Vendor space sells out for annual Home Remodeling Expo

Last year’s event drew 6,500 people, and the HBA is confident that ticket sales will exceed that this year for the trade show focused on all aspects of remodeling homes.

“There are so many stages of remodeling, so many types of remodeling that can be done, HBA Operations Manager Charlyce Ruth said. “We have a great selection of people who can help answer questions and, of course, would want to do work for you.”

Building business

Among this year’s vendors is Eric Shryer, owner of Screen Mobile, which offers on-site screen repair and replacement for doors and windows. Shryer has had a booth at the expo for five years.

“It’s a great way to talk with (customers) and see what their needs are,” he said. “It’s great for customers to see our products, instead of just a phone call. They’re actually able to touch and feel and talk and get ideas.”

And Shryer is able to pick up business at the event.

“We book several jobs and make several appointments from the show itself and then referrals come in afterward,” he added.

Bob Veach, manager of Springfield Brick Co., will also have a booth at the expo, though it has been three years since his company participated.

“We attended the one time, and that particular year the attendees didn’t seem to really take to what we had to offer,” Veach said.

This year, Veach is optimistic about the benefits he’ll receive from the show. He said he returned as a vendor after hearing about the increased vendor turnout and the expectations for higher attendance.

Homeowner education

Along with booths the expo offers educational seminars presented by HBA Remodelors Council (see box).

Consumer education is a key component of the HBA Home Remodeling Expo.

“We get out there and really show people what they can do,” Ruth said.

This year, she thinks the seminar “Aging in Place” will be particularly poignant for show attendees.

“A lot of our population is aging, and they want to stay in their existing home, but in order for it to be safe, they need to make some modifications,” she said. “(Elderly people) don’t want their home to look institutional with all these bars and things. There are a lot of ways to make a home safer (and retain) the same look.”

Russel Caldwell of Caldwell Construction Inc. will present the “Aging in Place” seminar, but he could not be reached for comment.

Two charitable organizations will be present at the event as well: Connections Handyman Services and Family Violence Center Inc.

Both organizations have been asked to participate so the public can become more familiar with their purpose, Ruth said.

“It’s a great way to get information out to the public and to recruit volunteers to help them with their mission,” she said.

The HBA Remodelors Council is volunteering time and materials to renovate the Family Violence Center’s offices. (Click here for the story.)

Also adding to the excitement are prize drawings that will be held during the show. All individuals who fill out a form at the entrance will be eligible to win a washer and dryer set provided by Metro Builders Supply and $500 worth of lighting from The Lighthouse Gallery.

Event Details

What: 2007 Home Remodeling Expo, presented by the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield

When: 1–7 p.m. Oct. 19, 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Oct. 20 and 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Oct. 21

Where: The E-Plex at the Missouri Entertainment & Event Center, formerly the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, 3001 N. Grant Ave.

Tickets: $3 in advance at Springfield Hardee’s restaurants; $4 at the door

Click here for an exhibitor map and vendor list.

Seminar Roster

Oct. 19

2 p.m. – “Negotiating Remodeling Designs – How to Get the Results You Want!”

4 p.m. – “Green Remodeling”

Oct. 20

12:30 p.m. – “Learn About Aging In Place”

2 p.m. – “Negotiating Remodeling Designs – How to Get the Results You Want!”

4 p.m. – “Top 10 Remodeling Mistakes You Want to Avoid”

Oct. 21

12:30 p.m. – “Green Remodeling”

2 p.m. – “One Stop Shopping with the Design-Remodel Concept[[In-content Ad]]