The NAHB International Builders’ Show (IBS) is North America’s biggest home building trade show. Opportunities NB (ONB) was proud to accompany several New Brunswick-based companies once again to this year’s event in Las Vegas for three days of networking and trendspotting. The IBS is also a prime example of the work being done across Atlantic Canada to grow our firms’ export potential. The US market remains the most important one for Atlantic Canada-based firms engaging in trade activity. The firms inside this year’s Canadian Pavilion represented a microcosm of a larger strategy aimed at increasing our region’s global competitiveness.

Collaboration Drives Export Growth

Trade continues to be a growth engine for both New Brunswick and Atlantic Canada. That’s why the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Strategy (ATIGS) was launched in 2017. This strategy sees the federal government and the four Atlantic provincial governments collaborating to increase the number of companies engaging in export activity. ATIGS was tailor-made to support our region’s long-term growth by increasing the global competitiveness of Atlantic Canadian firms.

ONB’s Export Development Team continues to offer New Brunswick companies of every size guidance on reaching new markets and further developing their sales abroad through major events like the IBS. Our work with ATIGS partners ensures a pan-Atlantic approach to the IBS delegation. This year saw a cohort of 26 companies from across Atlantic Canada (including 12 from New Brunswick) attend the show, providing ample opportunity for businesses to connect and create new opportunities for themselves and our region.

“This is an excellent networking opportunity, probably the best one companies in this space will get all year,” says Brian Deveau, ONB’s Director of Export Development. “Within the Canadian Pavilion alone there were roughly 60 companies this year. There was tremendous collaboration between Canadian businesses at the show and our team was thrilled to be part of it. We would love to see an even bigger delegation in 2024.”

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Join us next year (February 27-29)

The Atlantic Canada delegation has already reserved space for the 2024 edition of IBS, and recruitment has begun. It is not too early to become a part of this great event and ONB is here to help. This year’s show saw the largest Atlantic Canadian delegation to date and interest is already picking up for next year.

Interested in attending next year’s event? Contact your Business Development Executive or reach out to ONB’s Domenico Baiocchi directly. Remember, what happens in Vegas…could be huge for your business!

Cover photo: Aaron McKenzie Fraser – photographer – http://www.amfraser.com