letter from the editor

Home Court Advantage

The International Builders’ Show (IBS) is always an amazing show to attend. Produced by the National Association of Home Builders, it has become a must-attend event for anyone connected with building homes and specifying products that go in or on them. More than a million-and-a-half square feet of exhibit space was used for this year’s show—a large chunk of the Orange County Convention Center to be sure!

Previously held in Las Vegas, this year IBS began a two-year run in Orlando. Perfect. What better way for the hurricane protection industry to place its products right in the face of more than 104,000 men and women who need to know about them? And right here on the industry’s home court. Many, many companies seized the opportunity, showcasing products from storm panels and window shields to reinforced doors, impact-resistant windows and wind- and impact-resistant siding (our roundup on the show begins on page 21).

It’s a wonder more companies in this industry didn’t exhibit or get involved in areas such as the iShow demonstration home, which showed builders that safety, protection and the latest home technology can fit into a highly functional and aesthetic model. Granted, not all of those 104,000 attendees are in the hurricane protection market, but when you’ve got that many building professionals right in your own arena you might as well toss the ball around for a while. It was an opportunity missed, but in this case there really is “next year.” The IBS returns to Orlando in January 2006.

The Big Dance for the hurricane protection industry comes in May this year when the World of Hurricane Protection Conference and Trade Show opens—also in Orlando, but at the Doubletree Hotel at the entrance to Universal Orlando May 5 and 6. It is the only show dedicated solely to the industry and its efforts to educate and supply builders with products that protect homes and lives.

A complete slate of seminars and panel discussions are scheduled on topics ranging from changes to the Florida Building Code to risk management, wind-load provisions, product approval and engineering storm protection. Some of this year’s seminars carry Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for those taking them.

And, of course, there’s the exhibit hall, which will showcase nothing but hurricane protection products to each and every attendee (for more information, turn to page 15). It’s the place to be before this year’s hurricane season starts—no excuses.