Well that was an unexpected surprise, I just returned from Las Vegas and our participation in the International Builders Show IBS 2023. I have attended hundreds of trade events and conferences during my time at BC Wood and I can honestly say that I have never seen the overwhelming energy and number of people that attended this years IBS. Maybe it was a relatively strong economy, or pent-up travel demand created by nearly three years of Covid….. I’m not sure what it was, but I have never seen that many people attend a single trade event in my nearly 20 years of attending IBS.
BC Wood along with 10 member companies participated in this years IBS which is now part of the larger US Construction week. Nearly 130,000 folks participated in this years event. Construction Week, combined the IBS, The Kitchen and Bath Show (KBIS) the National Hardware Show and the Surfaces Flooring show. Our BC Wood products pavilion was busy from the moment the show floor opened at 9 am to closing at 5 over the 3 day event. Builders, architects, and distributors from across Asia, Europe and the Americas came by our display to meet with wood product manufacturers and see the latest offerings from member companies including Kalesnikoff, Woodtone, the San Group, Watkins Sawmills, Vista Railings and Fraserwood. There were plenty of new and innovative wood products being showcased at this years event, which I will review in the next Wood Connections. The take away from IBS 2023 is a general optimism in the economy and that business fundamentals have returned to normal. With the record attendance at this years event, I certainly hope that it is. For more information on this event or US market opportunities please reach out to me at dfarley@bcwood.com