Nearly 200 vendors expeccted for HBA Home Show

The 2003 Home Show presented by the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield is being held Jan. 17-19, an earlier weekend than usual, and in two different locations the University Plaza Trade Center and the University Plaza Hotel Convention Center.

The reason for the two locations, according to HBA Executive Officer Matt Morrow, is that much of the Trade Center has been torn down as part of the progress of Jordan Valley Park, which will include a new and improved trade center.

"With the construction that is taking place in the trade center, we needed additional space," Morrow said, which is why the organization also is using the convention center on the opposite side of St. Louis Street.

"Thanks in large part to (being) in two locations now, we have more floor space than ever before. Several of our vendors have bigger exhibits than they've ever had before," he said.

Vendors and thier wares

With nearly 200 vendors expected for the show, Morrow said vendor participation has "just been wonderful. We think people will see a fantastic show if they come out."

Morrow noted that the show is for homeowners and people who hope to become homeowners in the future.

"It gives you an incredible opportunity all in one place to meet the professionals in the industry and to ask any questions that you could have about your home to someone who will be able to answer (them) effectively," Morrow said.

"It's meant to be a comprehensive show about your home. That can be builders, remodelers, suppliers, subcontractors, those kinds of things. Generally even banks or Realtors from financing up to different types of associate-type vendors or products."

The show also boasts new seminars this year, Morrow said, and vendors with new products to show the public.

Morrow noted that the Home Show is "a critical part" of the HBA's mission, which he said "is to help educate the public on what is available in this industry and what they have available to them."

Revenue value

The revenue generated by the show from vendor fees and ticket sales also is a key part of HBA's operations.

"We generate a lot of our operating revenue for the year through this one show. It's significant and important to us in that way, as well," Morrow said

He said many of the vendors which do not have to be HBA members generate enough business for their companies for an entire year just from the HBA Home Show.