I have not attended IBS, but since I live in the Chicago area, I’ve always gone to KBIS when it’s been here. After doing some research about the Builders’ Show, I think there are several positives to combining them. It also appears that the SURFACES show will co-date with KBIS and IBS in 2015. I have never attended that show either, because of the time commitment, but it would definitely be something that I would attend as part of this combination.
As a small business owner/designer, combining the shows allows me to see more at once. It’s costly in time and money to go to shows. To be gone for that many days is di8.cult. By combining the shows, I can focus on as much or as little as is practical from a time standpoint as well as from a business needs standpoint. With everything in one place, it’s easier to explore new products or things I wouldn’t normally seek out.
It also gives me access to more continuing education op- portunities. This year, IBS o7.ered a design series that I never knew about. I would have to do more research to determine if those classes applied to my accreditation, but regardless, it’s still access to information.
Combining them into one place also gives me more access to additional suppliers and more products. From a network- ing standpoint, that’s depnitely a benept. You can more easily network with, for example, builders.
Even with the shows being in Las Vegas, I think I would prob- ably try to go every other year, especially if they’re combined.”
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