Early 2023 Trade Shows Draw 200,000
LAS VEGAS – The collection of five major building and home accessory events here in late January and early February proved too good to miss for a crowd estimated at 200,000.
The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and the International Builders’ Show (IBS) drew close to 110,000 attendees from Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, according to event organizers.
Three other events in the desert city running concurrently – The International Surface Event (TISE), the National Hardware Show and the Las Vegas Winter Market – added attendance to reach the 200K level.
The KBIS/IBS combination, called Design and Construction Week (DCW), hit its 10th anniversary with the 2023 events.
“We expected a successful show based on the preliminary numbers, but we were blown away by the final attendance numbers for KBIS and Design & Construction Week. It was just incredible,” said Bill Darcy, CEO of Bethlehem, Pa.-based NKBA.
“Our goal when we created DCW with our partner, the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB), was to become the biggest trade show in North America… and, for now, we are.”
Claiming that title, much like anything else these days, may depend on how you add the numbers. The 2023 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), held just a few weeks before DCW, reportedly drew 115,000 attendees. However, attendees of any show held on Jan. 31-Feb. 2 could visit all shows at no charge, making it a one-time mega-event.
“What an incredible way to celebrate 10 years of Design & Construction Week with this record attendance,” said Jerry Howard, CEO of the National Home Builders Association, the owner of IBS. “Walking the show floor and attending the education sessions and networking events, you could feel the energy and enthusiasm from exhibitors and attendees alike.”
“With more programs, activations and learning opportunities than ever before, KBIS 2023 was exceptional,” said Suzie Williford, NKBA Chief Strategy Officer and EVP. “There was such positive energy on the show floor by both attendees and exhibitors. Everyone was happy to be together, to attend our events and be a part of the amazing experience — an experience that will drive momentum for our industry throughout the year.”
At DCW, attendees visited more than 1,800 exhibitors showcasing the latest housing products across about 1 million net square feet of exhibit space.
“KBIS 2023 experienced unprecedented registration growth, up 35% in qualified attendees versus the 2020 show held pre-pandemic,” said Jason McGraw, group vice president for San Juan Capistrano, Calif.-based Emerald Expositions, which produces KBIS for NKBA. “This year’s strong attendance turnout has encouraged over 300 exhibitors to already contract to exhibit at KBIS 2024, with many increasing their show presence.
“Early sales are up more than 12% versus this year’s show, with more than 88 % of next year’s expanded show-floor space secured.”
