KBIS to join IBS

The International Builders' Show was a news-making machine in products and trends. The show also created a buzz for the trade show business itself.

For instance, during the general session of the Las Vegas event, National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) CEO Jerry Howard announced a merger of IBS and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS).

The shows will co-locate in Las Vegas beginning in February 2014. The two events will remain separate and distinct shows held simultaneously at the Las Vegas Convention Center through 2016, creating Design and Construction Week, self-described as one of the world's largest gatherings focused on new ideas, products and technologies to design, build and remodel homes.

"This new format allows exhibitors to reach a full range of design and construction professionals who buy, specify and influence the products that go into American homes," said NAHB chairman Barry Rutenberg, a home builder from Gainesville, Fla. "For attendees, it means access to two expansive trade show floors and hundreds of additional suppliers to meet."

"Two shows, two associations and one place to see and connect with every aspect of residential construction and remodeling," said John Morgan, NKBA 2013 president and president of Morgan Pinnacle, a manufacturer's representative for cabinetry and technology brands.

The National Hardware Show also made news at the show, announcing and promoting an expansion into building products.

The National Hardware Show slated for May 7-9 in Las Vegas will showcase pet products, expand into farm and ranch, and turn its attention to building materials, according to show organizers.

Joining pet products with a dedicated area on the show floor of the Las Vegas Convention Center's central hall will be Farm & Ranch. And throughout the exhibit floor, products in the building materials category will be marked with signage.

The changes are part of a continuing evolution of the show, according to organizers.

"We had a huge home run with pet last year," said Sonya Ruff Jarvis, VP attendee programs for the National Hardware Show. "And we've added a new dedicated area on the show floor for farm and ranch, and we're seeing a lot of excitement for it."

Companies including Olympia Tools, Gorilla Rack, GRK Fasteners and T.W. Evans Cordage are among those in the new farm and ranch section.