My recent trip to Las Vegas for the International Builders’ Show (IBS) 2025 was one for the books! This was my first time in Vegas—I’m not a gambler, so it was never really on my list—but I have to admit, the city is beyond impressive. Tasha and I were completely blown away by the sheer scale of it all. It’s a city built to impress, and the architecture, the lights, and the energy, definitely delivered!
As much as I was excited for the Strip and experiencing the casinos, I was most excited for IBS 2025. It’s one of the most important events in the construction and real estate world, and it was an honor for me to attend. One of my favorite parts about real estate is learning about the latest trends in home design, materials, appliances, and technology. In this way, we can constantly stay ahead as the KE Team!
Exploring IBS 2025: Innovation at Every Turn
A highlight of this trip was meeting up with my two brothers and their families, from Washington State, both of whom are in the construction and building industry. Walking the show together, discussing innovations, and sharing ideas made the experience even better.
We spent two full days exploring IBS, and let me tell you—we walked our feet off. But it was worth every step. Checking out the latest advancements in new construction, luxury finishes, and smart home technology was an absolute thrill. I must have taken over a hundred short videos of products, designs, and materials that caught my eye.
What really surprised me was how many high-end materials and designs are coming from Europe. I noticed that Italy, France, Finland, and Germany were all well-represented. Some standouts included:
- Italian craftsmanship in hardware – The best furniture hardware I saw was from a company out of Italy—sleek, modern, and built to last by Verum.
- German kitchen and furniture design – Stunning, high-end modular kitchen setups with a focus on minimalism and efficiency by Noblessa.
- Finnish sauna innovations – Incredible, luxury-level sauna designs that redefine the spa experience at home by Thermory.
- French luxury appliances – The most elegant (and expensive) appliances at the show were from a French manufacturer ilve, proving that high-end kitchen design is truly an art.
Beyond the incredible products, we also made some great connections with vendors and developers. These weren’t people I hadn’t expected to run into, but am really glad I did. These kinds of unexpected friendships and connections are one of the best parts of attending a real estate conference!
What I learned from IBS 2025:
While IBS is a massive event, certain trends stood out as game-changers for luxury real estate and high-end home construction:
1. Sustainable Luxury is Here to Stay
Luxury buyers are looking for eco-conscious, energy-efficient homes. Innovations like solar-integrated roofing, net-zero energy designs, and high-efficiency materials are revolutionizing high-end homebuilding. On the Big Island, where sustainability is key, these advancements could have a major impact on new construction.
2. The Smart Home Revolution Continues
Home automation is getting smarter, more intuitive, and more integrated. From AI-powered security systems to smart glass that adjusts to sunlight, the future of home technology is all about efficiency, comfort, and security. In Hawaii’s luxury market, buyers are expecting these features as standard.
3. Modular & Prefab Homes Are Changing the Game
Prefab and modular construction isn’t what it used to be. It’s now high-end, customizable, and incredibly efficient. Given Hawaii’s remote location and construction logistics, this could open up exciting new possibilities for building faster without compromising on luxury.
Why This Matters for Big Island Real Estate
For buyers and sellers in Kailua-Kona, Mauna Lani, Kukio, and beyond, keeping up with these trends is essential. Whether you’re considering a new build, high-end renovations, or smart home upgrades, understanding what’s next in the industry can give you an edge.
For the KE Team, trips like this reinforce our commitment to staying ahead of the curve. We believe that real estate is about understanding where the market is going and how innovation is shaping the future of luxury living.
This trip was absolutely worth the investment— for what I learned, the relationships I built, and the inspiration I gained. And, of course, we took a little time to explore Vegas and enjoy some fine dining, because, well… when in Vegas!
