The 2026 International Builders’ Show (IBS) brought the home building industry together once again to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando from February 17-19. The event highlighted new technologies, emerging design trends, and a spirit of cautious optimism as builders continue navigating market challenges while pursuing new opportunities for growth.

Networking Before the Show

Our 20th annual networking reception on Monday evening drew a fantastic crowd and set a great tone for the week ahead. Spending time with our clients, partners, and friends before the show officially begins continues to be one of the most enjoyable and meaningful moments of the event.

We extend our sincere thanks to our reception sponsors for their generous support and participation: Daikin Comfort Technologies, Cornerstone Home Lending, ECI Solutions, Higharc, Guild Mortgage, Metrie, Eran Group, GAF, Homes for HOPE, Latham Pool, and LiftMaster.

This year, we had the pleasure of announcing Daikin Comfort Technologies as our 2025 Manufacturer Partner of the Year and Higharc as our 2025 Service Provider Partner of the Year.

New Year, New Booth

If you attended IBS, we hope you had the chance to stop by the Shinn Group / Builder Partnerships booth to meet the team and check out our new booth design. A highlight this year was Chuck Shinn giving an impromptu coaching session to a group of students participating in the NAHB Student Competition.

“IBS 2026 was a great experience, as always,” said Emma Wildermuth, president of Shinn Group. “We loved seeing so many members of our Shinn Group family stop by the booth to say hello. Chuck and Emma were especially excited to see so many longtime friends, and the joy on their faces said it all. 

“While the crowd seemed smaller this year, the builders we spoke with came with a clear sense of purpose. They were focused on making meaningful improvements in themselves and their companies. We’re excited about the new relationships that were formed and look forward to continuing those conversations in the months ahead.”

Connection, Insight, and Optimism in Orlando

“The 2026 International Builders’ Show in Orlando proved to be a strong and energizing event for the home building industry, said Brian Wildermuth, EVP of Shinn Builder Partnerships. “We kicked things off with our networking reception on opening night, bringing together many of our top private home builders alongside our Builder Partnerships manufacturer and service provider partners. The evening was filled with great conversation, meaningful connections, and, of course, excellent food and drinks.

“Another highlight was attending the Homes for HOPE Prayer Breakfast on day two which was extremely well-attended by builders and service providers—many of whom we do business with today.

“While overall industry sentiment has been somewhat cautious, we saw a noticeably different tone among the builders who engaged with us throughout the show. Those who visited our booth and participated in sessions and events walked away with a renewed sense of optimism for 2026. Many were actively seeking ways to improve and grow their businesses and were highly encouraged by the strategies, insights, and opportunities they discovered during the show.”

Goodbye, Orlando. Hello, Las Vegas.

“While attendance appeared lighter this year, the level of engagement was noticeably stronger,” said Terry Nickels, COO of Shinn Builder Partnerships. “The builders and partners we connected with came ready to have meaningful conversations, and there’s a sense of cautious optimism for 2026. There’s also growing sentiment that a change from Orlando could be a positive move for the show. Once again, our partners hosted outstanding events that struck the perfect balance between business and social connection.”

We wish to thank everyone who attended our reception or stopped by our booth. We hope to see you in Las Vegas next year at IBS 2027!