS 2026—this time with specific examples that explain exactly why attendees paid attention.

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1. AI Showed Up Ready to Work—Not Just Talk

The AI & Tech Studio was packed all three days, and not out of curiosity. Out of urgency.

Example: AI-Driven Estimating Platforms
Multiple software providers demonstrated tools that ingest architectural plans—PDFs, BIM files, even hand-marked drawings—and automatically generate material takeoffs within minutes.

Builders watched live demos where:

• A full house framing takeoff was generated in under 90 seconds

• Material quantities were calculated with waste factors automatically applied

• Costs were tied directly to live supplier pricing feeds

One production builder from Texas summed it up bluntly:
“We used to spend six hours estimating a house. Now it takes fifteen minutes.”

That is not an incremental improvement. That is a business model shift.

Example: AI-Generated Visualization Tools
Several visualization platforms allowed builders to instantly generate photorealistic renderings of elevation changes, siding colors, trim packages, and window configurations while standing with clients.

One remodeler said this eliminated the biggest sales barrier: homeowner uncertainty.

When customers can see it instantly, they buy faster.

Why it mattered:
Builders didn’t see AI as futuristic. They saw it as a margin protection tool.

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2. Decking, Cladding, and Exterior Systems Became Center Stage

The busiest booths weren’t showing interior finishes. They were showing exterior performance systems.

Example: Deckorators’ Fire-Resistant Composite Decking
Deckorators showcased mineral-based composite decking engineered for fire resistance, moisture resistance, and structural stability.

Builders crowded the booth to watch live burn demonstrations comparing traditional wood, conventional composite, and mineral-based boards.

The difference was stark.

The mineral-based product resisted ignition dramatically longer, addressing growing wildfire concerns in Western and Southern markets.

One builder from Colorado said:
“This isn’t a luxury anymore. It’s a requirement.”

Example: Advanced Cladding Systems Designed for Speed
Several siding manufacturers demonstrated panelized systems designed to reduce installation time by up to 30–40%.

These systems integrated:

• Weather barriers

• Insulation

• Structural backing

All in a single installation step.

Builders immediately understood the labor savings.

Why it mattered:
Exterior products are now viewed as performance systems—not decorative finishes.

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3. Labor-Saving Installation Innovations Drew Constant Crowds

If IBS 2026 had a theme, it was this: products that make builders faster win.

Example: ZIP System Structural Sheathing Installation Demonstrations

The Huber booth consistently had crowds watching installers demonstrate:

• Integrated weather barrier sheathing

• Simplified flashing methods

• Reduced installation steps compared to traditional OSB plus housewrap

Builders appreciated the reduction in installation complexity.

One builder said plainly:
“This eliminates an entire step—and an entire opportunity for error.”

Example: Tool-Free Fastening and Modular Components

Multiple manufacturers introduced fastening systems designed to reduce installation fatigue and speed assembly.

These included:

• Snap-fit siding systems

• Hidden fastener decking solutions

• Modular exterior trim systems with alignment guides

Less measuring. Less fastening. Less labor dependency.

Why it mattered:
Builders aren’t buying products. They’re buying time.

Products that save labor will dominate.

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4. Live Demonstrations Were Standing-Room Only

The Construction Performance Zone became one of the most crowded destinations on the show floor.

Example: High-Performance Wall Assembly Demonstrations

Building science experts assembled full wall systems live, explaining:

• Air barrier integration

• Continuous insulation benefits

• Moisture management techniques

Builders watched infrared cameras reveal heat loss in poorly constructed assemblies versus high-performance systems.

Seeing the thermal differences live changed perceptions instantly.

Example: Window and Door Installation for Long-Term Performance

Manufacturers demonstrated proper flashing, sealing, and installation techniques designed to prevent long-term water intrusion.

Builders asked detailed questions about liability, callbacks, and warranty protection.

The message was clear: proper installation protects profit.

Why it mattered:
Builders trust demonstrations more than marketing claims.

Proof wins.

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5. Relationship-Driven Booth Experiences Outperformed Passive Displays

The booths that attracted the most attention didn’t just show products. They created experiences.

Example: Live Product Cutaways and Transparency Displays

Manufacturers exposed the internal construction of their products, allowing builders to see:

• Composite layering structures

• Insulation densities

• Reinforcement systems

Transparency builds trust.

Builders stayed longer at booths that showed what was inside the product—not just what it looked like.

Example: Interactive Product Comparison Stations

Several manufacturers created side-by-side comparisons showing:

• Strength differences

• Installation speed

• Performance under stress

Builders could physically test the products themselves.

One contractor commented:
“This makes the decision easy.”

Why it mattered:
Builders don’t want promises. They want evidence.

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The Real Takeaway: IBS 2026 Was About Confidence

The products and technologies that stood out all did the same thing.

They removed uncertainty.

They helped builders:

• Estimate faster

• Install faster

• Reduce risk

• Improve performance

• Sell more confidently

Manufacturers who make builders more confident win market share.

It’s that simple.

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Call to Action: This Is Where Draper DNA Makes the Difference

IBS reveals the future. But most manufacturers struggle to translate that momentum into sustained growth.

That’s where Draper DNA comes in.

Draper DNA helps building product manufacturers turn product advantages into market leadership through:

• Strategic positioning that builders instantly understand

• Messaging that communicates real performance value

• Demand generation that reaches builders, architects, and dealers

• Trade show strategies that convert attention into adoption

Because the best product doesn’t win.

The best understood product does.

The manufacturers who act now will define the next decade. Draper DNA ensures you’re one of them.