IBS 2025 Recap: Lessons, Wins & Takeaways for Deck Builders

IBS 2025 Recap: Lessons, Wins & Takeaways for Deck Builders

Wow. I don’t even know where to begin. Attending the International Builders’ Show (IBS) 2025 was an overwhelming, exciting, and eye-opening experience. If you’ve never been, just imagine the biggest trade show for the construction and building industry, filled with thousands of people, cutting-edge products, and endless networking opportunities. And of course, Las Vegas energy on full blast.

I knew IBS 2025 was going to be huge, but walking into the Las Vegas Convention Center and seeing exhibits stretching as far as the eye could see was another level. There were over 1,700 exhibitors showcasing everything from innovative building materials to smart home technology. And the crowd? Packed. I ran into clients, industry friends, and deck builders from all over the country, all eager to learn and connect.

The IBS app was a game changer. There’s just no other way to stay on top of everything. The show floor is massive, and the app helped me navigate booths, schedule events, and get reminders so I didn’t miss anything important. Without it, I definitely would have missed some great sessions. Highly recommend it for anyone attending next year.

One of the key conversations this year was about AI and marketing automation—how to use technology without losing the human element. Our own Sales Jumpstart was built for this exact reason—to help deck builders follow up with leads faster, track conversations, and keep sales organized without replacing personal connection. AI tools can streamline communication, but relationships still close the deal.

Another big takeaway was how critical storytelling is in marketing high-end outdoor spaces. Homeowners don’t just buy decks, they invest in a lifestyle. The StoryBrand approach was brought up multiple times in marketing sessions—reinforcing how businesses that position their clients as the hero of the story (instead of making it all about their company) get better results. If you’re just talking about materials and specs, you’re missing the real emotional reason people invest in outdoor living.

A big thank you to Bobby Parks and IG Railing for picking up the tab at an incredible lunch with Sarah Graves, editor at Deck Specialist Magazine, and Andy Henley, owner of Hen House Decks. There’s something special about sitting down with industry friends, exchanging insights, and giving each other advice. We even chatted about our Deck Specialist magazine columns and ways to help deck builders succeed with marketing and business growth.

Another highlight was getting invited to a happy hour hosted by Hideaway Screens at Aria Sky Suites thanks to Mike Mitchell from Mitchell Construction. Great drinks, great people, and tons of familiar faces from the deck-building world, some I knew well and some I was meeting for the first time. Plus, that casino was stunning—I love seeing new places!

You can’t go to Vegas and not have a little fun, right? I took my clients from Solid Ground to The Strat for a thrill ride—and yes, it was just as terrifying and exhilarating as it sounds. The views from the top were absolutely insane. One of the coolest surprises? The interactive maps in The Strat Lounge. These detailed maps showcased Vegas history and key points of interest, and I could have spent hours reading through them. It was such a unique feature that made me appreciate the city even more. We also had some fun with classic Vegas green screen casino photos—because, why not?

If there’s one thing I’d do differently next time, I wouldn’t rely on the food trucks. They sounded great in theory, but the lines were insanely long, and by the time we got to the front, most of the best food was gone. We even had to sit on the ground to eat. Lesson learned: pre-plan meals and avoid peak times.

Marketing Tips for Deck Builders

• ✅ Make your website a selling machine – Most homeowners will research online before they ever call you. Your website should answer their biggest questions, show real project transformations, and have clear calls to action.
• ✅ Social proof is everything – Homeowners don’t trust what you say about yourself as much as what other homeowners say about you. Make sure you have tons of testimonials, before-and-after photos, and video reviews on your website and social media.
• ✅ Upsell premium features – Most people don’t know what’s possible with a deck until they see it. Show them lighting, built-in seating, outdoor kitchens, or custom railing options to increase your average project value.
• ✅ Stop competing on price—compete on experience – Deck building isn’t just construction—it’s creating an outdoor lifestyle. Sell the experience, not the materials.

Frequently Asked Questions About IBS

Planning for IBS 2026?

If you missed this year’s show or want to stay ahead of industry trends, now’s the time to start planning for IBS 2026. It’s where the biggest players in the industry come together to learn, connect, and grow. Make sure to mark your calendar and get ready for another year of innovation and networking!

Want to Grow Your Deck Business? Let’s Talk.

This article is brought to you by April Edwards and Deck Builder Marketers—the leading marketing agency helping deck builders increase leads, dominate their market, and scale their businesses. If you found this recap helpful and want to take your marketing to the next level, let’s talk. Book a FREE strategy session today:

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See you at IBS 2026!