It used to be that dealers in the custom electronics industry would attend the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) to start the year and the CEDIA Expo to close the year. Today however, there are several trade events that should be on the itinerary of integrators, including the KBIS/International Builders’ Show (IBS).
KBIS/IBS has risen in importance for dealers due to the growth of the custom electronics market and its convergence with other residential trades such as interior design and architect professions.
The intersection of the custom electronics industry will be on full display in Orlando, Fla., on Feb. 17-19 during the annual KBIS (Kitchen & Bath Industry Show)/IBS event. This designer/home builder show brings together hundreds of exhibitors, and industry professionals from across the housing industry.
Dealers interested in mingling with these home industry professionals have several booths worth investigating. Integrators will have familiarity with these brands, but unlike when these companies exhibit at events such as CEDIA Expo, their booths will reflect how their products and services complement modern home spaces to appeal to other parts of the building trades market.
IBS Represents the Future of Homebuilding
Admittedly, the builders’ show is a massive event that can be daunting to take in. Streamlining the show for integrators, here is a roundup of some of the KBIS/IBS booths worth visiting while in Orlando:
Cavco Park Models and Cabin: During the event Cavco Park Models and Cabin will showcase its solutions in #booth P1742 and P1842. The company offers specific solutions for each region of the company it operates. In its booth during the show the company will feature solutions from the global lighting and motorized shade manufacturer Lutron Electronics and Samsung. Samsung is a global electronics and appliances manufacturer.
Deako: In booth #S8071 Deako will show its line of whole-house smart lighting control products. The product line can be used for everything from spec homes to semi-custom building projects, and the products utilize modern industrial designs.
Epson America, Inc.: Epson is a diverse manufacturer of printers, label makers, and projectors for commercial AV and home AV applications. At IBS 2026 the company will be exhibiting in booth #S1000.
Resideo: Resideo is known throughout the custom integration industry for its security and smart home products. At the IBS 2026 event the company will be exhibiting in booth #S8085.
Schlage: Schlage is a manufacturer of access control and smart door locks in the residential custom integration market. In its booth (#W4757) the company will highlight its array of traditional lock and smart lock solutions.
Sonos: Sonos is a global audio brand and one of the most popular manufacturers of home audio products in the entire world. The company will exhibit at IBS 2026 in booth #S9071 showing its selection of speakers, subwoofers and soundbars that can be used for home theater and wireless multiroom audio applications.
Span: Span is a company that provides energy management for today’s homes. The company will be in booth #S15058 and its product line provides homeowners with solutions to help manage their power with clean energy.
StruXure Outdoor: exhibiting in booth #S4119, the company provides outdoor living products. StruXure Outdoor offers three product lines: Pergola X Classic, Evolve and Cabana X. These products provide features such as shading and modular versatility.
Must See KBIS Exhibitors
FreePower: Exhibiting in booth #W687 and founded back in 2017, FreePower develops wireless charging products that integrate underneath countertops. FreePower says its solutions enables mobile devices to charge without the need for cabling and hardware.
Kwikset: Kwikset offers a broad range of products for residential access control (door locks). The company’s line includes several smart locks that can integrate into a home control system using a choice of wireless connectivity protocols. Kwikset is exhibiting in booth #W2055 during KBIS.
Samsung: At KBIS Samsung will be in booth #W2073 and it offers a line of smart TVs, including its Frame line of products that brings digital art into residential settings. In addition, Samsung developed its SmartThings smart home platform to enable devices including kitchen appliances, dryers, washing machines and more to integrate into smart homes. At KBIS the company will likely showcase its Bespoke line of appliances that combine state-of-the-art features and modern design options.
Sharp Home Electronics: In booth #S25091 Sharp will showcase its line of home appliances and AQUOS TVs. Sharp offers microwave ovens, air purifiers, and more.
KMB Communications hosts a podcast called AV Trade Talk. Listeners can check out the podcast to learn about the latest happenings in the custom installation electronics industry. To listen to the KMB AV Trade Talk Podcast, click here.