What I Expect to See at IBS & KBIS 2026, and Why You Should Care

Every February, the building and design industries converge around a launchpad for what’s next. The International Builders’ Show (IBS) and the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS) don’t just preview what’s new, they reveal where the industry is headed, what pressures are shaping innovation, and which brands are poised for success. As we head to IBS and KBIS 2026 in Orlando, I expect to see an industry that’s done experimenting and is ready to execute.

IBS and KBIS together form the backbone of Design & Construction Week (DCW), bringing builders, architects, designers, manufacturers, and media into one massive, fast-moving ecosystem. IBS leans into the how – construction methods, building performance, systems, and scalability – while KBIS focuses on the where we live most intimately: kitchens, baths, and the products that define daily experience. Increasingly, though, the line between the two is blurred. Performance and design are no longer separate conversations; they’re inseparable.

From Novelty to Necessity

At both shows, technology – particularly AI – will be less about spectacle and more about application. The industry has moved past asking if AI belongs in construction and design; the real question now is where it adds measurable value. I expect to see smarter project management tools, more intuitive design-build workflows, and behind-the-scenes intelligence that reduces friction rather than adding complexity. The most compelling solutions won’t announce themselves loudly, they’ll simply work.

At the same time, personalization continues to rise, not as luxury, but as expectation. Whether it’s hidden storage in kitchens, context-aware appliances, or modular systems that adapt to different regions and climates, customization is becoming a baseline requirement. But personalization without performance won’t cut it. Products that look beautiful but fail under real-world conditions will struggle to earn trust in a market increasingly shaped by risk management, insurance scrutiny, and stricter codes.

Performance Is the New Differentiator

One of the clearest throughlines I expect to see across IBS and KBIS is a renewed focus on durability, safety, and long-term value. Moisture management, fire resistance, energy efficiency, and system-based thinking are no longer niche concerns, they’re central to the conversation. Builders and designers are under pressure to do more with fewer labor resources, tighter budgets, and higher expectations from clients who plan to stay in their homes longer. That reality rewards brands that think holistically, not just aesthetically.

Equally important is restraint. The most compelling booths won’t be the loudest; they’ll be the most intentional. In an era of sensory overload, clarity wins. Brands that know who they are, who they serve, and why they matter will stand out: not because they chase every trend, but because they choose wisely.

Storytelling Beyond the Booth

One of the reasons I’m especially energized heading into IBS and KBIS is that the most important conversations aren’t confined to the show floor anymore. At Merlot Marketing, we’ve seen firsthand how brands earn relevance by extending those conversations before, during, and long after the booths come down. Through our Haute @ Home video series, we spotlight the trends, innovators, and real-world applications shaping the built environment today. These short-form stories go beyond product launches to explore why ideas matter, how they’re being applied, and who is pushing the industry forward. As the shows continue to evolve into content engines as much as trade events, platforms like Haute @ Home help translate big ideas into meaningful narratives that resonate with builders, designers, media, and homeowners alike.

The Clients We’re Proud to Represent

That philosophy is exactly why I’m excited about the clients Merlot Marketing will be representing at IBS and KBIS. Each brings something distinct to the table, but all share a commitment to solving real problems, not just showcasing products.

• American Outdoor Grill continues to redefine what American-made outdoor cooking means today, pairing heritage craftsmanship with modern performance and thoughtful design for how people actually gather and entertain. Category: Outdoor Kitchen Appliances. Product Highlight: L- and T-Series Grills.
• Arclin‑Firepoint is a proprietary fire-resistant OSB sheathing that delivers 90 minutes of fire protection while supporting taller wall designs and familiar framing practices for modern residential and multifamily construction. Category: Building Envelope. Product Highlight: Firepoint 10-Foot Oriented Strand Board (OSB).
• Eldorado Stone, along with Cultured Stone and Dutch Quality Stone, demonstrates how materials rooted in tradition can evolve, offering designers authentic texture and warmth while meeting modern demands for consistency, durability, and efficiency. Category: Architectural Stone Veneer. Product Highlight: Nordic Peak, a new colorway from Eldorado Stone; and Salt Flat, a new colorway from Cultured Stone.
• Empava reflects the growing demand for accessible innovation in kitchens and baths, delivering smart, well-designed solutions that balance performance, price, and design sensibility. Category: Outdoor Plumbing Fixtures. Product Highlight: Indoor/Outdoor Cold Plunge Tub with Smart Wifi.
• Nichiha USA continues to raise the bar for high-performance cladding, proving that design freedom, code compliance, and long-term durability don’t have to be trade-offs. Category: Building Envelope. Product Highlight: Miraia Designer Series in Royal Blue.
• And Westlake Royal Building Products exemplifies what it means to think in systems, offering integrated siding and trim solutions that support builders and designers navigating increasingly complex project demands. Category: Building Envelope.

Why This Moment Matters

At Merlot, we believe good is the enemy of great. IBS and KBIS will reward the brands that have done the hard work: clarifying their message, aligning their values with their products, and showing up with intention. These shows aren’t about chasing headlines; they’re about earning confidence.

As always, when our clients win, we win. And this year, I expect to see an industry ready to move forward with clarity, courage, and a renewed focus on what truly matters: building better spaces for how people live now, and how they’ll live next.