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BIA Show Draws Record Crowd

No wonder they call it “The Big Show.” A record-breaking 20,059 guests attended the 16th annual BIA (Building Industry Association of Hawaii) Home Building & Remodeling Show, held Jan. 29 through Jan. 31 at the Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. According to BIA Hawaii, this year’s attendance reflects more than a 10.7 percent increase over the 18,119 show attendance in 2009.

The 16th annual BIA Home Building & Remodeling Show boasted 150 exhibitors offering the newest products, services and ideas for every possible price range of residential remodeling projects.

More than 100 of Hawaii’s top contractors, suppliers, building industry experts and associates were featured in the show.

BIA Hawaii reports that its most popular exhibits showcased photovoltaic solar panels, windows, solar hot water heating and sustainable materials that offered low maintenance and energy savings to homeowners. The top sustainable material categories were flooring, cabinets, countertops and landscaping.

The “Remodel It Right Panel” presentation was among the most popular events at the BIA show. Attendees learned the basic elements of architecture, general contracting, contractor licensing, permitting and financing.

The “Meet the Experts” roundtable discussions introduced attendees to “Back to Basics 101,” where they learned kitchen design, bathroom design, windows, lighting, interior design and accessibility.

“We are thrilled at the positive response and our exhibitors are very excited to start the new year with this level of interest from the commercial and residential markets at the 2010 BIA Home Building & Remodeling Show,” says Karen Nakamura, BIA-Hawaii CEO. “For many people, their home is their most valuable asset and we are proud to provide ‘The Big Show’ array of products and services under one roof. Consumers used our guidebooks to find specific vendors, obtain information, costing and availability of products and services.”