2002 International Builders? Show signals year of opportunity

With housing still the shining star of an otherwise lackluster economy, more than 70,000 industry professionals from all over the globe are expected to travel to the 2002 International Builders' Show Feb. 8-11 in Atlanta, according to a news release from the National Association of Home Builders.

Presented by the NAHB, the 58th Annual Convention and Exposition re-turns to the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta for a second year as the country's largest trade show and educational forum for all those working in the residential and light commercial construction industry.

"The show gives us a welcome venue to prepare for the opportunities in the coming year as the economy regains its strength," said NAHB President Bruce Smith.

"The home-building industry held steadfast during the turbulent times last fall and will be coming out in numbers in Atlanta to gear up for what we expect to be another year of outstanding performance in housing construction," he added.

Former New York City Mayor Ru-dolph Giuliani, whose heroic poise, courage and compassion inspired the nation following the terrorist attacks last September, will deliver the keynote ad-dress during the show's grand opening ceremonies.

This year's opening has a patriotic theme, "Igniting the Flame of Freedom: A Tribute to the American Home Builder," that confirms the industry's re-solve to keep moving forward and doing its part for the nation's economy. Bart Connor, Olympic gold medalist, will be the special guest narrator for the ceremonies that also feature the world-class skating pair of Tai Babilonia and Randy Gardner.

The International Builders' Show is home to the industry's premier new-pro-duct showcase with products from more than 1,000 manufacturers and suppliers.

The exhibit floor spans nearly 1 million square feet of the newest residential building materials and products in more than 300 different categories, the release said.

Returning this year are TecHOMExpo, a show-within-a-show, where visitors can learn about cutting-edge technologies and products including hardware, software and services; and ICCON the International Commercial Construction Exposition which spotlights a wide range of specialized products and services for the light commercial industry.

Convention attendees also will be able to choose from more than 200 educational seminars in 15 subject tracks that offer practical instruction and valuable information from many of the industry's top names and leading experts.

To further help attendees improve their businesses and stay ahead of the competition, a series of hands-on computer labs will be available for those intent on mastering the Internet, the latest software and electronic devices.

Also during the show, a wide range of economic data and consumer research will be presented, including NAHB's annual Housing and Economic Outlook and findings from recent home-buyer surveys.

Off-site home tours, which this year include The 2002 New American Home and the Southern Showcase of Homes tour, are a popular attraction at every show.

The New American Home, located in Smyrna, Ga., is a 6,700-square-foot, three-level, move-up house inspired by the colorful homes of the Caribbean Islands and the casual style and comfortable living of Georgia country homes.

It includes a handicapped-accessible owner's suite on the first floor as well as many universal design features throughout the house.

The Southern Showcase tour offers a range of housing types from luxury and move-up residences to homes for first-time buyers.

All of the homes on tour promise a collection of innovative ideas that builders can put into practice in their local areas.