2025 International Builders’ Show Recap
Kent Rice
IBS 2025: Empowering Entrepreneurs, One Microloan at a Time
The 2025 International Builders’ Show is in the books and I’m sure by now the entire Las Vegas Convention Center has been transformed as another group treads its miles…and miles…and miles of hallways. The most common question we fielded was, “What IS Homes for Hope?” It was a joy to explain how the funds we receive are deployed in 29 countries around the world as microloans. Eventually, we would see the light start to come on as people understood our mission to support entrepreneurs who have the idea, talent and work ethic to start a business that can help them lead happier, healthier lives.
It was very fitting that our friends from HomeAid were in the next booth, because there are lots of problems in the world and no one organization can fight them all. Passionate about homelessness in the US? HomeAid was ready to engage with you. Passionate about people trying to work their way out of poverty where there is no access to financial services? Homes for HOPE was ready to talk. As they say:
No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.
We are so grateful for our partners who allow us to do this work and for HOPE International, who reminds us every day of the people who need us and the people who need you.
Ready to dream together? Reach out to your Homes for HOPE rep and let’s see what happens.
Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain – Psalm 127:1
Hope Londeree
A Walk Through IBS: Embracing Community and Philanthropy within the Building Industry
With eight months of employment under my belt, I felt I had a good idea that the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas was the biggest event for the home building industry. During meetings leading up to the event, a consistent question kept emerging, “were you at IBS last year?” Now I know why.
The long walk to our booth provided perspective for just how many hands (and feet) are involved in a show this large. As we made our way indoors, I began seeing signage for directions to exhibit halls, educational breakouts, and competitions. This show has everything! (Including translators for the many international guests participating from around the world.)
I proudly represented Homes for HOPE, along with a handful of other charitable organizations on what is affectionately called “Non-profit row”. What I came to learn and experience was a beautiful respect and admiration for other causes that seemed to advocate for one another to those seeking to give back philanthropically. What a joy to discover, and an even greater joy to participate in.
The second annual Prayer Breakfast was the pinnacle of my experience at IBS. From the early morning pre-breakfast prayer time with speakers to the closing event prayer, the event certainly hosted the presence of the Lord. Attendees remarked about how the topics flowed together in a theme and how each table sought God’s direction and provision for the building industry and beyond.
Before we even began, folks were already asking if we’d continue to host this special time in the coming years and how glad they are to see this become a priority for IBS attendees. We hosted 115 guests at this year’s event and are sure to see ongoing growth in the coming years.
Upon my return home, I discovered my inbox had already filled with potential new relationships. What a joy to discover such a great event while representing a Kingdom building cause within a beautiful industry. I am already looking forward to next year!
Matt Baehr
Farewell Farewell to Circus Circus | The Long And Short Of Conversations
We can’t recap #IBS25 without paying tribute to our beloved Circus Circus, with its cheap rates, free parking, affordable food options, close proximity to the convention center, the best steakhouse in Vegas, and its family-friendly atmosphere. Aside from the creepy clowns, lack of cleanliness, and the business that peddles tiny fish who love to eat the dead skin off your feet, it truly is an incredible place to rest those tired feet and catch a few moments of shuteye during the packed schedule of IBS events all week. We’ve heard rumors it has been sold, and I can’t imagine it will remain a fixture on the Vegas strip. We bid you adieu, Circus Circus. You will live on in our memories, and on the back of the souvenir t-shirt I bought.
What stood out to me about this year’s builders’ show was the conversations. I had the privilege of enjoying numerous extended, meaningful, and important conversations with long-time industry friends and partners in HOPE’s mission, as well as with brand new contacts with whom I hope to build relationships in the coming years. Builders, remodelers, suppliers, trades, service providers, other non-profit leaders, and even a waitress we prayed for during dinner… I think it says something about the cultural moment we’re in – people crave meaningful connections with others. People want to have an actual conversation with another person… in person. I was truly grateful to experience that so often at this year’s builders’ show.
On the flip side of that same coin, there were many times where I wished I had more time to connect with people! So often I found myself running into people I care for, engaging with them briefly, and then feeling the need to jump to another place or conversation. Can you relate? So many friends attended the same networking events or the second annual prayer breakfast with me, yet I wished I could have slowed down and spent more concentrated time with each of them. It makes me long for heaven when we won’t be bound by things like time and we’ll be able to freely enjoy each other’s company, unfettered by sin and selfishness, united in the grace, mercy, and perfect relationship we share in Christ. Until that day, I’m grateful for the little piece of heaven we get to experience each year thanks to the NAHB donating us a booth for IBS. If you’d like to continue an extended conversation we started, or go beyond the brief, potentially awkward interaction I put you through, please book a virtual coffee with me. I look forward to connecting with you, and we’ll see you in sunny Orlando next year (if not before)!
