IBS Creates Orlando Magic

TANTIMBER showcased its decking made with thermally modified wood.

IBS turnout remains strong

An estimated 70,000 builders descended on Orlando despite a flurry of cancellations by attendees and exhibitors alike.

Attendance, though down from pre-COVID years, exceeded most everyone’s expectations. “Morale at the show seemed strong and enthusiastic throughout the three days,” remarked one attendee.

Bobby Parks, founder and former owner of Peachtree Decks & Porches LLC and current president of BP Consulting & Design LLC, said he wasn't sure what to expect this year but he was pleasantly surprised at the turnout.

“Of course there was the usual surplus of vendor booths displaying the latest and greatest products, but the highlight for me was seeing the crowds coming back and the feel that everyone wants to get on with their lives,” Parks said. “You could feel the enthusiasm and optimism from the attendees and vendors that I interacted with. Also the confidence level for what the future holds from a building standpoint seemed to be high. I believe many were simply glad to be back at the show and around their counterparts again.”

The show had one silver lining: there was more space for builders to meet with exhibitors due to the cancellations. In fact, the openings on the exhibit floor were converted into rest areas. For once, weary attendees had a place to sit and conduct business or rest.

Some exhibitors chose to forego an in-person exhibit and opted for an online IBS booth instead.

Fiberon, Therma-Tru and Fypon were three such exhibitors who introduced their 2022 Virtual Experience on Feb. 1 so that visitors could explore each company’s product offering, as well as schedule virtual tours that enabled visitors to interact with experts from each company in real time if they had any questions. The Virtual Experience is still live today.

“The Virtual Experience gives our customers the ability to explore our new products, programs, marketing materials and training opportunities on their own time, in the comfort of their home or office,” said Chris Hayn, vice president of sales for Fiberon.

To tour the Virtual Experience, visit:

Therma-Tru/Fypon: 2022virtualexperience. thermatru.com or

Fiberon: 2022virtualexperience. fiberondecking.com.

Winners of show awards included Barrette Outdoor Living (Best Outdoor Product) for its Decorative Screen Panels, and Evolve Stone, which won Best in Show and Most Innovative Building Materials.

“The world just might be getting back on track to some normalcy,” Parks said. “At least that’s my impression after attending the 2022 International Builder’s Show.”

Next year, IBS will be held in concert with the National Hardware Show and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas from Jan. 31-Feb. 2. See the full story on NHS joining forces with IBS and KBIS on page 58.