General Show Information
What are the exhibit hours for the Show?
What companies are exhibiting at the 2011 Show?Click here to view the current exhibitor list.How many people attended the 2010 Show in Las Vegas, Nevada?The official attendance figure for the 2010 International Builders' Show was 55,212.Who should attend the Show?Any professional involved in the residential or light commercial construction industries; such as home builders, remodelers, Realtors®, etc.
How can I register to attend?
Registration is available online or by downloading a paper form.
Do I have to be a Member of NAHB to attend the Show?No, you can attend the Show and not be a member of NAHB; however, NAHB members are eligible for discounted registration fees. In addition, if an employee in your company is an NAHB member, all employees of your company may select from the discounted member registration fee options. For NAHB membership information, click here.
I believe that someone in my company is a member of NAHB. How do I verify membership?
Call (800) 368-5242 x0 and speak to a staff person in the NAHB Member Service Center between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00 pm (Eastern).Are children allowed to attend?Yes, however children under 18 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times when in the exhibit areas. Registration for children is complimentary and must be done on-site. All children except infants in backpacks or slings must be registered and badged to be admitted to the exhibit areas. STROLLERS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE EXHIBIT AREAS.Is photography allowed on the Exhibit floor?No, due to the sensitive nature of new products and unique booth displays at the Show, photography and/or video recording of any booths within the Exhibit areas by any attendee/exhibitor personnel is prohibited. Exceptions are made only when permission is obtained from the exhibitor whose booth/product is being photographed/video taped and/or all individuals appearing in the photograph or video.What is the address and phone number of the Orange County Convention Center where the Show is being held?Orange County Convention Center9800 International DriveOrlando, FL 32819(407) 685-9800An Environmentally Friendly IBSThe International Builders’ Show is the housing industry’s largest single event. To ensure an environmentally friendly event, NAHB works closely with the convention center and its general contractor partner. Where can I find the dates for future NAHB International Builders’ Shows?For a list of future Show dates, click here.Back to Top
Registration Information
What are the registration options?
For a listing of registration options, fees and deadlines, click here.
Registration is available online or by downloading a paper form.What types of payment are accepted for the registration fee?You can pay for your registration fee using a Visa, MasterCard or American Express.Do I have to be a Member of NAHB to attend the Show?No, you can attend the Show and not be a member of NAHB; however, NAHB members are eligible for discounted registration fees. In addition, if an employee in your company is an NAHB member, all employees of your company may select from the discounted member registration fee options. For NAHB membership information, click here.
Call (800) 368-5242 x0 and speak to a staff person in the NAHB Member Service Center between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00 pm (Eastern).Are children allowed to attend?Yes, however children under 18 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times when in the exhibit areas. Registration for children is complimentary and must be done on-site. All children except infants in backpacks or slings must be registered and badged to be admitted to the exhibit areas. STROLLERS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE EXHIBIT AREAS.
How long after I register should I expect to receive a confirmation?
You should receive a confirmation within 24 hours.
I think I've already registered, how do I verify my registration?
Call the Registration and Housing Office at (800) 967-8619 or (847) 996-5884 between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm (Central) or email NAHB@Experient-inc.com.
How do I make changes to my registration information prior to the Show?
If you have your confirmation number you can make changes to your registration online. If you do not have your confirmation number you can make changes by calling the Registration Office at (800) 967-8619 or (847) 996-5884 between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm (Central).
What is the registration cancellation policy for the Show?
Exhibits Registration: Non-refundable and all sales are final.
Full Registration, First Time Attendee Full Registration, 1-Day and 2-Day Education with Exhibits Registration: Once your registration has been processed, a $35 fee will be charged per cancellation. Refunds must be requested by December 10, 2010, via email at NAHB@Experient-inc.com, by fax at (301) 694-5124 or by mail to NAHB International Builders' Show, Registration and Housing Office, c/o Experient, PO Box 4088 Frederick, MD 21705.
Spouse Registration: Fully refundable. Refunds must be requested by December 10, 2010, via email at, NAHB@Experient-inc.com, by fax at (301) 694-5124 or by mail to NAHB International Builders' Show, Registration and Housing Office, c/o Experient, PO Box 4088 Frederick, MD 21705.
When can I expect to receive my credentials (registration badge) in the mail?
Credentials will be mailed to all people from the United States and Canada who pre-register by December 10, 2010. Mailing of credentials will begin in November and will start with those who registered first. Individuals who register after December 10, 2010, and registrants from countries other than the US and Canada may pick up their credentials in the Orange County Convention Center at any Scan & Go Registration counter in the West Concourse, Hall A Lobby, Level I.
I have my 2011 Show badge and plastic badge holder do I need anything else to enter the exhibit halls when they open?
No, you have what you need. Bring your badge and badge holder with you to get into the Show.
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Hotel and Transportation Information
What are the Official Show Hotels?To view the list and descriptions of the Official Show Hotels, click here.What are the benefits of booking hotel rooms through the Show?For your convenience, the National Association of Home Builders assembled rooms within a group of outstanding Orlando hotels that offer a wide variety of accommodations, amenities and very competitive rates.We appreciate that you have many options for making hotel reservations. By supporting NAHB's commitment to the Orlando hotel community, you will benefit in a variety of ways including:
Will transportation be provided between the Official Show Hotels and the Orange County Convention Center?Yes, complimentary shuttle bus service will be provided between all Official International Builders' Show Hotels and the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) Wednesday, January 12 - Saturday, January 15, with the exception of the properties that are within walking distance of the OCCC.
Hours of Operation (subject to change):
To reserve a hotel room am I required to provide a credit card?
Yes, a credit card (valid through January 2011) is required in order to secure the reservation. A deposit equal to the first night's room and tax (12.5%) will be charged to that card by the hotel when the reservation is sent to the hotel in mid-December.
Will I receive confirmation of my hotel reservation?
Yes, if you book your room through NAHB the confirmation of your hotel reservation will be included in your Registration and Housing confirmation.
What is the Hotel Cancellation and Modification Policy?
Room cancellations received on or before December 10, 2010 will be processed without penalty. Cancellations received after December 10, 2010, will be assessed a $21 processing fee. If the request is made after the hotel's cancellation deadline (as stated on the Registration and Housing Confirmation) the entire deposit will be forfeited.
If you need to modify or cancel your hotel room reservation, please follow these guidelines:
On or before December 10, 2010: Please send change or cancellation requests by email to NAHB@Experient-inc.com, by fax to (301) 694-5124 or by mail to: NAHB International Builders' Show, Registration and Housing Office, c/o Experient, PO Box 4088 Frederick, MD 21705.
December 11-24, 2010: All hotel reservations are being processed and transferred to the hotels. No cancellations or modifications may be made during this time.
After December 24, 2010: You must contact the hotel directly to cancel or modify the room reservation. Failure to cancel in accordance with the cancellation policy printed on your confirmation will result in the forfeiture of your entire deposit. Under no circumstances will NAHB be responsible for refunding or returning a processing fee or room deposit for a canceled room reservation nor will NAHB be responsible for any damages from a failure to cancel a reservation.
How do I make changes to my hotel reservation once it has been made?
If you have your Confirmation ID you can make changes to your registration online. If you do not have your Confirmation ID you can make changes by calling the Registration Office at (800) 967-8619 between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm (Central).
Has NAHB negotiated any special rates on air fare and rental car rates for attendees of the Show?
Yes, for information on transportation discounts, click here.Where can I park at the Orange County Convention Center and how much does it cost?
Parking is available at the Convention Center. Parking generally costs $10 per day, with no in/out privileges.
Can I park my car overnight at the Orange County Convention Center?
No, overnight parking at the Convention Center is prohibited. Vehicles left overnight will be towed at the owner's risk and expense.
Where can I find accessibility information for persons with disabilities?Click here to view accessibility information about the Show.
Back to TopPre-Show Education Course InformationIf I register for the IBS am I automatically registered for Pre-Show Education courses?No, a separate fee and registration is required for IBS and for each pre-show course.Do I have to be registered for the Show in order to attend the Pre-Show Education Courses?No, to register for Pre-Show Courses ONLY without registering for the Show, click here.
Can I register for Pre-Show Education courses on-site?While advanced registration is strongly recommended, onsite registration is available. You also have the option to come early and put your name on a specific waiting list for sold-out courses in the event that people do not show up. Seating is limited and Pre-Show Education courses do sell out so register early!
You should receive a confirmation within 24 hours. Expect to receive details on room locations and times for each course electronically and by mail within 2 weeks prior to the event.
Can I purchase the Pre-Show Education materials without registering for and attending the courses?
No, the course materials are not sold separately.
What is the cancellation policy?
Attendee Cancellation: Once your registration has been processed, a $35 fee will be charged per cancellation. Cancellations for Train the Trainer will be assessed a $100 fee per cancellation. Refunds must be requested by December 10, 2010, via email at NAHB@Experient-inc.com, by fax at (301) 694-5124 or by mail to: NAHB International Builders' Show, Registration and Housing Office, c/o Experient, PO Box 4088 Frederick, MD 21705. Substitutions are allowed.
NAHB Cancellation: NAHB reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment. In the event this occurs you will be notified at least seven (7) days prior to the date of the program.
Pre-Show Education Forfeiture/No-Show Policy: Please note that pre-show course registrations will only be held for 30 minutes after the start time of the class. After 30 minutes, pre-registrants will be considered "no-shows" and seats assigned to them will be made available for on-site registration.Who can I contact for more information?For more information concerning NAHB's National Courses (pre-show education), contact NAHB at (202) 266-8244 or email pre-showeducation@nahb.org. Back to Top
Education Information
What educational opportunities are available at the Show?There are two types of educational opportunities available at the Show:- Pre-Show Education Courses- IBS Education Sessions
What is the difference between Pre-Show Education Courses and IBS Education Sessions?Pre-Show Courses are in depth courses on specific topics taught by NAHB-approved instructors. They are not included with registration for the Show and require a separate fee. IBS Sessions are available on a first-come, first served basis to all Full Registrants and 1-Day and 2-Day Education with Exhibits Registrants.
Do I have to be registered for the Show in order to attend the IBS Education Sessions offered on Wednesday, January 12 - Saturday, January 15?Yes, you must be a registered attendee in order to attend any of the education sessions offered during the Show. You may either purchase a Full Registration and have access to an unlimited number of sessions or you may purchase a 1-Day or 2-Day Education with Exhibits Registration option and have unlimited access to education sessions on one or two days of your choice during the Show. Saturday sessions are open to all registrants.Do I have to be registered for the Show in order to attend the Pre-Show Education Courses?No, to register for Pre-Show Courses ONLY without registering for the Show, click here.
Where can I get information on the Pre-Show Education Courses offered at the 2011 Show?
To view the list of Pre-Show Education Courses, click here.How can I become a speaker at the Show?The submission deadline for 2011 International Builders' Show education session proposals has now passed. If you would like to be considered for a future NAHB speaking opportunity, please click here.Who should I contact with more specific questions about education at the Show?Contact NAHB at (800) 368-5242 for more specific information about educational sessions and courses.I can't attend all the IBS Education Sessions. Are the sessions being recorded and how do I obtain a copy of the handouts?CD-ROMs and audio CDs of most IBS Sessions will be available to purchase onsite during the Show. You may also purchase session recordings after the Show. If a speaker submitted a handout for a session it will be available at www.BuildersShow.com.Where do I obtain additional information on Professional Designation programs offered by NAHB?Examples include Certified Graduate Builder or "CGB", Certified Graduate Remodelor or "CGR", and Certified Green Professional or "CGP" and you can call the NAHB Professional Designation Helpline at (800) 368-5242 x8154 for more information between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00 pm (Eastern).Back to Top
International Attendee Information
I am not from the United States. What do I need to do to attend the 2011 International Builders' Show?
Depending on your citizenship, you may or may not need a visa to travel to the United States to attend the International Builders' Show. To get more details on the visa process and to find out whether or not you need one, see our Visa Application Information page. You can also find more information via the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs.
I need a Letter of invitation for my visa interview. How can I request one?
You can request a letter of invitation to the 2011 show through this form on the website. We will send the letter via standard international mail to the mailing address provided.
I need my letter more quickly. Can you ship it via express mail?
Yes. If you need to receive your letter more quickly we can send it via Federal Express or UPS. You must choose the option "Express mail with e-confirmation" and include a valid Federal Express or UPS account number. If you do not include a valid account number, the letter will be sent by mail. NAHB may contact you via email to verify this information.
Can you send my letter of invitation to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate for my interview?
No. NAHB cannot send letters directly to embassies and consulates. No exceptions are made.
I am from a country that is part of the Visa Waiver Program, so I do not need a visa or a letter of invitation. Is there anything else I need to do?
Yes. As of January 12, 2009, a valid ESTA approval is required for all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) participants to travel to the United States. The ESTA is the Electronic System for Travel Authorization. ESTA applications may be completed FREE online at the official DHS website.
This is not my first time at IBS - I have travelled to the U.S. and/or attended the Show many times in the past. Do I still need ESTA Approval?
Yes. In 2010, the Department of Homeland Security began strictly enforcing this requirement. VWP travelers who have not obtained approval through ESTA should expect to be denied boarding on any air carrier bound for the United States. Be sure to fill out and submit your application well in advance of your travel dates.
Back to TopNAHB Information
Call (800) 368-5242 x0 and speak to a staff person in the NAHB Member Service Center between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00 pm (Eastern).Does NAHB have a website?Yes, please visit the NAHB web site at www.NAHB.org.
