ORLANDO, Fla. — The 2026 International Builders' Show (IBS) and Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) officially opened Tuesday at the Orange County Convention Center. The event marks the final time "Design & Construction Week" will be held in Orlando before moving permanently to Las Vegas in 2027.

NFL Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith served as the keynote speaker for the Opening Ceremonies. Smith, who transitioned into a career as a real estate developer and construction entrepreneur, used his championship-winning experience to emphasize the importance of change and the ability to grow, learn, and expand.

Housing outlook

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) held a press conference on the 2026 housing outlook. According to experts, the housing market will continue to face several headwinds in 2026, including economic policy uncertainty, a softening labor market, and ongoing affordability challenges. 

But easing financial conditions led by an anticipated modest reduction in mortgage rates should help to somewhat offset these market challenges and support production and sales, said economists speaking at the Builders’ Show.

“The housing outlook in 2026 is one of cautious optimism as builders contend with rising material and labor prices and policy uncertainty, while builders and buyers alike should benefit from anticipated fiscal and monetary easing that will moderate housing finance costs and mortgage rates,” said Robert Dietz, chief economist of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

Residential design trends

Prior to the start of the show, the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), owners of the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), announced the winners of the NKBA Design + Industry Awards at a gala held at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida, on February 16.

NAHB and Pro Builder/Pro Remodeler magazine showcased the latest edition of The New American Home (TNAH), as well as the final edition of The New American Remodel. 

Located in Winter Park, Fla., the 2026 show homes are the latest editions of The New American Home program and are built to showcase the latest innovations in home building products, designs, and techniques. The homes will be the program’s last to be built in Orlando, as future homes will be exclusively constructed in Las Vegas in conjunction with IBS.

Built and designed by Alair Orlando, the new home is a six-bedroom, eight-bathroom luxury residence with 7,889 square feet of living space and a total of 16,612 square feet under roof. The home highlights several premium features, including a wellness center, theater, wine cellar, game room, and an underground garage for up to 18 cars.

The Builders' Show and KBIS continue until Thursday, February 19, at the Orange County Convention Center.