DCW and co-dated shows had record-breaking attendance.

By Elisa Fernández-Arias

KBIS 2023, owned by NKBA, just came off one of the most successful shows in its nearly 60-year history. Attendance numbers were unprecedented, with attendees exceeding 40,000, 51 percent of whom were first-time attendees. KBIS 2023 included 500 exhibitors, 140 new exhibitors, 148 international exhibitors, and 394,930 net square feet of exhibit space. Additionally, this year marks the year-long celebration of NKBA’s 60th anniversary.

Over 200,000 industry professionals were in Las Vegas last week to attend Design & Construction Week (DCW), the co-location of KBIS and the International Builders’ Show (IBS), owned by NAHB, along with the three co-dated industry shows: the National Hardware Show (NHS), The International Surfaces Event (TISE) and the Las Vegas Winter Market. In total, attendance was the highest in the history of the largest annual gathering of residential construction and design industry professionals. DCW attendees visited more than 1,800 exhibitors showcasing the latest housing products across about 1 million net square feet of exhibit space.

“We expected a successful show based on the preliminary numbers, but we were blown away by the final attendance numbers for KBIS and Design & Construction Week. It was just incredible,” said Bill Darcy, NKBA’s Chief Executive Officer. “Our goal when we created DCW with our partner, the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB), was to become the biggest trade show in North America… and, for now, we are.”

With so many attendees and exhibitors attending, packed show floors, and a great variety of industry events, the energy and excitement at DCW was palpable. It was also an exciting time because this year marked the 10th anniversary of DCW (the co-location of KBIS and IBS).

“With more programs, activations and learning opportunities than ever before, KBIS 2023 was exceptional,” said Suzie Williford, EVP and Chief Strategy Officer at NKBA. “There was such positive energy on the show floor by both attendees and exhibitors. Everyone was happy to be together, to attend our events and be a part of the amazing experience — an experience that will drive momentum for our industry throughout the year.”

Next year, KBIS and Design & Construction Week will be held February 27 – February 29, 2024, in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center. For more information, go here.