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It’s almost that time of the year! You know, the International Builders’ Show that was supposed to be in Orlando next month. In the ultimate Marine Moment (Improvise, Adapt, and Overcome), the NAHB is pushing forward with a virtual show – IBSx. Part of NAHB’s strategy was to pre-record all the educational sessions on Zoom. Last week was the week for our pre-recording sessions.

It was a unique experience. Those with a fear of public speaking might have felt more comfortable with this format. I’ve gotten over that fear and actually enjoy the live experience, drawing energy from the crowd. One of my favorite things to do when I speak live is to ask the audience questions – “raise your hand if …” On a prerecorded session, you can ask that question all you want but you won’t get a response until weeks later. Hm. I wonder if we will have a view of the audience when they air the presentations. (And yes – I did ask a “raise your hand question”)

Tom and I both missed the opportunity to meet folks both before and after our sessions. On the bright side, at least I got to wear the most comfortable shoes in my closet and at the end of the presentation, my feet didn’t hurt (any woman who has worn heels to the show knows my pain all too well).

Tom Devine recorded his session first. His topic was Authenticity Sells, Curb Appeal that Makes a Lasting Impression. He spoke with two others, John Guilliams, from KGA Studio Architects, Denver Colorado, and Sue Wadden with Sherwin Williams Co. Cleveland, Ohio.  John and Tom share their architectural wisdom while Sue closes it out with beautiful colors, both inside and out. If you want to take your elevations and streetscapes to the next level, this session is for you. Their session will air on February 12th at 12:00 pm eastern and will have a live question and answer session at the end.

Mine came next with two recordings. Thursday’s session was with Doris Pearlman, Possibilities by Design out of Denver, CO. The 2021 Kitchen – Floor Plans, Finishes & Design Details That Make a Kitchen Pop! And talk about pop. There will be plenty of amazing, exciting images and a robust discussion on how our relationship with our kitchens has changed because of Covid and the Lockdowns. If you want to hear more, you will have to catch our presentation on February 9^th at 11:30 am eastern. After the recorded session airs, there will be live question and answer period.

My last recording was on Friday with Brad Hunter, Hunter Housing Economics: Single Family Built-for Rent, Strategies & Trends. If you’re considering jumping into this lucrative market, I highly recommend you join us. Brad was full of great information, facts and figures – while I showed floorplans and a variety of design solutions. That session will be aired on Friday February 12th at 1:30 eastern. It too will have a live question and answer session at the end.

Great credit goes to the NAHB for charging ahead with the show. It was certainly a challenge, but I think we put something special together for the audience. I hope some of our loyal readers will make the virtual trip to IBSx. It would be great to know that some familiar faces might be listening in.

Raise your hand (metaphorically of course) if you’re planning to attend IBSx. Perhaps you are participating in your own speech/virtual event. I’d love to know about it! Email me at dpatterson@housingdesignmatters.com