Richard Wall at IBS

Tale of Two Halls

Fri, 13 Jan 2006 15:28:05 -0500

The show of Cirque du Kohler I described in my last entry took place in the West Hall. After witnessing that spectacle, I had a seminar to attend at the South Hall and made my way over there.

Let Them Entertain You

Fri, 13 Jan 2006 13:25:17 -0500

Trade shows have a bit of the old carnival in them. You can hear barkers touting products, jokers making good fun of you while you’re hoping that they’ll draw your name for the free whatever, musical interludes that pull you into an exhibit, and spectacularly designed show areas.

Coming Soon to a Supplier Near You

Fri, 13 Jan 2006 12:44:21 -0500

Manufacturers like to time the rollout of new products to coincide with tradeshows when possible, and a couple caught my eye, well, my ear, actually.

Room to Grow in Remodeling Industry

Fri, 13 Jan 2006 10:23:33 -0500

This just in from the Harvard University Joint Center for Housing Studies: homeowner spending for home improvements totaled $149.5 billion in 2005. Yes, it was a good year.

Defusing the Crazy Homebuyer

Fri, 13 Jan 2006 08:25:11 -0500

It’s great to build a house for someone who really appreciates all that goes into making the structure that will become their home, their pride and joy. But what’s not so great is when that homeowner goes bonkers if things don’t work exactly as they expected and sue you.

A Good Day In The Booth

Thu, 12 Jan 2006 19:07:07 -0500

The last group of guys to make it on the Number 1 shuttle bus at the end of IBS day 2 was in good spirits. I would be too if I just avoided adding another 30 minutes or an hour to my trek back to the hotel.

Splashy Showpieces and Subtle Forces

Thu, 12 Jan 2006 16:45:26 -0500

In the South Hall, a collection of bronze statues offered by AA Importing Company (www.aaimporting.com) caught my eye.

The Sound of Sales and Raindrops

Thu, 12 Jan 2006 15:35:17 -0500

The trade show part of IBS incorporates more than 1,600 exhibitors, and some certainly stand out more than others.

What's in a Name

Thu, 12 Jan 2006 10:40:35 -0500

Wisely, I allowed more than an hour to shuttle bus from the hotel to the South Hall this morning. Good thing. I made it to the 9 am seminar with 5 minutes to spare.

The Purposeful Show

Thu, 12 Jan 2006 10:24:19 -0500

They say110,000 people are here at this edition of IBS. They’re here solo, as teams with matching loged shirts, and in pairs. Back at the hotel last night, I talked to some of the attendees about why they are here.

Water, Water Everywhere

Wed, 11 Jan 2006 17:55:44 -0500

Water was the end-of-day-one topic that attracted my attention. Specifically, water as moisture, as moisture that gets where it’s not supposed to get in a structure.

Arrive Early for Profits

Wed, 11 Jan 2006 14:47:50 -0500

After seeing thousands of builders crowd the hall for Colin Powell, I was surprised to see that another speaker, Charles Shinn, Jr., also drew a big crowd.

Fired Up

Wed, 11 Jan 2006 13:01:30 -0500

You know it’s a big show when the local radio stations send out traffic warnings beginning at dawn for Orlando commuters to avoid the convention center area because of the International Builders’ Show.

Preparing For IBS

Fri, 06 Jan 2006 15:35:37 -0500

Like the experts advise, I am already planning my approach to covering the 2006 International Builders Show in Orlando, Florida, January 11-14.