A few weeks ago, I headed off to Las Vegas to attend the largest annual light construction show in the world: the National Association of Home Builders International Builders Show, also known as IBS. I was joined there by my colleagues from Gilbert & Sheppard, Immersion Active, and EvoVisit, and the six of us spread out across the show intending to absorb as much information as possible. We also wanted to meet as many people interested in 55+ active adult communities as we could possibly squeeze into 4 days or so.
The Gilbert & Sheppard, EvoVisit, and Immersion Active team included, from left to right, Tori Ewing, Betsy Sheppard, Kerrie Gilbert, Lauren Huffman, Stephanie Smith, and Joe Ford.
IBS is attended by professionals from every part of the building industry, including builders, developers, community managers, suppliers, manufacturers, and architects. Everyone is here to network, learn, and see what’s new in the industry. I spend a lot of time in the area dubbed “55+ Housing Central,” a place where those who are interested in the opportunities and challenges facing the active adult and senior housing sector could come together.
Throughout the 4 days I participated in many conversations and seminars. A highlight for me was the 2020 NAHB Professional Women in Building Board of Directors Meeting, where I was honored to be sworn in as 2020-2021 Chair of the committee. My long-time friend Jim Chapman of Jim Chapman Communities was there to do the swearing in.
Jim Chapman and I after he inducted me as Chair of the PWB Board of Directors.
Here I am with 2020 PWB Vice Chair Karen Schroeder.
When I wasn’t engaged in meeting new clients and discussing pressing issues in the industry, especially those that affect 55+ housing communities and CCRCs, I was looking for opportunities to expand my knowledge. I carved out some time to join a big audience on the show floor at the Houzz booth for a panel discussion with four expert builders from Iowa!
The audience had a blast at the Houzz booth presentation.
Later, I had a great opportunity to meet and talk with Sheryl Palmer, CEO of Taylor Morrison, and the first all-female African American student chapter from Tuskegee Institute to participate in the student competition at IBS. They placed 7th in the international competition!
Overall, it was an exciting few days and I’m already looking forward to IBS 2021 which will be held in Orlando next February. Don’t wait that long to get in touch, though. I’d love to speak with you about your building or community development project. Contact us and we’ll get the conversation started.