Organizers are hoping for a good turnout at next year’s International Builders’ Show.

Sponsors the National Association of Home Builders says pre-registration numbers are up 25 percent from this time last year. The 2012 show will take place Feb. 8-11 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

"The International Builders' Show is truly unique," said Bob Nielsen, NAHB chairman. "No other event provides such exceptional education and networking opportunities and such a superb showcase of top quality products for the home building industry. We're expecting more than 50,000 attendees and more than 800 exhibitors at the 2012 show.

          "The IBS also demonstrates the strength, resilience and tenacity of the home building industry,” Nielsen continued. “Housing has been hit much harder by the downturn than any other sector of the economy, and we are very pleased that so many manufacturers and suppliers have recognized the value of exhibiting at the IBS and continue to participate each year.”

One such company that recognizes the value of the International Builders’ Show is indoor air quality and venting products manufacturer Broan-NuTone, a longtime exhibitor.

"In these tough times, Broan-NuTone recognizes that our customers have limited resources and can't attend multiple events as they may have in the past. Because of this, we have selectively cut back our face-to-face marketing efforts, eliminating those events that don't provide the greatest return," said Karen Formico, the company’s marketing manager.

"The builders show remains the single best way for builders and specifiers to find the best solutions to their construction challenges and, as such, continues to be an important part of our marketing efforts. We feel it is still one of the best ways to reach the great majority of our customers in an environment that lets us interact with them on a personal level and, more importantly, lets them interact with our products and learn how we can help solve their challenges,” she said. “In a world that's moving toward webinars and online education, there is still nothing better than hands-on and face-to-face contact.”